Dust and splash filters

Abstract

Embodiments are generally directed to a filter (110), such as for attachment to a gas detector device or gas sensor, and seek to improve the efficiency and life of the filter (110). Embodiments generally include a dust-proof membrane (114) and a waterproof membrane (113). Some embodiments may also include a splash-proof cover (130) and / or features for reducing negative pressure on the filter (110).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 201680089615.3, entitled “Dust and Splash Filter”, filed on March 27, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments generally relate to inlet air filtration, such as for inlet air filtration for a gas detector device or a gas sensor device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings.

[0004] Figure 1 showing a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a filter and a splash cover;

[0005] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An exploded view of an exemplary filter of;

[0006] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a bottom housing of an exemplary filter including an inlet port and a raised lip around the perimeter;

[0007] Figure 4 shows a perspective view (from a bottom exterior corner) of a splash cover including inlet apertures, baffles, and optionally a raised lip around the perimeter of each aperture;

[0008] Figure 5 shows a perspective view (from a top interior angle) of a splash cover including a baffle;

[0009] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 An exploded view of an exemplary filter of;

[0010] Fig. 7A A perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a filter and a splash cover;

[0011] Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary filter and an exemplary splash cover, with the direction of airflow indicated via arrows;

[0012] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary filter and an exemplary splash cover is shown, with the direction of water flow indicated via arrows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] First, it should be understood that although exemplary implementations of one or more embodiments are shown below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of technologies, whether currently known or not yet available. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques shown below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0014] The following brief definitions of terms should apply throughout this application:

[0015] The term "including" is meant to include, but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner commonly used in a patent context;

[0016] The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," and the like generally mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment);

[0017] If the specification describes something as "exemplary" or an "example," it should be understood to mean a non-exclusive example;

[0018] The terms "about" or "approximately" and the like, when used with a number, may mean the specific number, or alternatively, a range (e.g., + / - 10%) approximating the specific number as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art; and

[0019] If the specification states that a component or feature "may", "can", "could", "should", "will", "preferably", "likely", "usually", "optionally", "for example", "often" or "might" (or other such words) be included or have a property, the particular component or feature is not required to be included or have that property. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or may be excluded.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to filters configured to be attached to a gas detector or gas sensor. Due to changes in environmental conditions, gas detectors are generally unable to provide accurate measurements using unfiltered air. For example, in dusty or humid environments, filters may become clogged or lose effectiveness and are generally not effectively used outdoors. In another example, the ingress of large water droplets (e.g., due to splashing) may damage the filter. In addition, the use of a single filter may adversely affect the service life of the filter because dust and other particulates may interfere with the ability of such a filter to block water without causing clogging. In addition, if the amount of negative air pressure experienced by the filter is too high, water saturation / leakage may be a problem. Embodiments of the present invention may address one or more of these issues in an attempt to provide enhanced air filtration for a gas detector / sensor or other such device having an air inlet.

[0021] The disclosed embodiments relate to filters (e.g., for filtering an input airflow to remove dust, particulates and / or moisture), which can be used, for example, for air input of a gas sensor or detector. Typically, the disclosed filter embodiments will include two separate filter membranes. For example, the dustproof membrane and the waterproof membrane are positioned to operate in series (e.g., the dustproof membrane is located upstream of the waterproof membrane (so that air will first flow through the dustproof membrane before passing through the waterproof membrane) (but other configurations (such as, the waterproof membrane is located upstream of the dustproof membrane) may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure)). Typically, the two filter membranes will be located in a housing (the housing typically surrounds the two filter membranes and generally includes an inlet and an outlet for directing air through the filter membranes and out to an air inlet (e.g., for a gas detector or gas sensor or other sensor requiring air input). In addition, for manufacturing purposes, the housing can be two separate elements that can be connected together around the two filter elements. Therefore, the disclosed filter embodiments typically include: a top housing having at least one outlet hole; a bottom housing having one or more inlet holes; a dustproof membrane; and a waterproof membrane (and as mentioned above, the dustproof membrane is typically located upstream of the waterproof membrane).

