Air cleaner, filter element, and methods

Abstract

An air cleaner includes a housing having first and second opposite ends. A media pack is preferably oriented within the interior volume of the housing. In preferred embodiments, the media pack will have a first and second opposite flow face and be constructed and arranged for air to flow into the media pack through the first flow face, and for air to exit the media pack through the second flow face. The air cleaner will include a seal member forming a seal between the media pack and the housing. In preferred constructions, a secondary filter element is oriented within the interior volume of the housing. In some preferred embodiments, the housing is constructed and arranged as a resonator. Certain embodiments include a seal construction that engages the secondary filter element. Methods of filtering systems, servicing filtration systems, and constructing filter arrangements and housings will use filter elements and constructions as characterized above.

Description

[0001] This disclosure describes air cleaners for engines and methods. In particular, this disclosure describes an air cleaner having a straight-through flow, sealing system, resonator, and methods for servicing and use.[0002] Gas streams often carry particulate material therein. In many instances, it is desirable to remove some or all of the particulate material from a gas flow stream. For example, air intake streams to engines for motorized vehicles or other motorized equipment often include particulate material therein. The particulate material, should it reach the internal workings of the various mechanisms involved, can cause substantial damage thereto. It is therefore preferred, for such systems, to remove the particulate material from the gas flow upstream of the engine or other equipment involved. A variety of air filter or gas filter arrangements have been developed for particulate removal. In general, however, continued improvements are sought.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE[000...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028] When constructions of the type shown in FIG. 3 are used, the media pack 3 will be removable and replaceable from the housing 2. After a period of use, when the media pack 3 is serviced, debris and contaminants may be knocked from the media pack 3. The secondary element 6 operates to catch debris and contaminants and prevent these contaminants from being sucked into the engine.

[0139] The new secondary element 6 can then be installed in the housing 2. This may be done by grasping the frame construction, such as the ribs 442 (FIG. 10) of the handle construction 440 (FIG. 10) and inserting it into the housing 2. The secondary element 6 is inserted until the frame construction 402 axially engages or abuts the stop surface 87. The skirted portion 408 (FIG. 2) of the filter element becomes compressed between and against the frame construction 402 and the inner wall 269 of the housing 2 to occupy or fill the volume therebetween and create a media-filled region 460 and a sealing effect.

Problems solved by technology

The particulate material, should it reach the internal workings of the various mechanisms involved, can cause substantial damage thereto.

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