Abstract
An air filter device having a base plate with a plurality of spaced-apart flow openings and a plurality of filter cartridges each having a filter medium body having at least one gas filter medium, wherein the base plate has at least one mounting device for mounting one filter cartridge each on the base plate, and wherein the filter cartridges each have at least one counter mounting means corresponding to the mounting device brought into operative connection with the respective mounting device of the base plate. The mounting device may be a screw thread connection means and the corresponding counter mounting means may be a counter screw thread connection means, wherein the screw thread connection means and the counter screw thread connection means form together a screw thread connection, and wherein the screw thread connection can be tightened or loosened by applying rotational movement to the screw thread connection means.
Claims
1. An air filter device, comprising: a base plate with a plurality of flow openings; and a plurality of filter cartridges, each having a filter medium body comprising at least one gas filter medium; wherein the base plate comprises adjacent to the flow openings in each case at least one mounting device for mounting one filter cartridge each on the base plate; wherein the filter cartridges each have at least one counter mounting means corresponding to the mounting device configured to be brought into operative connection with the respective mounting device of the base plate; wherein the filter cartridges are each sealed with respect to an edge of the base plate surrounding one of the flow openings; wherein the base plate is configured to be mounted in a filter housing such that the base plate is arranged between an upstream unfiltered air side and a downstream filtered air side of the filter housing; and wherein the filter cartridges are mounted on an adapter element assigned to the base plate for providing an interface to the filter cartridges; wherein the adapter element comprises: the mounting devices for fastening at least one filter cartridge with the adapter element as well as; at least one further counter mounting means for fastening the adapter element with the base plate; wherein at least one of the mounting devices of the base plate is designed as a screw thread connection means; wherein at least one of the corresponding counter mounting means of at least one of the filter cartridges is designed as a counter screw thread connection means; and wherein the screw thread connection means and the counter screw thread connection means form together a screw thread connection, wherein the screw thread connection can be tightened or loosened by applying rotational movement to the screw thread connection means.
2. The air filter device according to claim 1, wherein the screw thread connection means is a helical groove formed into an axially extending cylindrical or conical screw thread collar of the adapter element; and the counter screw thread connection means is a helical ridge that wraps around a surface of a collar of the filter cartridges wherein the adapter element screw thread collar is configured to receive and engage with the corresponding collar of the filter cartridges.
3. The air filter device according to claim 2, wherein the filter cartridges each comprise an open end cap at one axial end, wherein the open end cap comprises at least one inlet-opening connected to one of the flow openings to allow a gas to enter into the respective filter cartridge assigned to that open end cap; and the collar of the filter cartridges surrounds an outer surface of the filter cartridges and is part of the open end cap.
4. The air filter device according to claim 3, wherein the filter cartridges each comprise a closed end cap at the other axial end; the open end cap and the closed end cap border the filter medium body terminally; and the closed end cap comprises at least one handle or grip element for applying tensile or compressive force on the filter cartridge to facilitate rotational movement of the screw thread connection means and formation or loosening of the screw thread connection.
5. The air filter device according to claim 3, wherein the further counter mounting means can be brought into operative connection with at least one corresponding further mounting device of the base plate; and the further mounting device is arranged adjacent to the flow openings of the base plate.
6. The air filter device according to claim 1, wherein the further counter mounting means is a counter bayonet fastening means for fastening the adapter element with the base plate by means of a bayonet connection.
7. The air filter device according to claim 6, wherein the adapter element comprises adjacent to the counter bayonet fastening means at least one locking means for cooperating with the bayonet fastening means of the base plate to prevent the bayonet connection to be accidentally loosened or rotated.
8. The air filter device according to claim 5, wherein the further counter mounting means is at least one counter form-fit connection means for fastening the adapter element with the base plate by means of a form-fit connection or form-lock connection.
9. The air filter device according to claim 8, wherein the counter form-fit connection means of the adapter element is at least one snapping collar configured to extend through at least one of the flow openings and formed at least partly circumferential; and the snapping collar is fitted with a locking recess configured to interlock with the further mounting device, in particular with an edge of the base plate surrounding an opening of the base plate to form the form-fit connection.
10. The air filter device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter element is axially sealed with respect to the base plate by means of at least one axial sealing means or adhesive being axially arranged between the adapter element and the base plate.
