U.S. patent application number 16/266988 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-05 for non-cylindrical filter element and side entry air cleaner incorporating the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Parker-Hannifin Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Jeffrey Dufour, Brian T. Ehrenberg, Randel D. Harbur, James Ray Manley, John Nichols. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Dufour, Brian T. Ehrenberg, Randel D. Harbur, James Ray Manley, John Nichols.
Application Number | 20200072169 16/266988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67551220 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200072169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ehrenberg; Brian T. ; et
al. |
March 5, 2020 |
NON-CYLINDRICAL FILTER ELEMENT AND SIDE ENTRY AIR CLEANER
INCORPORATING THE SAME
Abstract
A filter element is provided that is preferably a side entry air
filter having an air filter media pack, a housing seal and a frame
that has a clamping projection, a pivot projection and/or guide
members. The clamping projection can define a non-linear bearing
surface that may be chevron shaped to provide for interface and
potential alignment benefits. The housing seal may be a wave seal
that undulates.
Inventors: |
Ehrenberg; Brian T.; (Kansas
City, MO) ; Nichols; John; (Oxford, MS) ;
Harbur; Randel D.; (Piperton, TN) ; Manley; James
Ray; (Myrtle, MS) ; Dufour; Jeffrey; (Olive
Branch, MS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ehrenberg; Brian T.
Nichols; John
Harbur; Randel D.
Manley; James Ray
Dufour; Jeffrey |
Kansas City
Oxford
Piperton
Myrtle
Olive Branch |
MO
MS
TN
MS
MS |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Cleveland
OH
|
Family ID: |
67551220 |
Appl. No.: |
16/266988 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62723582 |
Aug 28, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 46/0004 20130101;
B01D 46/0015 20130101; F02M 35/02425 20130101; F02M 35/0245
20130101; B01D 2265/025 20130101; B01D 2265/026 20130101; B01D
2265/028 20130101; B01D 46/2414 20130101; B01D 46/0005 20130101;
F02M 35/02491 20130101; B01D 46/0009 20130101; B01D 46/521
20130101; B01D 2265/024 20130101; B01D 2271/022 20130101; F02M
35/02433 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F02M 35/024 20060101
F02M035/024; B01D 46/00 20060101 B01D046/00 |
Claims
1. A filter element, comprising: a filter media pack having an
inlet end, an outlet end and an outer periphery extending between
the inlet end and the outlet end, the inlet end and the outlet end
being separated along a central axis; a frame supporting the filter
media pack, the frame including a pivot projection and a clamp
projection in spaced apart relationship, the pivot projection and
the clamp projection projecting outwardly away from the outer
periphery, a housing seal supported by the frame surrounding the
central axis; wherein the clamp projection defines a non-linear
bearing surface extending in a direction transverse to the central
axis, with the nonlinear bearing surface being arranged relative to
the pivot projection to cooperate for receiving forces in an axial
direction of the central axis.
2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the frame is
quadrilateral including a pair of first sidewalls on opposed sides,
and a pair of second sidewalls on opposed sides and extending
transversely between the first sidewalls, the pivot projection and
the clamping projecting from the second sidewalls respectively on
opposed sides.
3. The filter element of claim 2, wherein the frame is rectangular
with the first sidewalls being longer than the second
sidewalls.
4. The filter element of claim 2, further comprising at least one
guide projection projecting outwardly away from the outer periphery
along at least one of the first sidewalls, the at least one guide
projection being located closer to the pivot projection than the
clamp projection, being arranged to provide for pivot projection
guidance.
5. The filter element of claim 2, wherein the at least guide
projection comprises a pair of guide projections projecting
outwardly away from the outer periphery along opposed sides of the
first sidewalls, the guide projections being in the form of slide
followers located to be adapted to slide along a housing rail
surface.
6. The filter element of claim 2, wherein the frame comprises a
plurality of corner regions that extend fully between the inlet end
and the outlet end, and recessed saddle regions between corner
regions; and wherein the frame defines a continuous quadrilateral
border region proximate the housing seal.
7. The filter element of claim 2, wherein the frame comprises a
seal support flange projecting radially outward from the first and
second sidewalls in surrounding relation of the filter media
pack.
8. The filter element of claim 7, wherein the seal support flange
and the housing seal are undulating in a direction along the first
sidewalls, and are linear in a direction along the second
sidewalls.
9. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the filter media pack is
quadrilateral and the frame is quadrilateral to include a
quadrilateral border region, and further comprising a quadrilateral
filter pack seal sealing between the filter media pack and the
quadrilateral border region.
10. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the filter media pack is
permanently bonded to the frame.
11. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the non-linear bearing
surface comprises a centering notch formed centrally and facing
toward one of the inlet end and the outlet end, and wherein the
centering notch projects away from the housing seal.
12. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the wherein the clamp
projection and the pivot projection are located on opposite sides
of the frame.
13. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the clamp projection
comprises a block member defining and undercut to provide a handle
structure configured for grasping.
14. The filter element of claim 1, wherein clamp projection
comprises a block member defining a central recess configured for
receiving a center camming projection and first and second wings on
opposed sides defining portions of the nonlinear bearing
surface.
15. The filter element of claim 14, wherein the non-linear bearing
surface extends continuously through the recess and first and
second wings.
16. The filter element of claim 14, wherein the frame defines a
peripheral sidewall surrounding the filter media pack, and wherein
the block member defines an outer plate portion spaced from the
sidewall and connecting plate portions extending radially and
connecting between the outer plate portion and the peripheral
sidewall, the outer plate portion defining the non-linear bearing
surface and defining a centering notch formed centrally and facing
toward one of the inlet end and the outlet end, and projecting away
from the housing seal to provide the central recess.
17. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the frame is a plastic
member, the housing seal is a compressible elastomeric material for
forming an axial seal, and the filter media pack is at least one of
a fluted construction and a pleated construction to provide a
direct inline flow filter in the direction of the central axis.
18. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the non-linear bearing
surface is chevron shaped.
19. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the filter element is
configured for use with an air cleaner housing having a pivot
receptacle in a housing base and a clamping cam surface on a
pivotable housing lid, the filter element further comprising:
wherein the pivot projection is configured and arranged for
engagement with the pivot receptacle, and wherein the clamp
projection is configured and arranged for engagement with the
clamping cam surface, such that the filter element is configured to
for developing axial clamping force along the central axis for
axial sealing of the housing seal, the housing seal being an axial
seal.
20. An air cleaner assembly including the filter element of claim
1, and further comprising: an air cleaner housing including a
housing base and a housing lid pivotably connected to the housing
base, the housing base defining a filter cavity, an inlet opening
and an outlet opening, the filter cavity in fluid series between
the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and a side-entry filter
install window defined along an open side of the housing base that
opens to the filter cavity, the housing lid being openable and
closeable over the inlet opening; the housing base comprising a
housing sealing seat and a pivot receptacle, the pivot receptacle
being along a closed side of the housing based opposite the open
side, the housing seal seat along the filter cavity and surrounding
the central axis when the filter element is installed in the
housing base; the housing lid defining a clamping cam surface
arranged opposite the pivot receptacle; the filter element
including an installed position within the filter cavity with the
pivot projection inserted in the pivot receptacle, and with the
housing lid in closed position over the filter element wherein the
clamping cam surface is axially engaging the clamp projection along
the non-linear bearing surface axially compressing the housing seal
against the housing seat.
21. The air cleaner assembly of claim 20, wherein the filter
element includes a released position within the filter cavity when
the housing lid is pivoted open from the closed position releasing
axial compression of the housing seal relative to the installed
position, and wherein the pivot projection is inserted in the pivot
receptacle with the filter element pivoted away from the housing
sealing seat relative to the installed position.
22. The air cleaner assembly of claim 20, wherein the filter
element includes a pair of guide projections projecting outwardly
away from the outer periphery along opposite sides thereof, and the
housing base defines a pair of guide track channels extending at
least partially between the open end and the closed end, the guide
track channels defining housing rail surfaces, respectively that
extend obliquely relative to the central axis such that during
installation of the filter element through the side-entry filter
install window the guide projections slide along the housing rail
surfaces, respectively, to guide the pivot projection into the
pivot receptacle.
23. A method of using the air filter element of claim 1,
comprising: installing the filter element into a side entry window
of a housing base so that the pivot projection is received into a
pivot receptacle of a housing base; pivoting the filter element
into sealing engagement with the housing base by closing a lid over
the side entry window which drives the filter element axially by
engaging the clamp projection with the lid in clamping cooperation
with the pivot projection; and sealing the filter element axially
against a housing seating surface defined by the housing base.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising guiding the
installing via cooperating guide structures on the housing base and
the filter element respectively.
25. A filter element, comprising: a filter media pack having an
inlet end, an outlet end and an outer periphery extending between
the inlet end and the outlet end, the inlet end and the outlet end
being separated along a central axis; a housing seal connected to
the filter media pack in surrounding relation of the central axis;
a clamp projection connected to the filter media pack, the clamp
projection defines a continuous or non-continuous non-linear
bearing surface extending in a direction transverse to the central
axis, wherein the non-linear bearing surface is chevron shaped.
26. The filter element of claim 25, wherein the non-linear bearing
surface comprises a centering notch formed centrally and facing
toward one of the inlet end and the outlet end, and projecting away
from the housing seal.
27. The filter element of claim 25, further comprising means spaced
away from the clamp projection for cooperating with the clamping
notch to facilitating axial compression of the housing seal.
28. The filter element of claim 25, wherein the clamp projection
comprises a block member defining and undercut to provide a handle
structure configured for grasping.
29. The filter element of claim 25, wherein clamp projection
comprises a block member defining a central recess configured for
receiving a center camming projection and first and second wings on
opposed sides defining portions of the nonlinear bearing
surface.
30. The filter element of claim 29, wherein the non-linear bearing
surface extends continuously through the recess and first and
second wings, thereby providing the chevron shape.
31. The filter element of claim 25, further comprising a molded
plastic frame member in surrounding relation of the filter media
pack and integrally providing the clamp projection.
32. A filter element, configured for use with an air cleaner
housing having a pivot receptacle in a housing base, with the
housing based providing a pair of guide track channels extending at
least partially between an open end defining a side-entry window
and the closed end, the guide track channels defining housing rail
surfaces, the filter element comprising: a filter media pack having
an inlet end, an outlet end and an outer periphery extending
between the inlet end and the outlet end, the inlet end and the
outlet end being separated along a central axis; a frame supporting
the filter media pack to provide a filter element size that is
receivable into the side-entry window, the frame including (a) a
pivot projection and (b) a pair of guide projections in spaced
relation to the pivot projection, the guides projections configured
to engage the housing rail surfaces, the pivot projection
configured to engage the pivot receptacle; and a housing seal
extending around to the filter media pack.
33. The filter element of claim 32, further comprising a clamp
projection connected to the filter media pack via the frame, the
clamp projection being defined by the frame, the clamp projection
defining a non-linear bearing surface extending in a direction
transverse to the central axis.
34. The filter element of claim 33, wherein the non-linear bearing
surface is chevron shaped and configured to interact with a
corresponding chevron shaped cam surface of a housing lid.
35. A filter element comprising: a filter media pack having an
inlet end, an outlet end and an outer periphery extending between
the inlet end and the outlet end, the inlet end and the outlet end
being separated along a central axis; a frame supporting the filter
media pack, wherein the frame is quadrilateral including a pair of
first sidewalls on opposed sides, and a pair of second sidewalls on
opposed sides and extending transversely between the first
sidewalls. a housing seal arranged about the filter media pack,
wherein the housing seal has an axial seal surface for forming an
axial seal that undulates axially over at least a portion of the
housing seal.
36. The filter element of claim 35, wherein the frame comprises a
seal support flange projecting radially outward from the first and
second sidewalls in surrounding relation of the filter media pack,
the housing seal in axial abutment contact with the seal support
flange.
37. The filter element of claim 35, wherein the axial seal surface
is undulating in a first direction extending along the first
sidewalls, and are linear in a second direction along the second
sidewalls.
38. The filter element of claim 37, wherein the housing seal is
molded to the frame and to the filter media pack and includes
axially extending walls of seal material along the outer periphery
of the filter media pack along valleys of the axial seal surface in
undulated valley regions.
39. The filter element of claim 35, wherein the housing seal is
secured to the frame and further comprising an additional seal
material separately sealing internally between the frame and the
filter media pack.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 62/723,582, filed Aug. 28, 2018, the
entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to air filter
elements and/or air cleaners incorporating the same, and more
particularly relates to one or more features associated with air
filters to include side entry installation structures to facilitate
installation and seal compression and/or seal shape
configurations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Filters are commonly employed to remove particulate matter
flowing in a fluid stream such as the removal of dust and other
particulate from air in the case of an air filter.
[0004] In such air filters, a variety of "side entry" air filters
currently form the state of the art. For example, EP 1520975 to
Maurer et al. entitled "Air Filter Apparatus in the Intake System
of an Internal Combustion Engine" and assigned to Man and Hummel
GmbH demonstrates a conventional side entry concept, whereby a
filter element is installed into a side opening of a housing base
that is covered by a pivoting housing lid to secure and seal the
filter element in the housing between an inlet and an outlet.
During pivoting movement of the lid, it cams and thereby clamps the
filter element into sealing relationship with the housing. Several
other examples of such side entry filters include such examples
disclosed in DE 102015009535 to Menben et al.; DE 102017001268 to
Wubbeling; U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0095761 to Knight et al. entitled
"Filter Assembly with Cam-Lock Filter Interface"; U.S. Pub. No.
2017/0304760 to Kaufmann et al. entitled "Housing Main Part of a
Filter Housing, Filter System, and Pre-Separator Module of a Filter
System"; WO 2017/133797 to Klaus-Dieter et al., entitled "Filter
Element, Element Frame of a Filter Element, Filter Bellows of a
Filter Element and Filter"; U.S. Pat. No. 7,396,375 to Nepsund et
al. entitled "Housing and Method of Installation"; U.S. Pat. No.
7,323,029 to Engelland et al. entitled "Housing and Method of
Installation"; U.S. Pat. No. 7,655,074 to Nepsund et al. entitled
"Housing and Method of Installation"; U.S. Pat. No. 7,682,416
Engelland et al. entitled "Projections and Structure for Engaging
Housing"; U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,936 to Coulonvau et al. entitled
"Filter Arrangements, Housing Assemblies"; and U.S. Pat. No.
8,048,188 to Widerski et al. entitled "Projections and Structure
for Engaging Housings". Some of these designs such as that
demonstrated by the EP 1520975 may suffer from space constraint
drawbacks in that they require excessive space relative to
filtration capacity, or do not afford certain space or shape
envelope considerations or flexibility for engine applications
where space may be limited or constrained. In other instances,
there may be difficulties in either easily or reliably installing
the filter, and/or reliability issues or complexities associated
with proper installation or sealing of the filter.
[0005] Additionally, in the filter art, it is also known that wave
seal configurations are provided. For example, the present assignee
Parker-Hannifin (or its affiliate) has developed various wave seal
configuration concepts for such filters disclosed in the art that
include WO 2017/079191 entitled "Wave Seal for Filter Element" and
U.S. Pat. No. 8,916,044 entitled "Filter Element Wave Gland Seal";
additionally, other seal configurations are shown, for example, in
U.S. Pub. No. 2016/0236128 to Campbell et al. The entire
disclosures of these publications are hereby incorporated by
reference as such wave seal configurations might optionally or
alternatively be used in combination with other features herein.
However, for such irregular seal configurations, it is not seen
that the art provides for use in such side entry configurations
and/or at least not in a reliable and noncomplex manner.
Additionally, implementations relative to certain shapes of filter
elements or configurations as to construction are not fully
provided in the art.
[0006] Based on the foregoing, the present invention provides
improvements over the state of the art relative to side entry
filters, installation or removal structures on filter elements that
may be implemented, and/or new seal configurations for filters.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An aspect is directed toward a filter element having a
clamping projection with a non-linear bearing.
[0008] According to this aspect the filter element can comprise:
(a) a filter media pack having an inlet end, an outlet end and an
outer periphery extending between the inlet end and the outlet end,
the inlet end and the outlet end being separated along a central
axis; (b) a frame supporting the filter media pack, the frame
including a pivot projection and a clamp projection in spaced apart
relationship, the pivot projection and the clamp projection
projecting outwardly away from the outer periphery, and (c) a
housing seal supported by the frame surrounding the central axis.
Additionally, the clamp projection defines a non-linear bearing
surface extending in a direction transverse to the central axis.
The nonlinear bearing surface is arranged relative to the pivot
projection to cooperate for receiving forces in an axial direction
of the central axis.
[0009] The frame can be quadrilateral including a pair of first
sidewalls on opposed sides, and a pair of second sidewalls on
opposed sides and extending transversely between the first
sidewalls, with the pivot projection and the clamping projecting
from the second sidewalls respectively on opposed sides.
[0010] For example, the frame can be rectangular with the first
sidewalls being longer than the second sidewalls.
[0011] The filter element may be provided with the feature of at
least one guide projection projecting outwardly away from the outer
periphery along at least one of the first sidewalls, with the at
least one guide projection being located closer to the pivot
projection than the clamp projection, and being arranged to provide
for pivot projection guidance.
[0012] Preferably, the at least guide projection comprises a pair
of guide projections projecting outwardly away from the outer
periphery along opposed sides of the first sidewalls, with the
guide projections being in the form of slide followers located to
be adapted to slide along a housing rail surface.
[0013] The filter element may include a feature wherein the frame
comprises a plurality of corner regions that extend fully between
the inlet end and the outlet end, and recessed saddle regions
between corner regions, with the frame defining a continuous
quadrilateral border region proximate the housing seal.
[0014] The filter element may include a feature wherein the frame
comprises a seal support flange projecting radially outward from
the first and second sidewalls in surrounding relation of the
filter media pack.
[0015] The filter element may include a feature wherein the seal
support flange and the housing seal are undulating in a direction
along the first sidewalls, and are linear in a direction along the
second sidewalls.
[0016] The filter media pack and the frame can both be
quadrilateral, with the frame having a quadrilateral border region,
and the filter element can further comprise a quadrilateral filter
pack seal sealing between the filter media pack and the
quadrilateral border region.
[0017] Preferably, the filter media pack is permanently bonded to
the frame.
[0018] The filter element may include a feature wherein the
non-linear bearing surface comprises a centering notch formed
centrally and facing toward one of the inlet end and the outlet
end, in which the notch projects away from the housing seal.
[0019] Preferably, the clamp projection and the pivot projection
are located on opposite sides of the frame.
[0020] The clamp projection can comprise a block member defining
and undercut to provide a handle structure configured for
grasping.
[0021] The clamp projection can comprise a block member defining a
central recess configured for receiving a center camming projection
and first and second wings on opposed sides defining portions of
the nonlinear bearing surface.
[0022] As to such winged structure, the non-linear bearing surface
preferably extends continuously through the recess and first and
second wings.
[0023] As to such clamping projection, the filter element may
include a feature wherein the frame defines a peripheral sidewall
surrounding the filter media pack, and wherein the block member
defines an outer plate portion spaced from the sidewall and
connecting plate portions extending radially and connecting between
the outer plate portion and the peripheral sidewall. The outer
plate portion defines the non-linear bearing surface and defines a
centering notch formed centrally and facing toward one of the inlet
end and the outlet end, and projecting away from the housing seal
to provide the central recess.
[0024] For such a filter element, preferably, the frame is a
plastic member, the housing seal is a compressible elastomeric
material for forming an axial seal, and/or the filter media pack is
at least one of a fluted construction and a pleated construction to
provide a direct inline flow filter in the direction of the central
axis.
[0025] It is a further feature of such filter element wherein the
non-linear bearing surface is chevron shaped.
[0026] Such a filter element can be configured for use with an air
cleaner housing having a pivot receptacle in a housing base and a
clamping cam surface on a pivotable housing lid. In such instance,
the filter element further comprises features of (a) wherein the
pivot projection is configured and arranged for engagement with the
pivot receptacle, and (b) wherein the clamp projection is
configured and arranged for engagement with the clamping cam
surface. As such, the filter element is configured to for
developing axial clamping force along the central axis for axial
sealing of the housing seal, with the housing seal being an axial
seal.
[0027] A further aspect is directed toward an air cleaner assembly
including such filter element, and further comprising: an air
cleaner housing including a housing base and a housing lid
pivotably connected to the housing base. The housing base defines a
filter cavity, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, with the
filter cavity in fluid series between the inlet opening and the
outlet opening, and a side-entry filter install window defined
along an open side of the housing base that opens to the filter
cavity. The housing lid is openable and closeable over the inlet
opening. The housing base comprises a housing sealing seat and a
pivot receptacle. The pivot receptacle is along a closed side of
the housing based opposite the open side. The housing seal seat is
along the filter cavity and surrounding the central axis when the
filter element is installed in the housing base. The housing lid
defining a clamping cam surface arranged opposite the pivot
receptacle. With this configuration, the filter element includes an
installed position within the filter cavity with the pivot
projection inserted in the pivot receptacle, with the housing lid
in closed position over the filter element. In this installed and
closed position, the clamping cam surface is axially engaging the
clamp projection along the non-linear bearing surface axially
compressing the housing seal against the housing seat.
[0028] In an air cleaner assembly, the filter element can include a
released position within the filter cavity when the housing lid is
pivoted open from the closed position releasing axial compression
of the housing seal relative to the installed position. The pivot
projection can be inserted in the pivot receptacle with the filter
element pivoted away from the housing sealing seat relative to the
installed position.
[0029] In an air cleaner assembly, the filter element can include a
pair of guide projections projecting outwardly away from the outer
periphery along opposite sides thereof, and the housing base can
define a pair of guide track channels extending from the open end
toward the closed end, with the guide track channels defining
housing rail surfaces, respectively that extend obliquely relative
to the central axis. A relationship is established such that during
installation of the filter element through the side-entry filter
install window the guide projections slide along the housing rail
surfaces, respectively, to guide the pivot projection into the
pivot receptacle.
[0030] Another aspect is directed toward a method of using the air
filter element with the clamping and pivot projections. The method
includes: installing the filter element into a side entry window of
a housing base so that the pivot projection is received into a
pivot receptacle of a housing base; pivoting the filter element
into sealing engagement with the housing base by closing a lid over
the side entry window which drives the filter element axially by
engaging the clamp projection with the lid in clamping cooperation
with the pivot projection; and sealing the filter element axially
against a housing seating surface defined by the housing base.
[0031] The method may also comprise guiding the installing via
cooperating guide structures on the housing base and the filter
element respectively.
[0032] Another aspect is directed toward a filter element having a
clamping projection with a chevron shaped.
[0033] According to this aspect, a filter element includes a filter
media pack having an inlet end, an outlet end and an outer
periphery extending between the inlet end and the outlet end, the
inlet end and the outlet end being separated along a central axis;
a housing seal connected to the filter media pack in surrounding
relation of the central axis; and a clamp projection connected to
the filter media pack. The clamp projection defines a continuous or
non-continuous non-linear bearing surface extending in a direction
transverse to the central axis, wherein the non-linear bearing
surface is chevron shaped.
[0034] In such a filter element, the non-linear bearing surface can
comprise a centering notch formed centrally and facing toward one
of the inlet end and the outlet end, and projecting away from the
housing seal.
[0035] Such a filter element may further comprise means spaced away
from the clamp projection for cooperating with the clamping notch
to facilitating axial compression of the housing seal, which can
include an arranged projection, such as a pivot projection.
[0036] In such a filter element, the clamp projection can comprise
a block member defining and undercut to provide a handle structure
configured for grasping.
[0037] The clamp projection can comprise a block member defining a
central recess configured for receiving a center camming projection
and first and second wings on opposed sides defining portions of
the nonlinear bearing surface.
[0038] To provide the chevron shape, the non-linear bearing surface
can extend continuously through the recess and first and second
wings.
[0039] In such a filter element, preferably a molded plastic frame
member in surrounding relation of the filter media pack integrally
provides the clamp projection.
[0040] Another aspect is directed toward a filter element
configured for use with an air cleaner housing having a pivot
receptacle in a housing base, with the housing based providing a
pair of guide track channels extending from an open end defining a
side-entry window toward the closed end, the guide track channels
defining housing rail surfaces.
[0041] According to such filter element, the filter element can
comprise: (a) a filter media pack having an inlet end, an outlet
end and an outer periphery extending between the inlet end and the
outlet end, with the inlet end and the outlet end being separated
along a central axis; (b) a frame supporting the filter media pack
to provide a filter element size that is receivable into the
side-entry window with, the frame including (i) a pivot projection
and (ii) a pair of guide projections in spaced relation to the
pivot projection. The guide projections are configured to engage
the housing rail surfaces, with the pivot projection configured to
engage the pivot receptacle. A housing seal extends around to the
filter media pack for providing a seal with the air cleaner
housing.
[0042] The filter element may further comprise a clamp projection
connected to the filter media pack via the frame, with the clamp
projection being defined by the frame. The clamp projection can
define a non-linear bearing surface extending in a direction
transverse to the central axis.
[0043] Preferably, such non-linear bearing surface is chevron
shaped and configured to interact with a corresponding chevron
shaped cam surface of a housing lid.
[0044] Another aspect is directed toward a filter element that may
preferably be a side-entry filter, with a housing seal arranged
about the filter media pack, wherein the housing seal has an axial
seal surface that undulates axially over at least a portion of the
housing seal.
[0045] In such a filter element, the filter media pack can having
an inlet end, an outlet end and an outer periphery extending
between the inlet end and the outlet end, with the inlet end and
the outlet end being separated along a central axis. Further, a
frame can support the filter media pack, with the frame being
quadrilateral including a pair of first sidewalls on opposed sides,
and a pair of second sidewalls on opposed sides and extending
transversely between the first sidewalls.
[0046] The filter element can have the frame comprising a seal
support flange projecting radially outward from the first and
second sidewalls in surrounding relation of the filter media pack,
with the housing seal in axial abutment contact with the seal
support flange.
[0047] In an example, the axial seal surface is undulating in a
first direction extending along the first sidewalls, and are linear
in a second direction along the second sidewalls.
[0048] The housing seal can be molded to the frame and to the
filter media pack and to provide for undulating configuration can
includes axial extending walls of seal material along the outer
periphery of the filter media pack along valleys of the axial seal
surface in undulated valley regions.
[0049] As an alternative to integrally molded in place, the housing
seal can be secured to the frame and further comprising an
additional seal material separately sealing internally between the
frame and the filter media pack.
[0050] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0052] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an air cleaner assembly
including an air cleaner housing and an air filter element, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the
air filter element in a fully installed and clamped position with
the housing lid in a closed position;
[0053] FIG. 1B is a side view of the air cleaner assembly shown in
FIG. 1A, with a partial cross-section/cut-away being taken through
the housing lid and guide track channel of the air cleaner housing
to better show seal and install features;
[0054] FIG. 2A is another isometric view of an air cleaner assembly
shown in FIG. 1A, but in a partially installed position with the
filter element fully installed through the side entry window of the
air cleaner housing but not clamped by the housing lid, with the
housing lid illustrated in an open position;
[0055] FIG. 2B is a side view of the air cleaner assembly shown in
the position of FIG. 2A, with a partial cross-section/cut-away
being taken through the lid and guide track channel of the air
cleaner housing to better show seal and install features;
[0056] FIG. 3A is another isometric view of an air cleaner assembly
shown in FIG. 1A, but in a partially installed position with the
filter element only partially installed into the side entry window
of the air cleaner housing and not clamped by the housing lid, with
the housing lid illustrated in an open position;
[0057] FIG. 3B is a side view of the air cleaner assembly shown in
the position of FIG. 3A, with a partial cross-section/cut-away
being taken through the lid and guide track channel of the air
cleaner housing to better show seal and install features;
[0058] FIG. 4A is another isometric view of an air cleaner assembly
shown in FIG. 1A, but in an uninstalled position with the filter
element disposed outside but aligned for installation with the side
entry window of the air cleaner housing, with the housing lid
illustrated in an open position to facilitate filter element
installation;
[0059] FIG. 4B is a side view of the air cleaner assembly shown in
the position of FIG. 4A, with a partial cross-section/cut-away
being taken through the lid and guide track channel of the air
cleaner housing to better show seal and install features;
[0060] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the filter element
illustrated in the previous FIGS. 1A-4B, taken from the outlet face
end of the filter element;
[0061] FIG. 6 is another isometric view of the filter element shown
in FIG. 5, taken from the inlet face end of the filter element;
[0062] FIGS. 7-12 are inlet end, front side, outlet end, back side,
left side (e.g. handle and clamp projection side), and right side
(e.g. pivot projection side) views, respectively, of the filter
element shown in FIG. 5;
[0063] FIG. 13 is an isometric exploded assembly view of the filter
element shown in FIG. 5;
[0064] FIG. 14 is a cross-section of the air cleaner assembly taken
about line 14-14 in FIG. 1A;
[0065] FIG. 15 is a cross-section of the air cleaner assembly taken
about line 15-15 in FIG. 1A;
[0066] FIG. 16 is a cross-section of the air cleaner assembly taken
about line 16-16 in FIG. 1B;
[0067] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an air cleaner housing and
an air filter element, in accordance with an alternative embodiment
of the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the air cleaner housing of
the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17;
[0069] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the air filter element of
the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17; and
[0070] FIG. 20 is a partial, isometric cross sectional view of a
combination of the air cleaner housing and the air filter element
of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 17 with the air filter
element fully installed into the air cleaner housing and being
taken about a region through the pivot projection of the air filter
element and pivot receptacle of the air cleaner housing.
[0071] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the air cleaner housing
shown in FIG. 18 through an axially extending section plane that
passes thorough the inlet and outlet, the cover and the pivot
receptacle, to better illustrate structural features of the
alternative pivot receptacle and track channel and rail
configuration (which are mirror images on opposite halves of the
housing).
[0072] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0073] As illustrated in the Figures, an embodiment of the present
invention has been depicted as a filter element 10. The filter
element 10 can be usable with an embodiment of an air cleaner
housing 12, the combination of which provides for an air cleaner
assembly 14.
[0074] The filter element 10 is better illustrated by itself with
respect to FIGS. 5-13, while its use in association with the air
cleaner housing 12 is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A-4B, which
show the progressive installation or removal of the filter element
10 from the air cleaner housing 12 (the removal steps being shown
progressively from FIGS. 1A-4B; and the insulation being shown in
reverse from FIG. 4 to FIG. 1). FIGS. 14-16 additionally illustrate
additional interface features of the air filter element 10 within
the air cleaner housing 12, for example, the sealing relationship
as well as the clamped condition and clamping features, and the
guidance interaction features are shown with reference to these
cross-sections.
[0075] Before turning in greater detail to the filter element 10,
attention will first be directed to the air cleaner housing 12 of
the air cleaner assembly 14 with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B. The air
cleaner housing 12 generally includes a housing base 16 and a
housing lid 18 that is pivotably connected to the housing base 16
such as at a hinge 20. Hinge 20 may be provided by a pivot pin that
extends through corresponding holes in the lid and the base,
respectively and that allows pivoting action therebetween.
[0076] The housing lid 18 can be clamped and retained to the
housing base 16 in the closed position as shown for example in
FIGS. 1A and 1B by suitable fasteners 22, such as thumb screws,
other such retainers or clamps that can serve as a fastener to
releasably fasten the housing lid 18 to the housing base 16 when
desired. The fasteners 22, such as thumbscrews, may be permanently
retained to the fastener lid 18 such as shown in FIG. 2A and can
threadably install into threaded openings of the lid support flange
26 of the housing base 16.
[0077] The housing base 16 generally defines a boxlike
quadrilateral casing structure that can comprise a pair of long
sidewalls 28 and 29 on opposed sides that are connected by a short
closed sidewall 30 extending transversely therebetween. On the side
opposite the short closed sidewall 30, there can be an open side 31
that is surrounded by the lid support flange 26 that provides for a
side entry filter install window that is sized to receive the
filter element 10 for installation and removal 10. The open side 31
thus provides the side entry filter install window that allows
access to the internal filter cavity 32 that provides a filtration
chamber which receives the air filter element 10.
[0078] Preferably, the housing base 16 and/or the corresponding
filter element 10 are rectangular in shape to provide the
quadrilateral shape.
[0079] The filter cavity 32 is in fluid series between an inlet
opening 34 and an outlet opening 36, which may be disposed at
respective opposed ends of the sidewalls 28-30 (and open side 31),
as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4B. The inlet opening 34 may connect it
to an upstream ductwork if employed for an engine air filtration
application including, if desired, pre-cleaners which may employ
spin tubes to engage in a first stage of filtration.
[0080] For example, optional fastening openings (not numbered) are
shown on two of the sidewalls that can receive bolts or other such
fasteners for upstream ductwork (see e.g. unnumbered holes on long
sidewalls proximate inlet opening 34. Additionally, engine mounting
structure (not numbered) may also be provided along one or more of
the sidewalls such as the short sidewall 30, in the illustrated
embodiment.
[0081] The outlet opening 36 is shown to be through an otherwise
closed end wall 38 of the housing base 16 opposite the open end
that provides for the inlet opening 34. The outlet opening 36 may
also connect to downstream ductwork such as the air intake of an
engine to provide combustion air for a combustion engine, for
example.
[0082] A sensor port 40 may optionally be provided along the outlet
tube portion of the closed end wall 38 that defines the outlet
opening 36. Such sensor port 40 can provide for installation of a
pressure sensor that may be used to sense pressure differential
across the filter element and/or other air pressure or air flow
parameters.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the air cleaner housing 12 has
an open position in which the lid 18 is pivoted open uncovering the
side entry filter install window provided by open side 31. This
allows for lateral installation of the filter element 10. The
filter element 10 can be then pushed laterally (which may be
vertically downward) into the air cleaner housing base 16 as shown
in FIGS. 3A-3B until it reaches the fully installed position in
FIGS. 2A-2B. Thereafter, the housing lid 18 can be rotated and
pivoted to the closed position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, with the
fasteners 22 being manually tightened to secure the housing lid 18
to the housing base 16 to maintain the housing lid in the closed
position.
[0084] Before turning to details of the filter element 10, some
additional features that are particularly useful for interaction
with the filter element will be briefly described. In particular,
the housing base defines a quadrilateral and preferably
rectangularly shaped housing sealing seat 42 that surrounds central
axis 41. The sealing seat 42 is preferably at the outlet side of
the housing base 16. For example, the sealing seat 42 may be
generally defined at or proximate the corner location between the
four housing sides (e.g. sidewalls and open side at references
28-31) of the housing base 16 and the closed end wall 38, as
illustrated. Sealing seat 42 may generally be in the form of a
radially outward extending rectangular flange projecting radially
outwardly relative to the central axis 44, as shown. It may be in a
plane if flat seals are used or alternatively and has illustrated
may take the form of a wave shape if wave type seals are
employed.
[0085] Further, the housing base may additionally include a pivot
receptacle 46 that can be defined by the short closed sidewall,
which receives corresponding structure of the filter element 10
when in use to help secure and clamp the filter in place.
[0086] The pivot receptacle 46 can take the form of a triangular
cavity that narrows in width as it extends away from the central
axis to the pivot receptacle base. A wall 46 of the pivot
receptacle 46 configured and arranged to provides an axial abutment
wall also on the cavity thereof to apply axial pressure when the
filter element 10 is wedge into place to provide seal
compression.
[0087] Further, the housing lid 18 may also define a recess that
provides a handle receiver cavity 48 that along one side provides
for a clamping cam surface 50. The clamping cam surface 50 can be
of a chevron shape to include a central projection 52 that projects
toward the sealing seat 42 with the clamping cam surface 50 facing
the direction of the sealing seat 42, as illustrated. The clamping
cam surface 50 is arranged to apply axial clamping pressure in the
direction of the sealing seat 42 when the lid is in the closed
position such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and see additionally
FIGS. 14 and 15 additionally for clamping surface engagement.
[0088] Further, the housing base 16 can provide means for guiding
filter element installation. For example, the housing base 16 may
define a pair of recessed guide track channels 54 formed into
opposed closed long sidewalls 28 and 29 that may be mirror images
of one another. The guide track channels 54 include a larger open
entrance located at the open side 36 that narrow in width as the
channels progress and extend toward the short closed sidewall 30.
The guide track channels may be defined generally between housing
rail surfaces 56 along the side closer to the inlet end and by a
portion of the sealing seat 42 flange portion that is proximate the
outlet side of the housing base. The housing rail surfaces 56 ramp
axially forward toward the outlet side as the rail surfaces 56
project from the closed sidewall 30.
[0089] Turning now in greater detail to the filter element 10,
details thereof can better be seen with references to FIGS. 5-13.
As shown in FIG. 13, the filter element preferably includes at
least three component parts including a filter media pack 58, a
support frame 60 and a housing seal 62, as shown in the exploded
assembly view of FIG. 13.
[0090] Preferably, the housing seal 62 is integrally molded in
place to the filter media pack 58 and to the frame 60 to
permanently connect and provide an internal media seal surrounding
the media pack and between the media pack 58 and the frame 60 to
prevent unfiltered fluid from bypassing along the inside of the
frame. Alternatively, additional sealant such as bonding adhesive
(e.g. urethane, plastisol, hot melt or other material) may be used
to first provide an internal media pack seal between the filter
media pack 58 and the frame 60. However, the internal media pack
seal as noted above may simply be provided also by an integrally
molded in place housing seal 62.
[0091] For example, an integrally molded configuration is
illustrated in the cross-section of FIG. 14, where it can be seen
that the molded in place housing seal 62 is also integrally bonded
and embedded into to the media pack 52 as well as the frame 60.
However, if the internal media pack seal is provided separately
such as by bonding adhesive sealant, then the housing seal 62 may
be molded in place or alternatively preformed and then placed upon
and preferably adhered to the frame 60.
[0092] Also, it is noted that the frame 60 is preferably
permanently bonded to the housing seal 62 and the filter media pack
58. However it is also contemplated that the housing seal 62 may
simply be bonded to the filter media pack with the frame being in
surrounding supporting relation of the filter media pack, but not
permanently connected thereto, but potentially as a reusable and
removable support structure that is removable without damage to the
filter media pack and the housing seal. For example, in such
embodiment, the filter media pack 58 and the seal member 62 that is
connected thereto would be removably replaceable from the frame 60.
In such alternative embodiment however, the frame 60 can still be
considered to be part of the filter element in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure, even if it is reusable and
not necessarily disposed at filter maintenance intervals.
[0093] As illustrated, the filter media pack 58 includes an inlet
end 64 through which unfiltered air can flow, and an outlet end 66
through which filtered air can flow. Further, an outer periphery 68
extends between the inlet end 64 and the outlet end 68. The outer
periphery 68 generally surrounds the central axis 44 which extends
through the respective inlet and outlet ends such that the inlet
end and the outlet end can be separated along the central axis.
[0094] These inlet and outlet ends 64, 66 are preferably planar,
but other shapes are possible. For example, these ends provide
planar flow faces that can be defined by the pleat tips of a
pleated media sheet at opposed ends if pleated media is used (see
pleated media shown in FIG. 13).
[0095] The outer periphery 68 is preferably a quadrilateral shape
and most preferably rectangular, although other quadrilateral
shapes such as trapezoidal and the like are possible.
[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the quadrilateral shape
provides the filter pack with four sides, which may be rectangular
(or other quad shape) to include a first pair of side 68a and 68b;
and a second pair of sides extending transversely therebetween
including sides 68c and 68d.
[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the long sides are at 68a,
68b and the short sides are at 68c, 68d. Although short and long
sides are indicated and illustrated, in a further embodiment may
include a square configuration where the width or length of the
respective sides are all the same.
[0098] The filter media pack 58 is preferably a pleat pack
constructed from a single pleated sheet of suitable air filter
media, for example, in an embodiment, the filter media pack may be
a deep pleated filter media pack that is embossed such as disclosed
in U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0214806 to Tate et al., entitled "Filter
Media Packs, Methods of Making and Filter Media Presses" and/or
international PCT application number PCT/US18/17952 to Tate et al.
entitled "Filter Media Packs, Methods of Making, and Ultrasonic
Cutting or Welding," the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference to illustrate the types of packs,
embossments and depths of packs that are contemplated herein.
[0099] Preferably, embossments are formed in the filter media pack
58 (see above referenced patent publications/applications for
examples and details). For example, embossments are preferably
formed in the pleat pack and along one or more pleat panels between
the opposed creases in the filter media sheet that define pleat
tips at opposed inlet and outlet ends to maintain spacing, when the
filter media pack is depleted to a depth of greater than 3 inches
and more preferably greater than 6 inches. The depth being defined
between the inlet end and the outlet end, which is the location
where the folds/creases defining pleat tips are provided.
[0100] Alternatively, it is also contemplated that other masses of
filter media may be used to include, for example, fluted filter
media packs such as described and shown, for example, in U.S. Pub.
No. 2014/0260139 entitled "Rectangular Stack Fluted Filter
Cartridge" to Merritt, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference to show an alternative embodiment of a
filter media pack that may be employed according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0101] Preferably, the spacing between the inlet and outlet ends
are relatively deep, such as greater than 3 inches in an
embodiment, and more preferably greater than 6 inches. Typically
such media depth between inlet and outlet ends is not greater than
12 inches, but some embodiments it may be greater.
[0102] Turning to the details of the frame 60, it is shown as
preferably matching the shape of the filter media pack 58 and can
be sized just larger than that of the filter media pack 58 to
receive the filter media pack 58 therein, to thereby support and
protect the filter media pack. The frame 60 is preferably in a
plastic injection molded and relatively rigid part (e.g. more rigid
than the more resilient housing seal 62) to provide structural
support and to provide support for compressive forces to the seal
62.
[0103] The frame 60 may also be of a quadrilateral and as
illustrated a preferably rectangular shape to include a first pair
of sidewalls 70a, 70b on opposed sides, and a pair of second
sidewalls 70c, 70d that are on opposed sides and extend
transversely between the first sidewalls. In this manner, the frame
60 provides a boxlike structure and may provide a border structure
for the filter media pack 58 and/or housing seal 62.
[0104] In the case of the illustrated embodiment where it is an
elongated rectangular structure, the frame 60 is rectangular with
the first sidewalls 70a, 70b being longer than the second sidewalls
70c, 70d. In the case of a rectangular shape, first sidewalls 70a,
70b are mutually paralleled and second sidewalls 70c, 70d are
mutually parallel and perpendicular to the first sidewalls 70a,
70b.
[0105] The frame 60 can also provide the corresponding housing
installation and clamping structure to include a pivot projection
72 and a clamp projection 74 that are arranged in spaced apart
relationship. Preferably, the pivot projection 72, and the clamp
projection 74 are arranged at opposite ends, such as along opposed
sidewalls 70c, 70d, respectively, as illustrated. These structures
provide for interaction and engagement with the corresponding pivot
receptacle 46, and handle receiver cavity 48 and clamping cam
surface 50 of the air cleaner housing 12, which can be seen with
additional reference to FIG. 1B and FIG. 14-16, as an example.
[0106] The pivot projection 72, and clamp projections 74 are
preferably integrally molded and unitary with the border structure
provided by sidewalls 70a-70d thereby providing the frame as a
monolithic one-piece component part, in a preferred embodiment.
[0107] Additionally, the sidewall 70c that provides for the pivot
projection may additionally include an abutment projection 76 in
space relation thereto that is situated to abut and contact the
corresponding closed long the sidewall 29 of the air cleaner
housing, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 14. This provides
additional support and location during installation of the filter
element 10 into the air cleaner housing 12.
[0108] The frame 60 preferably includes at least one and preferably
the cooperating pair of guide projections 78 that project outwardly
away from the outer periphery of the filter media pack and along at
least one and preferably two of the sidewalls 70a, 70b, as
illustrated. The guide projections may be in the form of slide
followers that are located and adapted to slide along the housing
rail surfaces 56, as illustrated and are sized just smaller than
the pair of guide track channels 54 to facilitate receipt therein
during installation and removal of the filter element.
[0109] For example, the guide projections 78 may be in the form of
circular bosses that project outwardly from opposed sides of the
frame 60, as illustrated in FIG. 13, and FIGS. 8 and 10.
[0110] It is additionally noted that in the preferred embodiment
that the pivot projection 72 is provided for receipt into the pivot
receptacle 46. As illustrated, the pivot projection 72 can be
longer in the radially outward direction than it is thick. Further,
the pivot projection 72 may taper in thickness from the frame side
wall as it projects away therefrom and thus be of a triangular
shape as shown. It can be molded conveniently with a flange plate
and ribs (e.g. gussets) to provide the structure.
[0111] The pivot projection 72 is configured an arranged to engage
against the abutment wall provided by the pivot receptacle 41, such
as shown in FIGS. 1B and 14, and therefore afford a slight pivoting
movement of the filter element during installation, and affords
axial sealing pressure to the housing seal 62 to be accomplished if
the filter element is installed into the housing.
[0112] However, if the pivot projection 72 is omitted, and one or
more guide projections are provided, the guide projections could
then act as and be considered as the pivot projection. Thus, the
guide projections can also be considered to be within the scope of
a pivot projection according to an embodiment and according to the
independent claims appended hereto unless a claim requires both a
separate pivot projection and a separate guide projection distinct
therefrom. The reason is that as the filter element is installed
into the filter housing, the guide projection 78 will engage and
allow pivoting movement upon the housing rail surface 56 in this
manner, the guide projection 78 itself can act as a form of pivot
projection, and considered to be such a pivot projection according
to the present disclosure, especially if the preferred pivot
projection 72 is omitted. It is also noted that these guide
projections 78, if acting as pivot projections are arranged in
spaced apart relationship and are arranged relative to cooperate
for receiving forces in the axial direction of the central
axis.
[0113] Preferably though, the guide projections 78 serve to
facilitate and align the filter element 10 during installation into
the air cleaner housing 12, which is illustrated for example in
FIGS. 1B-4B to demonstrate how the guide projection 78 is received
within a corresponding guide track channel 54 and engages upon and
slides and follows the housing rail surface 56. In this manner,
during installation of the filter element through the side entry
filter install window provided by open side 31, the guide
projections 78 slide along the housing rail surfaces 56 to guide
the pivot projection 72 into the pivot receptacle 46. This
engagement can be seen in FIGS. 1B and 2B, as well as FIG. 14.
Thus, the pivot receptacle 46 acts as a socket to receive the pivot
projection 72 in a manner such that the pivot projection 72 can
receive forces in the axial direction of the central axis to assist
in applying an axial clamping force to the housing seal 62 when in
use.
[0114] The clamp projection 74 provides structure for cooperating
with the pivot projections 72 to receive forces in the axial
direction from the air cleaner housing at opposed ends to
facilitate clamping forces upon the housing seal 62 which may be
used to create an axial seal engagement between the filter element
10 and the air cleaner housing. The clamp projection 74 defines a
non-linear bearing surface 80 to receive such application of axial
force from the housing lid 18.
[0115] Preferably, the non-linear bearing surface 80 may be chevron
shaped, as illustrated for example, in FIG. 2A, FIG. 5, and FIG.
11. This can provide for better alignment or sealing
reliability.
[0116] As noted above, the clamp projection 74 projects outwardly
from the sidewall 70d of the frame 60 to thereby provide structure
that is situated at the open side 31 of the air cleaner housing
base 16 when the filter element is installed therein. This provides
the clamp projection 74 with availability to be engaged with and
clamped by the corresponding handle receiver cavity 48 with the
clamping cam surface 50 of the housing lid 18.
[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp projection 14
comprises an integrally molded plastic hollow block member 82 that
defines a central recess such as a centering notch 84 that is
arranged to receive the corresponding central projection 52 of the
housing lid 18. The centering notch 84 thus can provide part of the
non-linear bearing surface 80, along with first and second wings 86
of the block member 82 that provide additional portions of the
non-linear bearing surface 80.
[0118] Preferably, the non-linear bearing surface 80 extends
continuously through the centering notch 84 and the wings 86 to
provide for complete contact and engagement between the clamping
cam surface 50 and the non-linear bearing surface 80, which is best
shown, for example, in FIG. 15. However, interrupted or
non-continuous engagement is also contemplated in another
embodiment.
[0119] The block member may be defined by an outer plate portion 88
that is spaced from the sidewall 70d and connecting plate portions,
including long plate portion 90 and short plate portions 92 on
opposed sides thereof and respectively at opposed wings 86. The
long connecting plate portion 90 spans the length and over the
distance of both wings 86 and centering notch 84, while the short
connecting portions 92 extend from the long connecting plate
portion 90 toward the non-linear bearing surface on distal portions
of the respective wings 86. The arrangement of the centering notch
84 and non-linear bearing surface 80 is, such that it faces towards
the housing seal 62 at one of the inlet end and the outlet end with
the centering notch extending into the block member 82 in a
direction away from the housing seal 62. Stated another way, the
non-linear bearing surface 80 and the centering notch 84 face
generally in a direction towards the housing seal 62. With the
wings and the centering notch, an overall chevron shape can be
provided for engagement with the housing lid 18 and its
complementary chevron shaped clamping cam surface 50.
[0120] Further, the clamp projection block member 82 as noted is
generally hollow in the region underneath the outer plate portion
88 which provides an undercut region 94 that is sized large enough
to receive one or more fingers of a service mechanic that can be
slidably received therein to facilitate grasping. As a consequence,
the clamp projection 74 also may act overall as a handle structure,
in addition to acting as a clamping structure.
[0121] With the preferred chevron shape, and the centering notch
84, it can be seen that the camming action provided by clamping cam
surface 50 when the lid is rotated closed causes automatic
centering and better facilitates alignment between the air cleaner
housing 12 and the filter element 10 in the closed condition. For
example, if the filter element is inserted and not properly aligned
(e.g. if the filter element is installed offset closer to one of
the long sidewalls 28, 29 of the housing base) then during further
installation with the closing of the housing lid 18, the centering
provided by centering notch 84 or via the overall non-linear
bearing surface with the corresponding non-linear clamping cam
surface 50 of the housing facilitates centering to get the filter
more properly aligned to better ensure a proper seal between the
housing seal 62 and the housing sealing seat 42.
[0122] Turning to other details of the illustrated frame 60, it is
seen that the frame includes preferably corner regions 96 (e.g.
four corner regions in the case of a quadrilateral) that extend
fully between the inlet end 64 and the outlet end 66 to provide for
adequate protection of the filter media pack 58 of the corners.
However, preferably recessed saddle regions 98 are defined in the
sidewalls 70a-b of the frame 60 that may expose the pack in
non-critical regions to provide for additional material cost and
weight savings.
[0123] Proximate the housing seal 62, preferably the frame 60, also
defines a continuous quadrilateral border region 100 that extends
continuously in surrounding relation of the filter media pack 58.
This border region 100 may further define the corresponding
quadrilaterally shaped (e.g. rectangular) seal support flange 102
that projects radially outward relative to the central axis 44 from
the sidewalls 70a-70d in surrounding relation of the filter media
pack 58. The seal support flange 102 generally faces and is
arranged and matched in size to that of the corresponding sealing
seat 42, both in size and configuration and shape, to provide a
structure for axially compressing the housing seal 62 against the
sealing seat 42.
[0124] While the seal support flange and the housing seal 62 may be
planar in shape, preferably, these structures may be undulating and
form a wave seal. For example, in this embodiment, the seal support
flange and the housing seal are undulating in a direction along the
longer first sidewalls 70a, 70b, but are linear and may be planar
in a direction of the shorter second sidewalls 70c, 70d. The linear
relationship on the opposed ends where the clamp projection 74 and
the pivot projection 72 are provided also provides for the ability
of the non-linear bearing surface 80 to act alone in conjunction
with the non-linear clamping cam surface 50 to facilitate relative
alignment during clamping engagement upon closing of the housing
lid 18, with the wave engagement between the seal and housing
aligning in the transverse direction.
[0125] The seal support flange 102 provides axial abutment contact
with the housing seal 62 to provide a rigid support structure that
facilitates compression and axial sealing engagement between the
housing seal 62 and the sealing seat 42 of the air cleaner housing
12 when the housing lid 18 is closed. During pivoting movement of
the housing lid, and with the pivot projection 72 received within
the pivot receptacle 46, the clamping cam surface 50 engages upon
the corresponding non-linear bearing surface 80 of the filter
element to pivot and drive the filter element 10 into sealing
engagement with the sealing seat 42 of the air cleaner housing base
16 to facilitate axial sealing engagement. With this arrangement,
both the pivot receptacle 46 and the clamping cam surface 50 are
providing axial force in the direction of the housing seal 62
against the filter element 10 to ensure sealing relationship. Thus,
engagement between the pivot projection 72 and the pivot receptacle
46, at least on the side opposite of the housing seal occurs to
allow that the axial force to be applied. A relatively tight fit
through compression of the housing seal 62 is facilitated when the
pivot projection 72 is installed and received into the pivot
receptacle 46. Thereafter, as the housing lid 18 is closed, the
filter element 10 is then pivoted by virtue of engagement of the
clamping cam surface 50 with the non-linear bearing surface 80 of
the filter element to pivot and move the filter element into
complete sealing relationship with the housing lid 18 closed.
[0126] Further, to provide the wave seal configuration that may
project axially into the depth of the filter media around the
periphery, the housing seal 62 may include a quadrilateral and
preferably rectangular housing sealing flange portion 104 that is
shaped, sized and arrange to axially seal against the housing
sealing seat 42, but additionally may include axially extending
walls 106 of seal material along the outer periphery of the filter
media pack and along the valleys formed by the axially outward
facing and undulating axially sealing surface 108.
[0127] Preferably, this housing seal is provided by an integrally
molded form-in-place seal such as being formed by polyurethane or
other resilient material. However, it also may be a preformed seal
such as a flexible rope gasket made of nitrile, polyurethane, or
other suitable seal material that can be placed and preferably
glued upon the seal support flange 102, or alternatively a shaped
molded preformed gasket in the shape of such a wave seal
configuration that is placed and preferably glued upon the seal
support flange. In such instance, it is also preferable that in
such preformed configurations that axially extending wall portions
106 can be provided to provide for media protection in the valleys
of the axial sealing surface 108.
[0128] Turning to FIGS. 17-21, an alternative embodiment of an air
cleaner assembly 214 is illustrated comprising a filter element 210
and an air cleaner housing 212. The air cleaner assembly 214 is the
same and functions the same as that of the first embodiment of
FIGS. 1-16 such that the description above is fully applicable to
the present embodiment other than as described herein, such that
description related to this embodiment will be limited only to the
differences. In particular, this air cleaner assembly 214 of the
alternative embodiment has: (a) differently configured guide track
channels 254 (and housing rail surfaces 256 thereof--see e.g. FIG.
21 cross-section for details along inside of housing) that interact
with the filter element guide projections 78 (which are structured
the same as the first embodiment such that a like reference numbers
is used); and (b) the pivot projection 272 of this filter element
210 and the corresponding pivot receptacle 246 of the air cleaner
housing 212 are configured differently.
[0129] In this alternative embodiment, the pivot projection 272
comprises a racetrack shaped ring that includes projection segments
as shown in FIG. 19. This pivot projection 272 therefore still
projects away from the outer periphery of the filter media pack 58.
For example, the pivot projection 272 may include a pair or spaced
apart and preferably parallel segment projections 272A, that may be
connected by arcuate end projections 272B that may define a loop
and ring structure. The central region of this ring structure may
be void and define a recess 272C, which provides room to receive
the pivot receptacle 246 of the air cleaner housing 212, which is
shown as a projection ridge 246A from the inside surface of the air
cleaner housing 212. This structure is still a pivot receptacle and
in this sense receptacle is meant to include a receiver structure
(e.g. a device that receives something), and in this case the
receptacle receives adjacently the pivot projection 272 structure
for facilitating pivoting. In a similar sense, the pivot projection
272 event though it includes a recess 272C is still a pivot
projection as it includes projecting structure and/or surfaces to
define the recess 272C. For example, segment projections 272A and
272B, and/or surfaces therefor project to provide pivoting
structure.
[0130] The interaction and pivoting support that provides the same
functionality and result of the first embodiment of the pivot
receptacle 246 and the pivot projection 272 is shown better in FIG.
20. Like the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, as evident from FIG.
20, the pivot projection 272 is configured and arranged for
engagement with the pivot receptacle 246. With the clamp projection
configured and arranged for engagement with the clamping cam
surface being the same in this alternative embodiment, the filter
element 210 is configured to for developing axial clamping force
along the central axis for axial sealing of the housing seal 62,
and the housing seal can also similarly be an axial seal.
[0131] Turning to FIGS. 17, 18 and 21, it can be seen that the
structure that projects inwardly from the housing to provide guide
channels 254 that like the first embodiment extend between the open
end and the closed end, with corresponding guide rails 256 to
engage and interact with the guide projections 78 on the housing.
Like the first embodiment, two symmetrical guide channels 254 and
rails 256 would be provided on opposite sides (the symmetrical or
mirror image other side is not illustrated in this alternative
embodiment, but readily evident from the Figures). In each
embodiment, the guide channels and rails extend at least partially
between the open end and the opposite closed end of the housing;
however in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, the extend of the
structure may be fully between as shown whereas in the alternative
embodiment shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 21, it is only partially
between rather than fully. An advantage of the alternative
embodiment may be that a shorter inset ramp that interfaces with
the air filter element for pushing the bottom seal face against the
housing wave surface. In other words, this may allow easier
installation and manipulation by the service mechanic of the filter
element during installation as the engagement and alignment need
only to occur toward the end of install movement, whereas more
complete guiding movement is an advantage of the earlier first
embodiment.
[0132] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0133] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0134] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *