U.S. patent application number 10/264882 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-08 for air filter assembly.
Invention is credited to Walker, Robert A. JR..
Application Number | 20040065206 10/264882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32042351 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040065206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker, Robert A. JR. |
April 8, 2004 |
AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
Air filter assemblies comprise an air filter housing an air flow
passageway extending therethrough, and a connection flange to
facilitate attachment with an air filter member. The air filter
member comprises an annular air filter element disposed
concentrically around the housing. The filter member has a closed
top at one end and a retaining band at an opposite band that
includes a connection base that is configured to attach with the
housing connection flange. An attachment assembly is positioned
over the housing connection flange and air filter member connection
base to releasibly attach the air filter member to the air filter
housing. An O-ring seal is interposed between the air filter
housing and member to provide a leak-tight fit therebetween. A
sound attenuating chamber is disposed within the assembly to
control unwanted intake air noise therein. A vacuum monitor can be
attached to the assembly to assessing the remaining service life of
the air filter element without need for visually inspection.
Inventors: |
Walker, Robert A. JR.;
(Santa Clara, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
P.O. BOX 7068
PASADENA
CA
91109-7068
US
|
Family ID: |
32042351 |
Appl. No.: |
10/264882 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
96/381 ;
55/385.3; 55/498; 55/502; 96/383; 96/417 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 2271/02 20130101;
B01D 46/0086 20130101; B01D 46/4236 20130101; B01D 2265/028
20130101; B01D 2279/60 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
096/381 ;
096/383; 096/417; 055/385.3; 055/498; 055/502 |
International
Class: |
B01D 046/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An air filter assembly comprising: an air filter housing
comprising: an air outlet section at one housing end adapted for
connection to an engine intake system; an internal member at an
opposite housing end, the air outlet section and internal member
having an annular configuration with an air flow passageway
extending therethrough; and a connection flange extending radially
outwardly therefrom; an air filter member attached to the housing
and comprising: an annular filter element having a filter media
disposed along a wall section and having an inside diameter larger
than the housing internal member, the internal member being
disposed concentrically within the wall section; a closed top
attached to one end of the filter element, the top being disposed a
distance away from an end of the internal member to provide an air
flow space therebetween; a retaining band disposed around an
opposite end of the air filter element; and a connection base
positioned adjacent the retaining band and placed adjacent the
housing connection flange; an attachment assembly positioned over
the connection flange and connection base to releasibly attach the
air filter member to the air filter housing.
2. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising
a sealing means interposed between the air filter housing and air
filter member to provide a leak-tight seal therebetween.
3. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein the
sealing means is an O-ring seal interposed between the connection
flange and the connection base.
4. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising
means for attenuating air noise within the air filter housing.
5. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein the means
for attenuating air noise comprises an air attenuation chamber
disposed within one or both of the outlet section and internal
member, the chamber being positioned along an inside diameter wall
forming the air flow passageway, the chamber including number of
openings disposed through the wall and comprising a noise
attenuating material disposed within the chamber.
6. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising
means for attenuating air noise within the air filter member.
7. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein the means
for attenuating air noise comprises an air attenuation chamber
disposed within the top, the chamber being positioned along an
inside top surface and including number of openings disposed
therethrough and comprising a noise attenuating material disposed
within the chamber.
8. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the
attachment assembly is an expandable/contractible clamp, the
connection flange and connecting base together form a V-shaped
connection point, and wherein the clamp has a V-shaped internal
clamping surface for cooperation therewith.
9. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising
means for monitoring the air filter element service life.
10. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein the means
for monitoring measures the amount of vacuum within the assembly
during air filter assembly operation.
11. An air filter assembly comprising: an air filter housing
comprising: an air outlet section at one housing end adapted for
connection to an engine intake system; an internal member at an
opposite housing end, the air outlet section and internal member
having an annular configuration with an air flow passageway
extending therethrough; and a connection flange extending radially
outwardly therefrom; an air filter member attached to the housing
and comprising: an annular filter element having a filter media
disposed along a wall section and having an inside diameter larger
than the housing internal member, the internal member being
disposed concentrically within the annular filter; a closed top
attached to one end of the air filter element, the top being
disposed a distance away from an end of the internal member to
provide an air flow space therebetween; a retaining band disposed
around an opposite end of the air filter element; and a connection
base positioned adjacent the retaining band and placed adjacent the
housing connection flange thereby forming a connection point; an
elastomeric sealing means interposed between the connection flange
and connection base to provide a leak-tight seal therebetween; a
clamp assembly positioned over the connection point to releasibly
attach the air filter member to the air filter housing; and means
for attenuating air noise within the assembly, the means for
attenuating being disposed within the assembly.
12. The air filter assembly recited in claim 11 wherein the sealing
means is an O-ring seal
13. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein the
means for attenuating air noise comprises an air attenuation
chamber disposed within one or both of the outlet section and
internal member, the chamber being positioned along an inside
diameter wall forming the air flow passageway, the chamber
including number of openings disposed through the wall and
comprising a noise attenuating material disposed within the
chamber.
14. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein the
means for attenuating air noise comprises an air attenuation
chamber disposed within the top, the chamber being positioned along
an inside top surface and including number of openings disposed
therethrough and comprising a noise attenuating material disposed
within the chamber.
15. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein the
clamp assembly is in the form of an expandable/contractible band,
the connection point between the air filter housing and air filter
member having a V-shaped cross-section, the band having a V-shaped
internal clamping surface for cooperation therewith.
16. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 11 further
comprising means for monitoring the filter element service
life.
17. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein the
means for monitoring measures the amount of vacuum within the
assembly during air filter assembly operation.
18. An air filter assembly comprising: an air filter housing
comprising: an air outlet section at one housing end adapted for
connection to an engine intake system; an internal member at an
opposite housing end, the air outlet section and internal member
having an annular configuration with an air flow passageway
extending therethrough, the internal member including an air noise
attenuation chamber formed along a wall surface having a number of
openings disposed therein and a noise attenuating material disposed
within the chamber; and a connection flange extending radially
outwardly therefrom; an air filter member attached to the housing
and comprising: an annular air filter element formed from a filter
media disposed along a wall section and having an inside diameter
larger than the housing internal member, the internal member being
disposed concentrically within the annular air filter element; a
closed top attached to one end of the air filter element, the top
being disposed a distance away from an end of the internal member
to provide an air flow space therebetween; a retaining band
disposed around an opposite end of the air filter element; and a
connection base positioned adjacent the retaining band and placed
adjacent the housing connection flange thereby forming a connection
point; an O-ring seal interposed between the connection flange and
connection base to provide a leak-tight seal therebetween; and a
clamp assembly positioned over the connection point to releasibly
attach the air filter member to the air filter housing.
19. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 18 further
comprising a noise attenuating chamber disposed within the air
filter member, the chamber being positioned along an inside top
surface and including number of openings disposed therethrough and
comprising a noise attenuating material disposed within the
chamber.
20. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein the
clamp assembly comprises an expandable/contractible band having a
cantilever latching mechanism, the connection point between the air
filter housing and air filter member having a V-shaped
cross-section, the band having a V-shaped internal clamping surface
for cooperation therewith.
21. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 18 further
comprising means for monitoring the air filter element service
life.
22. The air filter assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein the
means for monitoring measures the amount of vacuum within the
assembly during air filter assembly operation.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved air filter
assembly for use with an internal combustion engine and more
particularly, to an air filter assembly that both facilitates
replacement of an air filter element disposed therein, and that
reduces noise associated with operation of the assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The use of air filter assemblies in vehicle engines, such as
gasoline and diesel powered internal combustion engines, is well
known. Such known air filter assemblies generally include an air
filter housing that is designed to both attach to a portion of the
engine intake system, and attach with an air filter element in a
manner enabling filtering of intake air passed through the assembly
and to the engine.
[0003] Such conventional air filter housing typically includes an
air intake opening in air flow communication with fresh air, an air
outlet opening in air flow communication with the engine intake
system, and wherein the air filter element is interposed between
the two openings. The air filter element is typically annular in
shape, and is mounted in the air filter housing by a releasible
attachment that passes through the air filter housing and that is
attached to the engine.
[0004] A problem with such known air filter assemblies resides in
the manner in which the air filter element is connected with the
air filter housing. Particularly, known air filter assemblies do
not provide a simple way of removing the air filter element, while
at the same time providing a leak-tight seal therebetween.
Additionally, the known air filter assemblies do not provide a
construction that addresses the desire and/or need for meaningfully
reducing the air intake noise associated with using the air filter
assembly.
[0005] Another problem with conventional air filter assemblies is
that they do provide a way for accessing the service life of the
air filter, e.g., whether the air filter is clear or is close to
being plugged. The only way of measuring air filter service life in
such known air filters is to visually look at the filter itself,
which can involve removing the air filter from the air filter
housing and holding it up to a light source.
[0006] It is, therefore, desired that an air filter assembly be
constructed in such a manner so as to provide a means for: (1)
easily and simply removing and/or replacing the air filter element;
(2) reducing the noise level of air passing through the assembly;
and (3) indicating the level of service life left in the air filter
element without having to visually inspect the air filter element
itself. It is also desired that the assembly be configured in a
manner that involves little or no modification to the engine intake
system to accommodate its attachment and operation, thereby
providing easy retrofit application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Air filter assemblies of this invention are constructed in a
manner that facilitates easy air filter removal that provides an
air-tight seal between the housing and element, and that permits
remaining filter element service life evaluation without having to
remove or visually inspect the air filter element.
[0008] Air filter assemblies of this invention generally comprise
an air filter housing having an air outlet section at one housing
end that is adapted for connection to an engine intake system. The
housing includes an internal member at an opposite housing end. The
air outlet section and internal member have a generally annular
configuration with an air flow passageway extending therethrough.
The housing includes a connection flange that extends radially
outwardly therefrom to permit attachment with an air filter
member.
[0009] The assembly includes an air filter member attached to the
housing. The air filter member comprises an annular air filter
element having a wall section that is formed from a filter media.
The air filter element is sized having an inside diameter larger
than the housing internal member such that the housing internal
member is disposed concentrically therein. The filter member has a
closed top that is attached to one end of the air filter element.
The top is positioned a distance away from an end of the internal
member to provide an air flow space therebetween. A retaining band
is disposed around an opposite end of the air filter element, and a
connection base is positioned adjacent the retaining band and
placed adjacent the housing connection flange.
[0010] The air filter assembly includes an attachment assembly that
is positioned over the housing connection flange and air filter
member connection base to releasibly attach the air filter member
to the air filter housing. A sealing means is interposed between
the air filter housing and air filter member to provide a
leak-tight fit therebetween. The attachment assembly can be in the
form of a clamp assembly designed to facilitate easy removal of the
air filter member from the housing.
[0011] One or both of the air filter housing and the air filter
member can include an air noise attenuation chamber disposed
therein. Such air noise attenuation chamber is generally positioned
along an air flow passageway in the assembly, and is formed from a
wall surface having a number of openings disposed therethrough with
a sound or noise attenuating material disposed within the chamber
such that air passing over the wall surface can be exposed to the
sound attenuating material via the openings.
[0012] Air filter assemblies of this invention can also include
means for assessing the remaining service life of the air filter
element without having to visually inspect or otherwise remove the
air filter element from the assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective side elevational view, with
partially hidden lines, of an air filter assembly constructed
according to principles of this invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side view of the air
filter assembly of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a connection and sealing means
of the air filter assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective top plan view of a clasp assembly of
the air filter assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of the clasp assembly of the air filer
assembly of FIG. 4; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view along section 6-6 of
the clasp assembly of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Air filter assemblies of this invention comprise an air
filter housing and a serviceable air filter member that are
releasibly attached to each other by a clamp assembly. The air
filter and/or the air filer housing includes a noise dampening
section that is designed to control the level of air intake noise
in the air filter assembly. Additionally, air filter assemblies of
this invention can include means for monitoring the air filter
service life without having to visually inspect the air filter
element itself.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows an air filter assembly 10 of this invention
comprising an air filter housing 12 that is releasibly attached to
an air filter member 14 by a clasp assembly 16. The air filter
housing 12 is generally cylindrical in shape and annular in
construction. Moving upwardly along FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 12
includes an air outlet section 18 that extends axially upwardly a
distance to a connection flange 20 that extends radially outwardly
from an outside surface of the housing a desired distance.
[0021] The air outlet section 18 is designed to connect with an air
intake system member of an internal combustion engine to direct air
received and filtered through the air filter member 14 to pass into
the engine. The air outlet section 18 may comprise an annular
chamber, formed between inside and outside concentric walls, and
the inside wall surface may include a number of openings or
perforations disposed therethrough. The annual chamber can include
a noise deadening material disposed therein for the purposes of
quieting the intake air noise, proximate the attached engine intake
system member, associated with operating the engine.
[0022] The connection flange 20 is configured to provide a
releasible attachment point with the air filter, to provide a
leak-tight seal with the air filter, and to carry the air filter.
The connection flange cooperatively engages an adjacent air filter
connection base 22 and provides a leak-tight seal therewith by use
of a sealing member 24 that is interposed therebetween. In an
example embodiment, the sealing member 24 is in the form of an
O-ring seal.
[0023] Moving axially upwardly from the connection flange 20, the
air filter housing 12 includes an internal member 26 that extends a
determined away from the flange. The internal member 26 has a
generally cylindrical construction, and is sized having an outside
diameter that is less than an inside diameter of the air filter to
facilitate placement of the air filter thereover. The internal
member has an annular chamber 28 that is formed between inner and
outer walls.
[0024] In an example embodiment, the annular chamber 28 is filled
with a noise attenuating, absorbing, suppressing and/or deadening
material 30, and in inner wall 32 of the chamber includes a number
of openings or perforations 34 disposed therethrough. The noise
attenuating material 30 can be made from any material suitable for
absorbing noise as air is passed thereover or therethrough.
Suitable types of noise attenuating materials include those formed
from paper, foam, fabric, polymer, or rubber materials. The
perforations 34 operate to allow contact of filtered air passing
through the air filter housing with the sound deadening material 30
within the internal member 26 for the purposes of effecting a
desired noise silencing.
[0025] The exact size and configuration of the internal member can
and will differ depending on the particular air filter assembly
application and desired noise deadening result.
[0026] The air filter housing 12 is shown having the air outlet
section 18, the connection flange 20, and the internal member 20
provided as one-piece assembly. The air filter housing 12 can be
formed from conventional structurally suitable materials such as
metal and the like, by conventional molding, machining, or
fabricating methods.
[0027] In an example embodiment, the air filter assembly is formed
from metal. In such example embodiment, the housing air outlet
section 18 and internal member 20 are part of a first generally
cylindrical subassembly that is formed from a first metal sleeve
having a desired outside diameter. A desired sound deadening
material is positioned along an inside surface of the sleeve, and a
perforated second metal sleeve is positioned concentrically inside
of the first metal sleeve to sandwich the sound deadening material
therebetween. The ends of the first metal sleeve are rolled or
otherwise configured to connect with the second metal sleeve ends
to adjoin the two sleeves together.
[0028] A flange subassembly is attached around the cylindrical
subassembly at a desired position by conventional methods, e.g., by
welding or the like. As noted above, the flange subassembly
comprises a surface that is configured to engage a complimentary
mating surface of the air filter.
[0029] The housing air outlet section 18 and the internal member 26
together define an air flow passageway 24 that extends axially
therethrough from a first housing end 36, at a terminal end of the
air outlet section 18, to a second housing end 38, at a terminal
end of the internal member 26. The air flow passageway 24 directs
filtered air processed through the air filter 14 to the engine
intake system for subsequent combustion. As mentioned above, the
air filter housing includes the noise attenuating material disposed
between the inner wall and the outer wall, which serves to absorb
the noise of air traveling through the air flow passageway during
operation of the engine.
[0030] In FIG. 2, the passageway 24 is having a slightly tapered
diameter moving upwardly from the housing outlet section 12 to the
internal member 20. Alternatively, the passageway can be configured
having a substantially continuous diameter. The exact configuration
of the passageway is understood to vary depending on the particular
air filter assembly application.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the connection point
(taken from FIG. 2) between the air housing and the air filter
comprising the housing connection flange 20 disposed below the air
filter connection base 22. More specifically, moving radially
outwardly from the air filter housing, the connection flange 20
comprises a first substantially planar section 40, that is sized to
accommodate placement of the air filter connection base thereover,
and a second outwardly flared section 42, that is tapered at a
desired angle to cooperate with an adjacent air filter connection
base portion. In an example embodiment, the second outwardly flared
section 42 is tapered and an angle of approximately 30 degrees
relative to an axis running along the planar section 40.
[0032] The air filter member connection base 22 comprises, moving
downwardly therealong, an air filter member retaining band 44, that
is designed to accommodate an end of the air filter element
therein, and an outwardly flared section 46, that is tapered at a
desired angle to cooperate with the flared section 42 of the air
filter housing connection flange 20. In an example embodiment, the
connection base 22 outwardly flared section 46 is tapered and an
angle of approximately 30 degrees relative to an axis running along
a base of the air filter element retaining band 44. The connection
base 22 also includes an axially extending section 48 that projects
axially away from the retaining band 44, and that is positioned
radially inwardly of the outwardly flared section 46.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the axially extending section 48
serves to provide a backside surface again which the O-ring seal 24
abuts. Configured in this manner, once the air filter member and
air filter housing are brought into adjoining contact with one
another, the outwardly flared sections 42 and 46 (of the respective
air filter housing connection flange 20 and air filter member
connection base 22) operate to both trap the O-ring seal
therebetween to form a leak-tight seal, and operate to form an
outer surface geometry that can be held together by a desired clasp
assembly 16.
[0034] Although the invention embodiment described and illustrated
above relates to a connection point between the air filter member
and air filter housing having a symmetric outside surface
configuration, it is to be understood that other differently
configured connection points can be designed and used in the spirit
of this invention. A key feature is that the connection point
between the air filter member and air filter housing be one that is
both capable of forming a leak-tight seal between the two, and that
is capable of being releasibly attached by a relatively simple or
easy to operate attachment means.
[0035] In the example embodiment, the connection point, formed
between the air filter member and air filter housing, has a
symmetric outside configuration that is provided in the form of two
tapered surface that are converging inwardly towards one another,
thereby forming a V-shaped cross-sectional profile. The structural
features of the connection point will be better appreciated after
the structure of the air filter member 14 has been described.
[0036] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air filter member 14 is
designed for placement over the air filter housing 12. The air
filter member comprises a disk-shaped top 50, a retaining band 44
disposed opposite the top, and an annular air filter element 52
positioned between the top and retaining band. The filter element
56 comprises a wall section that is formed from a desired filter
material capable of filtering air before it is directed through the
air filter housing and into the engine. The filter material can be
formed from conventional materials suitable for removing air-borne
particulate matter from the air such as various types of paper
material, polymeric fiber material, foam materials, and
combinations thereof.
[0037] The top 50 and the retaining band 44 serve as retaining
elements to secure the opposite ends of the side wall and filter
material. The top 50 is closed and functions as a lid to form a
leak-tight seal with an end of the filter element 52. The retaining
band 44 is an annular member that is configured to accommodate the
opposite end of the filter element therein, and that has an open
inside diameter that is sized and configured to allow placement
over the air filter housing internal member 26. The top 50 has an
interior surface 54 that is directed inwardly towards an inside
diameter of the filter element. When mounted onto the air filter
housing, the air filter member top interior surface 54 is directed
towards the second end 38 of the air filter housing such that
filtered air passing through the air filter element is directed
towards the top interior surface before being routed through the
air filter housing air flow passageway 24.
[0038] In an example embodiment, the air filter member top 52 is
designed, similar to that if the air filter housing, to attenuate
or silence noise that occurs during operation of the air filter
assembly to filter air for subsequent intake into the engine. More
specifically, the top 52 is constructed having a noise attenuating
material 55, similar to that discussed above for the air filter
housing, disposed between the interior surface 54 and a closed
exterior surface 56. Furthermore, the top interior surface 54 is
constructed is similar to that of the housing inner member wall 32,
having number of openings or perforations disposed therethrough
designed in size and number to permit filtered air passing from the
filter element to enter the top interior surface 54 and contact
and/or pass through the noise attenuating material 55. Thereby,
operating to silence the noise of air flow passing through the air
filter member.
[0039] Referring back to FIG. 3, when combined together in the
manner noted above, the connection point formed between the air
filter member and air filter housing has a V-shaped cross-sectional
geometry. Constructed in this manner, a clamp assembly 16 in the
form of a V-band clamp is used to releasibly attach the sir filter
member and air filter housing together. The V-band clamp 16 is a
generally annular member having an inner mounting surface 58 that
is in the form of two inwardly-converging tapered members that are
configured in the shape of a V to fit over the outside surfaces of
the air filter member connection base and air filter housing
connection flange outwardly flared sections 46 and 42,
respectively. The clamp includes an outer member 60 that is
connected to the inner mounting surface 58, and that defines an
outside surface of the clamp.
[0040] The clamp inner mounting surface 58 is sized and shaped to
that, when drawn tightly over the air filter member and air filter
housing surfaces, it operates to draw the connecting members of the
air filter member and air filter housing closer together, thereby
squeezing the O-ring seal therebetween a desired amount to ensuring
formation of the desired leak-tight seal therebetween.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the air filter member is releasibly
attached to the air filter housing by the clamp assembly 16. When
the engaging surface of the air filter member is cooperatively
engaged with the connection member of the air filter housing, the
clamp assembly is mounted around these engaged surfaces in order to
ensure that the air filter member and air filter housing do not
lose its air-tight seal or become separated.
[0042] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate features of the clamp assembly in
greater detail. The clamp assembly 16 comprises a generally
circular band, having a first end 62 and a second end 62, that is
joined together by a handle or clasp 66. The clasp 66 allows the
diameter of the band to expand and contract depending on its
position, e.g., depending on whether the clasp is opened or closed.
The clamp inner mounting surface 58 is disposed along an inside
diameter of the band, and the clamp outer member 60 is disposed
around an outside diameter of the clamp.
[0043] When the clamp assembly is positioned around the air filter
housing and air filter member, it can be placed in either a locked
or unlocked position to secure or release the joining of the air
filter member and air filter housing. The clasp 66 comprises a
cantilever mechanism that operates to change the ring diameter
clamp, expanding or contracting the diameter of the ring, to
provide an open/unlocked or closed/locked position. The clasp 66
comprises a first member 68 in the form of a cantilever handle 68
that is attached adjacent the band first end 62, and second member
70 that is attached adjacent the band second end 64. The clasp 66
further includes a threaded member 72 that is attached to and that
projects from the first member 68. The threaded member 72 extends
through an opening in the clasp second member 70, and a nut 74 is
threadably engaged with the threaded member to hold it into
place.
[0044] The clamp assembly 16 is used to releasibly attach the air
filter member and housing together by: (1) operating the cantilever
mechanism to expand the clamp band diameter; (2) placing the now
expanded clamp assembly over the connection point between the air
filter member and housing, ensuring cooperative placement over each
mating connection section; and (3) operating the cantilever
mechanism to contract the clamp band diameter to draw the air
filter member and housing tightly together and form a desired
leak-tight fit therebetween. Configured in this manner, the air
filter assembly enables quick and easy removal and attachment of
the air filter member, from the air filter housing for needed
maintenance or service.
[0045] The clamp assembly can also include means for locking the
clamp assembly into a closed position. Such locking means can be in
the form of a removable pin or the like placed through the clamp
assembly when it is in the close position to make sure it does not
open accidently. Alternatively, the locking means can be in the
form of any type of mechanism or assembly that operates to prevent
or resist the unwanted opening of the clamp member once it has been
closed into place.
[0046] When the clamp assembly is in the locked position, the air
filter assembly 10 is fully assembled and ready for attachment to
the engine for operation. The outlet section 18 is secured to the
air intake portion of the engine by conventional means, e.g., by
threaded clamp-type attachment. While the engine is operating, a
vacuum is created within the air flow passageway of the air filter
housing that draws air through the air filter element. The air
filter element removes unwanted airborne particulate matter from
the air. The filtered air is drawn upwardly within the air filter
assembly over the end of the housing internal member 26, at which
point the filtered air is directly through the air flow passageway
24 and into the engine intake system.
[0047] The air filter assembly of this invention meaningfully
reduces the noise associated with the air intake operation of the
engine due to the specially configured housing inner member wall 32
and the filter member top interior surface 54, both of which having
the noise attenuating material disposed therein to absorb/attenuate
the noise of air traveling along their paths. While an air filter
assembly of this invention has been described and illustrated
having the noise attenuating feature in each of the air filter
housing and air filter member, it may be that the assembly
comprises such a feature in only one of the air filter housing or
element. Placement of the noise attenuating feature in the assembly
will ultimately depend on the particular air filter assembly
application.
[0048] Referring back to FIG. 2, air filter assemblies of this
invention can also include a monitoring valve 80, which allows the
degree of air filtration restriction within the assembly to be
monitored. The degree of air filtration restriction reflects the
condition of the air filter element and the amount of air that is
able to pass through the filter element, thereby providing an
indication of whether or not the air filter element needs to be
replaced. More specifically, the monitoring valve 80 measures the
amount of vacuum within the air filter assembly, particularly
between the air filter housing and the air filter member, during
operation of the engine.
[0049] The monitoring valve 80 is attached to a
measuring/indicating device configured to provide a signal
indicating when a preset degree of vacuum is measured in the air
filter assembly. As the air filter element becomes plugged, the
amount of vacuum registered by the monitoring valve increases, and
when the preset degree of vacuum is reached, a signal is sent from
the monitoring device indicating that the air filter element needs
to be replaced. Configured in this manner, the air filter assembly
of this invention enables one to assess the remaining service life
of the air filter element without having to physically remove the
air filter element for visual inspection.
[0050] In addition to the specific features and embodiments
described above, it is understood that the present invention
includes all equivalents to the structures described herein, and is
not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, the
sizing and configuration of the air filter housing and air filter
member can be varied depending on the needs of the user.
Individuals skilled in the art to which the present air filter
assembly pertains will understand that variations and modifications
to the embodiments described can be used beneficially without
departing from the scope of the invention.
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