11. A filter cartridge for the air filter device according to claim 1, wherein the filter cartridge comprises: the filter medium body comprising at least one gas filter medium; a closed end cap at one axial end of the filter medium body and an open end cap at the other axial end of the filter medium body, wherein the open end cap comprises at least one inlet-opening for the inflow of a gas to be filtered into the filter cartridge, wherein the closed end cap and the open end cap border the filter medium body terminally; and the at least one counter screw thread connection means brought into operative connection with the at least one corresponding screw thread connection means of the adapter element of the air filter device.
12. The filter cartridge according claim 11, wherein the counter screw thread connection means is arranged at a connection interface of the open end cap; and the connection interface has a smaller diameter than the filter medium body of the filter cartridge.
13. An adapter element for the air filter device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter element allows a connection of a filter cartridge with the base plate of the air filter device, and wherein for mounting the filter cartridge on the base plate the adapter element comprises: the at least one mounting device configured as the screw thread connection means for forming the screw thread connection together with the corresponding counter mounting means of at least one of the filter cartridges; and the at least one further counter mounting means configured as at least one counter bayonet fastening means or at least one counter form-fit connection means, for fastening the adapter element with the base plate.
14. A method for exchanging a filter cartridge of an air filter device according to claim 1, wherein a first filter cartridge is disassembled from the base plate by loosening the screw thread connection formed between the screw thread connection means of the base plate and the counter screw thread connection means of the filter cartridge by means of a radial movement of the filter cartridge; and mounting a second filter cartridge on the base plate by bringing the counter screw thread connection means of the filter cartridge into operative connection with the screw thread connection means of the base plate by means of a radial movement of the filter cartridge.
15. The filter cartridge according to claim 11 for the air filter device configured for use with the adapter element for exchanging a replacement air filter device for the air filter device.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] As discussed above, there are several options to embody as well as to improve the present invention in an advantageous manner. Further improvements, features and advantages of the present invention are described below in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and to the accompanying drawings.
[0062] FIG. 1 shows in longitudinal section a first embodiment of an air filter device according to the present invention comprising a first embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention with a screw thread connection means to mount a filter cartridge and a bayonet connection to mount the adapter element to a base plate; moreover FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a filter cartridge of the present invention, which filter cartridge may be exchanged according to a method of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 1 from diagonally in front.
[0064] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 1 from diagonally behind.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the base plate of the air filter device of FIG. 1.
[0066] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section the air filter device of FIG. 1, wherein the view of FIG. 5 is taken along the section line A marked in FIG. 4 and wherein FIG. 1 depicts a detailed view of the section B depicted in FIG. 5.
[0067] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 1 from diagonally in front.
[0068] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 1 from diagonally behind.
[0069] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 1 from diagonally in front.
[0070] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 1 from diagonally behind.
[0071] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a plant building air filtration comprising an air filter device according to the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 11 shows in longitudinal section a second embodiment of an air filter device according to the present invention comprising a second embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention with a screw thread connection means to mount a filter cartridge to the adapter element and a form-fit connection to mount the adapter element to a base plate; moreover FIG. 11 depicts a filter cartridge similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge, which filter cartridge may be exchanged according to a method of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 11 from diagonally in front.
[0074] FIG. 13 shows a front view of the base plate of the air filter device of FIG. 11.
[0075] FIG. 14 shows in smaller magnification a longitudinal section the air filter device of FIG. 11, wherein FIG. 11 depicts a detailed view of the section B depicted in FIG. 14.
[0076] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 11 from diagonally in front.
[0077] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 11 from oblique behind.
[0078] FIG. 17 shows in longitudinal section a third embodiment of an air filter device according to the present invention comprising a third embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention as well as a filter cartridge similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge, which filter cartridge may be exchanged according to a method of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 17 from diagonally in front.
[0080] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 17 from diagonally in front.
[0081] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 17 from oblique behind.
[0082] FIG. 21 shows in longitudinal section a fourth embodiment of an air filter device according to the present invention comprising a fourth embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention as well as an embodiment of a filter cartridge similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge, which filter cartridge may be exchanged according to a method of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 21 from diagonally in front.
[0084] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 21 from oblique behind.
[0085] FIG. 24 shows a further detailed view in longitudinal section of the fourth embodiment of the air filter device of FIG. 21.
[0086] FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21 from diagonally in front.
[0087] FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21 from oblique behind.
[0088] FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 21 from diagonally in front.
[0089] FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 21 from oblique behind.
[0090] FIG. 29 shows in longitudinal section a fifth embodiment of an air filter device according to the present invention comprising a fifth embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention as well as a second embodiment of a filter cartridge according to the present invention, which filter cartridge may be exchanged according to a method of the present invention.
[0091] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 29 from diagonally in front.
[0092] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 29 from oblique behind.
[0093] FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 29 from diagonally in front.
[0094] FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 29 from oblique behind.
[0095] FIG. 34 shows in longitudinal section a sixth embodiment of an air filter device according to the present invention comprising a sixth embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention as well as the second embodiment of the filter cartridge, which filter cartridge may be exchanged according to a method of the present invention.
[0096] FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 34 from diagonally in front.
[0097] FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 34 from oblique behind.
[0098] FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 34 from diagonally in front.
[0099] FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 34 from oblique behind.
[0100] FIG. 39 shows in longitudinal section a seventh embodiment of an air filter device according to the present invention comprising a seventh embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention as well as the second embodiment of the filter cartridge, which filter cartridge may be exchanged according to a method of the present invention.
[0101] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 39 from diagonally in front.
[0102] FIG. 41 shows a front view of the base plate of the air filter device of FIG. 39.
[0103] FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 39 from diagonally in front.
[0104] FIG. 43 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 39 from oblique behind.
[0105] The same reference numerals are used for corresponding parts in FIG. 1 to FIG. 43.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0106] In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, the following description regarding the embodiments, characteristics and advantages of the present invention relates (unless stated otherwise): [0107] to the first embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising a first embodiment of a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d according to the present invention and a first embodiment of an adapter element 40 according to the present invention (cf. FIGS. 1 to 10) as well as [0108] to the second embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising an embodiment of a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge and a second embodiment of an adapter element 40 according to the present invention (cf. FIGS. 11 to 16) as well as [0109] to the third embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising an embodiment of a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge and a third embodiment of an adapter element 40 according to the present invention (cf. FIGS. 17 to 20), as well as [0110] to the fourth embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising an embodiment of a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge and a fourth embodiment of an adapter element 40 according to the present invention (cf. FIGS. 21 to 28), as well as [0111] to the fifth embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d similar to the second embodiment of the filter cartridge and a fifth embodiment of an adapter element 40 according to the present invention (cf. FIGS. 29 to 33), as well as [0112] to the sixth embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d similar to the second embodiment of the filter cartridge and a sixth embodiment of an adapter element 40 according to the present invention (cf. FIGS. 34 to 38), as well as [0113] to the seventh embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d similar to the second embodiment of the filter cartridge and a seventh embodiment of an adapter element 40 according to the present invention (cf. FIGS. 39 to 43).
[0114] All seven embodiments 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100 being operated according to a method of the present invention.
[0115] As depicted in FIG. 1 to FIG. 43, the filter cartridges 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; are connected to the base plate 10 by means of a radial screw thread connection 14, 22. An additional adapter element element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 40 is used for this purpose, which is mounted once in the base plate 10, for example mounting frame 10, and remains there as a service life part.
[0116] An interrupted helical groove 14 is integrated in the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40. This helical groove 14 allows for easy and secure engagement between the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 and an open end cap or lower end plate 28; 28 of the corresponding filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d
[0117] The open end cap 28 may be formed as an injection molded or sheet metal part and is formed corresponding to a radial sealing 30; 30. FIG. 17 shows a first embodiment of an open end cap 28, comprising a radial sealing 30 produced separately and then mounted, e. g. clamped or glued, on the adapter element 40 as lifetime part. FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a radial sealing 30 produced e.g. as two-component injection molded part together with the adapter element 40.
[0118] FIG. 1 depicts a longitudinal section of the adapter element 40 with radial sealing means 30 attached on collar 42 of the adapter element 40 designed for surrounding an axial end of the filter medium body 50 and mounted filter cartridge 20a integrated in an upper end plate 28. Additionally, the sides of collar 42 surrounding the axial end of the filter medium body 50 provide a centering function to easily locate the correct position of the filter cartridge 20a on the adapter element 40.
[0119] For assembling the filter cartridges to the base plate 10, the filter cartridges 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20a, 20b, 20c only need to be screwed into the adapter part 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40. Thus, the filter cartridges may be assembled to the base plate 10 by means of a rotational movement. Disassembly of the filter cartridges takes place by unscrewing the filter cartridges.