[0022] Typically, the two filter membranes will be spaced apart (e.g., not in contact with each other), such as where the dustproof membrane is spaced about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 1 mm to 3 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm from the waterproof membrane. Although those skilled in the art will know the material types that will be effectively used as dustproof membranes and / or waterproof membranes, exemplary dustproof membranes may include polypropylene nonwovens (PPNW), and exemplary waterproof membranes may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, each of one or more inlet holes will have an opening diameter of about 6 mm to 7 mm (and there may be six such inlet holes in general), and the outlet hole will have an opening surface area of ​​approximately about 6 mm or less in diameter. In other words, the ratio of the size of the inlet hole to the size of the outlet hole can be about 6 to 1 or greater. Due to having a larger inlet hole area compared to the outlet hole area, the negative pressure on the filter membrane can be reduced, which, for example, can reduce the risk of water seepage / saturation of the filter membrane in a manner that may adversely affect the performance or life of the filter.

[0023] Some embodiments may attach / fix the waterproof membrane (usually in a permanent sealing manner) to the top surface of the bottom housing. For example, such attachment may be performed by welding (e.g., sonic welding). The embodiment may also optionally have a support frame located between the dustproof membrane and the waterproof membrane. For example, the dustproof membrane may be located below the support frame and in contact with the support frame. In some embodiments, the waterproof membrane may be spaced apart above the support frame. Typically, the support frame will be configured to allow airflow to pass therethrough so that air can flow through the dustproof membrane and then flow into the waterproof membrane without significant obstruction and / or turbulence. Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the support frame may include one or more airflow holes, wherein the one or more airflow holes typically correspond to (e.g., are similarly sized and / or positioned to align with) one or more inlet holes in the bottom housing.

[0024] Embodiments of the disclosed filter may also include features that the applicant has discovered that can protect the filter element from splashes and other large amounts of water intrusion. For example, the bottom shell may include a raised lip extending around the periphery or circumference of the bottom surface of the bottom shell. Some embodiments may have (for example, in combination with or as a substitute for the raised lip around the periphery of the bottom surface of the bottom shell) a raised lip or edge or wall around the periphery or circumference of each of the inlet holes in the bottom shell of the filter device. One or more embodiments may also include a splash cover, which can be a separate element that is permanently attached to the bottom shell or (more typically) removably attached to the bottom shell of the filter. Thus, for example, the splash cover typically includes a hollow body having a top open end that is configured to be attached to the bottom shell.

[0025] The splash cover is generally designed to shield the filter from splashes or other liquid water intrusion and / or to direct any water that enters the filter outwardly (e.g., via splashes of liquid water or condensation from moist air that may condense, such as at a waterproof membrane). Thus, for example, the bottom surface of the hollow body will typically have one or more inlet holes, which will typically be located on the bottom surface of the hollow body (and typically, the inlet holes can be sized and / or aligned similarly to the inlet holes on the bottom housing of the filter device), and typically the bottom surface of the hollow body will be curved inwardly relative to the hollow body (e.g., curved to form a bowl-like shape that will direct any water that enters the hollow body toward the center of the bottom surface of the hollow body of the splash cover). In addition, the splash cover will typically have one or more baffles that will be configured relative to the inlet holes of the splash cover to block water from easily or directly entering (beyond the point of the baffles) through the inlet holes (while allowing airflow to pass). Although it is possible to have a single baffle configured to shield all inlet holes (and such embodiments are included within the scope of the present disclosure), more typically each inlet hole will have one baffle (e.g., in direct or one-to-one correspondence). Regardless, one or more baffles will generally correspond to one or more inlet holes in the bottom surface.

[0026] Typically, each of the baffles will be aligned with the corresponding inlet hole (e.g., positioned above the inlet hole and / or share a common vertical centerline). Moreover, although the baffles can be configured to be shaped and / or oriented in various ways to effectively block / prevent water from entering through the inlet hole, typical embodiments can orient each baffle substantially parallel to the corresponding inlet hole and / or size each baffle to be at least as large as the corresponding inlet hole (although in some embodiments, the size of the baffles can be slightly smaller than their corresponding inlet holes). The baffles are usually slightly inserted into the hollow body of the splash cover so that they can effectively block / prevent water from entering while allowing airflow around the baffles via the insert. Thus, for example, each of the one or more baffles will usually be located in the hollow body of the splash cover (e.g., in the hollow cavity of the splash cover) and spaced about 3 mm to 4 mm from the corresponding inlet hole (e.g., inserted about 3 mm to 4 mm from the bottom surface of the hollow body of the splash cover). Typically, the opening surface area of ​​the inlet hole of the splash cover is at least as large as the opening surface area of ​​the inlet hole of the bottom shell.

[0027] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the hollow body of the splash cover may optionally include a raised lip (or wall extension or edge) around its perimeter / circumference. In addition, some embodiments may include (alone or in combination with a peripheral raised lip) a raised lip (or wall or edge) around the perimeter of each of the inlet holes (such that the bottom surface of the hollow body of the splash cover is inserted from the actual opening of the inlet hole, or the actual opening of the inlet hole protrudes or extends (e.g., downward) from the bottom surface of the hollow body of the splash cover (e.g., like a tube for each inlet hole)). In some embodiments, one or more of the features of the splash cover may be associated with the bottom housing of the filter instead (e.g., the bottom surface of the bottom housing may be curved inwardly, there may be a baffle corresponding to the inlet hole of the bottom housing of the filter, and / or there may be a raised lip around the perimeter of the bottom housing and / or each of the inlet holes, which is similar to those described above with respect to the splash cover).

[0028] Typically, the splash cover can be removably attached to the bottom housing. For example, the splash cover can further include an elastomeric buffer on the inner surface of the hollow body, which is configured to allow the press-fit attachment of the splash cover to the bottom housing. Typically, the press-fit attachment will be sufficient to prevent water and / or air from entering (e.g., sealing) so that the only inlet channel leading to the filter (e.g., the inlet hole of the bottom housing) will pass through the inlet hole at the bottom of the splash cover, and / or it will be sufficient to firmly hold the splash cover in place on the bottom housing (so it will not fall off during regular use). Alternatively, the splash cover can be screwed on (with corresponding threads on the bottom housing and top of the splash cover) or otherwise removably attached. Moreover, in some embodiments, the splash cover can be permanently attached (e.g., via an adhesive or welding) to the bottom housing. Although those skilled in the art should understand the disclosed embodiments based on the above disclosure, the following drawings can provide specific examples that can further illustrate the present disclosure.

[0029] Now turning to the figures, Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a filter 110 is shown, which includes a top housing 111, a bottom housing 112, at least two filter membranes, and an optional splash cap 130. The top housing 111 may include at least one outlet hole 119 (typically about 6 mm or less in diameter) that is configured to be tightly attached (e.g., with flexible tubing) to, for example, a gas detector. Although the outlet hole 119 can be located anywhere on the top housing 111 and can be of any shape, in some embodiments, the outlet hole 119 can be located anywhere on the top housing 111 and can be of any shape. Figure 1In the embodiment of the invention, a single outlet hole 119 is located on the central axis (at the top housing 111) and is tubular. The bottom housing 112 may be located upstream of the top housing 111 and may include one or more inlet holes (each typically having a diameter of 6 mm to 7 mm). The inlet holes may have an open surface area large enough to allow a sufficient volume of air to flow through the filter 110, and typically, if there are 6 inlet holes and one outlet hole, the ratio of the open surface area of ​​the outlet hole 119 to the inlet hole will be about 1 to 6, for example. Figure 1 As shown (this can reduce the negative pressure effects on the membrane). Typically, the top housing 111 and the bottom housing 112 can be welded together via ultrasonic welding to form a watertight seal so that the housings (at the top and bottom) enclose the filtration membrane.

[0030] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the filter 110 may include a waterproof membrane 113, a support frame 115 and a dustproof membrane 114, all of which are located in the housing. The waterproof membrane 113 may be located Figure 1 In addition, the support frame 115 may be located between the waterproof membrane 113 and the dustproof membrane 114. Figure 1 The waterproof membrane 113 is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Figure 1 The dustproof film 114 is formed of polypropylene nonwoven fabric (PPNW). The distance (eg, gap) between the waterproof film 113 and the dustproof film 114 is Figure 1 The dust film 114 may be 1 mm to 3 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm, and the dust film 114 may contact the support frame 115 (e.g., where the support frame 115 rests on top and contacts the dust film 114). In some embodiments, the support frame 115 may fit tightly within the bottom housing 112. Figure 1 The support frame 115 may include one or more air flow holes, wherein Figure 1 The air flow holes are aligned with the inlet holes in the bottom housing 112. In some embodiments, the support frame 115 can play a spacing function between the waterproof membrane 113 and the dustproof membrane 114 (but in Figure 1 In the embodiment, there is a gap between the support frame 115 and the waterproof membrane 113) and / or it can have the same diameter as the waterproof membrane 113 and the dustproof membrane 114 to fit tightly in the housing.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the filter 110 may further include a removable splash cover 130 configured to prevent liquid water from communicating with the filter 110. The splash cover 130 may include a hollow body 131 having a top opening large enough to fit tightly onto the bottom housing 112. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the hollow body 131 is tubular, but in other embodiments, it can be of any shape or size (as long as it can be tightly attached to the bottom housing 112). In addition, the splash cover 130 can include one or more inlet holes 133 and one or more baffles 132 at its bottom end. The inlet hole 133 can communicate with the external ambient environment and can be operable to allow airflow to enter the open cavity of the hollow body 131 and enter the filter 110. Figure 1 The inlet opening 133 of the bottom shell 112 generally has an opening surface area at least as large as the opening surface area of ​​the inlet opening in the bottom shell 112. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the inlet hole 133 is generally aligned with the inlet hole and is similarly sized. The baffle 132 can be spaced about 3 mm to 4 mm inwardly (eg, inserted) from the inlet hole 133 and can prevent water from entering the hollow body 131. In addition, in Figure 1 In the embodiment, the bottom surface 134 may be configured to be bent inwardly relative to the hollow body 131 to function as a bowl to guide water blocked by the baffle 132 to drain out of the inlet hole 133 .

[0032] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An exploded view of an exemplary filter 210 of the type shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the filter includes a top housing 211 , a waterproof membrane 213 , a support frame 215 , a dust-proof membrane 214 , and a bottom housing 212 . Figure 1 As discussed, there may be one or more outlet holes 219 (whose shape and location may vary) on the top housing 211, but Figure 1 Embodiments of typically have a single centrally located outlet hole 119. Additionally, the hollow protrusion 116 for the outlet hole 219 may include ridges to provide friction to hold the gas detector tubing tightly in place. Figure 2 The waterproof membrane 213 can be formed of PTFE and can be welded to the shell via ultrasonic welding. Typically, the waterproof membrane 213 can have a large enough diameter to fit tightly within the shell. The support frame 215 can be optionally located upstream of the waterproof membrane 213. Figure 2 The support frame 215 includes one or more airflow holes 220, which can be aligned with the inlet holes in the bottom housing 212 (and Figure 1, the airflow holes are sized similarly to the inlet holes). In some embodiments, the support frame 215 can be configured to function as a spacer between the waterproof membrane 213 and the dustproof membrane 214. In other embodiments, the support frame 215 can contact the waterproof membrane 213 and the dustproof membrane 214. Typically, the distance between the waterproof membrane 213 and the dustproof membrane 214 can be 1 mm to 3 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, 1 mm to 10 mm, or 5 mm to 10 mm. This distance (e.g., gap) can extend the service life and efficiency of the filter 210 and can provide sufficient space for any condensed water to leave the housing before saturating the waterproof membrane 213. Figure 1 In the embodiment, located upstream of the support frame 215 may be a separate dust membrane 214. The dust membrane 214 may be formed of PPNW and may have a large enough diameter to fit tightly within the housing (but in any case, the dust membrane 214 should cover all inlet holes). Figure 2 Further upstream of the dust-proof film 214 in the bottom housing 212, there may be a bottom housing 212 (where the dust-proof film 214 generally contacts the bottom housing 212). Figure 1 The bottom housing 112 includes a recessed portion extending downwardly (eg, upstream) from a rim or flange and typically includes one or more inlet openings. Figure 1 There are six inlet holes, and typically each hole has a diameter between 6 mm and 7 mm. Optionally, Figure 3 Each of the one or more inlet openings 317 shown in the drawings may have a raised lip extending around the perimeter. Figure 3 As shown, the bottom shell 312 may also include a raised lip 318 extending downwardly (eg, upstream) around the perimeter of the bottom surface of the bottom shell 312 .

[0033] Figures 4 to 5 A splash cover embodiment 430 (similar to Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the splash cover includes one or more inlet holes 433 and one or more baffles 532, wherein the baffles 532 can be configured to align with the inlet holes 433. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the splash cover 430 includes seven inlet holes 433, which are generally sized similarly to the inlet holes (and generally in some embodiments, the baffle 534 can be spaced about 3 mm to 4 mm from the inlet holes 433 and can be located within the hollow body). In addition, the baffle 532 can be positioned parallel to the corresponding inlet holes 433 and can have a surface area at least as large as the corresponding hole. In other embodiments, the inlet holes 433 can include a raised lip 436 extending around the periphery of each hole. In addition, in some embodiments, the splash cover 430 can include a raised lip 435 extending around the periphery of the bottom surface.

[0034] Although in Figure 4 In the embodiment, the number of baffles 532 is exactly the same as the number of inlet holes 432, but it should be clear that the number of baffles 532 does not have to be the same as the number of inlet holes 433. For example, a baffle 532 having a larger surface area than the surface area of ​​the inlet hole 433 can be aligned with the inlet hole 433 to prevent water from splashing in.

[0035] Figure 5 Better illustrate that the splash cover 530 can have a curved bottom surface. The baffle 532 can be configured to prevent water from splashing in through the inlet hole 433, while still allowing air to flow from the surrounding environment. The bottom surface 534 can be configured to bend inwardly relative to the hollow body to allow returning water to seep out of the embodiment (via the inlet hole) and return to the surrounding environment.

[0036] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 630 , further illustrating that the splash cover 630 can have an elastomeric bumper 637. The splash cover 630 can be configured to be attached to the bottom housing 612. In some embodiments, the splash cover 630 can be configured for removable attachment. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the splash cover 630 can be press-fitted onto the bottom housing 612 via an elastomeric bumper 637 (where the elastomeric bumper 637 provides an interference fit to securely hold the splash cover 630 onto the bottom housing 612 and seal the connection). In other embodiments, the splash cover 630 can be screwed onto the bottom housing 612. Generally speaking, the splash cover 630 can be tubular, including a hollow body with an open cavity, such as Figure 6 However, in some embodiments, the splash cover 630 can have any size or shape, as long as the splash cover 630 includes a hollow body to allow air to communicate with the filter and is configured to fit tightly onto the bottom housing 612. The splash cover hollow body typically has a depth greater than 5 mm, such as 5 mm to 10 mm or 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0037] Fig. 7A An exterior perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a filter with a splash cover is shown. Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary filter 710 and an exemplary splash cover 730 is shown (similar to Figure 1), where the direction of airflow from the surrounding environment is indicated via arrows. Typically, the airflow is sensed by a gas sensor attached to the outlet hole 719, which can, for example, pump air through the filter 710 and into the gas duct (e.g., using a fan). Therefore, air from the surrounding environment can be drawn in and flow through the inlet hole 733 in the splash cover 730 and can communicate with the baffle 732, which is directly aligned with the inlet hole 733. The air can then travel around the baffle 732, travel through the hollow body 731, travel through the holes in the bottom housing, penetrate through the dustproof membrane 714, travel through the airflow holes in the support frame 715, penetrate through the waterproof membrane 713, exit through the outlet hole 719, and finally communicate with the gas detector device (e.g., via tubing connected to the outlet hole).

[0038] During the airflow process performed by the exemplary embodiment, water may also communicate with the exemplary filter 810 and the exemplary splash cover 830, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown. In some cases, moist / humid air can travel through the inlet hole 833, communicate with the baffle 832, travel through the hollow body 831, travel through the inlet hole, penetrate through the dustproof membrane 814, travel through the airflow holes in the support frame 815, and condense at the waterproof membrane 813. Once the moisture condenses to form water, the water can drip into the hollow body 831 and contact the bottom surface of the splash cover 830. Once at the bottom surface (which is configured to bend inwardly relative to the hollow body 831 or otherwise configured to guide water out of the inlet hole 833), the water can leave through the inlet hole 833. In other cases, splashing water from the surrounding environment can contact the splash cover 830. In this case, one or more baffles 832 can prevent any splashing from communicating with the filter 810. Water can enter through the inlet hole 833, hit the baffle 832 and leak / drain to the bottom. Similarly, the bottom lip is configured to drain water out of the inlet hole 833. In some cases, the water may not necessarily communicate with the inlet hole 833, but may communicate with the bottom surface of the splash cover 830. In this case, a raised lip around the perimeter of the bottom of the splash cover 830 and / or the raised lip and each inlet hole 833 may block the water so that the water may fall back into the surrounding environment.

[0039] Various devices and methods have been described herein, various embodiments may include but are not limited to:

[0040] In a first embodiment, the filter comprises: a top housing having at least one outlet hole; a bottom housing having one or more inlet holes; a dustproof membrane; and a waterproof membrane. A second embodiment may include the filter of the first embodiment, wherein the dustproof membrane is located upstream of the waterproof membrane. A third embodiment may include the filter of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, wherein each of the one or more inlet holes has a diameter of about 6 square millimeters to 7 square millimeters (and there may usually be 6 such inlet holes), and wherein the one or more outlet holes have a diameter of 6 millimeters or less (and there may usually be only one such outlet hole). A fourth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the bottom housing comprises a raised lip extending around the periphery of the bottom surface of the bottom housing. A fifth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the waterproof membrane is attached to the top surface of the bottom housing by welding. A sixth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to fifth embodiments, further comprising a support frame located between the dustproof membrane and the waterproof membrane. A seventh embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the support frame comprises one or more airflow holes, and wherein the one or more airflow holes correspond to the one or more inlet holes in the bottom housing. The eighth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the dustproof membrane is spaced about 1 mm to 5 mm (or, 1 mm to 3 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm) from the waterproof membrane. The ninth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to eighth embodiments, further comprising a splash cover, the splash cover comprising a hollow body having a top open end, the top open end being configured for attachment to the bottom shell. The tenth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to ninth embodiments, further comprising: a bottom surface of the hollow body, the bottom surface of the hollow body having one or more inlet holes, wherein the bottom surface of the hollow body is curved inwardly relative to the hollow body; and one or more baffles, the one or more baffles corresponding to the one or more inlet holes in the bottom surface. An eleventh embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to tenth embodiments, wherein each of the baffles is aligned with a corresponding inlet hole, wherein each baffle is substantially parallel to the corresponding inlet hole, wherein each baffle is sized to be at least as large as the corresponding inlet hole, and wherein the baffles are located within the hollow body of the splash cover and are spaced about 3 mm to 4 mm from the corresponding inlet hole. A twelfth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein the bottom surface of the hollow body of the splash cover includes a raised lip around the perimeter.The thirteenth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first embodiment to the twelfth embodiment, wherein the inlet hole of the splash cover also includes a raised lip around the periphery of the inlet hole. The fourteenth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first embodiment to the thirteenth embodiment, wherein the splash cover is removably attached to the bottom housing. The fifteenth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first embodiment to the fourteenth embodiment, wherein the splash cover also includes an elastomeric buffer on the inner surface of the hollow body, which is configured to allow the splash cover to be press-fitted and attached to the bottom housing. The sixteenth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first embodiment to the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the dustproof membrane includes a polypropylene nonwoven (PPNW), and wherein the waterproof membrane includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The seventeenth embodiment may include the filter of any one of the first embodiment to the seventeenth embodiment, wherein the ratio of the size of the inlet hole to the size of the outlet hole is 6 to 1.

[0041] Although various embodiments according to the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications may be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence and teachings of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure. Alternative embodiments obtained by merging, integrating and / or omitting the features of one or more embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection is not limited by the description given above, but by the following claims, which include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each claim is incorporated into the specification as further disclosure, and the claims are one or more embodiments of one or more of the present invention. In addition, any of the above advantages and features may relate to specific embodiments, but the application of these published claims should not be limited to methods and structures that achieve any or all of the above advantages or have any or all of the above features.

[0042] In addition, the section headings used herein are intended to be consistent with the recommendations of 37 CFR 1.77 or to provide organizational clues. These headings should not limit or characterize the one or more inventions set forth in any claims that may be published from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the title may refer to the "technical field", the claims should not be limited to describing the so-called field by the language selected under the title. In addition, the description of the technology in the "background technology" should not be interpreted as admitting that a certain technology is the prior art of any one or more inventions in this disclosure. "Invention content" should also not be considered as a limiting characterization of one or more inventions set forth in the published claims. In addition, any reference to the singular "invention" in this disclosure should not be used to prove that there is only one novel point in this disclosure. According to the limitations of multiple claims published from this disclosure, multiple inventions can be set forth, and these claims accordingly define the one or more inventions protected by them and their equivalents. In all cases, the scope of these claims should be considered according to the advantages of the claims themselves in accordance with this disclosure, and should not be limited by the titles stated herein.

[0043] It should be understood that the use of broad terms such as "comprising," "including," and "having" provides support for narrower terms such as "consisting of," "consisting essentially of," and "composed essentially of." The use of the terms "optionally," "may," "possibly," and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or, alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives are within the scope of one or more embodiments. In addition, reference to examples is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be exclusive.

[0044] Although several embodiments are provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to the details given herein. For example, various elements or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0045] In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the techniques, systems, subsystems and methods described and shown as discrete or independent in various embodiments may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques or methods. Other items shown or discussed as being directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicated through some interface, device or intermediate component, whether such coupling or communication is performed electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions and alterations may be determined by those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A splash-proof cover (130), comprising: a hollow body (131) having a top open end configured for attachment to a bottom housing of a filter (210); as well as a bottom surface of the hollow body (131), the bottom surface of the hollow body having one or more inlet holes (133), wherein the hollow body of the splash cover includes a raised lip around the periphery, wherein the bottom surface of the hollow body (131) is bent inwardly relative to the hollow body, and wherein the splash cover (130) further comprises one or more baffles (132) corresponding to the one or more inlet holes (133) in the bottom surface.

2. The splash cover according to claim 1, wherein the filter further comprises: One or more inlet holes (317), each having a diameter of 6 mm to 7 mm; and a single outlet hole having a diameter of 6 mm or less, and wherein the ratio of the size of the inlet hole (317) to the size of the outlet hole (219) is 6 to 1 or greater.

3. The splash-proof cover according to claim 1, wherein the filter further comprises a dust-proof membrane (214) and a waterproof membrane (213).

4. The splash cover according to claim 1 further comprises a support frame (215) located between the dustproof membrane (214) and the waterproof membrane (213), wherein the support frame (215) comprises one or more air flow holes (220), and wherein the one or more air flow holes (220) correspond to one or more inlet holes (317) in the bottom shell.

5. The splash cover according to claim 1, wherein each baffle (132) is parallel to the corresponding inlet hole (133), wherein the size of each baffle (132) is set to be at least as large as the corresponding inlet hole (133), and wherein the baffle (132) is located in the hollow body (131) of the splash cover (130) and is spaced 3 mm to 4 mm from the corresponding inlet hole (133). 6 . The splash cover of claim 3 , further comprising a waterproof membrane attached to the top surface of the bottom housing by welding.

7. The splash cap of claim 1, wherein each of the inlet holes of the splash cap further comprises a raised lip around a perimeter of each of the inlet holes.

8. A splash-proof cover (630), comprising: a hollow body (131) having a top open end configured for attachment to a bottom housing; a bottom surface (134) of the hollow body (131), the bottom surface of the hollow body having one or more inlet holes (133), wherein the bottom surface (134) of the hollow body (131) is curved inwardly relative to the hollow body (131); as well as One or more baffles (132) aligned with corresponding inlet holes (133) in the bottom surface (134).

9. The splash cover of claim 8, wherein the filter further comprises a dust and water resistant membrane.

10. The splash cover according to claim 8 further comprises a support frame (215) located between the dustproof membrane (214) and the waterproof membrane (213), wherein the support frame (215) comprises one or more air flow holes (220), and wherein the one or more air flow holes (220) are aligned with one or more inlet holes in the bottom shell.

11. The splash cover according to claim 8, wherein each baffle (132) is parallel to the corresponding inlet hole (133), wherein the size of each baffle (132) is set to be at least as large as the corresponding inlet hole (133), and wherein the baffle (132) is located in the hollow body (131) of the splash cover (630) and is spaced 3 mm to 4 mm from the corresponding inlet hole (133).

12. The splash cap of claim 8, further comprising an elastomeric bumper on an inner surface of the hollow body, the elastomeric bumper configured to allow a press fit attachment of the splash cap to a bottom housing of a filter.

13. The splash cover of claim 8, wherein the dust-proof membrane comprises polypropylene nonwoven (PPNW), and wherein the waterproof membrane comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

14. A splash cover according to claim 8, wherein the bottom surface of the hollow body is bent inwardly relative to the hollow body; and wherein the splash cover also includes one or more baffles aligned with corresponding inlet holes in the bottom surface, wherein each baffle is parallel to the corresponding inlet hole, wherein each baffle is sized to be at least as large as the corresponding inlet hole, and wherein the baffles are located within the hollow body of the splash cover and are spaced 3 mm to 4 mm from the corresponding inlet hole.

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