CN116066271A - Air filter assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an air filter assembly (1) comprising: i) A cartridge (2) comprising a wall (21) extending along a first axis (V-V) and a second axis (Y-Y), the wall (21) comprising at least one outflow mouth (29) through which air flows, and the cartridge (2) comprising a longitudinal axis (X-X); ii) a filter cartridge (3) comprising: at least two tubular filtering partitions (4) radially penetrable during filtering; and a plate pack (5) comprising a flat body (50), said tubular filtering section (4) being operatively connected to the flat body (50). The flat body (50) extends with respect to an imaginary development plane (S) and comprises, on opposite sides of said imaginary development plane (S), a first face (51) and a second face (52), the first face (51) comprising at least one sealing profile (510) and the second face (52) comprising at least two abutment profiles (520).

Description

Air filter assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air filter assembly for a vehicle. The invention further relates to an engine air supply system of a vehicle, comprising an air filter assembly of the vehicle.

Background

The background to which the present invention pertains is the background of air filtration assemblies in the automotive field. In particular, the present invention relates to air filter assemblies adapted to filter air drawn from the environment into the combustion chamber of an endothermic engine.

In particular, the purpose of such an assembly is to filter the air in order to remove from the air suspended particles which, when they reach the combustion chamber, may damage the engine (or its components) or cause ineffective combustion.

It is therefore of vital importance that the air filtration is performed effectively and efficiently, which avoids the possibility of inhalation and thus the possibility of dust reaching the combustion chamber.

Known air filtration assemblies include a particular cartridge and a particular cartridge (filtering cartridge) (typically a panel-type element) housed within the cartridge.

The main problem of the known air filter assemblies is precisely the incorrect operation of their filter cartridge, which is generally due to incorrect positioning into the cartridge.

In particular, in fact in the solutions known from the prior art, the problems associated with incorrect positioning of the filter cartridge are typical, the filter cartridge engaging the cartridge with an ineffective seal, and therefore having a partial suction of air, with consequent ineffective filtration. Furthermore, an incorrect execution of the operation of inserting the filter cartridge into the cartridge leads to a potential damage to the filter cartridge and/or its sealing profile (profile), again leading to ineffective air filtration.

To overcome this problem, various embodiments of air filter assemblies have been implemented in the prior art, in which the filter cartridge and/or the special components (e.g. drawers) for housing the filter cartridge and/or the housing box of the filter cartridge are subjected to a specific movement with the aim of performing the correct positioning between the parts.

However, such a solution has proven to not completely solve the above technical problems. In fact, this known solution lacks simple maintenance operations and therefore lacks a simple method for inserting a new cartridge into the corresponding cartridge, and therefore has a high probability of error, resulting in the possibility of the cartridge being incorrectly housed inside its cartridge.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore highly desirable to provide an air filter assembly having a cartridge and a filter cartridge receivable in said cartridge, wherein the filter cartridge has efficient filtration properties and at the same time can be inserted into the cartridge in a simple and intuitive manner, but above all ensures an effective seal and thus eliminates the possibility of inhalation.

It is precisely an object of the present invention to provide an air filter assembly in which the above-mentioned needs are solved, and thus also the needs of a specific application field are met in an effective and efficient manner.

This object is achieved by an air filter assembly as claimed in claim 1. In addition, this object is also achieved by an engine air supply system of a vehicle comprising a filter assembly according to claim 20.

The dependent claims thereof show preferred variants which suggest further advantageous aspects.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1a and 1b show two perspective views of separate parts of an air filter assembly according to a first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filter assembly of the present invention;

fig. 3a and 3b show a view along section VI-VI in fig. 2 and a view along section VII-VII, respectively;

FIGS. 4' and 4 "illustrate two perspective views of a filter cartridge included in the air filter assembly of FIGS. 1a and 1b, according to a preferred embodiment;

fig. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e show a bottom view, a first side view, a top view, a second side view and a front view of the cartridge of fig. 4' and 4 ";

FIGS. 6a and 6b show two perspective views of separate parts of an air filter assembly according to a second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an air filter assembly of the present invention;

fig. 7a shows a view along section IX-IX in fig. 7;

FIGS. 8' and 8 "illustrate two perspective views of a filter cartridge included in the air filter assembly of FIGS. 6a and 6b, according to a preferred embodiment; and

Fig. 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and 9e show a bottom view, a first side view, a top view, a second side view and a front view of the cartridge of fig. 8' and 8 ".

Detailed Description

In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an air filter assembly according to the present invention.

According to the invention, the air filter assembly 1 is adapted to be part of a vehicle. In particular, the air filter assembly 1 is adapted to be part of an engine air supply system of a vehicle. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 is thus connectable to an intake manifold of a vehicle. Preferably, the air filter assembly 1 is fluidly connectable to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle by means of said intake manifold.

Preferably, ambient air may pass through the air filter assembly 1 when drawn. Inside the air filter assembly 1, the ambient air is thus separated from the undesired components suspended therein.

As mentioned above, the invention also relates to an engine air supply system of a vehicle comprising an air filter assembly 1.

According to the invention, an air filter assembly 1 for a vehicle comprises a cartridge 2 and a filter cartridge 3 accommodated in said cartridge 2.

Preferably, the cartridge 2 is fluidly connectable on one side to the external environment and on the other side to the intake manifold of the vehicle.

Air filtration takes place inside the cartridge 2.

According to the invention, the cartridge 2 comprises a wall 21. Preferably, said wall 21 comprises at least one outflow mouth 29 through which air can pass. Preferably, the filtered air leaves the cartridge 2 through the outflow mouth 29. Preferably, the outflow nozzle 29 is fluidly connectable to an intake manifold.

According to the invention, the cassette 2 extends along a first axis V-V (preferably vertical) and a second axis Y-Y (preferably transverse). According to a preferred embodiment, the first axis V-V is orthogonal to the second axis Y-Y.

Preferably, the wall 21 extends along said first axis V-V and said second axis Y-Y.

According to the invention, the cassette 2 also extends along a longitudinal axis X-X. The longitudinal axis X-X intersects the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y. In other words, the longitudinal axis X-X extends from the wall 21. Preferably, the longitudinal axis X-X extends orthogonally with respect to the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y, and therefore preferably, the longitudinal axis X-X is orthogonal to the wall 21.

According to a preferred embodiment, the box 2 has substantially the shape of a parallelepiped.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 comprises a plurality of tubular filtering sub-sections 4 and a plate package 5, to which the tubular filtering sub-sections 4 are integrally connected.

According to the invention, the filter insert 3 comprises at least two tubular filter segments 4 which can be passed radially, preferably during filtration. Preferably, the tubular filter partition 4 is radially penetrable from outside to inside during filtration in order to identify the dirty side of the filter cartridge 3 outside the tubular filter partition 4 and the clean side of the filter cartridge 3 therein (preferably in the lumen 40 of the tubular filter partition 4).

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 comprises at least two tubular filtering segments 4 positioned substantially aligned with each other along a first axis V-V or a second axis Y-Y. In other words, at least two tubular filtering sections 4 are positioned to define a main extension row along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y, in particular along an axis intersecting the insertion direction Z, as described below.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter insert 3 comprises at least two parallel rows, wherein each row comprises at least two tubular filter segments 4.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 comprises at least three tubular filter segments 4 per row.

Preferably, each tubular filtering section 4 comprises a respective filtering axis F-F.

According to a preferred embodiment, two tubular filtering partitions 4 belonging to the same row and close to each other have respective filtering axes F-F, which are mutually offset along both the first axis V-V and the second axis Y-Y.

As mentioned above, according to the invention, the filter insert 3 furthermore comprises a plate package 5 to which the tubular filter sector 4 is operatively connected. In particular, the plate package 5 is adapted to support the tubular filter sector 4.

The plate package 5 comprises a flat body 50 to which at least two tubular filter sectors 4 are operatively connected.

The plate package 5, in particular the flat body 50, comprises at least one outflow opening 59 adapted to place the tubular filter sub-section 4, in particular the inner chamber 40 thereof, in fluid communication with the at least one outflow mouth 29.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5, in particular the flat body 50, comprises at least one outflow opening 59 for each tubular filter zone 4. Preferably, the wall 21 further comprises outflow mouths 29 at the respective outflow openings 59.

In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the outflow opening 59 is a conduit extending longitudinally between the second face 52 and the first face 51, as described below. Preferably, the plate package 5, in particular the flat body 50, comprises a number of ducts equal to the number of tubular filtering partitions 4.

According to an alternative embodiment, the at least one outflow opening 59 has a shape such that it extends longitudinally between the second face 52 and the first face 51 to fluidly connect the tubular filtering section 4 to the at least one outflow mouth 29. In other words, in such an embodiment, the outflow opening 59 is an internal fluid manifold adapted to connect the tubular filtering section 4 with the at least one outflow mouth 29. Thus, the outflow opening 59 preferably has a number of fluid channels on the second face 52 equal to the number of tubular filtering sub-sections 4, and a number of fluid channels on the first face 51 (for example comprising a number of fluid channels on the first face 51 equal to the number of outflow mouths 29 present in the wall 21).

According to the invention, the plate package 5, in particular the flat body 50, extends with respect to an imaginary deployment plane (imaginary development plane) S.

Preferably, said virtual spreading plane S is positioned on the centre line of the thickness of the plate package 5.

According to the invention, on opposite sides of said virtual development plane S, the plate package 5, in particular the flat body 50, comprises a first face 51 and a second face 52. The first face 51 is also referred to as a sealing face. The second face 52 is also referred to as an abutment or push (thrust) face.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filtering sections are operatively connected to the flat body 50 of the plate package 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filtering sections 4 are integrally connected to the plate package 5.

Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment, at least two tubular filtering sub-sections 4 are integrally connected to the second face 52. Preferably, each tubular filtering section 4 comprises an end 45 embedded in a flat body 50.

According to the invention, the first face 51 comprises at least one sealing profile 510.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5 comprises a single sealing profile 510 extending around one or more outflow openings 59 present in the plate package 5, which identifies a single sealing area by engagement with the wall 21.

According to a preferred embodiment, for each outflow opening 59, the plate package 5 comprises a respective sealing profile 510 extending around the respective outflow opening 59. In other words, for example, an embodiment of the cartridge 5 in which the plate package 5 comprises three outflow openings 59 comprises three sealing profiles 510 identifying three sealing areas.

In some embodiments, the plate package 5 includes a sealing profile 510 extending around the plurality of outflow openings 59. For example, the sealing profile 510 extends around a plurality of outflow openings 59, which are preferably aligned with each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profile 510 is integrated in the flat body 50. In particular, the sealing profile 510 is a sealing collar or lip integrally formed with the flat body 50, for example of the same material as the flat body 50.

Preferably, the sealing profile 510 acts in an axial direction (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X).

Preferably, in the case of several sealing profiles 510, each sealing profile 510 acts in an axial direction (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X).

According to the invention, the second face 52 comprises at least two abutment profiles 520.

Preferably, the abutment profiles 520 are positioned axially spaced apart from each other.

According to the invention, the abutment profiles 520 are mutually spaced with respect to the first axis V-V or with respect to the second axis Y-Y, such that at least one tubular filtering partition 4 is positioned between two consecutive abutment profiles 520 (along the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y).

In a preferred embodiment, the abutment profile 520 is an area belonging to the second face 52.

In some preferred embodiments, the abutment profile 520 protrudes or is recessed with respect to the second imaginary plane I2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the number of abutment profiles 520 is such that an end abutment profile 520 comprising an axial distal end and at least one central abutment profile positioned between the two end abutment profiles.

Preferably, the abutment profile 520 is positioned between two consecutive tubular filtering zones 4.

In an embodiment comprising three tubular filter sections 4 (preferably per row), two end abutment profiles 520 and two central abutment profiles 520 are identified, such that the central abutment profile 520 is positioned between a first tubular filter section 4 and a second tubular filter section 4 and the other central abutment profile 520 is positioned between the second tubular filter section 4 and a third tubular filter section 4.

According to the invention, the filter cartridge 3 can be inserted into the cartridge 2 along an insertion direction Z substantially parallel to the first axis V-V or the second axis Y-Y.

In other words, the cartridge 3 can be inserted into the cartridge with an insertion operation in a single insertion direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tubular filtering sub-sections 4 and the rows of tubular filtering sub-sections 4 extend in particular along an axis intersecting the insertion direction Z; preferably, the tubular filter partitions 4 and the rows of tubular filter partitions 4 extend orthogonally to the insertion direction Z.

According to a preferred embodiment, the insertion direction Z is approximately the first axis V-V corresponding to the vertical, so that the insertion operation also benefits from the action of gravity.

According to other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the rows of tubular filter sectors 4 extend parallel to the insertion direction Z.

According to the invention, the capsule 2 comprises a containing region 25 between the wall 21 and at least two abutment elements 22, which are longitudinally spaced from the wall 21 and axially spaced from each other.

The plate package 5 is accommodated in said accommodation region 25, wherein at least one sealing profile 510 sealingly engages with the wall 21 and an abutment profile 520 engages with a corresponding abutment element 22.

Preferably, the abutment elements 22 comprised in the cassette 2 are in number and position a function of the abutment profiles 520 comprised on the plate package 5.

In other words, in said housing region 25, the plate package 5 can be inserted by an axial insertion operation along the insertion direction Z, such that the plate package 5 is sealingly engaged with the wall 21 by means of the first face 51 and such that it is engaged by the abutment element 22 on the second face 52. Preferably, abutment on the second face 52 involves an axial pushing in longitudinal direction, which causes the first face 51 to be pushed under the pushing action and to remain on the wall 21.

According to the invention, the flat body 50 is a single piece made of an elastically yielding material, and in the configuration of the plate package 5 accommodated in the accommodation area 25, the flat body 50 is subjected to a volumetric compression.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing profile 510 is made integrally with the flat body 50, so that in the configuration of the plate package 5 accommodated in the accommodation region 25, at least said sealing profile 510 is subjected to a volumetric compression.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flat body 50 is subjected to a volumetric compression as a result of the pushing interaction of the second face 52, in particular the abutment profile 520, with the abutment element 22 and the resulting fastening of the first face 51 with the wall 21, in particular the at least one sealing profile 510, with the wall 21.

According to the invention, the flat body 50 is a single piece made of elastically yielding material, configured to allow the cartridge to be installed upon a volumetric compression imposed on the flat body 50 as a result of its positioning inside the corresponding housing seat 25 provided in the cartridge.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flat body 50 is a single piece made of polyurethane.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flat body 50 is a single piece made of closed cell polyurethane foam.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flat body 50 is a single piece made of a closed-cell polyurethane foam having a shore a hardness between 50 and 75, preferably between 55 and 65.

