Filter, particularly for the use in the area of supply air to interiors

State of the art

The invention relates to a filter, in particular as an air filter for use in the is supply air from indoors (automotive air conditioning) suited to the genus of claim 1. The invention also relates to a filter insert which is suitable for installation in the above-mentioned filter, according to the species of Claim 11th

Such filters with rectangular filter elements are known. The folded Filter cartridges typically require a seal, so that the gap between Housing and filter frame the filter insert against air flow is closed. On the rectangular filter frame or directly on the folded Filter web is therefore applied a seal. The through the face of pleated filter formed web side edge of the filter provides a sufficient Rigidity in connection with the filter holder in the filter housing a to achieve sealing action. The end edges formed by the last filter folds However, the filter cartridge are not stable enough to provide a sufficient contact pressure the seal in the receptacle of the filter housing to achieve.

For multilayer filter materials, the other with layers of activated carbon or grain structures are occupied, the additional problem that the end fold occurs production reasons having an open cutting edge. From this, the activated carbon or other particles emerge. However, such particles are located on the clean side of the Filters undesirable.

EP 759 319 A1 contains a lesson, after which the end folds of the filter element in a U-shaped profile can be plugged. For this purpose, the U-slot an undersize, so that the end edge are inserted under compression pressure must, or the end fold is glued into a slot overs. The U-profile has a sufficient rigidity so that the seal on the outside of this Profile can be mounted. The problem is one such edge termination However, in filter media, a plurality of layers, especially brittle layers exhibit. This is, for. Example, in the use of filter media with Activated carbon layers of the case. A hot plug press pressure would lead to a cause destruction of the filter medium at the edges. With an excess of Gap is definitely an adhesive bond necessary to a sufficient to achieve tightness. This makes the effort involved in production of filter cartridges increase as the drying times of the adhesive must be respected. Furthermore must also when bonding the filter medium with the U-profile, the joining direction of the U-shaped slot to be considered. It is in any case a precise Relative movement between the U-profile and difficult to handle, filter media necessary so that the end edge of the filter media slot arrives precisely. If the Slot selected in the U-shaped profile such that there is clearance between folds and slits and at the same time on an adhesion of the filter medium with the U-profile omitted, so a seal between these two components results in only through the labyrinth-like shape of the gap. This design can be only one realize very low pressure loss between pure and unfiltered side. Otherwise is formed on the filter element, a leakage flow of air which is not filtered.

In order to avoid the disadvantages mentioned, could be corresponding to that of the WO 93/12858 proceed. Thereafter, a one-part filter frame is provided in the the filter medium is inserted. are located at the end edges of the filter frame to Recordings for the last filter fold which are foldable. Insertion of the last filter fold in these shots is made easier because of it. Through a Snap mechanism is fixed in the receptacle, the inserted filter fold.

However, this solution has the disadvantage that the produced filter element expensive. This is mainly because the filter medium in a prefabricated frame is used. The zigzag-shaped side edges of the Filter medium must therefore undergo additional waterproofing, as a result of Joining direction of the filter medium in the pre-filter frames direct Sealing between the frame and the filter medium is difficult to achieve. also leaves the prefabricated frame only mounting a pleated filter media a certain size. If one wants to realize filter elements of different sizes, as is necessary for any size manufacturing a separate filter frame.

The slots for the end folds according to WO 93/12858 are designed such that the snap connection for fixing not directly related to the absorption in the filter frame interacts, but acts on the filter medium, and it can become trapped thereby. Such fixation poses problems as soon as the filter media a exceeds certain degree of compressibility. This is particularly Multi-layer filters added with carbon layers. If the carbon layers compressed, this deformation is partially irreversible. This would be a Fixing this type lose their preload force and would be especially in automotive applications threatened with vibrating and jerky stress too soft.

