WO2020128190A1

WO2020128190A1 - Air filter, particularly with a washable filter element for locking the filter housing, and use of same as a pre-filter

Info

Publication number: WO2020128190A1
Application number: PCT/FR2019/052864
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexandre Tremblay; Christophe BERTRAND; Cyril LEJAMTEL
Original assignee: Sogefi Filtration
Priority date: 2018-12-18
Filing date: 2019-11-29
Publication date: 2020-06-25
Also published as: FR3090050A1; FR3090050B1

Abstract

The air filter (1) for a vehicle comprises an external body (4a) housing a filter element (2) and a cap (4b) that goes over the body. The filter element includes a grille (10a) to which a layer of medium (MF) is attached, defining an upstream area and a downstream area in the internal volume (V) of the housing. The structure (10), which is optionally planar, has extensions with attachment members (21a, 21b, 6) which enable the structure to be used: to establish the connection between the cap (4b) and a bottom (40) or a part close to the bottom in the housing component, by closing the spacing therebetween, attachment members (21a, 21b) urged into engagement on the component in an attachment area remote from the cap, once said members (21a, 21b) have been inserted through the opening (42) of the body; and to lock the cap (4b) in the closed position.

Description

AIR FILTER, PARTICULARLY WITH A WASHABLE FILTER ELEMENT FOR LOCKING THE FILTER HOUSING, AND USE THEREOF

PRE-FILTER

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to the field of air filters, in particular filters intended for the intake air of internal combustion engines. The invention relates more particularly to an air filter for removing a filter element from a filter housing and use of a filter element in an engine air intake line, as a filter unit removable from a prefilter placed upstream of a main air filter.

PRIOR ART

On certain existing vehicles, there are problems of premature degradation of the air filter depending on the driving regions. It then appeared the need to add a prefilter to limit the premature degradation of the main filter. However, this requires maintenance of the prefilter.

We know, for example from document US 2016281657, prefilters for heavy vehicles or trucks, which have the advantage of allowing a washing of the filter unit, but which have a certain bulk.

Document US 5071456 describes an installation in a housing of a filter element, with the use of an annular seal (integrated in this filter element) guided on the cylindrical surface of a centering sleeve forming the outlet of the filter. air. A screwing with an external nut is made to secure a flange of the filter element to a cover located opposite the outlet. Such an installation corresponds to an assembly without locking the cover which can be withdrawn axially with the filter element, so that the cover must then be tightened against the housing by using locking means distributed around the joint area. cover - housing. The assembly and disassembly operations therefore require a certain number of manipulations to mount and lock in position the cover and the housing. In addition, the outer nut is a small part that can fall off and get lost.

More generally, there is a need for mounting solutions which facilitate maintenance operations in the case of air filters for motorized vehicles, in particular vehicles operating in dusty environments.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks by proposing an air filter for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a housing provided with a housing component, having a bottom, and a cover, the housing having a raw air inlet and a filtered air outlet, the cover being suitable, in a closed configuration of the housing, closing an opening of the housing component located opposite the bottom and distinct from the outlet (and typically distinct or different from the inlet);

- a filter element, housed in an interior volume of the housing and comprising a filtration medium as well as a support structure to which said medium is attached, the medium being interposed between the inlet and the outlet in a position for fixing the support structure, in order to delimit in the interior volume an upstream zone communicating with the entry and a downstream zone communicating with the exit, the cover being engaged with the support structure and closing said opening in the position of fixing by pressing on and / or covering an annular border region of the housing component delimiting the opening; and

- a set of fixing members included in the support structure belonging to the filter element, making it possible to lock the filter element in position relative to the housing component, in the closed configuration of the housing;

with the particularity that the set of fasteners includes:

- At least one first fixing member adapted to come into engagement with the housing component in a fixing area separate from said annular border region, after insertion of the at least one first fixing member through the opening in an internal volume of the housing component; and

- at least one second fixing member adapted to engage the cover and knowing that at least one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member has a locking action to lock the closed configuration of the housing.

It is understood that the housing component and the cover can advantageously be held and locked in position in the closed configuration, by the support structure.

According to one feature, a rigid part of the support structure, which extends into the interior volume, comprises or is integral with the fixing members of the set of fixing members, so as to function as a tie rod and opposing a spacing of the cover relative to the housing component, in the closed configuration of the housing.

With such an arrangement, it is allowed to easily assemble and disassemble the filter element, typically without any specific tool. In a preferred option, clips can be provided at one end of the support structure and fasteners with an actuatable part, accessible from outside the housing, to facilitate unlocking. In addition, the support structure of the filter element forms a polarizing key, since it is not possible to keep the cover closed (in a locked state) without the filter element, there being nothing to prevent removal. of the cover.

In one option, the first fastening members are inaccessible from outside the housing and include or consist of elastically deformable latching members capable of disengaging from the housing component for a modified orientation of the support structure.

This makes it possible to pre-position the filter element before closing by fitting the cover and it is possible to use second easy-to-use fixing members which can pass through the cover to be accessible, which allows a unlocking on the cover side. The user or operator can maintain and wash the filter element if necessary (in the case of a prefilter), by accessing the filter always on the same side. This facilitates the integration of the filter, even in a congested environment (which makes this arrangement suitable for compact vehicles for example), while retaining the advantage of being able to regularly remove the filter element, minimizing the risk of plastic breakage of the side of the cover fixing - support structure.

Typically, the cover may have a shutter portion, parallel to the opening of the housing component, which is planar, with no cannula or bulges projecting from the top of the cover. Indeed, the anchoring mode of the filter element does not require placing it in an orientation parallel to the opening, so that it is not necessary to circulate the flow from the cover to the housing component or vice versa. Thus, one can achieve for example the inlet and outlet only on the housing component, or at least avoid any unnecessary height clutter of the cover. It can also free up space to access the cover from above.

According to one feature, the support structure extends substantially parallel to a direction of insertion of the filter element through the opening in the internal volume of the housing component, the at least one first fixing member being located in an insertion section belonging to the support structure and which is inserted into the internal volume of the housing component. This type of insertion is advantageous in congested environments above the level of the opening of the bowl or similar housing component receiving the filter element.

In options for producing the filter in accordance with the invention, one or more of the following provisions may be used:

- The cover has a closure wall which extends generally perpendicular to a virtual plane of extension of the support structure.

- the medium, for example made of porous and / or fibrous material, possibly with a mixing of materials, is preferably in the form of a porous plate arranged perpendicular to the closure wall.

- The media is in the form of at least one block of foam of an expanded thermoplastic material or other material capable of absorbing, without dissolution, a washing liquid such as water.

the filter element comprises a grid constituting all or part of said support structure, the set of fixing members being distributed over two axial ends of the grid opposite in a direction of insertion of the filter element in the internal volume of the housing component.

the filter element further comprises the filtration media which is arranged as a layer extending on one side of the grid, preferably by pressing against a face of the grid oriented towards the upstream zone ( communicating with the entrance). This type of configuration makes the filter element robust, while facilitating washing operations.

- the filter is a prefilter placed in an intake air line for an internal combustion engine, between an air intake outside the vehicle in question and a main filter closer to the intake manifold of the engine of this vehicle ( typically a motor vehicle).

the support structure has an annular external periphery having a perimeter which, without taking account of said set of fixing members, is greater than a perimeter of the opening of the housing component (thus, a compact filter can be formed, the opening of which has a relatively small perimeter, while providing a large filtration surface on the air filtration media; typically, the media is a block of material whose external dimensions and / or perimeter may slightly exceed the perimeter of the support structure, so that the media can come to bear (by its lateral face or edge) against internal faces of the housing, in an annular zone which can be continuous to make a contact).

- The media comprises or consists of at least one block of foam supported by a first face on a grid constituting the support structure.

- Means are provided for holding the foam block, connected to the grid, which are adapted to exert support on a second face of the foam block opposite to the first face.

the support structure has one or more perforating elements each including a retaining head or stud, engaged on a second face of the foam block opposite to the first face, the perforating element or elements passing through the foam block while extending from a base portion of connection to the grid to the retaining head (this ensures a simple and robust fixing, the arrangement of the element filtering being typically such that the air flow tends to press the media against the grid, circulating from the second face to the first face to pass through the thickness (typically constant) of the media.

- the thickness of the media is at least 4 times that of the grid, so that the media forms at least 80% of the total thickness of the filter element.

- the grid forms an external face of the filter element, on the side of the downstream zone.

- The at least one first fixing member comprises two members (preferably exactly two members) which are spaced from one another and adapted to hold in position the filter element in a plane transverse to the opening (plane parallel to the direction of insertion), so that the at least one second fixing member extends in a fixed position.

- the two members engaged with the housing component can advantageously be offset in the direction of the width of the filter element in the assembled filter.

- The first two members can be elastically deformed in two opposite directions during engagement on the housing component, for example due to a shift in the positions of receiving openings formed in a fixing wall, relative to the alignment of these two members (an opening can be further offset towards the upstream area, to receive a member capable of snapping into place by a deformation towards the upstream area and then an elastic return towards the downstream area after crossing of the opening edge / edge of the receptacle or receiving component of the housing component).

- Each fixing member of the at least one second fixing member is adapted to engage beyond a ledge or a retaining housing, preferably a ledge delimiting all or part of a window, provided in the cover.

- The opening of the housing component is different or distinct from the inlet, preferably by being oriented differently, and provided for insertion of the filter element into the housing component.

Preferably at least one window is provided in the closing portion of the cover, more preferably two windows offset in the direction of the width of the filter element in the assembled filter. At least one of the second fixing members can be inserted into such a window by engaging with an axial retaining effect (parallel to the direction of insertion) on the cover, for example due to the presence of a relief forming an axial stop and / or a radially flexible tab.

According to one feature, each fixing member of the at least one second fixing member has a bent portion and an insertion portion, extending the portion bent outwards and which is offset with respect to a grid of the support structure in the direction of the upstream zone.

Typically, the insertion portion can be inserted through a window of the cover or into a receptacle cavity of the cover.

Optionally, the cover and the housing component, which preferably forms a bowl, are detachably assembled.

According to one feature, the at least one first fixing member and / or the at least one second fixing member is displaceable or deformable in response to an action of actuating means accessible externally to the housing to enable the closed configuration to be unlocked of the housing.

Optionally, the actuation means have at least one pair of pinching tabs which, in a pinched state, exert an unlocking action to allow the cover to be moved away from the annular edge region of the housing component.

According to another aspect, use is made of a filter element in an engine air intake line for a motor vehicle, as a removable filter unit of a first air filter, called a prefilter, placed upstream a second air filter, called the main filter, with the particularity that the filter element has a filter medium in the form of at least one block of foam, washable, and a support structure on which the filter medium is attached , the filter element being removably placed in the interior volume of a housing;

the filter element being mounted in the housing between a bottom of a housing component and a cover so as to delimit in the interior volume an upstream zone communicating with an inlet of the housing and a downstream zone communicating with an outlet of the housing,

and knowing that the support structure of the filter element has two distinct ends, preferably opposite, of which:

- one, intended to be placed in an internal volume of the housing component, is provided with at least a first fixing member adapted to come into engagement with the housing component in a fixing zone remote from a cover-housing junction after insertion of the at least one first fixing member into said internal volume; and

- the other is provided with at least one second fixing member adapted to come into engagement with the cover;

at least one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member having a locking action for locking a closed configuration of the housing. Thanks to this arrangement of the air filter, with a removable integration of the filter element, maintenance operations can easily be carried out. In particular, this type of arrangement makes it possible to place the media in a zone very different from a plane of the opening closed by the cover, which makes it possible to make the cover more compact, without cannula protruding from the top of the cover. . Indeed, it is advantageously allowed to position the filtered air outlet (to which a hose is connected) entirely in the housing component which remains stationary, so that the operator must simply remove the cover and the filter element, without having to move the housing component or disassemble a filtered air supply hose.

A two-box system is also proposed for an intake air circuit of the engine of a motor vehicle, the system comprising:

- the air filter as defined above (filter according to the invention); and

a water decanting device making it possible to collect and evacuate water droplets entrained with the intake air of the engine, the decanting device comprising a receiving housing provided with at least one water outlet orifice in a low point of the receiver unit;

and in which a plate forming the bottom of the filter housing defines an upper cover of the receiver housing, the plate having an opening (at least one passage) for the flow of water droplets between the upstream zone delimited by the filter element of the filter in the housing and inside the receiver housing.