Advantageously, the flat body 50 is made of an elastomeric material having a sufficient hardness necessary to ensure a watertight coupling of the cartridge to the box, which limits the force required to install and properly fasten the sealing profile, and at the same time a sufficient mechanical resistance necessary to structurally support the tubular filtering sector.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package 5 comprises an internal reinforcing structure 58, wherein the flat body 50 covers said internal reinforcing structure.

As will be described more fully below, the plate package 5 (and in particular some of its components) and the complementary receiving area 25 are shaped exclusively with respect to each other both in the longitudinal direction and in a direction parallel to the insertion direction. Thus, in particular, such coupling allows a single/unique mutual positioning.

According to a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, at least one sealing profile 510 is shaped with respect to the imaginary development plane S with vertically variable distances dz1, dz1' along the insertion direction Z, these distances being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

That is, the sealing profile 510 is shaped to have a particular portion at a first vertical distance dz1 from the virtual deployment plane S and other portions at different vertical distances dz1' from the virtual deployment plane S.

Or according to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profiles 510 are mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane S with vertically variable distances dz1, dz1' along the insertion direction Z, measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

That is, a plurality of sealing profiles 510 are included, each sealing profile 510 being positioned a specific vertical distance from the imaginary spreading plane S. Thus, preferably, two consecutive sealing profiles 510 are positioned at two different distances from said imaginary spreading plane S in a direction parallel to the insertion direction Z. Preferably, the lower sealing profile 510 or the lower part of the sealing profile 510, which is first approached to the cartridge 2 in the insertion operation, is located in a position preferably close to the virtual deployment plane S with respect to the upper sealing profile 510 or the upper part of the sealing profile 510.

The wall 21 is specially complementarily shaped according to what has been described above in relation to the shape and position of the sealing profile 510.

According to a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, the abutment profile 520 is shaped with respect to the imaginary development plane S with vertically variable distances along the insertion direction Z, these distances being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z.

That is, the abutment profile 520 is shaped to have a specific portion of a first vertical distance dz2 from the virtual deployment plane S and other portions of different vertical distances from the virtual deployment plane S.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the abutment profiles 520 are mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane S with a vertically variable distance along the insertion direction Z, these distances being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction Z. In other words, the abutment profile has a "saw tooth profile".

The abutment element 22 is shaped specifically complementarily according to what has been described above with respect to the shape and position of the abutment profile 520.

According to a preferred embodiment, the abutment profile 520 and the abutment element 22 comprise respective abutment and thrusting surfaces 520', 22 "which are mutually slidably engaged during the operation of inserting the cartridge 3 into the box 2.

Preferably, the abutment and pushing surfaces 520', 22' are shaped so that the filter cartridge 3 undergoes a pushing or abutment action towards the wall 21 so as to remain in place.

Preferably, the abutment and thrusting surfaces 520', 22' are shaped so that the filter cartridge 3 is subjected to a thrusting action towards the wall 21, which determines the volumetric compression of the flat body 50, so as to remain in position.

In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5, which is taken orthogonally with respect to the development plane S, has elements or element portions close to said development plane S and elements or element portions distant from said development plane S. In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5, which is taken orthogonally with respect to the development plane S, has elements or element portions on the first face 51 and/or on the second face 52 that are close to said virtual development plane S and elements or element portions that are distant from said virtual development plane S.

According to the invention, the plate package 5 has a shape such that it tapers in a first region which enters the receiving region 25 during the insertion operation. According to a preferred embodiment, the plate package has a shape such that it tapers at the bottom.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing profile 510 is shaped with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable longitudinal distances dx1, dx1', dx1", dx 1'" along a first axis V-V or a second axis Y-Y, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, these distances being measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

That is, the sealing profile 510 is shaped to have a particular portion a first longitudinal distance dx1 from the virtual deployment plane S and other portions a different longitudinal distance dx1' from the virtual deployment plane S.

Or according to a preferred embodiment, the sealing profiles 510 are mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable longitudinal distances dx1, dx1', dx1", dx 1'" along a first axis V-V or a second axis Y-Y, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

That is, a plurality of sealing profiles 510 are included, each sealing profile 510 being positioned a specific longitudinal distance from the imaginary spreading plane S. Thus, preferably, two mutually consecutive sealing profiles 510 are located at two different longitudinal distances.

According to a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, the abutment profile 520 is shaped with respect to the imaginary development plane S with variable longitudinal distances dx2, dx2' along a first axis V-V or a second axis Y-Y, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, these distances being measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

That is, the abutment profile 520 is shaped to have a specific portion at a first longitudinal distance from the imaginary spreading plane S and other portions at different longitudinal distances from the imaginary spreading plane S.

Or according to a preferred embodiment, the abutment profiles 520 are mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane S with a longitudinally variable distance along a first axis V-V, a second axis Y-Y, preferably along an axis orthogonal to the insertion direction Z, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X.

That is, a plurality of abutment profiles 520 are included, each abutment profile 520 being positioned at a specific longitudinal distance from the virtual deployment plane S. Thus, preferably, two mutually consecutive abutment profiles 520 along the insertion axis Z are located at two different longitudinal distances.

In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5, taken along the deployment plane S, has elements or element portions that are longitudinally close to said plane, and elements or element portions that are longitudinally distant from said plane. In other words, according to the invention, the plate package 5, which is taken orthogonally to the insertion direction relative to the expansion plane S, has elements or element portions on the first face 51 and/or the second face 52 that are longitudinally close to the virtual expansion plane S and elements or element portions that are longitudinally distant from the virtual expansion plane S.

According to the invention, the plate package 5 has a shape such that it has a variable cross section with a tapering tendency, preferably in a preferred axial direction. Alternatively, again according to the invention, the plate package 5 has a shape such as to have a variable cross section (concave or convex in the centre).

According to a preferred embodiment, the first face 51 extends with respect to a first virtual plane I1, wherein said first virtual plane I1 is a plane containing all points on a continuous plane.

According to a preferred embodiment, each sealing profile 510 is located on or protrudes from said first imaginary plane I1.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first face 51 extends with respect to a first virtual plane I1, wherein said first virtual plane I1 is a break plane (brooken plane) identifying a plurality of virtual half-planes I1', I1", I1'".

According to a preferred embodiment, wherein at least one sealing profile 510 is located on or protrudes from a respective first imaginary half-plane I1', I1", I1'".

According to a preferred embodiment, the second face 52 extends with respect to a second virtual plane I2, wherein said second virtual plane I2 is a plane containing all points on a continuous plane.

According to a preferred embodiment, each abutment profile 520 is located on or protrudes from said second imaginary plane I2.

According to an alternative embodiment, the second face 52 extends with respect to a second virtual plane I2, wherein said second virtual plane I2 is a broken or serrated plane identifying a plurality of virtual second half-planes.

According to a preferred embodiment, wherein at least one abutment profile 520 is located on or protrudes from a respective second imaginary half-plane.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second face 52 extends in a broken manner along the insertion direction Z, comprising a lower half and an upper half, wherein the virtual pushing plane I2 is a broken plane comprising two intersecting virtual half planes.

As mentioned above, the cartridge 2 (its housing area 25), in particular the wall 21 and the abutment element 22, are specially shaped to be engaged by the sealing profile 510 and the abutment profile 520.

For example, in the embodiment where the cartridge 3 comprises a plurality of sealing profiles 510, the wall 21 is specially shaped to comprise a sealing surface 210 adapted to be engaged by said sealing profiles 510.

For example, according to a preferred embodiment, the wall 21 comprises a plurality of sealing planes 210 positioned on different virtual sealing planes, which in turn have a variable longitudinal distance and a variable (or respectively different) vertical distance with respect to the virtual development plane S in a direction parallel to the insertion direction Z, in the case of housing the filter cartridge 3.

Or again, by way of example, according to a preferred embodiment, the abutment elements 22 lie on different virtual abutment planes, which in turn have a variable longitudinal distance and a variable vertical distance with respect to the virtual development plane S, in the case of the cartridge 3 housed in the box 2 and therefore the plate group 5 housed in the housing region 25.

In other words, according to the present invention, the plate group 5 viewed from the side has a variable shape along the vertical axis, and the plate group 5 viewed from above has a variable shape along the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second faces 51, 52 has said variable trend along the vertical axis, and at least one of the first and second faces 51, 52 has said variable trend along the longitudinal axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 2 comprises: a container 20 in which the cartridge 3 can be at least partially housed; and a cap 200 adapted to engage and close the container 20.

Preferably, the cap 200 may be mounted on the container 20 using a translational or rotational translational motion. According to a preferred embodiment, the cap 200 may be mounted to the container 20 by a screw or clip arrangement.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 200 is adapted to engage the filter cartridge 3, in particular the second face 52.

Preferably, the cover 200 is adapted to engage the plate package 5 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

In other words, the cap 200 is preferably adapted to function as an axial abutment in the insertion direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 200 comprises one or more abutment projections 222 adapted to engage the second face 52 of the plate set 5 to hold the cartridge 3 in its longitudinal position or to hold the cartridge 3 (in particular the sealing profile 510) under thrusting action in the longitudinal direction towards the wall 21.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 200 comprises one or more abutment projections 222 adapted to engage the second face 52 of the plate set 5 to increase the portion of the flat body 50 subjected to volumetric compression, thus increasing the strength of the thrusting of the cartridge 3 in the longitudinal direction towards the wall 21 (in particular of the at least one sealing profile 510) and the stability of the coupling between the cartridge 3 and the cartridge 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, one or more abutment protrusions 222 engage an abutment profile 520.

According to a preferred embodiment, the abutment projection 222 has the same purpose as the abutment element 22. Preferably, the second face 52, in particular each abutment profile 520, is shaped and/or positioned with its lower portion interacting with the abutment element 22 and with its upper portion interacting with the abutment projection 222.

Preferably, the abutment profile 520 and abutment projection 222 have auxiliary abutment and urging surfaces 520", 222".

Preferably, the one or more abutment protrusions 222 are positioned at the central abutment profile 520. In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the central abutment profile 520 has a wedge shape comprising an abutment and ejection face adapted to engage the abutment element 22 and an auxiliary abutment and ejection face adapted to engage the abutment projection 222.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 2 comprises at least one inflow mouth 28. Preferably, the at least one inflow mouth 28 is longitudinally spaced from the at least one outflow mouth 29.

According to a preferred embodiment, the container 20 and/or the cover 200 comprise directional wings adapted to direct the external air flow towards the tubular filtering section 4. In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the container 20 and/or the cover 200 comprise therein directional wings adapted to direct the incoming air flow towards the outer wall of the tubular filtering section 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge 3 further comprises an auxiliary plate package 6. Preferably, the auxiliary plate package 6 is longitudinally opposite to the plate package 5. Preferably, the tubular filter partition 4 is integrally connected to the auxiliary plate package 6.

According to a preferred embodiment, each tubular filtering section 4 is engaged by a respective set of auxiliary plates 6.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 2 further comprises a support element adapted to support the auxiliary plate package 6.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plate set 5 comprises elastically yielding teeth adapted to snap-engage a special housing provided on the container 20 or the cap 200. Preferably, the snap-engagement occurs at the end of the insertion of the filter insert 3 into the cartridge 2 in the insertion direction. Preferably, the cartridge is extracted from the capsule 2 by performing a pulling action that overcomes the elastic action of said elastically yielding teeth.

Preferably, the elastically yielding teeth act in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X.

Preferably, the elastically yielding teeth are integrated in the reinforcing structure 58 of the plate package 5.

According to some preferred embodiments shown, the laterally spaced abutment elements 520 have the same shape (i.e., the same inclination) (as shown in the figures).

According to some preferred embodiments, the laterally spaced abutment elements 520 have different shapes, e.g. they have different inclinations.

It should be noted that with respect to the embodiments shown in the drawings, hybrid embodiments are included that remain consistent with the principles of the invention described above, having an arrangement of sealing profiles of one solution and abutment profiles of the other solution.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 2 between the two abutment elements 22 comprises an abutment fitting 228 adapted to engage the second face 52 in the region between the two abutment profiles 520.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 2 between the two abutment elements 22 comprises an abutment fitting 228 adapted to planarly engage the second face 52 in the area between the two abutment profiles 520.

Preferably, the abutment fitting 228 is adapted to engage a substantial portion of the second face 52 by means of a push action.

Preferably, said abutment fitting 228 is adapted to increase the portion of the flat body 50 subjected to volumetric compression, thus enhancing the stability of the watertight coupling of the cartridge 3 to the box 2, in particular of the at least one sealing profile 510 to the wall 21.

According to a preferred embodiment, said abutment fitting 228 is shaped so as to partially enclose the outer surface of the tubular filtering partition 4 positioned between two abutment profiles 520.

Innovatively, as described above, the air filter assembly and the engine air supply system of a vehicle including the same broadly achieve the objects of the present invention, overcoming the typical problems of the prior art.

Advantageously, the air filter assembly ensures simple and intuitive assembly and simple and intuitive disassembly. Advantageously, the assembly and disassembly operations of the air filter assembly are guided and extremely simple.

Advantageously, the cartridge can be inserted into the cartridge according to a single insertion direction, which facilitates the maintenance process.

Advantageously, the filter insert (but in particular the plate pack thereof) can be inserted into the cartridge (in particular in the receiving region) in a guided manner, in order to avoid damage or wear of the sealing profile, which minimizes its friction with the wall and undesired sliding.

Advantageously, the maintenance operation is guided and overcomes the possibility of undesired damages occurring in its execution.

Advantageously, the positioning of the filter cartridge ensures a safe and precise positioning of the sealing profile, thus ensuring a stable, reliable sealing coupling against vibrations and shocks.

Advantageously, the volumetric compression undergone by the flat body is obtained by longitudinal and transverse members which distribute the thrusting action on the plate package uniformly towards the wall.

Advantageously, the abutment element and the abutment profile interact in order to facilitate the engagement of the sealing profile. Advantageously, the abutment element and the abutment profile are specially structured to apply a uniform pushing/compression of the flat body, but first to apply a uniform pushing/compression of the sealing profile. Advantageously, the abutment element and the abutment profile also perform an effective pushing action in the central region of the plate package.

Advantageously, the filter cartridge effectively uses the space available near and/or between adjacent tubular filter sectors, in particular on the second face of the plate package, to guide the filter cartridge to the containment area while forming and maintaining a seal against the wall. Advantageously, with respect to known filter cartridges (e.g., including panel-type filter media or cylindrical filter media) belonging to the prior art, the filter cartridge of the present invention accomplishes this function by utilizing space that is generally inaccessible and occupied by the filter media.