[0120] Thus, the filter cartridges are mounted on the base plate 10 by simply screwing them into an additional housing part, namely an adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 to be installed once. Each filter cartridge is attached to the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 by means of a screw thread connection 14, 22 and the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 in turn is attached to the base plate 10 by means of a bayonet connection 16, 24 (cf. FIGS. 1 to 10 and 21 to 33) or by means of a form-fit connection 16, 24 (cf. FIGS. 11 to 20 and 34 to 43).
[0121] As depicted in FIGS. 2, 4, 8 and 22 the bayonet fastening means 16 may be designed for example as a conventional three-hole bayonet fastening means. Thus, the adapter element 40, 40 may comprise three bayonet pins 24 molded on, which allows retrofit installation in existing filter cartridges. As depicted in FIG. 1 the bayonet pins 24 may be shaped in a mushroom-type, comprising at least one shaft, such as at least one tubular or cone-shaped shaft, and at least one hat, such as at least one flat or globular or cone-shaped hat.
[0122] Alternatively, to the conventional three-hole bayonet, the counter bayonet fastening means 24 may be designed for example as a simple circular hole of the base plate 10 (not shown).
[0123] As seen in FIG. 21, the adapter element 40 may be fixed with bayonet connection 16, 24 and, additionally for securing and tightening, glued on the base plate 10.
[0124] The adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 contains four groove elements 14 which form together a helical groove. During assembly, the groove elements 14 engage in a circumferential ridge 22 of the lower end plate 28 of the filter cartridge and hold the filter cartridge in the end position.
[0125] Independently thereof or in connection therewith, a radially acting sealing means 30, 30, 30 is also integrated in the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 as a service life solution. The radial seal 30 eliminates the tolerance-related disadvantages of the axial seal 32, 32, 32 being compressed at the lower edge due to gravity and weight of the filter cartridge.
[0126] The radial sealing means 30, 30, 30 of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 which ensures the seal to the filter cartridge, is advantageously a component that enhances the service life for reasons of sustainability. The radial sealing means 30 may be mounted, for example by plugging it into the adapter element 40 as a separate component. An example of this is shown in FIG. 1, which depicts a sealing lip 30 mounted on a sheet metal adapter element 40.
[0127] Alternatively, as for example shown in FIGS. 21 to 28, the radial sealing means 30 may be manufactured as a two-component part together with the adapter element 40 as an injection-molded part. This allows the radial sealing means 30 to be a radial injection-molded seal, which provides a seal between the adapter element 40 and the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.
[0128] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, in the first embodiment of the adapter element 40, the radial sealing means 30 may be arranged on the adapter element 40. However, it could also be arranged on the filter cartridge. In this case, the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40 would only have an at least partly circumferential wall or screw thread collar 42 as a counter sealing surface (not shown).
[0129] The adapter element 40 depicted in FIGS. 1 to 10 is made of sheet metal. The adapter element 40 depicted in FIGS. 11 to 28 is made of plastic, which is recognizable by a ribbing.
[0130] The second embodiment of an adapter element 40 according to the present invention as well as the third 40, sixth 40 and seventh 40 embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention is mounted on the base plate 10 by means of a form-fit connection 16, 24 instead of a bayonet connection 16, 24. This leads to the advantage, that bayonet openings are no longer required, and the base plate 10 is manufactured more easily.
[0131] As depicted in FIGS. 11, 12, 17, 18, 34 and 39 the counter form-fit connection means 24 of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40 of the second, the third, the sixth and the seventh embodiment is designed as at least one snapping collar, for example a flow opening tubular nozzle segment, designed to extend through at least one of the flow openings 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d of the base plate 10 and being formed at least partly circumferential.
[0132] The snapping collar 24 is fitted with a locking recess, for example with an undercut 25, which is designed to engage directly or indirectly with the edge of the base plate 10 adjacent to an opening 11, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, of the base plate 10, for example adjacent to a fixation opening 11 or to the flow opening 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, to form the form-fit connection.
[0133] In the second 100, third 100 and sixth 100 embodiment of the air filter device of the present invention, for forming a form-fit connection with the counter form-fit connection means 24 of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 the further mounting device 16 of the base plate 10 is designed as a collar surrounding the flow opening 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, for example extending perpendicularly with the sheet metal piece, of the base plate 10.
[0134] As depicted in FIG. 39, the seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40 is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 11, 17 and 34 but spares the collar 16 of the base plate 10. In the seventh embodiment of the air filter device 100 of the present invention, the edge of the base plate 10 adjacent to a fixation opening 11, such as a hole, serves as the further mounting device 16. Thus, the counter form-fit connection means 24 of the seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40 is designed to engage directly with the edge 16 of the base plate 10 adjacent to the fixation opening 11 of the base plate 10. The fixation opening 11, for example, may be punched or cut into the base plate 10. As the counter form-fit connection means 24 of the adapter element 40 may be directly snapped onto the base plate 10, the only tolerance is the thickness variation of the base plate 10, for example of the sheet metal of the base plate 10. As a further beneficial technical effect, the base plate 10 may be produced easier.
[0135] In the second embodiment of the adapter element 40, the snapping collar connection means 24 is designed continuously (cf. FIGS. 11 and 12) and in the third, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 the snapping collar connection means 24 is designed discontinuously (cf. FIGS. 18 and 19). In the third, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 depicted in FIG. 18 the counter form-fit connection means 24 is interrupted to reduce the assembly forces required for connecting the counter form-fit connection means 24 on the base plate 10. The snapping collar connection means 24 may for example be implemented as an interrupted snap collar.
[0136] The filter cartridge of the seventh embodiment of the air filter device may be the same as the filter cartridge depicted in FIGS. 35 and 36.
[0137] In the second embodiment of the adapter element 40, the latching with respect to the filter cartridge is similar to the latching in the first embodiment of the adapter element 40.
[0138] The interface between the filter cartridge and the base plate 10 comprises, in all embodiments an open end disc 28 with at least one circumferential helical ridge 22 on outer shell surface. The shape of the helical ridge 22 may vary depending on forces to be achieved.
[0139] The radial sealing means 30 depicted in FIGS. 11 to 28 is identical to the type depicted in FIGS. 1 to 10. The sealing means 30 is mounted with sealing lips, arranged on the adapter element 40, in more detail on a tubular nozzle segment 42 of the adapter element 40.
[0140] As depicted in FIGS. 25 and 36 a handle 27 or grip function may be integrated into the closed end cap or upper end plate 26 of the filter cartridge. The handle 27 may be combined with any embodiment of the filter cartridges 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.
[0141] FIG. 3 depicts a second embodiment of the handle 27, namely crossed rips, for axial movement of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.
[0142] As depicted in FIG. 10, the base plate 10 of the air filter device is designed to fit into a filter housing 200, specifically in a flow channel 210, of a plant for gas filtration, particularly for building air filtration. It is positioned between an upstream unfiltered air side or row air side and a downstream filtered air side or clean air side.
[0143] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the adapter element 40 is equipped with four groove elements 14, which must always be in the same position to align the bayonet pins 24. However, in the base plate 10, there are only three bayonet holes 16. To accommodate this, the wall of the adapter element 40 is partially flattened, defining the arrangement of the bayonet pins 24 in such a way that the bayonet lugs 16 and 24 may be correctly mounted. Specifically, two of the groove elements 14 should always be positioned at the top at a 45-degree angle.
[0144] Unlike the flattened parts, the adapter wall with ribs shown in FIGS. 27, 28, 19, and 20 is relatively rigid and sturdy. The screw thread connection mechanism, or helical groove 14, is positioned within the inner area of a screw thread collar 42 of the adapter element 40. Ribs are located on the outer perimeter of the screw thread collar 42, on the back of the helical groove 14. The stiff wall with ribs of the screw thread collar enhances the force applied to the helical groove 14.
[0145] Moreover, FIG. 27 depicts an anti-rotation device comprising a locking means 29, namely a single hump or nose. When finally mounted, this nose 29 snaps in the punched out bayonet hole 16 of the base plate 10. A mounted position is seen in FIG. 4.
[0146] The third, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40 40, 40 of the present invention (cf. FIGS. 29, 34 and 39) are similar to the second embodiment of the adapter element 40 depicted in FIG. 11. All embodiments 40, 40 40, 40 comprise: [0147] the snapping collar connection means 24 for connecting the adapter element with the form fit connection element 16, 16 of the base plate 10, [0148] the screw thread connection means 14 for connecting the adapter element with the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and [0149] the radial seal 30, 30, 30.
[0150] The sixth and seventh embodiments of the adapter element 40 and 40 of the present invention differ from the second embodiment 40 in terms of the sealing concept between the adapter element and the base plate 10, as well as between the adapter element and the filter cartridge. In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the sealing interface between the adapter element 40 and the base plate 10 utilizes a circular or quadrangular axial sealing means 32, particularly an O-ring, instead of an axial sealing means provided by two-component injection molding or an injected adhesive element like glue material. Additionally, the sealing interface between the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and the adapter element 40, 40 comprises a circular or quadrangular radial sealing means 30, such as a quad ring. This simplifies the sealing means 32, 30 and reduces complexity. As depicted in FIGS. 30 and 35, the sealing interface 56 also includes a raised rim, which serves as a centering function to easily position the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d correctly on the adapter element 40, 40.
[0151] In the seventh embodiment of the air filter device 100, shown in FIG. 39, the axial sealing means 32 between the adapter element 40 and the base plate 10 is a cylindrical sealing means 32, which may be a pierced rubber hose or a similar seal. As depicted in FIG. 39, the axial sealing means 32 is securely held in a circumferential groove of the adapter element 40.
[0152] The first, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 differ from the second to fourth embodiment of an adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40 in that the outer diameter of the screw thread collar 42 is circular, for example that the screw thread collar 42 is a tubular socket section. This leads to the advantage, that the filter cartridge may be mounted at any angle of rotation to the adapter element 40, 40, 40.
[0153] A further difference is that the screw thread collar 42, as well as the connection interface 52 of the open end cap 28 in the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments of the air filter device, are longer, i.e. extending more in the axial direction, compared to the screw thread collar 42 and connection interface of the first to fourth embodiments of the air filter device according to the present invention. The longer thread collar may comprise more turns or windings of the helical groove, enhancing the stability of the thread connection and overall structural integrity.
[0154] As seen from FIGS. 30 to 32, 35 to 38 and 40 at the fifth, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 the screw thread collar 42 comprises the same outer diameter as the open end cap 28 of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. This leads to the advantage that there is enough space for the screw thread collar 42 to be formed circular and to be mounted to the mounting device 16, 16 of the base plate 10.
[0155] All embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 to 43 enable fast, simple, assembly error-free mounting of the filter cartridge on the base plate 10 and improves the quality of the seal between the cartridge and the base plate 10 through the use of a lifetime radial sealing means 30.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0156] 10 base plate, for example mounting frame, such as sheet metal rack, for example sheet metal house, designed to fit in a filter housing 200 or in a filter unit 200 [0157] 11 fixation opening of the base plate 10 [0158] 12a flow opening of the base plate 10 [0159] 12b further flow opening of the base plate 10 [0160] 12c further flow opening of the base plate 10 [0161] 12d further flow opening of the base plate 10 [0162] 14 mounting device or fitting device of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40 for assembling one filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d each, for example at least one screw thread connection means, such as at least one continuous or interrupted helical groove means, wherein the helical groove is formed into an axially extending cylindrical or conical screw thread collar 42 of the adapter element 40; 40; 40; 40; 40; 40; 40, and [0163] 16 further mounting device or fitting device of the base plate 10 for assembling one filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b 20c, 20d each, for example at least one bayonet fastening element, such as an engagement recess, for example a longitudinal slot at the end of which a short transverse slot is attached at a right angle; cf. FIGS. 10 to 10 and 21 to 28; [0164] 16 further mounting device or fitting device of the base plate 10 for assembling one filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d each, for example at least one form-fit connection element, such as a horizontal nose-piece or snap band or snap type or collar, for forming a form-fit connection or form-lock connection with a counter form-fit connection element 24 assigned to the adapter element 40, 40, 40; cf. FIGS. 11 to 28 and 34; [0165] 16 further mounting device or fitting device of the base plate 10 for assembling one filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d each, for example at least one form-fit connection element, such as an edge adjacent to a fixation opening 11 of the base plate 10, which forms a form-fit connection or form-lock connection with a corresponding counter form-fit connection element 24 assigned to the seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40; as depicted in FIG. 39 [0166] 20a filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartouche or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 [0167] 20b further, for example second, filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartouche or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 [0168] 20c further, for example third, filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartouche or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 [0169] 20d further, for example fourth, filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartouche or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 [0170] 20a filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartouche or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; second embodiment cf. FIG. 12 [0171] 20b further, for example second, filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartouche or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; second embodiment cf. FIG. 12 [0172] 20c further, for example third, filter cartridge, in particular adsorber cartouche or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; second embodiment cf. FIG. 12 [0173] 20d further, for example fourth, filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartouche or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; second embodiment cf. FIG. 12 [0174] 22 counter mounting means of the open end cap 28 of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, for example counter screw thread connection means, such as a continuous or interrupted helical ridge that wraps around the surface of a cylindrical collar of the filter cartridges
[0175] 24 further counter mounting means of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d or of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, for example at least one counter bayonet fastening means, such as a projection, protrusion or nose-piece which is inserted into the transverse slot of the bayonet fastening element 16 and then arranged in the closed position by means of a plug-in rotary movement and causes the fixed-connection to be made; cf. FIGS. 10 and 21 to 28; [0176] 24 further counter mounting means of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20d or of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, for example at least one counter form-fit connection element, such as a horizontal recess, for forming a form-fit connection or form-lock connection with a form-fit connection element 16 assigned to the base plate 10 [0177] 25 locking recess or undercut of the adapter element 40, 40 cf. FIGS. 11 and 20 [0178] 26 closed end cap or upper end plate of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d [0179] 27 handle for axial movement of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 23 and 36 [0180] 27 handle for axial movement of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20dsecond embodiment cf. FIG. 3 [0181] 28 open end cap or lower end plate or open end disc of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d first embodiment cf. FIG. 20 [0182] 28 open end cap or lower end plate or open end disc of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; second embodiment cf. FIG. 21 [0183] 29 locking means that prevents the bayonet connection 16, 24 to be accidentally loosened or turned back cf. FIG. 27 [0184] 30 radial sealing means for sealing the respective filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d with respect to the adapter element 40, 40, 40 or with respect to the base plate 10; first embodiment cf. FIG. 20 [0185] 30 radial sealing means for sealing the respective filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d with respect to the adapter element 40, 40, 40 or with respect to the base plate 10; second embodiment cf. FIG. 21 [0186] 30 radial sealing means for sealing the respective filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; with respect to the adapter element 40, 40, 40 or with respect to the base plate 10, for example O-ring or quad ring; third embodiment cf. FIGS. 34 and 39 [0187] 32 axial sealing means for sealing the respective filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d with respect to the base plate 10 cf. FIGS. 21 and [0188] 32 circular or quadrangularaxial sealing means, for example O-ring or quad ring, second embodiment cf. FIG. 34 [0189] 32 cylindrical or axial sealing means [0190] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 9 [0191] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; second embodiment cf. FIGS. 11, 15 and 16 [0192] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; third embodiment cf. FIGS. 17, 19, 20 [0193] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; fourth embodiment cf. FIGS. 21, 24, 27 and 28 [0194] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; fifth embodiment cf. FIGS. 29 to 32 [0195] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; sixth embodiment cf. FIGS. 34 to 38 [0196] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; seventh embodiment cf. FIGS. 39 to 43 [0197] 42 screw thread collar of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, for example adapter element screw thread collar, the screw thread collar being formed circumferential, for example axially extending and cylindrical, such as a tubular nozzle segment or tubular socket element, of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 [0198] 44 flattened or thinner-walled circumferential position of the adapter element 40, 40 [0199] 50 filter medium body [0200] 52 connection interface of the open end cap 28 comprising the counter mounting means 22 [0201] 54 rib of the connection interface 52 of the open end cap 28 [0202] 56 sealing interface of the open end cap 28 designed for being in contact with the radial sealing means 30 [0203] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 1 to 10 [0204] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; second embodiment cf. FIGS. 11 to 16 [0205] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; third embodiment cf. FIGS. 20 to 28 [0206] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; fourth embodiment cf. FIGS. 21 to 28 [0207] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; fifth embodiment cf. FIGS. 9 to 46 [0208] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; sixth embodiment cf. FIGS. 34 to 38 [0209] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; seventh embodiment cf. FIGS. 39 to 43 [0210] 200 filter housing for the air filter device 100, 100, 100 [0211] 202 supply air fan [0212] 204 heater and/or cooler [0213] 206 prefilter [0214] 210 flow channel of a plant for building air filtration [0215] 300 plant building air filtration [0216] 400 longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge
