Air cleaner arrangements

The present disclosure relates to arrangements, components and methods of air cleaners with internal and external supports for cartridges.

This application is filed by Donaldson, a US company that is an applicant who has designated all countries other than the United States, and Michelle Baseoto, who is an all-Belgian, who is an applicant who has designated only the United States. A US provisional patent filed on July 12, 2008 as an international patent application under the names of Roberto Mercus, Julian Dills, and Paul R. Coulombox, and filed on July 20, 2007. It claims the priority of Application No. 60 / 961,521 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 126,222 filed on April 30, 2008.

Air cleaners are used to filter the combustion intake of various vehicles and internal combustion engine engines of trucks, buses, off-road construction equipment, agricultural equipment, generator sets and other equipment. Such an air cleaner typically includes a housing with a removable and replaceable main filter cartridge located therein. The housing includes an inspection or access cover for selected access to the filter cartridge housed inside for maintenance inspection. Filter cartridges are usually removed and then replaced with new cartridges from the factory, or by cleaning and re-installing, or by replacing previously used uncleaned cartridges. It will be inspected and maintained.

Problems related to the placement of air cleaners with inspectable filter cartridges are to ensure proper mounting and sealing, to properly support the filter cartridges in the air cleaner against unintended movements or movements, and / Alternatively, the air cleaner housing is reliably protected against improper installation of the filter cartridge.

<p> Improvements to the air cleaner assembly and its filter cartridges to address these issues are described herein.</p>

<p> Accordingly, the present disclosure provides air cleaner arrangements and components. The illustrated air cleaner arrangement includes multiple features. There is no particular need for the assembly for the air cleaner and / or the component to include all of the features characterized herein in order to obtain some advantages.</p><p> An exemplary air cleaner arrangement that provides an internal support for the first filter cartridge by means of a cartridge support attached to the housing that extends into the open cartridge while installing the first filter cartridge. Illustrated. The internal support can be used as a medium support for a secondary or safety filter. The engagement between the filter cartridge and the cartridge support is selected to provide both cantilever support at the closed end of the filter cartridge and non-rotating support between the filter cartridge and the cartridge support. can do.</p><p> The access cover is provided to engage the closed end of the filter cartridge. The access cover can provide a structure arrangement that allows both cantilever support and non-rotating cartridge support.</p><p> This specification describes the components used in the air cleaner. The illustrated components described include a first filter cartridge, an optional second filter cartridge, and an access cover.</p><p> An exemplary first filter cartridge is provided. The first filter cartridge includes a second end cap or a closed end cap that is far away from the open first end cap. The second end cap includes an outer surface having a receiving groove, usually a winding receiving groove therein. Another surface can also be provided with a protrusion extending into the receiver on the access cover.</p><p> The inner surface of the second end cap is configured to engage the cartridge support. The inner surface of the second end cap is one of the support of the cantilever of the filter cartridge at the second end by the cartridge support and the non-rotating engagement between the filter cartridge and the cartridge support. It can be configured to provide both.</p><p> In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a filter cartridge comprising an open end having a sealing protrusion on it. The support of the seal is embedded in the seal protrusion. In the illustration, the seal projection is integral with the rest of the end cap with an opening for air flow. In the special example illustrated, the support of the seal is integrated with the inner liner, which is provided around the support of the medium. Further, the inner liner can include the shoulder portion of the medium pack, and the medium pack is arranged with respect to the shoulder portion of the medium pack.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a side view which shows the outline of the assembly for the air cleaner of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="2">It is a perspective view of the access end part of the assembly for an air cleaner of FIG.</figref><figref num="3">It is an end view which shows the outline of the assembly for the air cleaner of FIG. 1 obtained toward the access cover.</figref><figref num="4">It is an exploded perspective view which shows the outline of the assembly for an air cleaner of FIGS. 1 to 3.</figref><figref num="5">It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the assembly for the air cleaner of FIGS. 1 to 4 obtained along line 5-5 of FIG.</figref><figref num="5A">FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the first selected portion of FIG.</figref><figref num="5B">FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the second selected portion of FIG.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of a second embodiment of an assembly for an air cleaner that includes the features described herein.</figref><figref num="7">It is an end view which shows the outline of the access cover end part of the assembly for an air cleaner shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="8A">FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a part of the assembly for the air cleaner shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the housing in the state which there is no.</figref><figref num="8B">FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a partial overview of an assembly for an air cleaner similar to FIG. 8A obtained elsewhere in FIG. 8A.</figref><figref num="9">It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the component shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B.</figref><figref num="10">It is an enlarged side view which shows the outline of the filter cartridge which can be used in the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, and is the figure which showed the filter cartridge partially in sectional view.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a closed end cap member of the filter cartridge of FIG.</figref><figref num="12">11 is an end view of the outer surface showing an outline of the closed end cap member of FIG. 11, and line 11-11 of FIG. 12 is a view showing a cross section of FIG.</figref><figref num="13">It is the schematic which shows the inner surface of the end cap member of FIG.</figref><figref num="14">It is a partially enlarged view which shows the outline of a part of the outer surface of the end cap member shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="15">It is a partially enlarged view which shows the outline of a part of the inner surface of the end cap member shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="16">It is an enlarged end view which shows the outline of the access cover which can be used in the assembly for the air cleaner of FIG. 1 and FIG.</figref><figref num="17">It is sectional drawing which shows the outline obtained along the line line 17-17 of FIG.</figref><figref num="18">It is a partial view of a part of the inner surface of the access cover of FIGS. 16 and 17.</figref><figref num="19">It is a partially enlarged view of a part of the inner surface of FIG.</figref><figref num="20">It is an end view which shows the outline of the 3rd Example of the assembly for an air cleaner of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="21">It is sectional drawing which shows the outline obtained along line 21-21 of FIG.</figref><figref num="22">It is a partially enlarged sectional view which shows the outline of the assembly for an air cleaner shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="23">It is an enlarged sectional view which shows the outline of the housing body component of the assembly for an air cleaner shown in FIG. 20, and is the figure obtained along line 21-21 of FIG.</figref><figref num="24">It is a partially enlarged sectional view which shows the outline of a part of FIG.</figref><figref num="25">It is a front view of the housing body of FIG. 23.</figref><figref num="26">FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an overview of the filter cartridge components of the air cleaner assembly shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.</figref><figref num="27">FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an outline of a part of FIG. 26.</figref><figref num="28">FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of an access cover component that can be used in the air cleaner assembly of FIG.</figref><figref num="29">FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an outline of an inner liner member of the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 26.</figref><figref num="30">It is a partially enlarged view of the part shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="31">It is a perspective view of the inner liner member / component shown in FIG.</figref>

<u style="single">I. Illustrative assembly</u> Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 is a general representation of an exemplary air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure. The air cleaner assembly 1 includes a housing 2 having a housing body 3 and an access cover 4. The access cover 4 is fixed in place on the housing body 3 by the connection arrangement 7. In the example shown, the connection arrangement 7 includes a plurality of latches 8.

The housing body 3 includes a side wall 10 having an open first end 10a, to which the access cover 4 is attached to the first end 10a. The housing sidewall includes a second end 10b facing the first end 10a. The second end 10b includes a housing sidewall 11 having an airflow opening or an airflow opening port 12 on it. The housing end wall 11 is usually not removable from the side wall 10, and in some cases is integrally molded with the side wall 10. In a typical example, the access cover 4 and the housing body 3 contain glass-filled polypropylene formed into a selected shape.

Generally, the access cover 4 is moved to a position where the access cover 4 is removed from the housing body 3 or accessible through the end 10a to the inside of the housing body 3 when the connection arrangement 7 (ie, latch 8) is removed. It is installed in a way that can be done. In the special exemplary air cleaner assembly 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the access cover 4 is detachably attached to the housing body 3 by a latch 8.

The assembly 1 for an air cleaner further includes an air flow port or an air flow opening 15 through which the air flow communicates with the inside of the housing 2. In the special example shown, the airflow opening 15 is the air inflow portion of the side wall 10, and the airflow opening port 12 is the air outflow portion. However, alternative means are possible.

Also, referring to FIG. 1, the housing body 3 includes a mounting arrangement 20 on it. The air cleaner assembly 1 can be secured during use by the mounting arrangement 20 onto a mounting device, such as a vehicle frame or a device frame. The special mounting arrangement 20 illustrated includes a plurality of mounting pads 21.

The mounting pads 21 can be placed at various locations on the housing body 2 for convenient fixation to the frame or other parts of the device using the air cleaner assembly 1. It is noted that the mounting pads 21 can be placed in various positions where not all are used, but the placement used depends on the special shape of the device. Therefore, the housing body 2 may include mounting pads 21 that are not actually used in the selected mounting.