Advantageously, the cartridge takes advantage of the layout flexibility provided by the tubular partition to create an innovative guidance and positioning system.

Advantageously, the abutment element and the abutment profile interact in order to ensure that the sealing profile (or profiles) is sufficiently fastened along the entire length of the plate package, even in the case of a cartridge having a plurality of tubular partitions organized in several rows and therefore having a greater size and weight than in the case of a cartridge having two tubular filtering partitions.

Advantageously, the cartridge can be mounted inside the cartridge by a guiding/positioning system which can be performed and maneuvered in a small space with, for example, vertical insertion or lateral insertion. This effect allows to maximize the use of the space available inside the engine compartment and to facilitate the installation of the air supply system on the vehicle.

Advantageously, the positioning guide system is very compact, thus allowing to improve the use of the cartridge internal space, increase the available filtering surface and reduce the pressure drop imposed on the suction circuit by the filtering system.

Advantageously, the cartridge stably maintains watertight coupling by utilizing the limited tolerance chain involved, thus optimizing the number of parts required and therefore the production costs associated with the cartridge.

Advantageously, the cartridge is automatically objectified by means of the specific shape of the plate group, which facilitates its correct insertion into the cartridge and provides the operator with an immediate visual recognition system.

Advantageously, in order to function effectively, the air filter assembly needs to be specially shaped into the original cartridge that operates with the cartridge, thus also solving the problem of non-original cartridges.

Advantageously, the rigid connection obtained between the cartridge and the box, in particular between the plate set and the containment zone, allows a safe and firm engagement, as well as a safe and firm seal between the parts. Advantageously, the box inside the vehicle can be positioned in any relative position without affecting the filtering method.

Advantageously, the tubular filter sectors are partially embedded in the flat body, which ensures a mutual seal.

Advantageously, the flat body is a single piece made of elastically yielding material, comprising a sealing profile and an abutment profile, thus reducing the number of parts and the costs associated with the production of the cartridge.

Advantageously, the flat body is a single piece of elastically yielding material that is volume compressible; this feature allows a stable positioning of the cartridge inside the cartridge over time, and at the same time maintains a watertight coupling of the cartridge.

Advantageously, the flat body is a single piece made of a closed-cell polyurethane foam obtained by means of a mixture of polyol and isocyanate in liquid form at room temperature, which facilitates the sealed incorporation of the ends of the tubular partition of filter material in the panel group during the production process.

Advantageously, the flat body is a single piece made of a closed-cell polyurethane foam obtained by means of a mixture of polyols and isocyanates in liquid form at room temperature, which facilitates the production of the panel set having the geometry according to the invention.

Advantageously, the flat body is a single piece made of an elastically yielding material having suitable stiffness characteristics to structurally support the tubular filtering sector of the cartridge.

Advantageously, the filter cartridge is a single component.

It is obvious that the person skilled in the art can make modifications to the air filter assembly described above in order to satisfy contingent needs, all of which are included within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

List of reference numerals:

1 air filtration assembly

2 box

20 container

21 wall

210 sealing plane

22 abutment element

22' against and pushing surface

25 accommodation area

28 inflow nozzle

29 outflow nozzle

200 cover

222 against the projection

228 against fitting

3 filter core

4 tubular filtration zone

40 lumen of

45 end portions

5 board group

50 unit body

51 first face, sealing face

510 sealing profile

52 second and abutment surfaces

520 against the profile

520', 222' against and pushing against surfaces

520', 222' assist against and push against surfaces

58 internal reinforcing structure

59 flow outlet

6 auxiliary plate group

X-X longitudinal axis

V-V first axis, vertical axis

Y-Y second axis, horizontal axis

Z insertion direction

S virtual expansion plane

I1 first imaginary plane

I2 second imaginary plane

dx1, dx1', dx1", dx 1'", dx2, with a longitudinal variable distance

dz1, dz1', dz 2.

Claims (20)

1. An air filter assembly (1) for a vehicle, comprising:

i) -a cartridge (2) comprising a wall (21) extending along a first axis (V-V) and a second axis (Y-Y), said wall (21) comprising at least one outflow mouth (29) through which air flows, wherein said cartridge (2) further comprises a longitudinal axis (X-X) intersecting said first axis (V-V) and said second axis (Y-Y);

ii) a filter cartridge (3), comprising:

-at least two tubular filtering partitions (4) radially penetrable during filtering;

-a flat group (5) comprising a flat body (50), said at least two tubular filtering partitions (4) being operatively connected to said flat body (50), wherein said flat body (50) extends with respect to a virtual deployment plane (S) and comprises, on opposite sides of said virtual deployment plane (S), a first face (51) and a second face (52), said first face (51) comprising at least one sealing profile (510), said second face (52) comprising at least two abutment profiles (520), wherein said flat body (50) comprises at least one outflow opening (59), said at least one outflow opening (59) being adapted to place said tubular filtering partitions (4) in fluid communication with said at least one outflow mouth (29);

Wherein the cartridge (3) is insertable into the cartridge (2) along an insertion direction (Z) substantially parallel to the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y);

wherein the cassette (2) comprises a receiving area (25) between the wall (21) and at least two abutment elements (22), the at least two abutment elements (22) being longitudinally spaced from the wall (21) and axially spaced from each other, wherein the flat group (5) is received in the receiving area (25), wherein the first face (51) is sealingly engaged with the wall (21) and the second face (52) is engaged by the abutment elements (22);

wherein the at least one sealing profile (510) and/or the abutment profile (520) are shaped or mutually positioned with respect to the imaginary development plane (S) with a vertically variable distance (dz 1, dz1', dz 2) from the imaginary development plane (S) along the insertion direction (Z), the vertically variable distance (dz 1, dz1', dz 2) being measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction (Z); and is also provided with

Wherein the at least one sealing profile (510) and/or the abutment profile (520) are shaped or mutually positioned with respect to the virtual deployment plane (S) with a longitudinally variable distance (dx 1, dx1', dx1", dx 1'", dx 2) from the virtual deployment plane (S) along the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y), the longitudinally variable distances (dx 1, dx1', dx1", dx 1'", dx 2) being measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X);

Wherein the flat body (50) is a single component made of an elastically yielding material, preferably a closed-cell polyurethane foam, wherein in the configuration of the flat group (5) accommodated in the accommodation region (25), the flat body (50) is subjected to a volumetric compression.

2. Air filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one sealing profile (510) is made integrally with said flat body (50) such that in said configuration of said flat group (5) housed in said containment zone (25), at least said sealing profile (510) is subjected to volumetric compression.

3. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat group (5) comprises an internal stiffening structure (58), wherein the flat body (50) covers the internal stiffening structure.

4. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment profile (520) extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (X-X).

5. An air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular filter partition (4) comprises an end portion (45) embedded in the flat body (5).

6. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two tubular filter segments (4) are positioned to define a main extension row along the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y), in particular along an axis intersecting the insertion direction (Z).

7. An air filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein two tubular filter sectors (4) belonging to the same row and close to each other have respective filter axes (F-F) offset from each other along both the first axis (V-V) and the second axis (Y-Y).

8. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first face (51) extends with respect to a first virtual plane (I1), wherein the first virtual plane (I1) is a plane containing all points on a continuous plane.

9. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first face (51) extends with respect to a first virtual plane (I1), wherein the first virtual plane (I1) is a broken plane identifying a plurality of first virtual half-planes (I1 ', I1", I1'").

10. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second face (52) extends with respect to a second virtual plane (I2), wherein the second virtual plane (I2) is a plane containing all points on a continuous plane.

11. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second face (52) extends with respect to a second virtual plane (I2), wherein the second virtual plane (I2) is a broken or serrated plane identifying a plurality of virtual second half-planes.

12. The air filter assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the second face (52) extends in a broken manner along the insertion direction (Z), comprising a lower half and an upper half, wherein the virtual pushing plane (I2) is a broken plane comprising two intersecting virtual half planes.

13. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (2) comprises: -a container (20), the filter cartridge (3) being at least partially receivable in the container (20); and a cap (200) adapted to engage and close the container (20), wherein the second face (52) is engaged by the container (20) and/or the cap (200) by means of a pushing action, the cap (200) preferably comprising an abutment protrusion (222) adapted to engage the abutment profile (520) of the pushing face (52).

14. An air filter assembly (1) according to claims 12 and 13, wherein the container (20) engages the lower half by means of a pushing action and the cover (200) engages the upper half by means of a pushing action.

15. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cassette (2) between two abutment elements (22, 222) comprises an abutment fitting (228) adapted to engage the second face (52), preferably planarly, in a region between two abutment elements (520).

16. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter cartridge (3) comprises at least two rows of filter segments, preferably overlapping along the first axis (V-V) or the second axis (Y-Y), wherein each row comprises at least two tubular filter segments (4).

17. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment profile (520) and the abutment element (22) define respective abutment and ejection surfaces (520 ', 22'), the abutment and ejection surfaces (520 ', 22') being mutually slidably engaged during the operation of inserting the core (3) into the cassette (2), wherein the abutment and ejection surfaces (520 ', 22') are shaped, preferably inclined, such that the core (3) is pushed and held in position in the longitudinal direction towards the wall (21).

18. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat group (5) comprises a single sealing profile (510), the single sealing profile (510) extending around the at least one outflow opening (59), which identifies a single sealing area by engagement with the wall (21).

19. The air filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the flat group (5) comprises a plurality of outflow openings (59) and comprises respective sealing profiles (510), each sealing profile (510) extending around a respective outflow opening (59), which identifies a respective sealing area by engagement with the wall (21).

20. Engine air supply system of a vehicle, comprising an air filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (2) is fluidly connected to an intake manifold and air is sucked from the external environment through the air filter assembly (1).

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