The object of the invention is accordingly to a filter with a creating economically producible filter element, wherein the gap between the filter cartridge and the recording in the filter housing can seal reliably and at the same time a reliable connection between the frame of the can produce the filter element and the next used filter media.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Further, Claim 11 claims a filter element which the task during installation dissolved in a suitable for this filter housing.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The filter according to the invention consists of a filter housing into which a rectangular filter element can be installed. The filter insert is in used a space provided receptacle, sealant for Seal between pure and raw side of the filter in the resulting gap here to care. The sealing means must be compressed for this purpose. they practice Therefore, a pressure on the filter frame of the filter insert out. This pressure corresponds to a linear load on the filter frame that there is a bending moment is generated, and thus transmitted to the filter medium. At the zigzag-shaped Side edges of the filter medium, the force readily as a force in the Filter folds are introduced and generates in this way a sufficient Flexural stiffness of the side face of the filter insert. The end edges of the Filter medium, however, can easily deform because they thereby the folding direction follow the filter medium. In this area of ​​the filter frame has the Sealant generated bending moment without substantial support from the to endure the filter medium. Therefore, the filter frame must in the end edges be carried out sufficiently rigid to a gaping of the sealant and it following to prevent leakage.

The filter frame is in the region of the end edges of the filter medium by a Conclusion formed, consisting of at least one strand-like profile. This can be for introducing at least the end pleat of the filter medium and open close thereafter, whereby the seal between the closure and the Filter medium is produced. The conclusion has closed a sufficient bending stiffness to achieve the above-mentioned sealing effect. Of the Sealing effect of the financial statements not only ensures a separation of raw and Clean side, but prevents further that porous for multilayered filter media Interlayers trickle from the cut edges of the end fold. This is particularly when combined filters with intermediate layers of activated carbon is advantageous. It is prevented that particles of activated carbon from the filter medium in the ventilated Interior access.

The ability to open the closure, has particular advantages in the Production of filter elements. The joining movement for connecting between completion and filter media prior to closing of the financial statements can be varied by and consequently easier in the manufacturing process of a large-scale production bring. This contributes to a cost-effectiveness of the filter insert as Produced in large series at.

It is advantageous for the strand-like profile as an extrusion of plastic produce. This can be realized complicated profile shapes. The optional the material further contributes to the efficiency of the filter insert. to Formation of the financial statements is the extrusion to the desired length tailored. This allows the filter inserts of different sizes and equip capacity with the same extruded profile. It can in this way producing filter series that expanded at any time without additional tooling costs can be.

The profile parts can advantageously be made of several materials. This can be in particular through production of the financial statements as an injection molding in achieve multi-component technology. It is possible, for example by targeted Choice of an elastic material, made from the parts of the financial statements, a sealing action to achieve housing. This makes the subsequent Applying z. B. of foam gaskets in the financial statements unnecessary. There may be a production step thereby be saved, which higher to a Efficiency of the filter element contributes. The use of injection molded parts has Compared to extrusions further advantage that for design Measures a third dimension along the longitudinal extent of the financial statements is available. For example, hook-shaped to prevent slipping are provided which are mounted on the inner sides of the completion and dig in this manner in the clamped filter medium.

An effective embodiment of the inventive concept provides for the conclusion be provided with a film hinge. The conclusion then consists of a component, which open by folding two cheeks to the film hinge and suggests. Further, it is possible to provide two film hinges which Distance of the thickness of the filter medium corresponds. Thereby, the individual Hinges not so greatly deformed. Also can be in this way a Parallelism of the two cheeks, which clamp the filter media, bring about.

According to another embodiment of the invention carry the two cheeks of the Statements tongue and groove-like means for generating a clip connection. The Clip connection then locks during assembly of the filter medium by the conclusion Include thereof. This process step can be by providing a appropriate tool to automate well.

Specifically, in this design, it is also conceivable for the conclusion of a two-part run, the parts are then brought together by the clip connection and thereby pinch the filter medium. The opening and closing of the Accounts can then be carried out by a translational movement, which lets process technology to implement more easily.

A modification of the invention provides instead of the clip connection before, the conclusion to close by an adhesive connection with the filter medium. The Adhesive joint can also be combined with the clip connection when special demands on tightness and safety of the connection between Completion and filter media are required. A further possibility consists in the welding of the cheeks of the financial statements, in particular through the Ultrasonic welding method. For this energy input zones have provided are, by their melting a connection between the cheeks of Statements are. Of course, even this type of connection with the above are combined.