In FIG. 1, the exemplary dimensions of the illustrated arrangement are AA = 607 mm, AB = 346.1 mm, AC = 174.5 mm, AD = 366.6 mm, AE = 102 mm. Of course, the principles of the present disclosure can be applied to units of various sizes, and the dimensions are merely examples.

With reference to FIG. 2, the air cleaner assembly 1 is shown in perspective towards the access cover 4 and the inlet opening 15. Also, the housing 2, eg, the side wall 10, may be provided with mounting pads 21 in various arrangements that allow for a variety of mounting devices for the air cleaner assembly 1 at the time of mounting or in the mounting orientation. it can.

Also referring to FIG. 2, the illustrated assembly for air cleaner 1 includes a suction valve arrangement 25 on it. The suction valve arrangement 25 includes a diaphragm or other valve member capable of draining water and / or pre-separated dust from the interior 2i of the housing 2 during use.

Also, referring to FIG. 2, it is noted that the access cover 4 includes the peripheral rim 30 and the end face 31. The end face 31 includes a central recess 32 having a central protrusion 33 facing outwards above it. These features are further described below.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the air cleaner 1 obtained toward the access cover 4. When installing the air cleaner 1, the suction valve arrangement 25 is usually facing down. Therefore, the end view of FIG. 3 is a typical normal mounting arrangement.

In Figure 3, the illustrated dimensions and angles for the illustrated system are BA = 120 °, BB = 30 °, BC = 10mm, BD = 178mm, BE = 30 °, BF = 146.3mm, BG = 185.5. mm, BH = 31.7mm, and BI = 246.5mm.

Here, pay attention to FIG. 4, which is an exploded view of the assembly 1 for the air cleaner. You can see the components housed inside the air cleaner assembly 1 in Figure 1. In particular, the first filter cartridge 40 can be seen. Also, an optional safety filter 41 is shown. Finally, when assembling the air cleaner assembly 1, an O-ring 42 is shown that is placed between the access cover 4 and the housing body 3.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assembly 1 in which details of the selected internal structure can be seen. Generally, the housing 2 defines a housing interior 2i that houses a first cartridge for an air filter or a first cartridge 40. Air enters the inside 2i through the inlet (air inflow portion) 15 and is sent out to the air flow ring portion 45 surrounding the air filter cartridge 40. Air is guided to the air filter cartridge 40 in an out-to-in flow pattern during filtration. Generally, the air filter cartridge 40 includes a medium pack 50 having an air filtration medium 51 therein. As it passes through the medium pack 50, the air is filtered. The filtered air passes through the cartridge support 55 inside and then through the outlet (air outflow) 12 outwards.

The internal cartridge support 55 is surrounded by the medium 41a of the optional safety filter 41 in some applications. In such applications, air enters the cartridge support 55 and passes through the medium 41a of the safety filter 41. For applications that do not require a safety filter or a second filter, the safety filter 41 can be removed.

A general description of the "forward flow" arrangement is provided. Due to the "forward flow", during filtration, the air flow passes from the outside of the first air filter cartridge 40 to the open interior 60 defined by the medium pack 50 (ie, from outside to inside). Means. The selected principles described herein can be applied to alternative or reverse flow arrangements in which the flow directions are reversed during filtration. That is, in the reverse flow arrangement, the air flow passes from the internal region 60 through the medium pack 50 during filtration.

In a normal air cleaner, the inlet opening port (air inflow) 15 is surrounded by a structure 15a (and an outlet opening port (air outflow) 12 surrounded by the structure 12a). Ductwork or other flow path devices can be attached to the structure 15a for use.

It should be noted that in FIG. 5, the air cleaner assembly 1 is shown omitting the latch 8 mounted on it for convenience.

Also referring to FIG. 5, the first cartridge 40 for the air filter is a service component and is removable and replaceable at the internal 2i without damaging the cartridge 40 for the air filter and the housing 2. Access for inspection of the internal 2i is provided by opening the access cover 4. Access for inspection is usually provided by removing access 4 from the end 10a of the side wall 10.

Since the air filter cartridge 40 is an inspection component, it must be removablely sealed in the air cleaner housing 2 to prevent unfiltered air from flowing into the outlet 12. To this end, a housing seal arrangement 65 is provided for the air filter cartridge 40.

More specifically, the medium pack 50 includes opposing ends 50a, 50b. The end 50a is fixed to the end cap 66. In the special example shown, the end cap 66 is an end cap 66a that is molded in place. This means that the end cap 66 is molded onto the medium pack 50. Common materials that can be used in the end caps that are molded in place are as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,955,701, U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/009040, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,642. Foamable polyurethane, each incorporated herein by reference.

The end cap 66 is an open end cap. That is, the end cap includes a central opening 68 that penetrates. The central opening 68 conforms to the structure of the cartridge support 55 while the air filter cartridge 40 is attached to the air cleaner housing body 3. The end cap 66 includes a seal protrusion 70 on it. The seal protrusion 70 is sized and shaped so as to be accommodated in the receiving pocket 75 in the housing body 3 and forms the housing seal with the housing body 3. Therefore, the protrusion 70 defines the housing seal or seal member 65 as opposed to the illustration. Further, in the example shown, the seal protrusion 70 is integrally molded with the rest of the end cap 66.

Further, referring to FIG. 5, the support member 70a of the seal is embedded in the seal protrusion 70. The seal support member 70a is a rigid structural member that, by being embedded in the seal projection 70, supports a radial outward facing seal formed by the seal projection 70. The support member 70a of the seal may include an integral structure with the inner liner 71 of the air filter cartridge 40. Alternatively, the seal support member 70a can be a separate member embedded in the seal projection 70.

The end 50b of the medium pack 50 includes a second end cap 80 on it. The second end cap 80 is a closed end cap. A closed end cap means that there is no central opening through. The illustrated illustrated end cap 80 is not molded in place. Rather, it includes a preform 81 that is first molded (usually by cast molding) and then secured, for example, to the end 50b of the medium pack 50 with potted adhesive. An exemplary material for the end cap 80 is a cast ABS resin that is potted with hard polyurethane.

As shown below according to the exemplary examples shown in FIGS. 20 to 31, the second end cap 80 is a composite material containing a preform member fixed in place by overcasting to the end 10b of the medium pack 50. It is noted that can include.

Also referring to FIG. 5, the illustrated assembly 1 for air cleaner includes an optional safety cartridge 41. The safety cartridge 41 has an end cap, an end piece or ring 91 and a safety filter medium 41a. The safety filter medium 41a is embedded in the end ring 91. The end ring 91 includes an open central opening 92. The end ring 91 can be fitted around a portion of the cartridge support 55 by a central opening 92.

In general terms, the safety filter medium 41a is located between the first cartridge 50 and the interior 55i of the cartridge support 55. Therefore, the air filtered from the first cartridge 50 passes through the safety filter medium 41a to reach 55i inside the cartridge support 55 and to the outside through the outlet (air outflow portion) 12.

Also, with reference to FIG. 5, attention is paid to the cartridge support 55 inside. The cartridge support 55 has a side frame 55s. The side frame 55s extends from the base region 55b (adjacent to the housing end 11) to the opposing outer end 55v (adjacent to the housing side wall end 10a). The side frame 55s generally includes a penetrating flow opening 55f. The illustrated special exemplary cartridge support 55 includes a side frame 55s. The side frame 55s includes a grid of longitudinal extension portions 551 and a radial ring-shaped intersecting extension portion 55c.

In contrast to the example shown, the side wall (side frame) 55s extends in a tapered shape from the base region 55b to the end 55t. That is, the side frame 55s is generally conical in this area. The conical angle c, i.e. the acute angle inside the slope, is usually at least 1 °, usually at least 2 °, often in the range of 2 ° to 10 °.

With reference to FIG. 5, it is noted that the base region 55b of the cartridge support 55 includes a non-perforated region 55y in the base region 55b.

For the special exemplary arrangement (air cleaner assembly) 1 shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge support 55 is integrally molded with a tube 95 defining an air flow opening 12. In fact, the special illustrated housing body 3 is a component molded in one (plastic) with a side wall 10, an inlet (air inflow) 15, a tube 95, and a cartridge support 55. including.

In FIG. 5, the illustrated dimensions are CA = 285 mm and CB = 157.8 mm. In FIG. 5, the central longitudinal axis with respect to the cartridge support 55 is indicated by X.

Here, attention is paid to FIG. 5A, which is an enlarged sectional view of FIG. 5, and FIG. 5B, which is a second enlarged sectional view of FIG.