A compact arrangement is obtained for combining several separation functions in an air intake circuit for an internal combustion engine. It is advantageous to add the prefilter in a place where there is already a receiver unit to collect water. This receiver unit can be of the cold box type. This minimizes the cost impact and also deals with a very constrained environment. The system can thus be installed in an engine air intake line using a plate common to the two housings, without the need to make connections to cannulas, by pipes or hoses.

According to an option, the fixing of the cover is locked by the tie-rod function produced by the support structure, and is unlocked by actuating means (for example at least one elastically deformable portion), accessible externally on a top of the cover, the actuating means being formed integrally with at least one of the cover and the support structure.

Thanks to this arrangement of the air filter which removably integrates the filtering element, it is possible to obtain a prefilter which avoids the incorporation of elements and additional connections (for example no cover screw being mounted externally or otherwise). In addition, it is possible to conduct air charged with water droplets to the volume. trapping or collection of the water settling device, without cannula or connection pipe, limiting the pressure losses in the intake circuit, while leading to an effective result.

The water separation and filtration (which can be a relatively coarse filtration targeting in particular the dust particles) then makes it possible to use a main filter whose seals will be less used (the water not being a compressible fluid, and large dust being retained by the prefilter).

According to a particular feature, the receiver unit of the settling device defines a cavity with an acoustic effect for attenuating noise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the following description of several embodiments, given by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view with a cutaway, illustrating an air filter including a filter element that can be removed from the filter housing, and typically adapted to form a prefilter in an intake air circuit, according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a system with two housings, combining a filter as shown in FIG. 1 and a cold water settling box.

Figure 2B is a perspective view from below, showing the air filter housing of Figure 1, with an example of a first attachment area for the filter element.

Figure 3 is a view of a filter element of the type used in the air filter shown in the previous figures.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second attachment zone of the filter element complementary to the first zone, with an example of engagement through the cover of one end of the filter element of FIG. 3 to allow immobilization of the cover of the filter of figure 1.

Figure 5 is a top view, in perspective, of a housing component of an air filter in which is inserted a filter element, the fixing members for attaching the cover are made according to a second mode of achievement.

Figure 6 is a bottom view of a cover adapted to close the housing component of Figure 5 and lockable in the closed configuration by the corresponding fasteners of the filter element preinstalled in the housing component.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Below is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention with examples and reference to the drawings. In the various figures, identical references indicate identical or similar elements.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, we can see an air filter 1 which has a filter element 2 provided with a layer of filter media MF, as well as a housing 4 for housing the filter element 2, in an interior volume V of the housing 4. This air filter 1 can be placed in an air intake line or circuit for an internal combustion engine. In the case of a motor vehicle, the filter 1 can typically serve as a prefilter installed upstream, according to the direction of air circulation in the air intake circuit, of another filter forming a main filter. Alternatively, filter 1 can be used as the last filter before an engine intake manifold or similar inlet for receiving purified air from an engine.

The housing 4 can be mounted vertically or generally vertically in a vehicle, having a bottom 40 which thus forms a low point of the filtration enclosure. Preferably, the box 4 has an inlet 7 and an outlet 8 which are each distant from the bottom 40. This arrangement can make it possible to superimpose the filter 1 on another functional component, for example a functional component of the circuit. air intake, such as a water settling device 52, as will be described later.

Furthermore, the housing 4 may have a housing component 4a, for example in the form of a bowl (housing or the like), having a wall forming the bottom 40 and a side wall extending around a longitudinal axis X which can form a central axis of the filter 1. The inlet 7 for the raw air can be at least partially delimited by a cutout or a lateral opening 31 in the housing component 4a, as visible in FIGS. 2A-2B and 5. This opening lateral 31 can be located opposite or at a distance from the bottom 40 but it opens on one side. The housing 4 also includes a cover 4b, capable of closing an axial opening 42 delimited opposite the bottom 40 by the housing component 4a. The side wall of the component 4a can be devoid of opening between the bottom junction with the bottom 40 and the annular border region 45 of the housing component 4 delimiting the opening 42. The annular border region 45 can delimit a plane of l opening 42.

Optionally, the plane of the opening can cut the inlet 7 so that the conduit to form the inlet then breaks down into a lower portion P31 included in the housing component 4a and an upper portion P32 belonging to the cover 4b, as clearly visible in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 2A. In this case, the portion P31 has a defined section, here in U or C, delimiting the lateral opening 31, while the portion P32 may have a smaller amplitude in the vertical direction (or according to the direction of the X axis), possibly with a C or U section with short branches. In certain options, the cover 4b can be flat.

More generally, the cover 4b can make it possible to close the opening 42 for the insertion of the filter element 2 into the internal volume V1 of the housing component 4a, without closing the lateral opening 31 or any lateral passage serving to form the inlet 7 or outlet 8 of the housing 4.

With reference to FIG. 1, the flow F of air to be filtered (raw air) can come from a circuit inlet, for example provided with a primary grid retaining sheets or other elements which could obstruct the circuit line (s) air intake. The housing 4 has at least one inlet, here the inlet 7 through which the flow F enters the interior volume V. The filter element 2 extends in the interior volume V, between this inlet 7 and the outlet 8 , visible in Figure 2A. The section of the opening at the entrance 7 can be generally rectangular and wider than it is high. The section of the outlet 8 can be different, for example circular. A tubular member 80 can be connected if necessary to a connector or fitting 18 forming the outlet 8, the tubular member being able to have a certain rigidity or semi-rigidity. It can be bent optionally to bypass an obstacle and to define a direction of evacuation of an outgoing filtered air flow F ', by converging on another filter (main filter separating finer particles / of submicrometric size) and / or to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine.

This flow F circulates for example in a direction tangential to a plane of the opening 42 of the housing component 4a. An inlet 7 is produced here close to the cover 4b or delimited in part by the cover 4b. The cover 4b has a closure part 14 which axially covers the opening 42, the closure part 14 being for example surrounded by an annular contact part 15 intended to bear on the annular edge region 45 formed by the upper edge of component 4a. In the housing component 4a, an upper edge portion 45a can be set back from the annular edge region 45, typically when a lateral opening 31 is provided adjacent to the plane of the opening 42.

In order to obtain a good compromise between the filtration surface and the overall size of the air filter 1, it is optionally possible to provide for a narrowing of the section of the filter element 2 at one end of the latter which is positioned near or along it. from the bottom 40. In this case the section on the top side and typically closer to the inlet 7 is much larger, while the section on the bottom side is less wide. This allows the lower part of the housing component 4a to be narrowed in corresponding cross-section. We see in Figures 1, 2A and 2B that the bottom 40 may have a significantly reduced perimeter, for example about twice as small as the perimeter of the cover 4b.

In alternative embodiments, it is possible to reverse the geometry illustrated in the figures or rotate about 90 °, so that the housing is widened in a direction other than the top.

We now describe some non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the filter element 2.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, the filter element 2, intended to be housed in an interior volume V of the housing 4, comprises a filter media MF permeable to air from the flow F of raw air thus a support structure 10 to which said media MF is attached. Here, typically, the media MF is attached to the support structure 10 by extending along a main face F10 of this structure, parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the filter 1 and parallel to an insertion direction D of the filter element 2 in an internal volume V1 of the housing component 4a.

The media MF can thus extend between an upstream zone Z1, internal to the housing 4 and communicating with the inlet 7, and the front face F10 of a grid 10a or other essentially rigid element which can constitute the support structure 10 Openings 10b are provided in the support structure 10, preferably in the same plane P10, for the passage of air. The openings 10b can all be surrounded by a peripheral frame, which can be thicker than the partitions between the adjacent openings 10b.

During the operation of the filter 1, the media MF is interposed between the inlet 7 and the outlet 8, in a position for fixing the support structure 10 which immobilizes the filter element 2 between the bottom 40 and the cover 4b. The media MF then delimits in the interior volume V of the housing:

- an upstream zone Z1 internal to the housing 4, communicating with the input 7, where the raw air circulates; and

- a downstream zone Z2, internal to the housing 4 and communicating with the outlet 8, of the filtered air circulating in this downstream zone Z2.

It is understood that an annular peripheral wall 10p of the structure 10 and / or the media MF are in abutment on the interior (interior circumference) of the housing 4 to limit or prevent the passage of raw air directly in the downstream area Z2 (without impaction or filtration).

In certain options, it is possible to add a complementary filtration medium on the side of another face, called rear face F10 ′, of the support structure 10. Also one can provide an MF medium reinforced in itself, at least in certain zones, so that the structure 10 can be simply annular, without forming a grid 10a. By for example, the MF media can be pleated to better resist the flow of air while presenting an increased filtration surface.

In preferred embodiments, an MF medium based on a porous or fibrous plastic material is provided, for example in the form of a foam allowing cleaning, for example washing with water. When filter 1 is used as a pre-filter, polyester fiber-based material can be included in the MF media. For example, the MF media comprises or consists of a double layer polyester fiber fabric sewn together. The fibrous material can be easily cleaned by washing or blowing air through the fabric to remove dust and other airborne contaminants captured in the MF media of such a prefilter.

The media MF, which comprises or consists of at least one block of foam in the example illustrated, can be parallelepipedal and held in abutment by its first face MF1 on the grid 10a constituting the support structure 10. As visible in the figures 1 and 3, the media MF can be locally perforated by projecting elements belonging to the grid 10a, in order to be secured to the grid 10a.

More generally, any means of holding such a block of foam, provided on the grid 10a, can be used. The means for holding the media MF can be connected or joined to the grid 10a, at the level of a connection base portion, on the same face F10 of this grid, which is here the face oriented on the side of the area of upstream Z1. These support means press on the second face MF2 of the block of foam or other material constituting the filtering medium MF.

With reference to FIG. 3, the support structure 10 can be substantially flat in the part forming the grid 10a, while the rear face F10 ′ of this grid 10a has one or more perforating elements 10c having for example the shape of a rod, according to an orientation at 90 ° relative to an extension plane P10 of the grid 10a. Optionally, a fir-type shape or a perforating pad can be provided at the distal end of the stem portion. Here a retaining head TR is provided at the free end of the perforating elements 10c, engaged on the second face MF2 of the foam block.

The support structure 10 is preferably made in one piece, typically without the slightest presence of metal. The support structure is for example made of plastic, optionally polyamide or other polymer having good overall rigidity. The support structure 10 has a thickness which can be substantially constant, at least in the part extending in the downstream area Z2 and supporting the media Even with a small thickness, typically less than 10 mm, the grid 10a has good stiffness that limits the travel of one end axial 101 of the structure 10 when the other end 102 is already fixed. The use of plastic and a single piece can lead to recycling of the plastic material constituting the support structure (and the loss of separate pieces is avoided), knowing that the foam or other material of the MF medium can easily be removed of the support structure 10 at the end of its life.

We will now describe an example of mounting the filter element 2 in the housing 4, allowing, according to a preferred embodiment, on the one hand, to retain the filter element 2 in a position across the air flow to filter, and secondly block the cover 4b when it is engaged with the support structure 10 by closing the opening 42 of the housing component 4a.

First of all, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2B, the filter element 2 can include extensions on its support structure 10, preferably on two axially opposite ends 101, 102 of the support structure 10, in order to secure this filter element 2 to the two constituent parts of the housing 4, namely the housing component 4a and the cover 4b. More generally, it is understood that the filter 1 has fixing means with locking for connecting the support structure 10, to the housing component 4a and to the cover 4b, respectively.

Here in the first embodiment, the filter element 2 may have a front edge on the side of a first axial end 101, where there are provided extensions capable of engaging against passages or blocking openings of these extensions. The fastening members 21 a, 21 b formed in such extensions can, after their insertion through the opening 42 in the internal volume V1 of the housing component 4a, be supported both on an inner face 40b of the component box 4a and engage against a relief, lug or grip rim (formed in the bottom 40) by an end portion of anchoring 28.

In the example of FIGS. 1 to 4, there are thus extensions projecting axially towards the outside on a front or front edge in the direction of insertion D of the filter element 2, so that during the displacement / insertion of this element 2 in the internal volume V1 of the housing component 4a, the extensions can come to engage on the bottom 40 with an anchoring effect of the first end 101 (or front end), via the terminal anchoring portions 28 , on the constituent wall of the bottom 40, here a plate P4.

Optionally, openings 01, 02 allow the extensions to pass through the plate P4 or similar wall of the bottom, while the extensions are produced in the form of clips or similar elastically deformable members. These extensions, including here two first fixing members 21 a, 21 b spaced along the front edge of the end 101, constitute a nonlimiting example of first fixing members, adapted to engage with the housing component 4a. Here the engagement in the openings 01, 02 can be carried out without complex displacement of the filter element 2, typically without displacement other than the linear insertion displacement in the direction of insertion D.

It can be noted that this anchoring by the first fastening members 21 a, 21 b can be carried out exclusively on the bottom 40 or, as a variant in part or entirely in other fastening zones, distinct from the annular edge region 45 and typically close to the bottom 40.

Referring to Figure 3, the plate P4 or similar wall constituting the bottom 40 of the housing component 4a has two openings 01, 02 which can be offset slightly between them relative to the extension plane P10 formed by the support structure 10 (typically by a grid 10a), so that:

- an opening 01 is further offset towards the upstream zone Z1 and can receive a member 21a able to snap into place by a deformation towards the upstream zone Z1 then an elastic return towards the downstream zone Z2 after crossing the edge / opening 01 intake edge; and

- the other opening 02 is further offset towards the upstream zone Z2 and can receive a member 21 b able to snap into place by a deformation towards the downstream zone (when crossing a grip edge of this opening 02 ) then an elastic return to the upstream zone Z1 after crossing the edge / grip edge of the opening 02.

Alternatively, the openings 01, 02 can be replaced by grooves or recess portions formed internally in the housing component 4a.

It is understood that the first two members 21a, 21b can be elastically deformed in two opposite directions during engagement on the housing component 4a, for example due to a shift in the positions of openings 01, 02 or similar imprints receiving formed in a fixing wall, relative to the general alignment of the two extensions constituting these two members 21a, 21b.

In order to block a position of the filter element 2 after such an anchoring, before the introduction of the cover 4b, provision may be made for the grid 10 to be kept rigid due to the sandwiching of the wall forming the bottom 40 between a transverse portion 27 present in each extension and the terminal anchoring portion 28. More generally, it is possible to design the first fastening members 21a, 21b with an arrangement spaced from one another to obtain an anti- rotation of the filter element 2 around the longitudinal axis X of the filter 1 and an anti-tilt effect by rotation around the axial end 101. The filter element 2 then remains held in a plane transverse to the opening 42 , corresponding to plan P10, so that one or more second fixing members 22a, 22b provided for fixing the cover 4b extend in a fixed, predetermined position.

Preferably, a groove G is provided in the first fixing members 21a, 21b, delimited axially between the terminal anchoring portion 28 which is tapered forward and the transverse portion 27. A generally straight edge of the opening 01 , 02 will extend in this groove G in the anchoring position. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transverse portion 27 (closer to the grid 10) may possibly protrude from a face F10 or F10 'of the grid 10, in order to obtain greater robustness of the anchoring, typically limiting the risk of accidental disengagement (unclipping) of the first fixing members 21a, 21b, during the subsequent fixing of the cover 4b on the other axial end 102 of the support structure 10 of the filter element 2.

Still with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, according to a first embodiment, the support structure 10 may have one or more second fixing members 22a, 22b adapted to engage with the cover 4b, when the latter comes to bear on the annular border region 45 and close the opening 42. As for the first fastening members 21a, 21b, it is possible to make axial extensions projecting axially from an edge of the grid 10a of the support structure 10. Here , then typically second fastening members 22a, 22b offset backwards (in the direction of insertion D) are formed, formed in extensions of the axial end 102.

It can be observed that the axial ends 101 and 102 can be parallel to each other and perpendicular each to the direction of insertion D. This configuration makes it possible to distribute the forces well in different anchoring / fixing points, in a balanced manner. Alternatively, the attachment zones can be offset / staggered in different positions along the longitudinal axis X of the filter 1.

Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 5 in particular, the support structure 10 here has an annular external periphery 10p, having a perimeter incompatible with an insertion into the internal volume V1 according to a different orientation than that in which the plane P10 of extension of the support structure 10 is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the opening 42, remaining in an intermediate position between the inlet 7 and the outlet 8. The perimeter of the annular external periphery 10p may correspond to the perimeter of the grid 10a (without taking into account extensions such as for example the set of fixing members (21a, 21b, 6)) is greater than a perimeter of the opening 42 of the housing component 4a.

To limit the extension of the housing between the inlet 7 and the outlet 8, a connection 18 can be provided, integrated here in the housing component 4a in the case illustrated in FIG. 5, allowing to define an opening 8 whose orientation is different from the orientation of the inlet for the flow F, so that the flow leaving by the filter element 2 is deflected on one side. With this configuration, one or more internal faces facing the grid 10a or similar openwork support form at least one impaction face F8, F9 capable of separating certain particles, (falling to the bottom), when the filtration is coarse type. The angle a between one of the impaction faces F9, substantially parallel to the support structure 10, and a discharge face where an opening is formed forming the outlet 8 and which opens into a section of conduit of the connector 18 , can be between 90 ° and 150 °, preferably between 105 and 130 °.

Preferably, the attachment of the filter element 2 in the housing 4 involves extensions formed integrally with the support structure 10 or firmly secured to this structure 10. A portion of the extensions can pass through the housing 4, at the level of the cover 4b or in an anchoring portion of the housing component 4a, for example by forming actuating means for unlocking the closed configuration of the housing 4 from outside the housing 4.

We will now describe in more detail two embodiments for fixing the support structure 10 to the cover 4b.

The cover 4b, typically less hollowed out than the housing component 4a, may have a substantially flat shutter portion 14 in which at least one housing, window 16 or a receiving passage are provided for receiving a male fixing member or all removable fixing means 6, forming all or part of one or more second fixing members 22a, 22b integrated in / integral with the support structure 10.

In a first embodiment, visible in Figures 1 to 4, the axial end 102 rear of the support structure 10 has removable fixing means provided with one or more insertion portions 25 elastically deformable. This or these insertion portions 25 are displaceable or deformable by an action of the unlocking elements 23 present on an external side of the cover 4b. These locking elements are preferably directly actuable, so as to form by themselves means for actuating the unlocking.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4 in particular, the cover 4b includes at least one housing or passage having an arrangement with one or more unlocking elements 23, for example by pinching a flexible end of the male fixing member . In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the cover 4b includes two passages or openings 16 for the reception, respectively, of two deformable ends of fastening members 22a, 22b, which are here male members projecting outwards by relative to the MF media and relative to the rest of the support structure 10 (at the distal end 102 of the bottom 40), parallel to the direction of insertion D. The closure wall 14 has on the outside two legs or similar reliefs capable of approaching each other by elastic deformation, forming the unlocking elements 23.

With reference to FIG. 3, each of the fixing members 22a, 22b can have:

- a bent portion (24) connected to the grid 10a or other support portion of the MF media; and

an insertion portion 25, extending the bent portion 24 outwards, and which is offset with respect to the grid 10a of the support structure 10 in the direction of the upstream zone Z1, the insertion portion 25 being able to be inserted through a window 16 of the cover 4b or, alternatively, into a receiving cavity of the cover 4b.

Here, the insertion portions 25 each comprise two fingers 25a, 25b, deformable towards one another, and with elastic return effect towards a spacing position (or position deployed radially outward) between the two fingers 25a, 25b. Thus, these two fingers 25a, 25b can simultaneously penetrate a corresponding opening 16 slightly narrower than the insertion portion 25 in the undeformed state with regard to a dimension, by bending inwards. With this configuration, the fingers 25a, 25b can engage against a flange BR delimiting the opening 16 (by elastic return effect towards the spacing position).

A slightly bent arrangement of each of the fingers of the pair of fingers 25a, 25b is used so that each external elbow zone slides against a retaining flange BR during an insertion phase through the closure wall 14. At the end of this insertion, the cover 4b reaches its final position for closing the opening 42. It is optionally possible to provide a displacement of the fingers 25a, 25b between them to allow crossing of these fingers 25a, 25b, which allows for example to limit the size of the associated opening 16.

More generally, provision can be made for each fixing member belonging to the second fixing members 22a, 22b to be designed and arranged to engage beyond a retaining flange BR, BR1, BR2, preferably a flange delimiting all or part of a window 16, provided in the cover 4b. The absence of rotation of the cover 4b during its installation makes it possible to shorten the closing operation of the housing 4, a simple depression of the cover 4b in alignment with the housing component 4a being sufficient. The annular edge region 45 may have a plurality of guide edges, in the annular contact portion 15 for example, to center the cover 4b, optionally before contact between the support structure 10 and the cover 4b.

In an option compatible with both the first mode and the second embodiment, a pin or a guide rod 11 can be provided at the axial end 102, which can penetrate into a cylindrical housing or into a hole 17 in the cover 4b. This guide rod 11 can project axially outward a little further than the second fixing member (s) 22a, 22b.

This also does not exclude variants with a single area for fixing the cover 4b. One can also consider options with rotation, for example by screwing, of the cover 4b on a threaded member formed at the end 102, typically when the opening 42 is of circular shape. In this case, the cover 4b can have a relief for its gripping.

To return to the first embodiment, it can be seen that this option makes it possible to use a filter element 2 whose support structure 10 has an axial length, measured from the end 101 to the end 102 (taking into account the extensions forming all or part of the fastening members 21 a, 21 b, 22a, 22b), greater than the height (or depth) of the internal volume V delimited by the housing 4.

Optionally, there is provided for each unlocking element 23 an arrangement with two legs separated from each other by the opening 16 present in the closure wall 14, as clearly visible in FIG. 1. These two legs 23a, 23b are optionally rectilinear and delimit between them a passage widening in section away from the closure wall 14. By a simple pinch, typically between two fingers of the operator (therefore without tool), the legs 23a, 23b are brought together sufficiently , so as to modify the conformation of the insertion portions 25 (narrower conformation). This can be done simultaneously for the two unlocking elements 23, which have a general shape of "V" in an embodiment.

Here, this makes it possible to bring the elastically deformable fingers 25a, 25b closer to one another by the same insertion portion 25, and thus to release the grip on the flange BR. In FIG. 4 which omits to show the housing component 4a, it can be seen that the unlocking elements 23 are sufficiently spaced from each other, for example by more than 40 mm, which leaves room for manipulation. by two hands (more precisely the thumb and forefinger of each hand) of these elements 23 to unlock the closed configuration of the housing 4.

In practice, the operator performs the pinching or equivalent actuation of the unlocking elements 23 and at the same time pulls the cover 4b which is not a stationary part of the air filter 1. It should be observed that the housing component 4a is typically kept integral with the rest of the vehicle, in the mounted state in the air intake circuit. A mounting support can be provided on the side of the plate P4 or other portion close to the bottom 40. The filter element 2 , in this example, remains fixed on the bottom 40, this anchoring being for example of the kind illustrated at the bottom of FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2B.

We can then easily remove the cover 4b and obtain a configuration of the kind shown in FIG. 5, without the cover 4b and with the filter element 2 still anchored / attached to the housing component 4a, being accessible by projecting towards the outside (here upwards) relative to the opening 42 of the housing component 4a.

The offset on one side (side of the upstream zone Z1) of each insertion portion 25 with respect to the plane P10 of the grid 10a, as clearly visible in FIG. 3, makes it possible here to place the outlet of the openings or windows 16 in an area filled / covered by the MF filter media, the thickness of which, at least on the order of 20 or 30 mm, may be greater than the largest dimension of the windows 16. This limits or prevents suction from unfiltered air via windows 16 or and allow bypassing of the MF media. In the case of use as a prefilter, it is also possible to design a filter 1 which does not have a completely perfect seal, since the main filter is placed downstream in the air intake circuit.

A second embodiment is now described, similar to the first embodiment in particular in that the anchoring in the housing component 4a can be identical or similar, and the support structure 10 also has a pulling function in the closed configuration at the housing 4, opposing a spacing of the cover 4b relative to the housing component 4a.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be seen that the second fastening members 22a, 22b have tapered anchoring end portions. Each end portion is tapered between a wide junction portion with a tongue portion and a free end, being mounted on a flexible tongue portion and narrower than the end portion. The optional guide rod 11 engages with the corresponding hole 17 of the cover 4b in a phase of approaching the cover 4b then the terminal portions penetrate respectively into the openings or windows 16 of the cover 4b, spaced apart in the same way than in the first embodiment.

In this nonlimiting example, these windows 16 (in particular the centers of these windows) do not have the same alignment as the second fixing members 22a, 22b, which are aligned with the guide rod 11 in the plane P10: in indeed, the windows extend on either side of the plane P10. The consequence of this arrangement further from the windows 16 is the obligation for the terminal portions anchor to flex to overcome the corresponding ledge BR1 or BR2. We can see that the windows 16 extend radially outwards from these flanges BR1, BR2 which are aligned with the hole 17 for receiving the rod 11 (this hole 17 can coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the filter 1 in the closed configuration).

The beveled or tapered design of the terminal anchoring portions makes it possible to facilitate the insertion of the fastening members 22a, 22b, by making the elastic deformation progressive, before a more direct elastic return when the terminal portion has completely crossed the cover wall and the edge RB1 or RB2. The end portions here form beaks or hooks with an abutment surface oriented towards the bottom 40. Such an abutment surface, in axial abutment on the external face of the closure wall 14, opposes a separation of the cover 4b .

Although we show here an option with a rod 11 on the grid 10a, we understand that we can also, alternatively, use a rod or other protruding central means on the cover 4b, the receiving hole or similar slot being in this case on the grid 10a. More generally, any means of guiding the cover 4b can be used in the direction of insertion D.

The fixing means for securing the cover 4b to the filter element 2 are distributed here on one end 102 of the support structure 10 and in a closure wall 14 of the cover 4b, being located far from the annular junction between the cover 4b and the housing component 4a. This avoids the user having to actuate an unlocking on a peripheral zone of the housing 4, generally more difficult to access.

The design examples presented, without limitation, each allow easy access, generally from above, to the cover 4b with operations facilitated to extract and often reassemble the filter element 2, which can advantageously be of the washable type for reuse, the air filter 1 being a prefilter.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the air filter 1 can be part of a system with two housings 50 placed in the intake air circuit of an engine of a motorized vehicle. The system 50 can include a water settling device 52, as clearly visible in FIG. 2A, making it possible to collect and evacuate water droplets which are entrained with the flow of the raw air F.

The water settling device 52 can include a receiver box B which delimits a water collection zone and typically has at least one water outlet orifice 53, in a low point of the receiver box B.

To optimize the size, a wall forming the bottom 40 of the air filter 1 can constitute a wall of the decantation device 52, here the upper cover of the housing receiver B. The common wall can advantageously be flat, preferably in the form of a plate P4 which can be parallel to the opening 42 of the housing component 4a. The plate P4 or a similar wall forming the bottom 40 can be part of or be integral with a connecting piece to the rest of the vehicle. The plane P of the plate P4 (visible in FIG. 2A) can be parallel to the general direction of circulation of the air flow, between the inlet 7 and the outlet 8.

With reference to FIG. 2B, one can see an opening 03 formed in the bottom 40, here in the plate P4, for the flow of water droplets between the upstream zone Z1, delimited by the filter element 2 of the filter 1 in the housing 4, and the interior of the receiver housing B. In embodiments without a settling device 52, it is understood that this opening 03 can be optionally suppressed. Alternatively, access to the interior of the housing B can be done without passing through the interior volume V.

The receiver box B can constitute an acoustic effect cavity, for attenuation of noise. In the engine air intake line of the circuit, it is then possible, depending on the direction of air circulation, to have the receiver unit B upstream of the inlet 7 or in an intermediate zone between the inlet 7 and MF filter media.

In uses as a pre-filter, the air filter 1 removes a substantial part of the airborne particles before these particles reach the primary filter. The primary filter then captures the finest particles which pass through the prefilter. In this way, the degradation of the main filter is limited and the life of the primary filter is significantly extended while large quantities of pure air are supplied to the combustion chamber of the engine. Thus, the filter 1 improves the performance of the engine and minimizes the costs of replacing or cleaning the primary filter.

An air filter 1 can be obtained, the filter element 2 of which, advantageously washable, serves to lock the filter housing. The support structure 2 can be simple, for example of substantially planar structure, while playing the role of a polarizer in order to use the filter element 2 provided, without which the housing 4 is not kept closed.

Although a method of attachment has been described with the filter element 2 anchored first in a fixed position, by connection to the plate P4 or similar portion of the bottom 40 of the housing component 4a, it should be understood that other mounting locations or other mounting orders may be appropriate. Thus, an assembly as illustrated in FIG. 4, with the cover 4b first secured to the filter element 2, can optionally be obtained before the insertion of the filter element 2 into the internal volume V1 of the component of housing 4a and the anchoring against a wall of this component 4a. In the examples illustrated, the filtering medium 5 is in the form of a layer of filtering medium, preferably a continuous layer, in one piece, in contact by its edges with the housing 4. The filtering medium 5 can be spongy, fibrous, based on cotton, cellulose, synthetic fibers for example or a mixture of fibers. In options, the filtering medium 5 is devoid of filter paper and has or consists of a layer of foam or protective nonwoven for coarse filtering (for example for an application in very dusty medium).

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

For example, although the support structure 10 has been described as generally planar and entirely rigid at least in the zone of contact with the MF medium, a support structure may alternatively be provided having an angle between two parts and / or having sections hinged together (the articulation being permitted for example by notches defining an axis of articulation. It is also understood that the MF medium can optionally decompose into several blocks forming a layer and / or each surrounded by an annular element or support frame 10.

Also, although an air filter 1 has been illustrated which is well suited for mounting in a circuit completely independently of the mounting of a primary filter, which can facilitate maintenance operations, other integrations are permitted, in particular by joining a wall of the housing 4 against a filtration chamber of the primary filter, in certain variants.

Claims

1. Air filter (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising:

- a housing (4) provided with a housing component (4a) having a bottom (40) and a cover (4b), the housing (4) having a raw air inlet (7) and an outlet d filtered air (8), the cover (4b) being able, in a closed configuration of the housing (4), to close an opening (42) of the housing component (4a) situated opposite the bottom (40) and separate from the outlet (8);

a filter element (2), housed in an interior volume (V) of the housing (4) and comprising a filtration medium (MF) as well as a support structure (10) to which said medium (MF) is attached, the medium (MF) being interposed between the inlet (7) and the outlet (8) in a position for fixing the support structure (10), in order to delimit in the interior volume (V) an upstream area ( Z1) communicating with the inlet (7) and a downstream zone (Z2) communicating with the outlet (8), the cover (4b) being engaged with the support structure (10) and closing said opening (42) in the fixing position by pressing on and / or covering an annular edge region (45) of the housing component delimiting the opening (42); and

- a set of fixing members (21 a, 21 b, 6) included in the support structure (10) belonging to the filter element (2), making it possible to block in position the filter element (2) relative to the housing component (4a), in the closed configuration of the housing;

characterized in that the set of fixing members (21a, 21b, 6) comprises:

- at least a first fixing member (21 a, 21 b) adapted to come into engagement with the housing component (4a) in a fixing area separate from said annular border region (45), after insertion of the at least a first fixing member (21 a, 21 b) through the opening (42) in an internal volume (V1) of the housing component (4); and

- at least a second fixing member (22a, 22b) adapted to come into engagement with the cover (4b);

and in that the housing component (4a) and the cover (4b) are held and locked in position in the closed configuration by the support structure (10), knowing that at least one of the first fixing member ( 21 a, 21 b) and the second fixing member (22a, 22b) has a locking action to lock the closed configuration of the housing (4).

2. Air filter according to claim 1, in which a rigid part of the support structure (10), which extends into the interior volume (V), comprises or is integral with the fixing members (21 a, 21 b , 22a, 22b) of the assembly of fixing members, so as to function as a tie rod and to oppose a separation of the cover (4b) relative to the housing component (4a), in the closed configuration of the housing.

3. Air filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support structure (10) extends substantially parallel to an insertion direction (D) of the filter element (2) through the opening (42) in the internal volume (V1) of the housing component (4), the at least one first fixing member (21 a, 21 b) being located in an insertion section belonging to the support structure ( 10) and which is inserted into the internal volume (V1) of the housing component.

4. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (4) has a closure wall (14) which extends generally perpendicular to a virtual plane of extension (P10) of the support structure (10).

5. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the filter element (2) comprises:

- a grid (10a) constituting all or part of said support structure (10), the set of fixing members (21 a, 21 b, 6) being distributed over two axial ends (101, 102) of the grid (10a) which are opposite in an insertion direction (D) of the filter element (2) in the internal volume (V1) of the housing component (4a); and

- the media (MF) arranged as a layer extending on one side of the grid (10a), preferably by pressing against a face of the grid (F10) oriented towards the upstream zone (Z1) .

6. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support structure (10) has an annular external periphery (10p) having a perimeter which, without taking account of said set of fixing members (21a , 21b, 6), is greater than a perimeter of the opening (42) of the housing component (4a).

7. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the media (MF) comprises or consists of at least one block of foam supported by a first face (MF1) on a grid (10a) constituting the structure. support (10),

and in which holding means (10c, TR) of said foam block, connected to the grid (10a), are adapted to exert support on a second face (MF2) of the foam block opposite to the first face (MF1) .

8. Air filter according to claim 7, wherein the support structure (10) has one or more perforating elements (10c) each including a retaining head (TR), engaged on a second face (MF2) of the block of foam opposite the first face (MF1), the perforating element or elements (10c) passing through the foam block, extending from a base portion of connection to the grid up to the retaining head (TR).

9. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one first fixing member (21 a, 21 b) comprises two members spaced from one another and adapted to maintain in position l filter element (2) in a plane transverse to the opening (42), so that the at least one second fixing member (22a, 22b) extends in a fixed position.

10. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each fixing member of the at least one second fixing member (22a, 22b) is adapted to engage beyond a retaining flange. (BR; BR1, BR2), preferably a rim defining all or part of a window (16), provided in the cover (4b).

11. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each fixing member of the at least one second fixing member (22a, 22b) has:

- a bent portion (24); and

- an insertion portion (25), extending the bent portion (24) outwards and which is offset relative to a grid of the support structure (10) in the direction of the upstream zone (Z1), the insertion portion being able to be inserted through a window (16) of the cover (4b) or into a receiving cavity of the cover (4b).

12. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (4b) and the housing component (4a), which preferably forms a bowl, are dismountably assembled,

and in which the at least one first fixing member (21a, 21b) and / or the at least one second fixing member (22a, 22b) is displaceable or deformable in response to an action of actuating means ( 23) accessible externally to the housing (4) to enable the closed configuration of the housing (4) to be unlocked.

13. Air filter according to claim 12, in which the actuating means (23) have at least one pair of pinching tabs (23a, 23b) which, in a pinched state, exert an unlocking action to allow moving the cover (4b) away from the annular edge region (45) of the housing component (4a).

14. Air filter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the opening (42) is different or distinct from the inlet (7), preferably being oriented differently, and provided for insertion of the element. filter (2) in the housing component (4a).

15. Use of a filter element (2) in an engine air intake line for a motor vehicle, as a removable filter unit of a first air filter (1), called a prefilter, placed upstream a second air filter, known as the main filter, characterized in that the filter element (2) has a filter medium (MF) in the form of at least one block of foam, washable, and a support structure ( 10) to which the filter medium (MF) is attached, the filter element (2) being removably placed in the interior volume (V) of a housing (4);

the filter element (2) being mounted in the housing (1) between a bottom (40) of a housing component (4a) and a cover (4b) so as to delimit in the interior volume (V) an area d 'upstream (Z1) communicating with an inlet (7) of the housing and a downstream zone (Z2) communicating with an outlet (8) of the housing,

and in that the support structure (10) of said filter element (2) has two distinct ends (101, 102), preferably opposite, of which:

- one (101), intended to be placed in an internal volume (V1) of the housing component (4a), is provided with at least one first fixing member (21a, 21b) adapted to come into engagement with the housing component (4a) in a fixing zone remote from a cover junction zone (4b) - housing component (4a), after insertion of the at least one first fixing member (21 a, 21 b ) in said internal volume (V1); and

- the other (102) is provided with at least one second fixing member (22a, 22b) adapted to engage with the cover (4b);

at least one of the first fixing member (21a, 21b) and the second fixing member (22a, 22b) having a locking action for locking a closed configuration of the housing (4);

the housing component (4a) and the cover (4b) being held and locked in position in the closed configuration by the support structure (10).