It is advantageous, on the inner sides of the cheeks, in which the filter medium Contact available to mount to prevent slipping. These have the paragraphs in profile be designed so that the filter medium of this in the closed state Statements deform. As a result, from slipping out of the filter medium completion prevented. By the deformation of the filter medium is simultaneously creates an improved seal between the filter frame and filter media.

According to a favorable embodiment, the statements in the same be brought length as the pleats of the filter medium. then close with this from and can be easily connected to the side parts of the frame. These z can. B. consist of paper coated with the zigzag-shaped side edges the filter medium and are bonded to the ends of the financial statements. A Another variant of the invention, the conclusion somewhat shorter than the perform filter pleats. This brings advantages in the manufacture of the filter cartridges, since mounting tolerances in the connection between termination and filter media can be compensated. A compound of the side parts of the frame with the conclusion may, for. example, by folding of the side panels forming Cardboard strips happen.

It is advantageous for the sealing means for sealing the sealing gap between run shot in the filter housing and filter frame as foam strips, which are glued to the outside of the filter frame. This can be in simple accomplish the manufacture of the filter cartridges. The seal is then when Change the filter insert with substituted so that a leak due Aging of the seal can be avoided.

These and other features of preferred embodiments of the invention are from the claims and from the description and drawings forth, the individual features, either singly or in The form of subcombinations in the embodiment of the invention and be realized other fields and can represent advantageous, protectable Represent embodiments can be claimed for which protection.

drawings

Further details of the invention are in the drawings based on schematic embodiments described. show Here<dl tsize="8"><dt>figure 1</dt><dd>a longitudinal section through a filter housing with a built- Filter element, wherein the longitudinal section by the statements extends to the end edges of the filter medium,</dd><dt>figure 2</dt><dd>the detail X from Figure 1,</dd><dt>figure 3</dt><dd>the profile of a contract with a film hinge and clip connection in the open state,</dd><dt>figure 4</dt><dd>a two-part version of the financial statements with energy input zones for a weld, wherein the translational joining direction is indicated by arrows.</dd></dl>

Description of Embodiments

1 shows a filter consisting of a housing 10 and a filter insert 11 is shown. The filter housing has an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 and a Receptacle 14 for the filter insert 11 on. The recording has a Einsetzschräge 15, which facilitates the mounting of the filter insert. Sealant 16, the z. B. from may be made of foam or sponge rubber and attached to the filter element are tight the side and clean side from one another. The mounting hole 14 is released by removing the lid 17 from the housing. After inserting the Filter insert the lid with the aid of connecting means 18, eg. As screws, fixed on the housing 10th In the cover fuses 19 may be present, the prevent slipping out of the filter insert from the receptacle.

The filter cartridge 11 consists of a pleated filter medium 20, said folds 21, contiguous to end edges 22, are introduced into a termination 23 (see also Figure 2). The conclusion, together with side panels 24 a filter frame 25. The side parts 24 are on the zigzag-shaped side edge 26 of the Filter medium 20 is adhered. In the same manner, the connection to the Conclusion 23 exactly with the side panels 24 to the filter frame 25, as the final is as long as the end edge 22 of the filter medium 20th

Referring to Figure 2, the operation of the financial statements 23 can be explained in more detail will. This consists of two cheeks 27, with the aid of slip fuses 28, the filter medium 20 pinch. The conclusion is an extruded two Film hinges 29 runs. The distance between the film hinges 29 from each other, corresponds to the desired distance between the inner sides of the cheeks 27. The Closure of the financial statements 23 takes place by a clip connection 30 on the Raw side of the filter insert 11 is mounted a pre-separation fleece.

Figure 3 shows the profile of the financial statements 23 in the open state, as a Semifinished present. This version of the financial statements has only a film hinge 29 and is also provided with a clip connection. Furthermore, a stopper 32 for the end edge 22 not shown of the filter medium is provided.

Figure 4 shows the profile section of a two-part design of Financial Statements 23, each cheek 27 is formed by one of the parts. The cheeks 27 are connected Energy input zones 33 provided for an ultrasonic welding. The Energy input areas still have a joining aid 34, the exact Positioning of the two parts allows another. The not shown Filter medium is a translational joining movement between the Prevent slipping 28 the cheeks pinched. The joining direction is indicated by arrows indicated.