First referring to FIG. 5B, the housing body 3 includes a pipe 95 defining an outlet (air outflow) 12. Surrounding the tube 95, the housing body 3 defines a seal receiving pocket 96. The seal receiving pocket 96 is formed between the outer surface 95o of the tube 95 and the outer wall 97, and the end of the seal receiving pocket is closed by the wall 98 extending between them. The housing seal (seal protrusion) 70 of the first cartridge 50 is pushed into the seal receiving pocket 96 to form a seal together with the seal receiving pocket. In particular, the housing seal 70 is pushed radially outward with respect to the outer wall 97 by the seal support 70 and / or the wall 95o to form a radial housing seal 65 with an outward facing periphery. (The seal receiving pocket 96 corresponds to the receiving pocket 75 in FIG. 5).

Alternative seals are generally cartridges consistent with this disclosure, such as US Pat. No. 5,547,480, US Pat. No. 6,652,614, International Patent Application No. 2007/022171, US Pat. No. 6,039,778, US Pat. No. 6,955,701. It can be used with cartridges and the like that have matching internal seals. These cartridges are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the base region 55b of the cartridge support 55 can be configured to accommodate an inner radialally oriented seal that is generally consistent with these references.

Referring here to FIG. 5A, the cartridge support 55 extending across the end 55v of the side wall (side frame) 55s includes an end member 55t. There is no particular need for the end member 55t to be closed, i.e. closed to the passage through which the air flow passes. However, in normal applications, the end member 55t is closed so as not to provide a bypass route for airflow around the filter medium 41a of the safety cartridge 41 (if used).

Before discussing the air cleaner assembly 1 in more detail, let us focus on FIGS. 6 and 7. It presents alternative embodiments that incorporate the principles of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 6, the air cleaner assembly 101 is shown in an exploded view. The air cleaner assembly 101 includes a housing 102 that includes a housing body 103 and an access cover 4. The air filter cartridge 40 can be arranged in the housing body 103. The optional safety filter medium 41 is visible. You can also see the O-ring 42.

In general, the only necessary difference between the air cleaner assembly 101 and the air cleaner assembly 1 relates to the special configuration of the housing body 103 with respect to the inlet 107. The inlet 107 of the housing body 103 includes an inlet duct 108 attached to the inlet 107 with an end piece 109 and a rim 110. The air cleaner assembly 1 is configured differently with respect to these features.

However, the internal features of the air cleaner 101, including the replacement component for the air filter cartridge 40, can be the same. Each of the air cleaner assemblies 1 and 101 can be configured to use the same access cover 4.

FIG. 7 shows an end view of the air cleaner assembly 101 obtained toward the access cover 4.

Returning to the air cleaner assembly 1 and focusing on FIG. 8A, a cross-sectional view of the housing body 3 (of the air cleaner air cleaner assembly 1 of FIGS. 1 to 5) similar to FIG. 5 is shown. However, the access cover 4, the air filter cartridge 40, and the safety element 41 are not shown. Also, the latch 8 associated with FIG. 1 is not shown on the housing body 3 of FIG. 8A. Further, in FIG. 8A, the suction valve 25 (FIG. 1) is not arranged on the housing body 3 of FIG. However, the suction opening 25a is visible for use with the suction valve 25.

It is noted that FIG. 8A of the cross section does not pass through the center of the central cartridge support 55, but rather slightly from the center toward the observer. On the other hand, FIG. 8B is a similar cross-sectional view, but obtained through the center of the central cartridge support 55.

Generally, the structure visible in FIGS. 8A, 8B (housing body 3) includes one molded structural piece. Of course, it can be assembled with a substitute. In normal applications, the housing body 3, including the cartridge support 55, would be made from plastic as a single piece.

With reference to FIG. 8A, note the end member 55t on the cartridge support 55. The end member 55t is again placed against the base region 55b. The end member 55t projects in a direction away from the outlet 12 toward the open end 10a. In fact, in some applications of the techniques described herein, including the illustration shown for the housing body 3 of FIG. 8A, a portion of the end member 55t, when installed, is on the side wall 10. Beyond the open end 10a, it can project outward in the direction facing the end wall 11 and the exit 12, i.e. towards the access cover 4.

For the illustrated illustration, the end member 55t includes two protrusion portions, a first (peripheral ring) protrusion 125 and a second (center) protrusion member 126. Each of the protrusions 125 and 126 protrudes in the direction away from the housing end 11 and at a position axially away from a part of the adjacent end member 55t. By "axial" in this context, the protrusion means that it is generally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis X. For the illustration shown, the first (ring) protrusion 125 is positioned away from the second (center) protrusion 126 by an outer surface recessed region 130 extending around the second protrusion 126. Also, in the illustration shown, the second ring-shaped protrusion 125 is continuous and circumscribes (surrounds) the central protrusion 126.

The end member 55t includes an outer surface 55x and an inner surface 55z. The indentation 130 is in the outer surface 55x.

As used herein, when we say that a protrusion is "axially" or extends "axially", it does not mean that the protrusion is always exactly on the same straight line as the central longitudinal axis X. Rather, it means that they are generally in the same longitudinal direction.

In the special example illustrated, the central protrusion 126 is conical and has a circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to axis X. More specifically, the central protrusion 126 has a conical side wall 126s, and the central protrusion 126 is tapered inward toward the tip 126t. However, the tip 126t does not necessarily have a sharply pointed tip or a perfectly flat end, with the tip of the cone cut to some extent.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the resulting cross section does not pass through the central protrusion 126, but rather through a portion of the cartridge support 55 that is located towards the observer from the central protrusion 126. It is noted that it is a cross section. In Figure 8A, some exemplary dimensions are DA = 332.6mm, DB = 322.4mm, DE = 174.5mm, DF = 1.5mm radius, DG = 63.8mm, DH = 25.1mm, DJ = 5mm radius, DK = 3.2mm, DL = 29.2mm, DI = 25.3mm.

FIG. 8B shows a second cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8A, an example of which is obtained through the center line of the central protrusion 126. With reference to FIG. 8B, it can be seen that the central protrusion 126 is defined by a hollow interior 126i that projects axially away from the end 11. Further, referring to FIG. 8B, the second ring-shaped protrusion 125 can be understood as having a hollow inner 125i that protrudes axially away from the end 11.

In more general terms, the cartridge support end 55t has an outer surface 55x and an inner surface 55z. The illustrated cartridge support end 55t is contoured on both the outer surface 55x and the inner surface 55z. The illustrated shape is one with a central (conical in the example) protrusion 126 that is spaced by a recess 130 from the second ring protrusion 125 to the outer surface 55x. The inner surface 55z is defined with a central (conical) outer protrusion 126i spaced apart from the ring 125i recessed by the surface 131i, with the surface 131i generally the end wall. It projects toward 11, leaving results based on the observation that the indentations 125i and 126i project in the direction away from the end wall 11.

The second ring-shaped projection 125 includes the outer peripheral surface 125c of FIG. 8B. In contrast to the example shown, the outer peripheral surface 125c is a smooth, non-contour surface that defines a circular periphery and therefore generally has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical surface (outer peripheral surface) 125c may, in some applications, taper slightly inward in the extension away from the end wall 11. The end member 55t includes a peripheral shoulder 55p that projects radially outward from the base end of the outer peripheral surface 125c. The outer peripheral surface 125c, when used, is defined by the end cap 91 of the safety element 41 of FIG. 5 so as to project through the opening 92. The shoulder 55p is sized to accommodate the adjacent end cap 91 when the optional safety element 41 is attached.

With reference to Figure 8B, the illustrated dimensions are EA = 523.2mm, EB = 10mm, EC = 40mm, ED = 4 ° conical angle, EE = 88.5mm, EF = 110.6mm, EG = 174.5mm, EH = 294.6. mm.

Now, pay attention to FIG. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the housing body 3 (FIGS. 8A, 8B) obtained towards the open end 10a. In FIG. 9, the central cartridge support 55 is visible. In particular, the end member 55t of the cartridge support 55 can be seen. The central protrusion 126 can be seen surrounded by the indentation 130. You can also see the outer (second ring-shaped) protrusion 125, which includes the outer circular wall 125c and the inner wall 125x that opposes it.

The central protrusion 126, the recessed surface 130, and the second ring-shaped protrusion 125 collectively define the receiving recess 130x in the outer surface 55x of the end member 55t. The receiving recess 130x is arranged to accommodate the corresponding protrusion member on the first air filter cartridge 40 during mounting, as discussed below.

In general terms, the outer surface 55x of the end member 55t is the first member of the first protrusion / receiver arrangement that provides the engagement between the first cartridge 50 and the central cartridge support 55. Is defined. As will be understood from the following description, the central protrusion 125 and the second ring-shaped protrusion 126 are projected on the receiving portion of the corresponding first air filter cartridge 40, and the first air filter The portion of the cartridge 40 for use protrudes into the receiving recess 130x on the cartridge support 55.

For the illustrated assembly, the inner wall 125x of the second ring-shaped projection 125 has a winding surface shape with alternating outwardly curved concave portions 134 and inwardly projecting convex portions 135. Can understand to have.

When the term "winding" is used herein with respect to the definition of a surface or wall, it refers to a surface that alternates between convex and concave rather than the surface that defines the definition of a circle. means.

For a special exemplary winding wall (inner wall) 125x, the eight recesses 134 are extensions of the inner wall 125x around the central protrusion 126, separated by eight protrusions 135. Each recess 134 with respect to the illustrated illustration has the same shape and size as the other recesses. Each convex portion 135 is made to have the same shape and size as the other convex portions. Therefore, the eight petal arrangements are defined by the inner wall 125x. It has eight-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the special exemplary illustrated winding wall (inner wall) 125x and petal arrangement. That is, each petal has the same size and shape as each other, and the petals are evenly arranged at intervals in the radial direction. In this context, the term "octuple rotational symmetry" is an arrangement that can rotate around a central axis and is evenly spaced in eight radial directions, with a shape. It can be used to describe the definition of a shape that has its own shape and an arrangement that can be aligned in a straight line. Thus, octagons have eight-fold rotational symmetry, while squares (in contrast) have four-fold rotational symmetry.

In more general terms, the winding surface 125X has alternating protrusions and recesses. It usually has at least 3 recesses, usually at least 5 recesses, usually 6-10 recesses.

Now, pay attention to FIG. The air filter cartridge 40 illustrated in FIG. 10 is shown separately from the air cleaner assembly 1. In FIG. 10, a part of the air filter cartridge 40 is shown in cross section for easy understanding of the internal details.

Referring to FIG. 10, the air filter cartridge 40 includes a medium pack 50. The medium pack 50 includes a medium 51 for filtering air. Various types of media can be used for the air filter cartridge 40. The illustrated special exemplary filtration medium 51 includes a pleated medium having an inner pleated tip 51p and an outer pleated tip 51o. The filter medium 51 extends between the opposite first medium end 51a and the second medium end 51b. The pleated medium 51 can be selected from a variety of filtration media used for air filtration. The special efficiency and physical operational perimeter for the filtration medium 51 is a matter of choice for the intended application. Generally, known filtration media can be used.

The medium pack 50 defines an outer peripheral portion 50o and an inner peripheral portion 50i. The outer perimeter 50o is defined by the outer pleated tip 51o. The adhesive beads 140 extend around the outer pleated tip 51o in a spiral pattern. The adhesive beads 140 help maintain pleated spacing and provide a pleated support.

The medium pack 50 further includes an inner liner 141 corresponding to the inner liner 71 of FIG. The inner liner 141 is a support liner for the medium 51 along the inner pleated tip 51p. The inner liner 141 is porous and can include plastic or metal structures. For the special illustrated cartridge, the inner liner 141 is a plastic structure comprising a plurality of longitudinal or axial strips 141x and intersecting or radial hoops or strips 141c.

In some applications of the techniques described herein, the medium pack 51 may include an outer liner, such as a plastic or metal liner.

At the end 51a of the medium 51, the medium pack 50 (ie, the filtration medium 51 and the inner liner 141) is embedded in the end cap 66. Further, the end cap 66 is usually an end cap 66a integrally molded with the sealing member 65 of the housing and cast in place, and in the example shown, includes the sealing protrusion 70. The seal support 70a is also embedded in the seal projection 70 again.

The housing seal member 70 is configured to have a stepped or tapered portion 70t to facilitate insertion into the pocket 96 by compression against the outer wall 97 of FIG. 8A during installation. Includes the (peripheral) seal surface 70o. See Figure 5B.

Also referring to FIG. 10, attention is focused on the end cap 80 containing the preform 81 in the illustrated example. By "preform" in this context, the exemplary end cap 80 is formed (eg, from molded plastic), and then the medium pack 50 is molded into it, potted with glue. A common material is ABS molding, which is molded into pots with hard polyurethane. The exemplary end cap 80 includes an outer peripheral rim 150, an outer end ring 151 and a central recess 152.

When assembling the cartridge 40 for the air filter, the medium pack 50 is placed in the end cap 80 by arranging it so as to project into the recess 155 formed between the outer peripheral rim 150 and the central recess 152. It is potted and molded. The rim 156 becomes a circular strut rim with respect to the media pack 50 during molding.

With reference to FIG. 10, it is noted that the recess 155 is generally located on the side of the end cap 80 facing the outer end ring 151.

In Figure 10, the exemplary dimensions for the illustrated sample system are FA = 26.5mm, FB = 529mm, FC = 6mm, FD = 522mm, FE = 291.6mm, FF = 176.4mm, FG = 269mm, FH = 76mm, and FI = 76mm.

With respect to the illustrated air filter cartridge 40 illustrated in FIG. 10, the outer pleated tip 51o generally forms a conical shape, downward from the media end 51a to the media end 51b. It extends in a tapered shape. The principles described herein can be practiced in a variety of shaped arrangements, including cylindrical and conical shapes. When a conical shape is used, the angle of taper is usually at least 0.5 °, usually at least 1 °, and often in the range 1-4 °.

Preferably, when the air filter cartridge 40 is conical, the conical taper to the medium pack 51 is smaller than the conical taper shape shown in the support of FIG.

Focusing on FIG. 11, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the end cap 80 shown in FIG. 10 is shown. In FIG. 11, the cross-sectional view of the end cap 80 can only see the end cap 80 before it is secured to the media pack 50 of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 11, the central recess portion 152 includes features of the outer peripheral wall 160 and the end wall 161. The outer peripheral wall 160 generally projects into the inner 60 of the medium pack 50 of FIG. An inner wall 161 located adjacent to the inner 50i of the medium pack 50 or slightly spaced from the inner 50i of the medium pack 50 generally extends across the inner 60.

The end wall 161 includes an inner surface 161y and an outer surface 161x. The inner surface 161y generally faces the end cap 66 of the air filter cartridge 40. The outer surface 161x generally opposes the inner surface 161y and faces away from the end cap 66.

The first inner surface 161y includes the outer ring portion 162. A receiving pocket or ring-shaped recess or receiving 165 projecting outward in the circular axial direction is provided radially inward from the outer ring 162 to provide an outer wall 166, an inner wall 167 and an end wall. Defined by 168. By "protruding outward in the axial direction" in this context, the ring-shaped receiver 165 generally means projecting in the direction of the opposing end cap 66 in FIG. 8A. The ring-shaped recess (receiver) 165 is sized and shaped to accommodate the ring-shaped protrusion 125 on the central cartridge support end 55t during mounting. The ring-shaped recess (receiver) 165 is usually continuous in the extension around the central axis X. With reference to FIG. 16, it is noted that the central portion 4c is not necessarily arranged on the central point of the peripheral portion 4p, but is arranged and illustrated eccentrically.

The inner wall portion 167 is a winding shape in which an outwardly convex portion and an outwardly concave (or inwardly convex) portion, which are usually engaged with the inner side wall 125x of FIG. 9, appear alternately. Has a shape. That is, the winding surface (inner wall) 125x of FIG. 9 is pushed around the winding surface 167i of FIG. 11 by surface-to-surface engagement and engages with the winding surface 167i. When engagement occurs as a result of the petal structure on the surface (inner wall) 125x that houses the outwardly protruding petals on the winding surface (wall) 167i, the end cap 80 is Therefore, the air filter cartridge 40 will not easily rotate with respect to the central cartridge support 55.

In other words, when the air filter cartridge 40 is installed above the cartridge support 55, the rotational movement of the air filter cartridge 40 around the cartridge support 55 is a winding inner wall 125x petal shape. And are prohibited as a result of the interaction of interference between the winding surface 167i and the petal shape. Together, these surfaces form a non-rotating engagement between the air filter cartridge 40 and the central cartridge support 55. This aids in ensuring that the air filter cartridge 40 can be placed in only one of the selected rotational arrangements with respect to the cartridge support 55. Eight rotation positions are possible when eight petals are present on each of the inner sidewalls 125x, 167i with eight bending symmetries.

The inner surface 161y spaced apart from the inside of the inner wall portion 167 in the radial direction includes the central outer protrusion 170. The central outer protrusion 170 includes an outer end 171 and a side wall 173. In the illustrated illustration, the side wall 173 is generally conical and surrounds the central axis X.

Also referring to FIG. 11, when the air filter cartridge 40 is mounted in the housing 2, the central outer protrusion 170 is a central protrusion on the end 55t of the central cartridge support 55 that protrudes into it. It is sized and shaped to accommodate 126.

The central protrusion 170 further includes a base 175 with an inner surface 176. Generally, the base 175 projects into the receiving recess 130x of FIG. 9 during mounting.

Here, we focus on the outer surface 161x of the end wall of FIG. The outer surface 161x includes a receiving groove 180 defined therein between the inner wall portion 167 and the base portion 175. The outer surface 167o and the outer surface 175o of the inner wall portion (surface) 167 and the base 175 are generally winding, and form a winding receiving groove 180, respectively. The winding receiving groove 180 has an outwardly winding surface along the wall (outer surface) 167o defined by the alternating appearance of outwardly protruding concave portions and internally protruding convex portions, and an outwardly protruding convex portion. And an inner surface along the wall 175o defined by recesses protruding inward. Normally, the concave portion protruding outward of the inner wall portion 167 is aligned with the convex portion protruding outward of the base (wall) 175 in a radial direction, and the convex portion protruding inward of the inner wall portion 167 is , Aligns in a radial direction with the recess protruding inside the base (wall) 175 to form a winding receiving groove 180. Receiving groove 180 is a receiving groove for protrusions on the access cover 4, as discussed below.

In FIG. 11, the illustrated dimensions are GA = 20mm, GB = 2mm, GC = 2mm, GD = 10 ° angle, GE = 269mm, GF = 206mm, GG = 152mm, GH = 97.5mm, GI = 26mm, GJ. = 46.5mm, GK = 144.2mm, GL = 23.8mm, GM = 2mm radius, GN = 2mm, GO = 8.1mm, and GP = 46.4mm.

In a typical example, the receiving groove 180 has a minimum internal dimension of at least 10 mm, usually at least 15 mm, often at least 15 mm across the space or area surrounded by the receiving groove, as measured, for example, in XX of FIG. It is at least 20 mm, for example, usually in the range of 20-40 mm.

Here, pay attention to the schematic outer plan view of the preform 81 in the direction toward the outer surface 161x shown in FIG. The central receiving groove 180 can be seen. It is noted that in FIG. 12, the central receiving groove 180 is shown in a simplified schematic diagram. In FIG. 11, the surfaces of the wall (outer surface) 167o and the wall 175o can be seen as being tapered outward from the tip 180t of the receiving groove 180. In FIG. 12, contour lines are not shown to indicate the taper separation.

FIG. 13 shows an end view of the inner surface of the end cap 80 toward the inner surface 161y.

Here, pay attention to FIG. 14, which is a partial view of FIG. 12. The central receiving groove 180 can be seen between the wall (outer surface) 167o and the wall 175o. It can be understood that the wall 167o defines a winding surface with an outwardly facing recess 167x and an internally protruding protrusion 167y. It can be understood that the inner surface (wall) 175o defines a winding surface with an outwardly projecting protrusion 175x and an internally protruding recess 175y. Generally, the concave portion 167x is aligned with the convex portion 175x, and the concave portion 175y is aligned with the convex portion 167y. The result is a winding groove 180. In the usual preferred application, the central receiving groove 180 is preferably a continuous protrusion extending into the central receiving groove 180 rather than a continuous circular protrusion protruding into the central receiving groove 180, preferably winding. It is made in a size and shape that has a shape.

FIG. 15 provides a partially enlarged view of the inner surface 161y. You can see the inner surface 167i with the convex part 167e and the concave part 167f. The inner surface 167i is configured to engage the cartridge support 55-like surface (inner side wall) 125x, as previously described.

Now, pay attention to FIG. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the outside of the access cover 4. That is, the figure of FIG. 16 is the general direction of arrow 4x of FIG. The access cover 4 includes a central portion 4c, a peripheral rim 4p, and an outer edge surface 4b.

With reference to FIG. 17, the access cover 4 is generally shown in a cross-sectional view obtained along lines 17-17 of FIG. The access cover 4 includes an inner surface 4y facing the inside of the housing 2 and an outer surface 4z facing the inside. Referring to FIG. 17, at the peripheral rim 4p, the access cover 4 includes the peripheral rim portion 200. The peripheral rim portion 200 is sized to engage the side wall 10 during installation in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 17, the inner surface 4y includes a surface that engages the air filter cartridge 40 during mounting. The inner surface 4y includes the outer ring portion 201. The outer ring portion 201 overlaps the end portion 50b of the media pack 50 during the attachment of FIG. Further, the wall 202 protruding inward is inside in the radial direction from the region (ring portion) 201. Generally, the inwardly projecting wall 202 projects inwardly of the air filter cartridge 40 during installation. In other words, the inwardly projecting wall 202 is generally surrounded by the end 50b of the media pack 50 during installation.

The protrusion 210 is provided on the inner surface (inner surface) 4y in the radial direction from the wall 202 that protrudes inward. The protrusion 210 is made to protrude in a size and shape accommodated in the central receiving groove 180 of FIG. 11 during mounting. Alternatives are possible, but the protrusions 210 are usually continuous within an extension around the axis X. Also, the protrusion 210 is usually clogged (not hollow) and usually does not include a penetrating opening.

The protrusion 210 has a radial outer surface 211 and a radial inner surface 212. In contrast to the examples shown, the outer surface 211 is generally winding and has alternating protrusions on the outside and recesses on the inside. Further, the inner surface (inner wall) 212 is generally winding and has a corresponding convex region protruding inward and a concave region protruding outward, and these regions alternate with each other. The convex portion of the wall (outer surface) 211 protruding outward is aligned with the concave portion of the wall 212 protruding inward in a radial direction, and the concave portion of the wall (outer surface) 211 protruding inward protrudes inward. It is aligned with the convex part of the wall 212.

Due to the winding shape with respect to the protrusion 210 at the extension around the axis X, the wall 210 is sized and shaped to fit within the winding receiving groove 180 of FIG.

The dimension across the protrusion 210 between the opposing portions of the inner surface 212 is usually at least 10 mm, usually at least 15 mm, and often at least 20 mm, for example 20-40 mm. This dimension corresponds to dimension XXX in FIG.

A winding protrusion on the central receiving groove 180 provides a non-rotating engagement. That is, the air filter cartridge 40 and the access cover 4 made to be appropriately sized are prohibited from rotating with each other once the protrusion 210 extends into the central receiving groove 180. The access cover 4 ensures a rotational arrangement of the access cover 4 such that when the air filter cartridge 40 is pre-positioned on the cartridge support 55, the protrusion 210 extends into the central receiving groove 180. It can be indexed so that it can be attached to the side wall 10 of the housing in a selected rotational arrangement.

Also referring to FIG. 17, the wall (projection) 210 surrounds the central outer projection 220 to form the projection 33 of FIG. The central outer protrusion 220 in the inner surface 4y generally extends away from the wall 11 of FIG. 5 and defines the receiving space 221 for the protrusion 170 of FIG.

FIG. 18 provides a partial plan view of the inner surface 4y. The protrusion 210 can be seen together with the outer surface 211 and the inner surface 212. In general, it is noted that the outer surface 211 and the inner surface 212 are generally concentrated at the extension portion in the direction toward the tip 21Ot in FIG. 17 and diverge at the extension portion in the direction away from the tip.

In FIG. 18, the reinforcing rib 230 can be seen on the inner surface 4y.

FIG. 19 provides a schematic magnified view of the wall (projection) 210, magnified to facilitate understanding of contouring or winding shapes on the outer surface 211 and inner surface 212, and provides a schematic diagram. To do.

With reference to FIG. 19, it can be seen that the outer surface 211 of the protrusion 210 has a winding shape. The winding shape alternately includes inwardly facing recesses 211x and outwardly projecting protrusions 211y. It can be seen that the inner surface 212 also has a winding shape. The winding shape has a concave portion 212y protruding outward and a convex portion 212x protruding inward. Each part (convex part on the inner surface) 212x is arranged in line with the part (concave part on the outer surface) 211x in the radial direction, and each part (concave part on the inner surface) 212y is aligned with the part (convex part on the outer surface) 211y in the radial direction. Placed in. As a result, the wall (projection) 210 has an eight petal shape with eight folding radial symmetries around the center 215.

Returning to FIG. 17, the illustrated dimensions are IA = 54.5 mm, IB = 28 mm, IC = 24 mm, ID = 329.9 mm, IF = 327 mm.

<u style="single">II. Advantageous interaction arrangement of central cartridge support 55, first cartridge 40, access cover 4</u> From the outline of the above figure, the favorable interaction between the central cartridge support 55 (in the housing body 3), the first cartridge 40, and the access cover 4 can be understood. Their characteristics are generally as follows.

The first cartridge 40 is arranged in a non-rotating interaction with the cartridge support 55. This non-rotating arrangement is obtained from the structure on the outer surface 55x of the end 55t (FIG. 8A) that engages the structure on the inner surface 161y of the end cap 80, as illustrated in FIG. 5A. In particular, the non-rotating interaction is from the winding inner wall 125x of the ring-shaped projection 125 that extends and engages around the winding wall 167i that faces outward at the surface (inner surface) 161y of the end cap 80. can get. As described, due to the winding engagement, when mounting the cartridge 40, the cartridge 40 is easily positioned with respect to the central cartridge support 55 in one of a plurality of selected rotational arrangements. be able to.

In the special illustrated system illustrated, there are eight rotation arrangements relative to the cartridge 40 on the central cartridge support 55 due to the winding shape with alternating protrusions and recesses. The number of alternatives is possible.

Thus, in particular, the non-rotating engagement between the cartridge 40 and the support 55 is secured in only one of the preselected arrangements in which the cartridge 40 is for engagement with the access cover 4. To ensure.

The access cover 4 includes a protrusion 210 extending into a groove 180 defined by an outer surface 161x of the end piece or end cap 80. The protrusion 210's protrusion into the groove 180 allows the access cover 4 to support the cartridge 40 against an unfavorable level of cantilever end movement of the end 50b, i.e. the adjacent end piece 80. Offer to do. That is, the cartridge end 50b will not move up and down or in-out motion towards and away from the observer (in-out motion) or a mixture of them in Figure 5A. The amount of movement allowed will depend on the width of the groove 180 and the relative thickness of the protrusion 210. Usually, they are selected to allow only the minimum amount of movement, which is the amount of clearance that allows ease of assembly.

Next, for the illustrated illustration, the cartridge 40 has an access cover 4 for undesired levels of cantilever movement, except for the peripheral area 30 surrounding the media pack end 50b and the protrusions 200. It is noted that the cartridge 40 is supported by the end 50b of the media pack in the absence of a portion, that is, in the absence of a portion surrounding the cartridge 40, that is, the media pack 50b that also engages with the media pack 50. In other words, the cartridge 40 is not supported at the end 50b by a support around the outside of the cartridge 40, but rather only inside.

With respect to the support, preferably the protrusions 210 extend at a distance of at least 5 mm, usually at least 12 mm, usually in the range of 15-30 mm.

Preferably, the groove 180 has a width of less than 10 mm, usually less than 9 mm, usually in the range of 4-7 mm, along the depth of the extension. Preferably, the groove 180 is at least 6 mm deep, usually at least 12 mm deep, usually in the range 12-25 mm.

In a normal application, the radial outer wall 167o of the groove 180 is located at least 20 mm from the media pack 50, usually at least 30 mm.

Preferably, the thickness of the protrusion 210 is at least 1 mm thick, usually at least 1.5 mm thick, usually in the range 1.5-4 mm, along its length.

With these exemplary dimensions, it is convenient for the protrusion / receiver arrangement, including the protrusion 210 and the groove 180, to protect the cartridge 40 from cantilever movement.

Further, the winding outer surface 211 of the protrusion 210 engages the surface 167o on the protrusion 167 while suppressing the relative rotation between the access cover 4 and the cartridge 40. In practice, by sandwiching the wall 167 between the surface (inner side wall) 125x and the surface 211, a totally non-rotating arrangement is formed.

The interactions described above, once installed, provide support for the cartridge 40 at the end 50b of the media pack for cantilever movement and support for the cartridge 40 for rotational movement.

Further, an arrangement as described herein assists the air cleaner assembly 1 to ensure that the attached cartridge 40 is the preferred cartridge 40 of choice. Referring to FIG. 5A, the protrusion 33 in the access cover 4 acts as a receiver 33r for the protrusion 170 in the cartridge 40. The protrusion 170 on the cartridge 40 acts as a receiver for the protrusion 126 on the support 55 along the surface of the inner surface. These features include a protrusion 210 housed in the groove 180 and (between the ring-shaped protrusion 125 and the protrusion 126 on the central cartridge support 55 and housed in the receiving portion 130 to accommodate the groove 180. The protrusion 180p (which defines) is combined with forming an arrangement in the interior 2i of the housing body 2 during use that prohibits the installation of an inappropriate or unfavorable cartridge 40. To facilitate this, preferably the protrusion 170 extends into the receiver 33r at a distance of at least 10 mm, typically in the range of 15 mm to 50 mm, and the protrusion 126 extends at least 10 mm. At a distance of, usually at a distance of 15-50 mm, it extends into the receiving part 170.

Usually, the receiving groove 168 formed between the walls 167, 166 of FIG. 11 is at least 10 mm wide, usually at least 20 mm wide, and often in the range of 20-30 mm. The receiving groove 168 usually does not exceed 40 mm in width.

The various interactions described ensure that the cartridge 40 is properly mounted in the housing 2, and in particular, when the cartridge 40 is mounted, engagement with the cartridge support 55 in the center of the housing occurs. It is noted that it helps to do. This helps ensure that the cartridge 40 is properly aligned along the length in the housing body 3. When the access cover 4 is placed, further engagement occurs, again ensuring that the cartridge 40 is properly aligned longitudinally around the access X in the housing body 2.

Also, the access cover 4 will not easily be installed in the housing side wall 10 if the cartridge 40 is not properly sealed in place.

<u style="single">III. Optional safety element 41</u> Now review the installation of the optional safety element 41 with reference to Figure 5A. The end piece 91 has an internal opening 92 that fits over the wall 125c of the ring protrusion 125. The cartridge end piece 80 includes an inwardly oriented ring-shaped protrusion, designated as 240. Once attached, the ring-shaped projection 240 engages the end 91e of the end piece 91 so that the safety element 41 prohibits movement towards the access cover 4.

The illustrated safety element 41 is at the end facing the end 91 and does not include an end cap. Rather, it is conical in the illustrated illustration, and the medium 41 is pushed over the conical support until a snug fit is obtained.

The illustrated configuration provides a support for the cartridge 40 by an internal cartridge support 55, with or without the presence of an optional safety cartridge 41. This is advantageous as it allows the safety filter 41 to be present or absent in use as an option.

<u style="single">IV. Third Example Figures 20-31</u> Figures 20-31 show further alternative examples of the principles of the present disclosure. The general principle of operation remains the same, however, some special details have been modified as described below.

With reference to FIG. 20, reference numeral 301 generally indicates an assembly for an air cleaner. The air cleaner assembly 301 includes a housing 302 that includes a housing body 303 and an access cover 304. The access cover 304 is secured in place on the housing body 303 by a connection arrangement 307 that includes a latch 308. Referring to FIG. 21, the housing body includes a side wall 310 with a first open end 310a to which the access cover 304 is attached. The housing side wall 310 includes a second end 310b facing the first end 310a. The second end 310b has a housing end wall 311 on it and an opening 312 for airflow through it.

It is noteworthy that the figure in FIG. 21 shows without the latch 308 attached.

Referring to FIG. 20, the air cleaner 301 includes an air intake opening arrangement 315 that receives air from the inlet assembly 316.

With reference to FIG. 21, the assembly includes a mounting pad 321 and a suction valve arrangement 325.

Assembly 301 also includes a cartridge support 355 and a safety cartridge 341.

Therefore, the components described so far can be generally the same as previously described for the first and second embodiments. In this context, similarly characterized features have similar functions and behaviors.

In fact, the air cleaner housing body 303 and access cover 304 for the air cleaner assembly 301 are the same for assembly 301 in FIG. 6 or for assembly 1 in FIG. 1, which relies on a special application of this principle. possible.

Also referring to FIG. 21, the cartridge 340 is shown mounted inside 302i inside the housing 302. The cartridge 340 can be the same as the cartridge 40 in FIG. 5, except for the modifications as described. In particular, the end cap 366 of FIG. 21 has been modified from the end cap 66 of FIG. 5, and the end cap 367 has been modified from the end cap 80.

Referring to FIG. 22, the end cap 366 is molded in place and includes a seal projection 370 integrally molded on top of the end cap 366. The sealing protrusion 370 engages and seals the wall 397 of the pocket 396.

The pressure of the seal protrusion 370 against the wall 397 is provided by the seal support member 410 embedded in the protrusion 370 to form an outwardly facing radial seal at the end cap 366. Will be done. The protrusion 410 will be further described below in connection with FIGS. 29-31.

FIG. 23 shows the housing body 303. It can be seen that the support 355 and the support end 355t can resemble features that are generally similar to those previously described in connection with the examples of FIGS. 1-5.

Therefore, the support end portion 355t includes a ring-shaped protrusion 425 and a central protrusion 426.

FIG. 24 shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 23. Here you can see the pocket 396 with the opposite wall 397 and wall 395.

FIG. 25 shows an end view of the housing body 303 with the 304 removed from the access cover.

FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 340. The cartridge 340 includes a medium pack 350. The medium pack 350 includes a medium 351 that surrounds the inner liner 352 to define an open interior 360. The inner liner 352 extends between the end cap 366 and the end cap 367. For embodiments, both the end cap 366 and the end cap 367 are molded in place, each usually containing a molded foamed compressible polyurethane. The inner liner 352 is embedded and extends between the end cap 366 and the end cap 367. The seal protrusion 370 is integrally molded as part of the end cap 366.

FIG. 27 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 26. Here, the protrusion 370 can see the end cap 366 that is integrally molded with the rest. In addition, the protrusion 410 and the embedded protrusion 370 can be seen. The protrusion 410 is part of the inner liner 352 and will provide a support for the sealing member 370 along the sealing surface 370s during mounting of the cartridge 340 in the housing 302.

