Abstract
Air filter device including a base plate with a plurality of spaced-apart flow openings and a plurality of filter cartridges each having at least one gas filter medium, the base plate includes adjacent to the flow openings at least one mounting device for mounting one filter cartridge each on the base plate, the filter cartridges each having at least one counter mounting means corresponding to the mounting device that is brought into operative connection with the respective mounting device of the base plate. The mounting device being a snap connection and the corresponding counter mounting means being a counter snap connection, the snap connection and the counter snap connection forming a snap connection, and the counter snap connection brought into operative connection with the snap connection by an axial movement. An air filter cartridge and an adapter for the air filter device. A method for replacing the air filter cartridge.
Claims
1. An air filter device for building air filtration, comprising a base plate with a plurality of spaced-apart flow openings and a plurality of cylindrical 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, which counter mounting means is brought into operative connection with the respective mounting device of the base plate, wherein the filter cartridges are each sealed directly or indirectly with respect to an edge of the base plate surrounding one of the flow openings, wherein the base plate is mounted in a filter housing in such a way that it is arranged between an upstream unfiltered air side and a downstream filtered air side, wherein the mounting device or at least one of the mounting devices of the base plate is designed as a snap connection means, the snap connection means comprising at least one radially deformable, snap-on means and the corresponding counter mounting means or at least one of the corresponding counter mounting means of at least one of the filter cartridges is designed as a counter snap connection means, the counter snap connection means comprising at least one engagement groove being engageable with the snap-on means, wherein the engagement groove is circumferentially formed and/or open radially outward, wherein the snap connection means and the counter snap connection means form together a snap connection and wherein the counter snap connection means of the filter cartridge are brought into operative connection with the snap connection means of the base plate by means of an axial movement.
2. The air filter device according to claim 1, wherein the filter cartridges each comprise a closed end cap at one axial end and an open end cap at the other axial end, wherein the open end cap comprises at least one inlet-opening being arranged in the area of at least one of the flow openings to provide an inflow of gas to be filtered into the respective filter cartridge assigned to the open end cap, wherein the counter snap connection means is arranged at the open end cap, and wherein the end caps border the filter medium body terminally.
3. The air filter device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one further mounting device assigned to the base plate and arranged adjacent to the flow openings and at least one corresponding further counter mounting means which is brought into operative connection with the further mounting device of the base plate.
4. The air filter device according to claim 2, wherein the snap connection means is arranged on an at least partly circumferential socket section, the socket section being undetachably connected to the base plate or formed integrally with the base plate, such that the snap connection means is arranged on the circumference of a tubular socket section.
5. The air filter device according to claim 3, wherein the base plate comprises at least one adapter element comprising the snap connection means for fastening at least one of the filter cartridges with the adapter element and the further counter mounting means for fastening the adapter element with the base plate, wherein the further counter mounting means is designed as a counter bayonet fastening means for fastening the adapter element with the base plate by means of a bayonet connection or is designed as 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.
6. The air filter device according to claim 5, wherein the adapter element comprises at least two or at least three counter bayonet fastening means, at least two or at least three locking protrusions, the respective locking protrusions 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, and the base plate comprises at least two or at least three further mounting devices in the form of engagement recesses, corresponding to the counter bayonet fastening means of the adapter element.
7. The air filter device according to claim 5 wherein the counter form-fit connection means of the adapter element is designed as at least one snapping collar configured to extend through at least one of the flow openings and being formed at least partly circumferential, and wherein the snapping collar is fitted with a locking recess that is to interlock with the further mounting device, with an edge of the base plate surrounding an opening of the base plate to form the form-fit connection.
8. The air filter device according to claim 5, wherein the adapter element is axially sealed with respect to the base plate by means of at least one sealing means or adhesive being axially arranged between the adapter element and the base plate.
9. The air filter device according to claim 5, wherein the adapter element comprises at least one axially extending snap connection collar being formed at least partly circumferential, wherein the snap connection means is arranged at the snap connection collar, and wherein at least two snap connection means are distributed over the circumference of the snap connection collar.
10. The air filter device according to claim 9, wherein the socket section of the base plate and/or the snap connection collar of the adapter element comprises in the area of the snap connection means ribs operable for reinforcing the retention force for mounting the filter cartridge to the base plate.
11. The air filter device according to claim 9, wherein the outer diameter of the snap connection collar comprising the snap connection means for fastening at least one of the filter cartridges with the adapter element and/or a radial peripheral edge of the adapter element facing to the base plate and comprising the further counter mounting means for fastening the adapter element with the base plate, is circular.
12. The air filter device according to claim 1, wherein a face of the base plate, or a face of the adapter element facing the filter cartridge, comprises at least one axial ramp configured for reducing the retention force for demounting the filter cartridge from the base plate or the adapter element, respectively, and the filter cartridge comprises corresponding ramp partner(s) to engage the at least one axial ramp.
13. The air filter device according to claim 1, wherein a radial face of the filter cartridge comprises at least one radial ramp designed to interact with the snap connection means for reducing the retention force for demounting the filter cartridge from the base plate or the adapter element, and wherein the at least one radial ramp comprises a stop rib at the top of the radial ramp.
14. The air filter device according to claim 1, wherein the filter cartridges are each radially sealed with respect to the base plate by means of at least one radial sealing means, the radial sealing means being arranged between a radial peripheral edge of the open end cap of the filter cartridge and a radial peripheral edge of the base plate or of the snap connection collar of the adapter element.
15. The air filter device according to claim 3, wherein the further counter mounting means is configured as a counter bayonet fastening means for fastening the adapter element with the base plate by means of a bayonet connection and the adapter element comprises adjacent to the counter bayonet fastening means at least one locking means being operable for cooperating with the bayonet fastening means of the base plate to prevent the bayonet connection to be accidentally loosened or rotated back.
16. The air filter device according to claim 2, wherein the closed end cap comprises at least one handle for applying tensile or compressive force on the filter cartridge to provide the axial movement.
17. An air filter cartridge for an air filter device according to claim 1, wherein the filter cartridge comprises a 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 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 at least one counter snap connection means, which may be brought into operative connection with at least one corresponding snap connection means of the base plate or of the adapter element of the air filter device by means of an axial movement, the counter snap connection means being arranged on at least one circumferential position of the open end cap.
18. The air filter cartridge according claim 17, wherein the counter snap connection means is arranged at a connection interface of the open end cap, wherein the connection interface has a smaller diameter than the filter medium body of the filter cartridges.
19. An adapter element for an air filter device according to claim 4, wherein the adapter element allows a connection of a filter cartridge with the base plate of the air filter device, wherein for mounting the filter cartridge on the base plate the adapter element comprises at least one mounting device being designed as a snap connection means for forming a snap connection together with a corresponding counter mounting means of at least one of the filter cartridges, and at least one further counter mounting means in the form of 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.
20. A method for replacing 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 a snap connection formed between a snap connection means of a base plate and a counter snap connection means of the filter cartridge by means of an axial movement of plus or minus a deviation of 10 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge and a second filter cartridge is mounted on the base plate by bringing the counter snap connection means of the filter cartridge into operative connection with the snap connection means of the base plate by means of an axial movement.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0061] As already discussed above, there are several options to embody as well as to improve the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. To this aim, reference is made to the further improvements, features and advantages of the present invention described below in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments by way of example and to the accompanying drawing figures where:
[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, as well as a first embodiment of a filter cartridge of the present invention, which filter cartridge may be replaced 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 oblique 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 of the air filter device of FIG. 1, wherein the view is cut along the section line A marked in FIG. 4, and wherein FIG. 1 depicts a detailed view of section B marked 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 oblique 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 oblique behind;
[0071] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a plant building air filtration system comprising the air filter device;
[0072] FIG. 11 shows in longitudinal section a second embodiment of the air filter device according to the present invention comprising a second embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention as well as a filter cartridge being similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge, which filter cartridge may be replaced 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 perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 11 from oblique behind;
[0075] FIG. 14 shows a front view of the base plate of the air filter device of FIG. 11;
[0076] FIG. 15 shows in smaller magnification a longitudinal section of the air filter device of FIG. 11, wherein the view is cut along the section line A marked in FIG. 14, and wherein FIG. 11 depicts a detailed view of section B marked in FIG. 15;
[0077] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 11 from diagonally in front;
[0078] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 11 from oblique behind;
[0079] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 11 from diagonally in front;
[0080] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 11 from oblique behind;
[0081] FIG. 20 shows in longitudinal section a third embodiment of the 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 being similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge, which filter cartridge may be replaced according to a method of the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 20 from diagonally in front;
[0083] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 20 from oblique behind;
[0084] FIG. 23 shows a front view of the base plate of the air filter device of FIG. 20;
[0085] FIG. 24 shows a longitudinal section of the air filter device of FIG. 20, wherein the view is cut along the section line A marked in FIG. 23, and wherein FIG. 20 depicts a detailed view of section B marked in FIG. 24;
[0086] FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 20 from diagonally in front;
[0087] FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 20 from oblique behind;
[0088] FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 20 from diagonally in front;
[0089] FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 20 from oblique behind;
[0090] FIG. 29 shows in longitudinal section a fourth embodiment of the 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 being similar to the first embodiment of the filter cartridge, which filter cartridge may be replaced according to a method of the present invention;
[0091] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 29 from diagonally in front;
[0092] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 29 from oblique behind;
[0093] FIG. 32 shows a front view of the base plate of the air filter device of FIG. 29;
[0094] FIG. 33 shows a longitudinal section of the air filter device of FIG. 29, wherein the view is cut along the section line A marked in FIG. 32, and wherein FIG. 29 depicts a detailed view of section B marked in FIG. 33;
[0095] FIG. 34 shows a detailed view of section C marked in FIG. 33;
[0096] FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 29 from diagonally in front;
[0097] FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 29 from oblique behind;
[0098] FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 29 from diagonally in front;
[0099] FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 29 from oblique behind;
[0100] FIG. 39 shows in longitudinal section a fifth embodiment of the 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 replaced 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 perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 39 from oblique behind;
[0103] FIG. 42 shows a longitudinal section of the air filter device of FIG. 39, wherein FIG. 39 is a detailed view of section B marked in FIG. 42;
[0104] FIG. 43 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 39 from diagonally in front;
[0105] FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 39 from oblique behind;
[0106] FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 39 from diagonally in front;
[0107] FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 39 from oblique behind;
[0108] FIG. 47 shows in longitudinal section a sixth embodiment of the 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 replaced according to a method of the present invention;
[0109] FIG. 48 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 47 from diagonally in front;
[0110] FIG. 49 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 47 from oblique behind;
[0111] FIG. 50 shows a longitudinal section of the air filter device of FIG. 47, wherein FIG. 47 is a detailed view of section B marked in FIG. 50;
[0112] FIG. 51 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 47 from diagonally in front;
[0113] FIG. 52 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 47 from oblique behind;
[0114] FIG. 53 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 47 from diagonally in front;
[0115] FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 47 from oblique behind;
[0116] FIG. 55 shows in longitudinal section a seventh embodiment of the 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 replaced according to a method of the present invention;
[0117] FIG. 56 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 55 from diagonally in front;
[0118] FIG. 57 shows a perspective view of the air filter device of FIG. 55 from oblique behind;
[0119] FIG. 58 shows a front view of the base plate of the air filter device of FIG. 55;
[0120] FIG. 59 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 55 from diagonally in front;
[0121] FIG. 60 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 55 from oblique behind;
[0122] FIG. 61 shows a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of an adapter element comprising axial ramps according to the present invention from diagonally behind;
[0123] FIG. 62 shows a perspective view of the adapter element of FIG. 61 from diagonally in front;
[0124] FIG. 63 shows a perspective view of a filter cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention from diagonally in front, which may be paired with the adapter element of FIG. 61, and may be replaced according to the method of the present invention;
[0125] FIG. 64 shows a side view of a filter cartridge mounted onto a ninth embodiment of an adapter element comprising radial ramps according to the present invention;
[0126] FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of the filter cartridge mounted on the adapter element of FIG. 64; and
[0127] FIG. 66 shows a partial front view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 64.
[0128] The same reference numerals are used for corresponding same or similar parts in FIGS. 1 to 60.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0129] In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, the following description regarding the embodiments, characteristics and advantages of the present invention relates (unless stated otherwise) [0130] 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 38) as well as [0131] 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 being 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 19) as well as [0132] 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 being 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. 20 to 28), as well as [0133] 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 being 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. 29 to 38), as well as [0134] to the fifth embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d being 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. 39 to 46), as well as [0135] to the sixth embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d being 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. 47 to 54), as well as [0136] to the seventh embodiment of the air filter device 100 according to the present invention comprising a filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d being 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. 55 to 60).
[0137] All embodiments 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100 being operated according to the method of the present invention.
[0138] As depicted in FIGS. 1 to 29, the filter cartridges 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; are connected to the base plate 10 by means of a radial snap connection 14, 22. An additional adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40 is used for this purpose, which is mounted once in the base plate 10 and remains there as a service life part. Radially acting snaps 14 are integrated in the adapter element 40, 40, 40. These snaps 14 engage in a circumferential groove 22 located in an open-end cap or lower end plate 28, 28 of the filer cartridges 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. The lower end plate 28, 28 may be formed as an injection-molded or sheet metal part and is formed corresponding to a radial sealing 30, 30. FIG. 20 shows a first embodiment of a lower end cap, comprising a radial sealing 30 being produced separately and then mounted, e.g. clamped or glued, on the adapter element 40 as lifetime part. FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of a radial sealing 30 produced e.g. as two-component injection-molded part together with the adapter element 40.
[0139] FIG. 1 depicts a longitudinal section of the adapter element 40 with radial sealing means 30 attached on a collar 42 of the adapter element 40 being designed for surrounding an axial end of the filter medium body 50 and snapped filter cartridge 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 on the adapter element 40.
[0140] For assembling the filter cartridges to the base plate 10, the filter cartridges 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d only need to be inserted axially into the adapter part 40, 40, 40, 40. Thus, the filter cartridges may be assembled to the base plate 10 by means of an axial movement without additional rotation. Disassembly of the filter cartridge takes place by pulling, or a combined pulling-tilting movement of the filter cartridges. The radial acting snap connection 14, 22 leads to time savings during assembly and disassembly of the filer cartridges.
[0141] Thus, the filter cartridges are mounted on the base plate 10 by simply inserting them axially into an additional housing part, namely an adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40 to be installed once. Each filter cartridge is attached to the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 by means of a radial acting snap-on connection 14, 22 and the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 in turn is attached to the mounting base plate 10 by means of a bayonet connection 16, 24 (cf. FIGS. 1 to 10 and FIGS. 29 to 46) or by means of a form-fit connection 16, 24 (cf. FIGS. 11 to 28 and FIGS. 47 to 60).
[0142] As depicted in FIGS. 2, 4, 30, 32 and 45 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 thereon, which allows retrofit installation in existing filter cartridges (cf. FIG. 27). 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.
[0143] 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).
[0144] As may be seen in FIG. 29, the adapter element 40 may be fixed with bayonet 16, 24 and, additionally for securing and tightening, glued on the base plate 10.
[0145] The adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 contains four radial snap-in connection elements 14 which, during assembly, engage in a circumferential groove 22 of the lower end plate 28 of the filter cartridge and hold the filter cartridge in the end position.
[0146] Independently thereof or in connection therewith, a radially acting sealing means 30, 30, 30 is also integrated in the adapter piece 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.
[0147] 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 a service life component for reasons of sustainability. The radial sealing means 30 may be mounted, for example plugged, into the adapter component 40 as a separate component, as for example is depicted in FIG. 1, which shows a radial sealing lip 30 mounted on a sheet metal adapter element 40.
[0148] Alternatively, as for example shown in FIGS. 29 to 38, the radial sealing means 30 may be manufactured as a two-component part together with the adapter element 40 as an injection-molded part. Thus, the radial sealing means 30 may be a radial injection-molded seal, which seals the adapter element 40 against the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.
[0149] As depicted in FIGS. 1 to 10 with regard to the first embodiment of the adapter element 40, the radial sealing means 30 may be arranged on the adapter element 40, but it may also be arranged on the filter cartridge. Then the radial sealing means 30 would be replaced with the filter cartridge and the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40 would have only an at least partly circumferential wall 42 or snap connection collar as counter sealing surface (not shown).
[0150] The adapter element 40 depicted in FIGS. 1 to 10 is made of sheet metal. The adapter element 40 depicted in FIGS. 11 to 38 is made of plastic, which is recognizable by a ribbing.
[0151] 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 may be manufactured more easily.
[0152] In more detail, as depicted in FIGS. 11, 12, 20, 21, 47, 48 and 55 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, being 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.
[0153] 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 a flow opening 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, to form the form-fit connection.
[0154] 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.
[0155] As depicted in FIG. 55, the seventh embodiment 40 of the adapter element is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 11, 20 and 47 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 further mounting device 16. Thus, the snapping collar 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 snap fit elements 14 of the adapter 40 are directly snapped onto the plate of 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 technical effect, the base plate 10 may thus be produced easier.
[0156] In the second embodiment of the adapter element 40, the snapping collar 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 24 is designed discontinuously (cf. FIGS. 20, 21 and 48). Alternatively, in the third, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 depicted in FIGS. 20 and 48 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 24 may be for example implemented as an interrupted snap collar.
[0157] The filter cartridge of the seventh embodiment of the air filter device may be the same as the filter cartridge depicted in FIGS. 51 and 52.
[0158] Latching of the second embodiment of the adapter element 40 with respect to the filter cartridge is in the second embodiment of the adapter element 40 like the latching of the first embodiment of the adapter element 40.
[0159] 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 groove 22 on an outer shell surface. Groove shape may vary depending on forces to be achieved. A semi-circular groove for example provides lower clipping and holding forces than if an asymmetrical groove is inserted. An asymmetrical groove 22 may be for example a triangle comprising one angle with 60 degrees and one with 30 degrees. To adapt release forces to cartridge designs, the shape of the groove 22 may be varied. For example, for a heavy filter cartridge an asymmetrical groove 22 might be chosen and for a lighter filter cartridge a semi-circular groove 22 might be applied to required lower disassembly forces.
[0160] The filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d depicted in FIGS. 11 to 19 differs from the filter cartridge design depicted in FIGS. 1 to 10 in the form of the groove 22. In the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d depicted in FIGS. 1 to 10 the groove 22 of the end cap 28 is in cross section formed round or circumferential and in the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d depicted in FIGS. 11 to 19 the groove 22 of the end cap 28 is formed asymmetrical, e.g. triangular, for providing a stronger locking connection with the snap connection means 14.
[0161] 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.
[0162] As depicted in FIGS. 31 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.
[0163] FIGS. 3, 13, 22 depict 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.
[0164] As depicted in FIG. 10 the base plate 10 of the air filter device is designed to fit into a filter housing 200 of a plant for gas filtration, for example for a building air filtration, in such a way that it is arranged between an upstream unfiltered air side or raw air side, and a downstream filtered air side or clean air side.
[0165] As depicted in FIGS. 37, 38 the adapter element 40 is provided with four clips 14, which must always be in the same position to align the bayonet pins 24. In the base plate 10 there are only three bayonet holes 16 (cf. FIG. 32). Since there are four clips 14 (cf. FIG. 38), two of which should always be at the top at 45 degrees, the wall of the adapter element 40 is partially flattened to define the arrangement of the pins 24 so that the bayonet 16, 24 is mounted correctly.
[0166] In contrary to the flattened parts, the adapter wall with ribs depicted in FIGS. 37, 38, 27, 28 is relatively stiff and stable. The snap connection means or clip noses 14 are arranged at an inner area of a snap connection collar 42 of the adapter element 40. Rips are arranged at an outer perimeter of the snap connection collar 42 on the back of the clip noses 14. Due to the stiff wall with ribs of the snap connection collar, the clip nose 14 gets more force. Due to flattening of the wall of the snap connection collar 42, the entire snap connection collar ring expands when pushed onto nose 14 and contracts when snapped into place 22. Thus, not only clip nose 14 brings up force, but also the entire snap connection collar 42.
[0167] Moreover, FIG. 37 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. The mounted position is seen in FIG. 32.
[0168] The third, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 of the present invention (cf. FIGS. 39, 47 and 55) are similar to the second embodiment of the adapter element 40 depicted in FIG. 11. All embodiments 40, 40, 40, 40 comprise [0169] the snapping collar 24 for connecting the adapter element with the form fit connection element 16, 16 of the base plate 10, [0170] the snap connection means 14 for connecting the adapter element with the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and [0171] the radial seal 30, 30, 30.
[0172] The sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40 of the present invention differ from the second embodiment 40 in the sealing concept of the adapter element against the base plate 10 as well as the adapter element against the filter cartridge. The sealing interface between the adapter element 40 and the base plate 10 of the sixth embodiment of an air filter device depicted in FIG. 47 comprises instead of an axial sealing means provided by two component injection molding or an injected adhesive element, such as glue material, a circular or quadrangular axial sealing means 32, for example an O-ring. Moreover, 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, for example a quad ring. This leads to the advantage of reduced complexity of the sealing means 32, 30. As depicted in FIG. 43 and FIG. 51, the sealing interface 56 comprises a raised rim to provide a centering function to easily locate the correct position of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d on the adapter element 40, 40
[0173] In the seventh embodiment of an air filter device 100, depicted in FIG. 55, the axial sealing means 32 between the adapter element 40 and the base plate 10 is a cylindrical sealing means 32 that may be a seal which has been pierced by a hose, such as a portion of rubber hose. As may be seen from FIG. 55, the axial seal 32 is held tightly at the adapter element 40 in a circumferential groove of the adapter element 40.
[0174] As may be seen in FIGS. 18, 19, 27, 28, 37, 38, 53, 54, the snap connection collar 42 of the adapter element 40; 40; 40, 40, 40, 40 comprises in the area of the snap connection means 14 ribs 46 designed for reinforcing the retention force for mounting the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d to the base plate 10.
[0175] The fifth, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 differ from the first to fourth embodiment of an adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40 in that the outer diameter of the snap connection collar 42 is circular, for example that the snap connection 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.
[0176] A further difference is that the snap connection collar 42 as well as the connection interface 52 of the open end cap 28 of the fifth, sixth and seventh embodiment of the air filter device are longer, i.e. extend more in axial direction, compared to the snap connection collar 42 and the connection interface of the first to fourth embodiment of the air filter device according to the present invention.
[0177] As may be seen from FIGS. 43 to 46, 51 to 54, 56 and 57 at the fifth, sixth and seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 the snap connection 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 snap connection collar 42 to be formed circular and to be mounted to the mounting device 16, 16 of the base plate 10.
[0178] FIGS. 61 to 63 show an eighth embodiment of the adapter element 40, in which a face of the adapter element 40 facing the filter cartridge 20a comprises three axial ramps 47. The connection interface 52 of filter cartridge 20a comprises three corresponding ramp partners in the form of second ramps 48. The snap connection means of adapter element 40 are a plurality of fingers 14, here five fingers. The snap connection fingers 14 engage in the circumferential groove 22 of the filter cartridge 20a previously described. To move the filter cartridge 20a to its unconnected or unlocked position, the filter cartridge 20a may be rotated, thereby urging the filter cartridge 20a along a sloping surface of the ramps 47 and the corresponding sloping surface of the second ramps 48, such that the filter cartridge 20a is urged axially away from the filter cartridge 20a and partially out of the snap connection fingers 14.
[0179] FIGS. 64 to 66 show a ninth embodiment of the adapter element 40, in which a radial face of the filter cartridge 20a, where the counter snap connection means being circumferential groove 22 is arranged, comprises at least one radial ramp 47. The radial ramp 47 comprises two opposing sloping surfaces which meet at a highest point where stop rib 49 is provided. To move the filter cartridge 20a to its unconnected or unlocked position, the filter cartridge 20a may be rotated, thereby urging the filter cartridge 20a along one of the sloping surfaces of the radial ramp 47 until the snap connection fingers 14 meet the stop rib 49, thereby stopping further rotation. At this point, the snap connection fingers 14 are partially out of the circumferential groove 22 and the demounting force is minimal.
[0180] All embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 to 60 enable fast, simple, reliable 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 radial lifetime seal 30.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0181] 10 base plate, for example mounting frame, such as sheet metal rack, for example sheet metal housing, designed to fit in a filter housing 200 or in a filter unit 200 [0182] 11 fixation opening [0183] 12a flow opening of the base plate 10 [0184] 12b further flow opening of the base plate 10 [0185] 12c further flow opening of the base plate 10 [0186] 12d further flow opening of the base plate 10 [0187] 14 mounting device or fitting device of the base plate 10 or 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 snap connection means, such as at least one snap-on means, for example an engagement hook or snap arm or snap-fit or a radially acting snap [0188] 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. 1 to 10 and FIGS. 29 to 38; [0189] 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 47; [0190] 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, for forming a form-fit connection or form-lock connection with a counter form-fit connection element 24 assigned to the seventh embodiment of the adapter element 40; cf. FIG. 55 [0191] 20a filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartuses or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 22, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36 [0192] 20b further second filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartuses or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 22, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36 [0193] 20c further third filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartuses or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 22, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36 [0194] 20d further fourth filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartuses or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 22, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36 [0195] 20a filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartuses or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; second embodiment cf. FIGS. 12, 13, 16 and 17 [0196] 20b further second filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartuses or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; second embodiment cf. FIGS. 12, 13, 16 and 17 [0197] 20c further third filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartuses or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; second embodiment cf. FIGS. 12, 13, 16, 17 [0198] 20d further fourth filter cartridge, for example adsorber cartuses or adsorption catalyst, for example cylinder shaped; second embodiment cf. FIGS. 12, 13, 16 and 17 [0199] 22 counter mounting means of the open end cap 28 of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, for example at least one counter snap connection means, such as an engagement groove or rip for forming a snap connection together with a snap-on means 14 [0200] 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 to 10 and 29 to 38; [0201] 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 [0202] 25 locking recess or undercut of the adapter element 40, 40 (cf. FIGS. 11 and 20) [0203] 26 closed end cap or upper end plate of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d [0204] 27 handle for axial movement of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 31 and 36 [0205] 27 handle for axial movement of the filter cartridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d second embodiment cf. FIGS. 3, 13, 22 [0206] 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) [0207] 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. 29) [0208] 29 locking means that prevents the bayonet connection (16, 24) to be accidentally loosened or rotated back cf. FIGS. 32 and 37 [0209] 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) [0210] 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. 29) [0211] 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. 47 and 55) [0212] 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. 29 and 34) [0213] 32 circular or quadrangular axial sealing means, for example O-ring or quad ring, second embodiment (cf. FIG. 47) [0214] 32 cylindrical or axial sealing means [0215] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 9 [0216] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; second embodiment cf. FIGS. 11, 18 and 19 [0217] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; third embodiment cf. FIGS. 20, 27, 28 [0218] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; fourth embodiment cf. FIGS. 29, 34, 37 and 38 [0219] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; fifth embodiment cf. FIGS. 39 to 46 [0220] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; 1 sixth embodiment cf. FIGS. 47 to 54 [0221] 40 adapter element or adapter piece of the air filter device 100; seventh embodiment cf. FIGS. 55 to 60 adapter element or adapter piece; eighth embodiment cf. FIGS. 61 to 63 [0222] 40 adapter element or adapter piece; ninth embodiment cf. FIGS. 64 to 66 [0223] 42 snap connection collar of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 the snap connection collar being formed at least partly circumferential, for example radial peripheral edge, such as tubular nozzle segment or tubular socket element, of the adapter element 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 [0224] 44 flattened or thinner-walled circumferential position of the adapter element 40, 40, 40 [0225] 46 rib of the adapter element [0226] 47 axial ramp of adapter element 40 [0227] 47 radial ramp of adapter element 40 [0228] 48 ramp partner in the form of a second ramp on connection interface 52 corresponding to axial ramp 47 [0229] 49 stop rib of radial ramp 47 [0230] 50 filter medium body [0231] 52 connection interface of the open end cap 28 comprising the counter mounting means 22 [0232] 54 rib of the connection interface 52 of the open end cap 28 [0233] 56 sealing interface of the open end cap 28 designed for being in contact with the radial sealing means 30 [0234] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; first embodiment cf. FIGS. 1 to 10 [0235] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; second embodiment cf. FIGS. 11 to 19 [0236] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; third embodiment cf. FIGS. 20 to 28 [0237] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; fourth embodiment cf. FIGS. 29 to 38 [0238] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; fifth embodiment cf. FIGS. 39 to 46 [0239] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; sixth embodiment cf. FIGS. 47 to 54 [0240] 100 air filter device, for example for air filtration in buildings; seventh embodiment cf. FIGS. 55 to 60 [0241] 200 filter housing for the air filter device 100, 100, 100