Here, pay attention to FIG. 28 showing the access cover 304. It can be understood that the access cover 304 includes a protrusion 410 having a winding outer surface 411 and a winding inner surface 412. The access cover 304 can be the same as the access cover 4 of FIG.

Here, pay attention to FIG. 29 showing the inner liner 352. It can be seen that the inner liner 352 includes a support portion 450 of the medium extending between the ends 451 and the ends 452. The support portion 450 of the medium includes a longitudinal strip 455 and intersecting strips 456 that define an opening 457 for airflow.

At 451 the support portion 450 of the medium includes the support region 410 of the seal that is integral with the remaining portion 450. The support region 410 of the seal includes a region with a diameter greater than the directly adjacent portion 450a of the support portion 450 of the medium. Therefore, the shoulder portion 410b extending outward is adjacent to the region 410 between the region 410 and the support portion 450 of the medium. Region 410 includes a plurality of openings 410a penetrating it. When the end cap 366 is embedded, during the molding of the end cap 366, the end cap material can flow through the opening 410a, involving the support 410 in the protrusion 370 of FIG. 27. At the end 451 the framework will provide a support for the seal.

It is noted that the shoulder 410b provides a media stop for the media 351 when placed around the media support 450. That is, the shoulder 410b will extend across the end of the medium 351 with respect to the convenient support of the medium 351 during assembly.

At the end 452, an extension 470 embedded in the end cap 367 is shown. An end piece 490 that extends across the end 452 and is surrounded by a support 470 is provided. The end piece 490 has a configuration similar to the central portion of the end cap 151 of FIG. Therefore, there is a winding receiving groove 500 and a central protrusion receiving portion 401.

Therefore, the end cap 367 includes the outer ring portion molded in place in FIG. 27, and the central portion 481 is preformed with the proper configuration for a support that is not cantilevered and does not rotate. It can be understood that it has an end cap of a composite material containing the material. In this example, the central portion 481 is integrally molded with the inner liner 352.

FIG. 30 shows a partially enlarged view of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the support 352.

In FIGS. 29 to 31, the exemplary dimensions are ZA = 180 mm, ZB = 154.1 mm, ZC = 9.5 mm, ZD = 4.5 mm, ZE = 203.4 mm, ZF = 1 mm. In FIG. 30, ZG = 29.5 mm, ZH = 19.32 mm, and ZI = 4.5 mm.

<u style="single">V. Summary of conclusions</u> In the present specification, the assembly and the component for the air cleaner are described and illustrated in detail by the above description and the drawings shown. There is no particular need for the air cleaner assembly or component to include all of the features described herein in order to gain some benefit under the principles of the present disclosure.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an assembly for an air cleaner is provided. The assembly for the air cleaner includes a housing and an inspectable filter cartridge. The filter cartridge can be placed in the housing and is removable from the housing without damaging the housing and the inspectable filter cartridge. It also provides an optional safety element.

Generally, the housing includes a housing body and an access cover. The housing body includes a side wall and a central cartridge support. The side walls generally define the interior of the housing body. The housing body typically includes an end wall having an opening for air flow through it and an open end facing the end wall. The central cartridge support extends from the base of the support surrounding the opening of the air flow in the direction towards the open end of the housing body.

Generally, the end wall of the housing and the open end are at opposite ends of the side wall of the housing.

In a conventional arrangement, the housing includes an air inlet arrangement. In the illustrated example, the air inlet arrangement is an airflow opening in the side wall of the housing body. Therefore, in normal applications, the airflow opening in the side wall is at the inlet flow opening for out-to-in flow with respect to the filter cartridge in the containment during use. Yes, the airflow opening on the end wall is the outlet opening. However, many of the principles described herein should be used for in-to-out flow (opposite flow) in some applications, if desired. It is noted that it can be done.

The central cartridge support includes the end of the support in a direction away from the base. The end of the support away from the base includes a first (ring) protrusion spaced apart from the second (center) protrusion, defining a receiving space between them. To do. In contrast to the special illustrated system illustrated, the first protrusion is the outer ring-shaped protrusion, around the second protrusion (the central protrusion) (in the example, continuously). ) It's growing. The first ring-shaped protrusion and the second central protrusion generally project in a direction away from the support base and the end wall.

Usually, the outer first ring-like projection is at least 5 mm long, usually 7 mm long, often in an amount in the range of 7-25 mm, from the part immediately adjacent to the end of the support. The central protrusion is at least 10 mm long, usually 5 mm long, often in an amount in the range of 18-40 mm, from the immediate adjoining part of the end of the support. It grows in length.

In the example shown, the second central protrusion projects outward from the open end of the side wall.

The first cartridge for the first air filter that can be inspected is arranged inside the housing body. The cartridge for the air filter includes a medium pack that surrounds the inside of the open filter and extends between the first end cap and the second end cap. The first end cap is an open end cap with a central opening through it. The air filter cartridge is arranged so that the central cartridge support on the housing projects into the open filter through the open central opening of the first end cap.

The housing seal is located on the first end cap. Usually, the housing seal is integrally molded with the first end cap, for example with foamable polyurethane, but alternatives are possible. The housing seal can be configured, for example, as a radial seal that projects inward or outward. In the special example illustrated, the housing seal is a protrusion extending axially away from the rest of the first end cap in the direction away from the medium pack, and the housing seal is radial. Includes a radial sealing surface facing outward. In the example shown, an embedded support is provided in the housing seal. The embedded support can include a portion of the inner liner. In some cases, an end stop for the medium can be formed. Alternative housing seal arrangements are possible.

The second end cap is a closed end cap that includes an inner surface with a central receiving protrusion that projects away from the first end cap. The central receiving portion that protrudes into the second end cap in the direction away from the first end cap accommodates the central protrusion of the cartridge support that protrudes into the central receiving portion when the air filter cartridge is attached.

The inner surface of the second end cap usually includes a first ring-shaped receiver that surrounds and is spaced apart from the central receiver. The first ring receiver in the second end cap is configured to accommodate the ring-shaped projections of the cartridge support in the center of the housing that project into the air filter cartridge when it is attached to the housing. Has been done. In the example of such an arrangement, the wall or portion of the first end projecting inward separates the ring-shaped receiving portion from the central receiving portion.

The second end cap of the illustrated embodiment includes an outer surface having a receiving groove therein. In the example, the receiving groove is arranged so as to face the portion protruding inside the inner surface arranged between the ring-shaped receiving portion and the central receiving portion. That is, the receiving groove is formed on the outer surface of the second end cap by a structure surrounding the central receiving portion in the inner surface.

The first air filter cartridge that can be inspected is the housing seal of the first air filter cartridge that is sealed in a part of the housing body and the open opening of the first end cap inside the housing body. Arranged with a central cartridge support that projects into the filter that opens through and a central protrusion on the support end of the housing body that projects into the central receiver on the second end cap. There is. Normally, the first ring-shaped protrusion on the body end of the support of the central cartridge support also protrudes into the ring-shaped receiving portion on the second end cap.

The access cover is fixed above the open end of the housing body. The access cover includes an inner surface with a first ring-shaped protrusion. The access cover is arranged such that the first ring-shaped protrusion on the inner surface protrudes into the receiving groove on the outer surface of the second end cap of the first filter cartridge.

In a conventional arrangement, the first end cap is, for example, an end cap molded in place with foamable polyurethane. The second end cap is usually an end cap preformed from metal or plastic, or cast in place, where the media pack is usually secured with an adhesive or potted part. An end cap of composite material containing a central preform portion secured to the media pack by a ring. In the latter example, the central preform portion can include part of the support liner of the cartridge medium.

The housing seal on the first end cap is typically integrally molded with the first end cap and may include a seal oriented in the radial direction. Radial seals that are either outward or inward are possible.

In the illustrated arrangements described, a housing seal arrangement is provided that includes a seal protrusion integrally molded with the rest of the end cap. The seal projection includes a support for the seal embedded therein. The support of the seal can include a portion integrally molded with the inner liner of the medium. In the example, the support embedded in the seal projection is not only integrally molded with the inner liner of the medium, but also the shoulder or end of the support with respect to the end of the medium embedded in the end cap. The part stop part is defined.

In a typical assembly, the outer surface of the second end cap of the first filter cartridge contains a central outward protrusion on it. The protrusion protruding outward from the center defines a receiving portion protruding outward from the center on the inner surface thereof.

Typically, the access cover includes an inner surface with a receiving portion that projects outward. The outwardly projecting receiving portion on the inner surface of the access cover accommodates the outwardly projecting protrusion in the center of the second end cap of the first cartridge for air filter.

In some applications of the techniques described herein, an assembly for an air cleaner is an inspectable safety filter or an assembly with a first end cap and an extension of the medium secured to the first end cap. Includes a quadratic filter. The first end cap includes a central opening through which it passes. The secondary filter is arranged inside the open filter of the first cartridge for the air filter with the secondary filter arranged with respect to the central cartridge support. The central opening of the first end cap of the secondary filter is around a portion of the support end of the central support, with the ring-shaped projections of the central support protruding through it. It is made and arranged in a suitable size.

In the example described, the first ring-shaped projection on the inner surface of the access cover has a winding inner wall surface and a winding outer wall surface. In addition, the receiving groove on the outer surface of the second end of the first filter cartridge has at least one winding wall (inner or outer wall), usually both walls are winding.

Due to the winding shape of the ring-shaped protrusion on the inner surface of the access cover and the winding shape of the receiving groove on the outer surface of the first filter cartridge, the first ring-shaped protrusion in the access cover is the first filter. It can be engaged without rotation in the receiving groove on the outer surface of the second end cap of the cartridge. The "non-rotating engagement" in this context means that the first filter cartridge and the access cover cannot rotate depending on each other during engagement.

The cartridge is also closed to the rest of the housing by the first ring-shaped projection of the access cover that projects into the receiving groove on the outer surface of the second end cap of the first filter cartridge. The cap can support the movement of the cantilever. Support for this cantilevered movement is also facilitated by the engagement between the first filter cartridge and the cartridge support.

In addition, the distant (outer) ends of the central support can provide a first ring-like projection with an inwardly winding surface. The filter cartridge end cap can include a ring-shaped receiver with a radial outwardly winding surface. These two winding surfaces can be engaged to provide a non-rotating engagement between the first filter cartridge and the cartridge support. This engagement places the cartridge when it is mounted above the cartridge support in an appropriate radial arrangement to accommodate the protrusions of the access cover when the access cover is mounted during the completion of the inspection operation. Can be used to help.

In the illustrated example, the conical support includes a conical side wall that tapers in diameter from the base region adjacent to the housing end wall toward the support end. The side walls of the cone usually have a conical taper shape of at least 1 °. The central support can include a porous wall portion and a non-perforated base portion adjacent to the end wall of the housing body.

The medium pack of the first end filter cartridge can have a conical side wall that tapers downward from the first end cap to the second end cap. The conical side wall of the medium pack of the first filter cartridge typically has a conical angle of at least 0.5 °.

In an example where the conical support has a first conical angle, the medium pack of the first filter cartridge has a conical side wall with a second conical angle. In some examples, the first conical angle can be provided in a state greater than the second conical angle. This means that in these examples, the central support is tapered downward at a steeper angle than the media pack.

The present disclosure provides components that can be used in air filter assemblies. Among its components is an air filter cartridge that can be used as the first filter cartridge in the air cleaner assembly. The cartridge usually contains a media pack that has a first end and a second end and surrounds the inside of the open filter. The first end cap is located in the first end of the media pack and includes a central opening therein. The housing seal member is typically located on the first end cap and can be integrally molded with the first end cap. The seal member can include a support for the seal embedded therein, as described.

The second end cap is placed on the second end of the media pack. The second end cap includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The second end cap can be provided as a preform in some applications.

The outer surface of the second end cap may include a receiving groove therein. Normally, the receiving groove is at least 6 mm deep. The receiving groove is formed between the inner and outer radial walls and is usually configured as a continuous ring. The outer wall receiving grooves are usually spaced internally at least 20 mm from the media pack in the radial direction.

The inner surface of the second end cap includes a central receiving portion that projects outward from the first end cap. The central receiving part is surrounded by a receiving groove.

Receiving grooves in the outer surface of the second end cap are typically defined between the walls by a distance of less than 25 mm, usually less than 10 mm.

In the example shown, the receiving groove on the outer surface of the second end cap is a winding receiving groove. The receiving groove is formed by an inner wall and an outer wall in which at least one of the inner wall and the outer wall is usually formed by an inner wall and an outer wall, each of which has a winding surface.

In the example shown, the inner surface of the second end cap includes an inwardly projecting protrusion that defines a receiving groove at the opposite end of the end cap. In the illustrated illustration, the protrusions that project inward have a winding outer wall surface that projects outward in the radial direction.

The inner surface of the second end cap can define a ring-shaped receiving portion. In the ring-shaped receiving portion, the winding outer wall surface of the protrusion protruding inward defines the surface facing the outside on the inner side in the radial direction of the ring-shaped receiving portion. The ring-shaped receiver further has a surface that faces inwardly outside the radial direction and is spaced apart from the surface that faces the outside, inside the ring-shaped receiver in the radial direction. Including walls. The distance between them is usually at least 10 mm, usually 40 mm or less.

In the illustrated example, the medium pack includes a pleated medium and can include a downwardly tapered conical shape at the extension from the first end cap to the second end cap. In addition, the medium pack can include an inner liner. The medium pack can include an outer liner to keep the pleats intact and maintain the spacing of the pleats, and / or can provide outer adhesive beads on top of it.

As characterized above herein, the principles described herein can be implemented by selected features assembled with a variety of special constructs. And there is no need to include all of the characterized features contained in some given examples. Therefore, in a second aspect of the present disclosure, an assembly for an air cleaner including a housing including a housing body and an access cover is provided. The housing body includes an end of the side wall and an opposite open end of the end wall. The end wall defines an opening for air flow through it, and the housing body includes the interior of the housing body. The housing can include an air flow inlet arrangement that provides air flow inside during use.

The inspectable first cartridge for the air filter is located inside the housing body. The first cartridge for the air filter includes a medium pack that extends between the first end cap and the second end cap and surrounds the open interior. The first end cap is an open end cap with a central opening through it. The housing seal is placed on the first end cap. The housing seal can include, for example, a radial seal formed integrally with the rest of the end cap, but alternatives are possible. In one example, the housing seal contains a protrusion extending outward (from the axial direction) from the rest of the first end cap, on which the protrusion has an outwardly stepped radius. Has a directional seal. The housing seal can include a support for the seal embedded therein, as described.

The second end cap of the first filter cartridge is a closed end cap having an outer surface having a receiving groove therein. Receiving grooves are less than 25 mm long, typically less than 10 mm long, and are defined by radial inner and outer walls that are spaced apart. In situations where the receiving grooves are spaced from part of their extension at a distance greater than 10 mm, preferably at the deepest depth of at least 6 mm (usually at least 10 mm) of the groove. Even, the walls are not spaced apart by less than 10 mm.

Typical receiving grooves are spaced at least 20 mm radially inside the media pack.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the access cover is secured above the open end of the housing body and includes an inner surface with a first ring-shaped projection. The access cover is arranged such that the first ring-shaped protrusion protrudes into the receiving groove in the second end of the first filter cartridge. This can be used to provide cantilever support for the cartridge. The first ring-shaped protrusion can be a winding protrusion having a winding inner surface and an outer surface.

Usually, at least one of the inward and outward walls of the receiving groove is a winding wall. In some cases both walls are winding walls. The winding wall can be used to engage the winding protrusions on the access cover to provide a non-rotating engagement between the first filter cartridge and the access cover.

In the illustrated example, the outer surface of the second end cap includes a central outward protrusion surrounded by a receiving groove, and the inner surface of the access cover projects in the central protrusion on the first filter cartridge. Includes the receiving part.

The features described in the context of this example can be implemented in an arrangement as shown in the figure, in which the housing body is a central cartridge support that projects into the interior of the open filter. including. The central cartridge support can include a support end that has the feature of engaging the cartridge for one or both of the cantilevered support end and the non-rotating port.

Also, based on the alternative features of the principles described herein, cartridges for air filters are provided. The cartridge for an air filter can include a media pack that surrounds the inside of an open filter and has a first end and a second end. The first end cap is located at the first end of the media pack. The first end cap includes a central opening therein.

The housing seal member is located on the first end cap. The sealing member of the housing can be integrally molded with the rest of the first end cap and can include, for example, an inward-facing or outward-facing radial seal. The seal member can include a support for the seal embedded therein, as described.

The second end cap is placed on the second end of the media pack. The second end cap can include an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface preferably includes a winding receiving groove. The outer surface also preferably includes outward facing protrusions surrounded by winding receiving grooves.

The inner surface of the second end cap preferably includes a central receiving portion that projects away from the first end cap. In this example, the central receiving portion is surrounded by a receiving groove.

In the special example illustrated, the receiving groove has eight petal shapes, i.e. eight folding symmetries.

In the illustrated example, the medium pack comprises a pleated medium. Also, in the example shown, the media pack has a conical shape that tapers downward at the extension from the first end cap to the second end cap.

Also, there is no need for the arrangement to include all of the features characterized herein in order to obtain any benefit under the principles of the present disclosure. However, the features described provide an advantageous air cleaner assembly that is relatively easy to assemble in combination.