The closed end cap forms a filter element with sealing portions positioned at different axial distances

Abstract

An air cleaner assembly includes a housing and a filter element. The housing includes a first housing end and a second housing end. The second housing end of the housing defines an opening in the housing for fluid flow. The filter element is configured to be received through the first housing end of the housing. The filter element includes a filter medium and a closed end plate. The filter medium includes a first media end and a second media end. The second media end of the filter medium defines an opening in the filter element for fluid flow. The closed end plate is positioned along the first media end of the filter medium and includes a wall having an axial inner surface and an axial outer surface. When the filter element is positioned within the housing, the axial outer surface is exposed to an area external to the housing and seals the first housing end of the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to Related Patent Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 009,824, filed April 14, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] field

[0004] The present application generally relates to an air cleaner assembly having a filter element including a closed end cap.

[0005] background

[0006] Various conventional air cleaner assemblies have a housing and a filter element completely contained within the housing (the housing may include both a body and a cover). Therefore, in order to maintain the filter element, the cover must be removed from the body of the housing to access the filter element. In addition, the closed end caps of various conventional filter elements have a planar surface perpendicular to the central axis of the filter element. This arrangement does not provide much flexibility in how the space within the air cleaner assembly can be utilized.

[0007] Overview

[0008] Various embodiments provide an air cleaner assembly comprising a housing and a filter element. The housing comprises a first housing end and a second housing end. The second housing end of the housing defines an opening in the housing for fluid flow. The filter element is configured to be received through the first housing end of the housing. The filter element comprises a filter medium and a closed end plate. The filter medium comprises a first media end and a second media end. The second media end of the filter medium defines an opening in the filter element for fluid flow. The closed end plate is positioned along the first media end of the filter medium and comprises a wall having an axial inner surface and an axial outer surface. When the filter element is positioned within the housing, the axial outer surface is exposed to an area outside the housing and seals the first housing end of the housing. The closed end plate comprises a closed end plate sealing surface that forms a seal with a cover of the housing. The closed end plate sealing surface is at a non-constant axial distance away from the second media end of the filter medium.

[0009] In some embodiments, the seal formed by the closed end plate and the cover of the housing is an at least partially radially directed seal.

[0010] In some embodiments, the seal formed by the closed end plate and the cover of the housing is an axially guided seal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the axially outer surface of the wall of the closed end plate is non-planar.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the axially outer surface of the wall is planar and non-perpendicular to the central axis of the filter media.

[0013] Several other embodiments provide a filter element that is positionable within a housing. The filter element includes a filter medium and a closed end plate. The filter medium includes a first media end and a second media end. The second media end of the filter medium defines an opening of the filter element for fluid flow. The closed end plate is positioned along the first media end of the filter medium and includes a wall having an axially inner surface and an axially outer surface. When the filter element is positioned within the housing, the axially outer surface is exposed to an area outside the housing and seals the first housing end of the housing. The closed end plate includes a closed end plate sealing surface that forms a seal with a cover of the housing. The closed end plate sealing surface is located at a non-constant axial distance away from the second media end of the filter medium.

[0014] In some embodiments, the seal formed by the closed end plate and the cover of the housing is an at least partially radially directed seal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the seal formed by the closed end plate and the cover of the housing is an axially guided seal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the closed end plate sealing surface includes a first end plate portion and a second end plate portion, wherein the second end plate portion is at least about 5 mm axially farther from the second media end of the filter media than the first end plate portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the axially outer surface of the wall of the closed end plate is non-planar.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the axially outer surface of the wall is planar and non-perpendicular to the central axis of the filter media.

[0019] In some embodiments, the closed end plate sealing surface attaches the filter media to the closed end plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the filter element further includes a handle positioned along the first media end of the filter media.

[0021] In some embodiments, the filter element further includes a latch positioned along the first media end of the filter media and configured to attach to the cover of the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the closed end plate is removably attached to the filter media.

[0023] In some embodiments, the filter element further includes a radial seal member positioned along the second media end of the filter media and configured to form a seal with the second housing end of the housing.

[0024] In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a permeable barrier positioned around the radially outer surface of the filter media, wherein the permeable barrier has an average pore size between 20 μm and 200 μm.

[0025] Still other embodiments provide a filter element that is positionable within a housing. The filter element includes a filter medium and a closed end plate. The filter medium includes a first media end and a second media end. The second media end of the filter medium defines an opening of the filter element for fluid flow. The closed end plate is positioned along the first media end of the filter medium. The closed end plate includes a wall having an axial inner surface and an axial outer surface. When the filter element is positioned within the housing, the axial outer surface is exposed to an area exterior to the housing and seals off the first housing end of the housing. The closed end plate includes at least one radial groove configured to mate with a corresponding protruding rib of the housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the closed end plate includes a fastener positioned along the first media end of the filter media, the fastener being pivotable relative to the wall of the closed end plate to attach and detach the fastener from the receiver of the housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fastener comprises the at least one radial groove.

[0028] These and other features, as well as their organization and manner of operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have like numerical designations throughout the several figures described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an air cleaner assembly according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Side view of the air cleaner assembly.

[0032] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A perspective view of an air cleaner assembly showing the filter element separated from the filter housing.

[0033] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of an air cleaner assembly.

[0034] Figure 1E yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of an air cleaner assembly relative to Figure 1D The cross-sectional view is about 90°.

[0035] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the cover of the housing of the air cleaner assembly.

[0036] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Cross-sectional view of the cover.

[0037] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a filter element of an air cleaner assembly.

[0038] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Side view of the filter element.

[0039] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Cross-sectional view of a filter element.

[0040] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A A side view of the filter element relative to Figure 3B The view is approximately 90°.

[0041] Figure 3E yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the filter element relative to Figure 3C The view is approximately 90°.

[0042] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A Perspective view of the closed end plate of a filter element.

[0043] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Side view of the closed end plate.

[0044] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A Another side view of the closed end plate.

[0045] Figure 4D yes Figure 4A A side view of the closed end plate relative to Figure 4C The view is approximately 90°.

[0046] Figure 5A yes Figure 4A Bottom perspective view of the closed end plate.

[0047] Figure 5B yes Figure 3A Perspective view of a filter element with the closed end plate removed.

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter element according to one embodiment.

[0049] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter element according to yet another embodiment.

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air cleaner assembly according to yet another embodiment.

[0051] Figure 9 yes Figure 3A Bottom perspective view of the filter element.

[0052] Figure 10A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a portion of a filter element of an air cleaner assembly.

[0053] Figure 10B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a portion of a cover of a housing of an air cleaner assembly.

[0054] Figure 10C is with Figure 1A A perspective view of a portion of an air cleaner assembly's housing with a cover-attached filter element.

[0055] Figure 11A is a perspective view of an air cleaner assembly according to another embodiment showing a filter element separated from a filter housing.

[0056] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of an air cleaner assembly.

[0057] Detailed description

[0058] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an air cleaner assembly having a housing and an air filter element. The filter element includes a filter medium and a closed end plate that forms a seal portion positioned at different axial distances relative to the end of the filter medium and that closes an area of ​​the end plate that is exposed to the exterior of the housing when the filter element is assembled within the housing.

[0059] Air cleaner assembly

[0060] Figure 1A-1EAn exemplary air cleaner assembly 20 is shown, comprising a filter element 22 and a filter housing 30. The air cleaner assembly 20 is configured to filter a fluid. Although air is mentioned herein, it should be understood that the air cleaner assembly 20 can be used with other fluids, such as liquids. As further described herein, the filter element 22 can be positioned within the housing 30. The air cleaner assembly 20 can be cylindrical and / or axially loaded.

[0061] filter housing

[0062] like Figure 1A-Figure 1C As shown, housing 30 (which may be referred to as an air filter housing assembly) includes an inlet 38 that allows unfiltered fluid to flow into housing 30 and into filter element 22, and an outlet 39 that allows filtered fluid to flow out of housing 30 after the fluid has passed through and been filtered by filter element 22. Although inlet 38 is shown on a radial side of housing 30 and outlet 39 is shown at an axial end of housing 30, it should be understood that the fluid flow direction may be reversed, and thus the inlet 38 and outlet 39 may be interchanged. Housing 30 may be an axially loaded air filter housing.

[0063] The housing 30 includes a first axial end (referred to as a first housing end 31) and a second axial end (referred to as a second housing end 32) located at opposite axial ends of the housing 30. Figure 1C As shown and described further herein, the first housing end 31 is configured to receive the filter element 22. Figure 1D-1E As shown, the second housing end 32 defines an opening (eg, an annular opening) in the housing 30 through which fluid may flow into or out of the filter element 22. According to one embodiment, an outlet 39 is located along the second housing end 32.

[0064] The housing 30 further includes a body 34 and a cover 36 that are attachable, detachable, and reattachable relative to each other. The cover 36 is positioned along the first housing end 31 of the housing 30 and defines the first housing end 31. The body 34 is positioned along the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 and defines the second housing end 32. Figure 1D As shown, the body 34 and the cover 36 are each configured to extend axially along and around different axial portions (and axial ends) of the filter element 22. The inlet 38 can extend through the sidewall of the body 34, while the outlet 39 can extend through the axial end of the body 34 (which corresponds to the second housing end 32).

[0065] like Figure 1D-Figure 2B As shown, the cover 36 defines an axial through-hole 37 such that the cover 36 is open along both axial ends thereof. The through-hole 37 of the cover 36 is sized such that the filter element 22 can fit entirely within and extend through the through-hole 37 (e.g., Figure 1D-1E ). Thus, the filter element 22 can extend entirely through the cover 36 and within the cover 36 (i.e., within the through-hole 37). Specifically, one axial end of the filter element 22 (corresponding to the first media end 41 of the filter medium 40) extends through one axial end of the cover 36 (corresponding to the first housing end 31 of the housing 30) and is exposed through one axial end of the cover 36 (corresponding to the first housing end 31 of the housing 30), while a portion of the axial length of the filter element 22 extends through the other axial end of the cover 36 (the other axial end being closer to the second housing end 32 of the housing 30). The filter element 22 can be inserted into or removed from the housing 30 through the through-hole 37 without separating the cover 36 and the body 34 from each other. Thus, the filter element 22 can be partially or completely removed from the housing 30 (for example, to maintain the filter element 22) without removing the cover 36 from the body 34, thereby eliminating steps in the maintenance process. Furthermore, as further described herein, closed end plate 60 of filter element 22 is exposed to an area exterior to housing 30 through through-hole 37 (when filter element 22 is fully installed or positioned within housing 30 ).

[0066] like Figure 1C-Figure 2B As shown, the cover 36 includes a housing cover sealing surface 33 (a surface extending axially and / or radially of the cover 36 and facing outwardly away from the interior of the housing 30) that is configured to engage a surface of the closed end plate 60, for example, by forming a seal with the closed end plate 60 (particularly with the closed end plate sealing surface 69 of the closed end plate 60), as further described herein. The housing cover sealing surface 33 is positioned and extends around the inner periphery of the through hole 37 of the cover 36. The shape, size, and configuration of the housing cover sealing surface 33 are complementary to the closed end plate sealing surface 69 of the closed end plate 60.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the housing cover sealing surface 33 comprises a step, protrusion, or ledge extending around the entire inner perimeter of the through-hole 37 of the cover 36. Specifically, the inner diameter of the through-hole 37 along the end of the cover 36 corresponding to the first housing end 31 of the housing 30 is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole 37 along the opposite axial end of the cover 36, with the ledge of the housing cover sealing surface 33 transitioning the cover 36 between the larger and smaller inner diameters. The shape of the housing cover sealing surface 33 complements the shape of the closed end plate sealing surface 69. For example, different portions of the housing cover sealing surface 33 are located at different axial distances from each of the first housing end 31 and the second housing end 32 of the housing 30, as well as from the second media end 42 of the filter media 40, and different portions of the housing cover sealing surface 33 are positioned at different axial locations along the central axis 49 around the inner circumference of the cover 36.

[0068] According to Figure 1DAn embodiment shown, which Figure 1E (as well as Figure 2B ), the housing cover sealing surface 33 is curved or arcuate around the inner periphery of the through hole 37, or has at least one angled or curved portion that is not perpendicular to the center axis 49. The housing cover sealing surface 33 includes at least one first housing sealing zone, section, region, or portion 33a and at least one second housing sealing zone, section, region, or portion 33b. According to some embodiments (as further described herein), the housing cover sealing surface 33 includes two first housing portions 33a and two second housing portions 33b. The second housing portion 33b of the housing cover sealing surface 33 is axially spaced from the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 and the second media end 42 of the filter medium 40 (as further described herein). Figure 1D As shown in FIG. 3 , the first housing end 31 of the housing 30 is located further away and axially closer to the first housing end 31 of the housing 30. Figure 1E As shown, the first housing portion 33a of the housing cover sealing surface 33 is axially closer to the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 and the second media end 42 of the filter media 40, and is axially farther from the first housing end 31 of the housing 30. However, it should be understood that the housing cover sealing surface 33 can have a variety of different configurations (e.g., at least a portion of the housing cover sealing surface 33 can be planar and non-perpendicular to the central axis 49, or non-planar relative to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 49 by being bent, curved, and / or angled) to complement the shape and configuration of the closed end plate sealing surface 69.

[0069] In order to include at least a first housing portion 33a and a second housing portion 33b, in various embodiments, the housing cover sealing surface 33 includes a continuous, gradually changing bend extending between at least one raised position (i.e., at least one second housing portion 33b) and at least one lowered position (i.e., at least one first housing portion 33a). Thus, the second housing portion 33b and the first housing portion 33a are part of the same continuous surface, rather than separate, distinct surfaces. With multiple second housing portions 33b and multiple first housing portions 33a, the housing cover sealing surface 33 makes multiple different bends between the second housing portion 33b and the first housing portion 33a. However, according to various embodiments, the housing cover sealing surface 33 may include an angled portion extending continuously between the second housing portion 33b and the first housing portion 33a, corresponding to Figure 6-Figure 8 Various configurations of closed end plate sealing surfaces 69 are shown.

[0070] Each first housing portion 33a includes a first housing portion or point 35a that corresponds to the minimum axial height of the housing cover sealing surface 33 along the central axis 49. Each second housing portion 33b includes a second housing portion or point 35b that corresponds to the maximum axial height of the housing cover sealing surface 33 along the central axis 49. For example, if the housing cover sealing surface 33 gradually extends between the first housing portion 33a and the second housing portion 33b in a curved manner (e.g., Figure 1D-1E As shown) or the first housing portion 33a and / or the second housing portion 33b is an angled planar surface (to correspond to Figure 6 In the case of the filter element 22 shown, the first housing point 35a and / or the second housing point 35b respectively corresponds to only one location of the first housing part 33a and the second housing part 33b.

[0071] According to some embodiments (as shown, for example in Figure 1D-Figure 2B ), the housing cover sealing surface 33 includes two first housing parts 33a and two corresponding first housing points 35a (which are opposite to each other about the center axis 49 and are approximately 180° relative to each other) and two second housing parts 33b and two corresponding second housing points 35b (which are opposite to each other about the center axis 49 and are approximately 180° relative to each other). Figure 1D and Figure 1E The relative positioning of each of the two second housing portions 33b (and the corresponding two second housing points 35b) and each of the two first housing portions 33a (and the corresponding two first housing points 35a) is shown. Thus, each of the two first housing points 35a is approximately 90° away from the two second housing points 35b (and vice versa) around the inner circumference of the housing 30.

[0072] like Figure 2B As shown, in order to define two first housing parts 33a and two second housing parts 33b, the housing cover sealing surface 33 includes a plurality of sealing surfaces extending downward (toward the second housing end 32 of the housing 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 1D Each of the two opposite radial ends (corresponding to the two first end plate points 35a) extends upward from the middle portion (away from the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 and the filter medium 40, as shown). Figure 1E Thus, the curved middle portion of the housing cover sealing surface 33 defines two first housing portions 33a, and the two opposing radial ends of the wall 64 define two second housing portions 33b. The first housing portions 33a may be referred to as a first pair of opposing radial sides or ends, and the second housing portions 33b may be referred to as a second pair of opposing radial sides or ends.

[0073] The cover 36 may also include other components, such as a dust exhaust valve (DEV) port 36a. A suction tube and / or a DEV valve may be connected to the DEV port 36a. According to one embodiment, the cover 36 may be constructed of or otherwise include plastic.

[0074] like Figure 1C-1E As shown, the housing 30 also includes an internal support 29 configured to be positioned within the filter element 22 (e.g., within the center tube 76 of the filter element 22). The internal support 29 can be attached to the inner surface of the outlet 39 and extend axially within the body 34 of the housing 30 (and along its axial length).

[0075] filter element

[0076] The filter element 22 (which may be referred to as a primary air filter cartridge) may be positioned within the housing 30 and configured to be received through the first housing end 31 of the housing 30 (particularly through the through-hole 37 of the cover 36), as shown. Figure 1C-1E The filter element 22 may be an axially loaded air filter element.

[0077] like Figure 3A-Figure 3E As shown, the filter element 22 includes a filter medium 40, an open end plate 50, and a closed end plate 60. Figure 3C and Figure 3E As shown, the filter element 22 also includes a center tube 76, which can be part of the closed end plate 60. The filter medium 40 is configured to filter a fluid (e.g., air) and includes a first axial end (referred to as the first media end 41) and a second axial end (referred to as the second media end 42) on opposite axial ends of the filter medium 40. Figure 1D-1E As shown, when the filter element 22 is installed in the housing 30, the first media end 41 of the filter media 40 is closer to the first housing end 31 of the housing 30, and the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 is closer to the second housing end 32 of the housing 30. Therefore, the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 (along the second end plate 50) defines an opening in the filter element 22 through which fluid can flow (into or out of the filter element 22, depending on the desired configuration). The opening along the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 can be an annular opening.

[0078] An open end plate 50 (which may be referred to as an open end cap) is positioned along the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 and further defines an opening (e.g., an annular opening) through which fluid may flow (into or out of the filter element 22, depending on the desired configuration). The opening of the open end plate 50 is concentric with the opening of the filter media 40 to allow fluid to flow through the second media end 42. For example, Figure 1DAs shown, the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 and the opening of the open end plate 50 are aligned with and fluidly connected to the outlet 39 along the second housing end 32 of the housing 30, and thus together provide an area for the filtered fluid to exit from the filter element 22. The corresponding opening of the open end plate 50 and the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 can also be configured to receive the internal support member 29.

[0079] Closed end plate

[0080] like Figure 3C and Figure 3E As shown, the closed end plate 60 (which may be referred to as a closed end cap) is positioned along the first media end 41 of the filter media 40 and completely covers and fluidly seals the first media end 41 so that fluid cannot flow through the first media end 41 of the filter media 40. Figure 1D-1E As shown, due to the through-hole 37 of the cover 36 of the housing 30, the closed end plate 60 is exposed to the outside of the housing 30 through the through-hole 37 of the cover 36. In particular, when the filter element 22 is installed in the housing 30, most (or all) of the first axial end (i.e., the axial outer surface 68) of the closed end plate 60 is completely exposed through the through-hole 37 of the cover 36 and is visible outside the housing 30. When installed, although the cover 36 may extend axially beyond the first axial end of the closed end plate 60, the first axial end (i.e., the axial outer surface 68) of the closed end plate 60 is not radially or axially covered or obscured by any part of the housing 30 (e.g., the outer surface 68 of the closed end plate 60 is not radially or axially covered or obscured by any part of the housing 30). Figure 1A The remaining portion of the closed end plate 60 (including the second axial end and the axial inner surface 66 of the closed end plate 60) faces in a direction opposite to or different from the axial outer surface 68 and is not exposed to the outside of the housing 30 through the through hole 37 of the cover 36 when the filter element 22 is installed in the housing 30.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the closed end plate 60 can be removably and reattachably attached to the filter media 40 to allow the closed end plate 60 to be reused within multiple filter elements 22 (and therefore, reused with multiple different filter media 40). Thus, the closed end plate 60 can be removed from the filter media 40 and reattached to a new or different filter media 40 (e.g., once the filter media 40 has been fully used and needs to be replaced).

[0082] As further described herein, the filter element 22 and the cover 36 are configured to form a seal therebetween (which may be a radially / radially directed and / or an axially / axially directed seal) to prevent any fluid leakage. The seal formed is positioned between (or along) an exposed first axial end (i.e., axially outer surface 68) and an unexposed second axial end (i.e., axially inner surface 66) of the wall 64 of the closed end plate 60, thereby preventing any fluid from flowing between the first and second axial ends of the wall 64 of the closed end plate 60 and between the wall 64 and the cover 36. Along the closed end plate 60, the seal is formed along an axially and / or radially extending surface of the closed end plate 60, and the seal is formed between or along the first and second axial ends of the wall 64 of the closed end plate 60. Along the cover 36 , a seal is formed along an axially and / or radially extending surface of the cover 36 and is located axially within the throughbore 37 between the first housing end 31 and the opposing axial ends of the cover 36 .

[0083] The closed end plate 60 includes a base or radially extending main wall 64 that extends radially above and beyond the first media end 41 of the filter media 40. Figure 3B-3E As shown, the outer edge of wall 64 extends radially beyond the outer surface of filter media 40 to provide an area or lip for axially and / or radially sealing or otherwise engaging with housing cover sealing surface 33 of housing 30 (i.e., closed end plate sealing surface 69). When filter element 22 is installed in cover 36, wall 64 extends along and abuts the inner circumference of cover 36 (and cover 36 extends along and abuts the outer circumference of wall 64) (as shown in FIG. Figure 1A shown).

[0084] Wall 64 of closed end plate 60 includes an axially inner surface 66 and an axially outer surface 68 that are opposed to each other. A radially outer surface or outer periphery 67 of wall 64 extends axially between axially inner surface 66 and axially outer surface 68 of wall 64. Axial inner surface 66 faces inward, axially toward filter media 40, and may extend along and abut first media end 41 of filter media 40. Axial outer surface 68 faces outward, axially away from filter media 40, in a direction opposite to axial inner surface 66. Outer periphery 67 faces radially outward toward cover 36. Thus, when filter element 22 is installed or positioned within housing 30, axially outer surface 68 (through through-hole 37 of cover 36) is exposed to an area exterior to housing 30, and wall 64 of closed end plate 60 (particularly axially outer surface 68) fluidically and radially seals first housing end 31 of housing 30, thereby serving as an axial end of housing 30. In one embodiment, wall 64 may extend entirely to the exterior of housing 30. The closed end plate sealing surface 69 may be located along the outermost edge of the wall 64 , along the radially extending outer edge of the axially inner surface 66 , and / or along the axially extending outer periphery 67 of the wall 64 .

[0085] Because the filter element 22 (particularly the closed end plate 60) is exposed to the exterior of the housing 30 through the cover 36, and because (when the filter element 22 is fully installed or positioned within the housing 30) the axially outer surface 68 of the wall 64 of the closed end plate 60 is not covered by any portion of the housing 30, and because of the relative sizes between the filter element 22 and the through-hole 37 of the cover 36, the filter element 22 can be easily accessed and removed from or inserted into the housing 30 (and thus maintenance can be performed) without disassembling the housing 30 (e.g., without removing the cover 36 from the body 34), as shown in FIG. Figure 1C As shown. In particular, the outermost periphery of the filter element 22 is smaller than the inner periphery of the through-hole 37 of the cover 36, so that the filter element 22 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 30 through the through-hole 37. Therefore, the construction of the air cleaner assembly 20 reduces the amount of time, steps, and effort required to maintain the filter element 22. For example, except for the outer periphery 67 along the wall 64, the outermost periphery of the filter element 22 along the entire axial length of the filter element 22 is smaller than the innermost periphery of the entire axial length of the through-hole 37 along the entire axial length of the cover 36, so that the filter element 22 can be inserted into and passed through the cover 36. The outer periphery 67 of the wall 64 is smaller than the innermost periphery of the through-hole 37 between the first housing end 31 and the housing cover sealing surface 33, and is larger than the innermost periphery of the through-hole 37 at the housing cover sealing surface 33 (and optionally also larger than the innermost periphery of the through-hole 37 between the housing cover sealing surface 33 and the axial end of the cover 36 opposite the first housing end 31) to allow the filter element 22 and the cover 36 to form a seal therebetween (as shown in FIG. Figure 1D-1E shown).

[0086] Because the closed end plate 60 of the filter element 22 is exposed to an area outside the housing 30 (and therefore to conditions and air outside the housing 30), the filter element 22 and the cover 36 are configured to form a seal together to prevent any fluid leakage. Figure 1C-Figure 3E As shown, the closed end plate 60 includes a closed end plate sealing surface 69 (a surface extending axially and / or radially along the closed end plate 60) that is configured to form a seal with the housing cover sealing surface 33 of the cover 36 of the housing 30. The seal refers to the area or portion of the closed end plate 60 that sealingly contacts the cover 36 by, for example, pressing the closed end plate sealing surface 69 against an edge of the cover 36 (i.e., the housing cover sealing surface 33). The resulting seal prevents leakage of fluid (e.g., water or unwanted air) into or out of the housing 30 at the interface between the filter element 22 (particularly the closed end plate 60) and the cover 36. Figure 1D As shown, the seal portion can be positioned along or near the first housing end 31 of the housing 30 and the first axial end of the filter element 22 (i.e., axially between the axial ends of the cover 36 and axially along the wall 64 of the closed end plate 60 (i.e., along the axial inner surface 66 of the wall 64 of the closed end plate 60 and / or along the outer periphery 67 of the wall 64 of the closed end plate 60)).

[0087] The resulting seal formed by the closed end plate 60 and the cover 36 of the housing 30 between the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 can be an axial / axially directed seal (where the closed end plate sealing surface 69 is an axial sealing surface along the outer edge of the axial inner surface 66 of the closed end plate 60) and / or a radial / radially directed seal (where the closed end plate sealing surface 69 is a radial sealing periphery along the outer periphery 67 of the closed end plate 60). According to one embodiment, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 can be positioned at a slight angle to the central axis 49 of the filter medium 40 to allow the filter element 22 to be removed. Thus, the majority of the resulting sealing force is radial, with a relatively small axial component. Alternatively, the resulting sealing force can be entirely axial.

[0088] The closed end plate sealing surface 69 may be positioned and extend along the outer edge of the axial inner surface 66 and / or around the outer periphery 67 of the wall 64. Figure 3B-3EAs shown, closed end plate sealing surface 69 (and optionally also axially outer surface 68 and / or outer periphery 67 of wall 64) is located at a non-constant axial distance away from second media end 42 of filter media 40 around the outer periphery of filter element 22 (alternatively, is positioned or extends along different axial distances or positions along central axis 49 around the outer circumference of wall 64). Accordingly, the resulting seal formed between closed end plate sealing surface 69 and housing cover sealing surface 33 is also located at a non-constant axial distance away from second housing end 32 of housing 30 (and away from second media end 42 of filter media 40) and extends along different axial positions along central axis 49 around the outer circumference of wall 64 and the inner circumference of cover 36.

[0089] According to Figure 1E Compared Figure 1D In one embodiment shown, the portion of the seal between the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 that is radially aligned with the end of the handle 92 (and therefore aligned with the latch 82 (and receiver 86) and the DEV port 36a) is axially farther from the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 and the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 than the portion of the seal radially halfway between the end of the handle 92 (and therefore aligned with the latch 82 (and receiver 86) and the DEV port 36a). Furthermore, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 of the closed end plate 60 does not have a circular shape around the perimeter of the closed end plate 60. Instead, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 is at least partially angled or curved relative to a radial plane (which extends substantially perpendicular to the central axis 49).

[0090] To create the aforementioned sealing configuration, different portions of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 are at different axial distances relative to the second media end 42 of the filter media 40. Thus, at least a portion of the wall 64 (including the axially outer surface 68, the axially inner surface 66, and / or the outer periphery 67) is either planar and non-perpendicular to the central axis 49 of the filter media 40 (e.g., Figure 6 ), or is non-planar relative to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 49 of the filter medium 40 (as shown in FIG. Figure 1D-1E 、 Figure 3A-Figure 3E ,and Figure 7-Figure 8 ). The shape and configuration of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 complement the shape and configuration of the housing cover sealing surface 33. The configuration and shape of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 are defined by the configuration and shape of the wall 64 (particularly by the axially outer surface 68, the axially inner surface 66, and / or the outer periphery 67). With respect to the planar axially outer surface 68 or the axially inner surface 66, the wall 64 (including the axially outer surface 68 and / or the axially inner surface 66 and thus the closed end plate sealing surface 69) is planar and is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the central axis 49 of the filter medium 40 (as shown). Figure 6 shown).

[0091] For non-planar axially outer or inner surfaces 68, 66, the axially outer or inner surface 68, 66 (and thus the closed end plate sealing surface 69) may be curved or arcuate or have at least one angled or curved portion that is not perpendicular to the central axis 49 of the filter medium 40 (e.g., Figure 1D-1E 、 Figure 3A-Figure 3E ,and Figure 7-Figure 8 According to one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3D-Figure 3E (as well as Figure 3A ) compared to Figure 3B-3C As shown, the wall 64 (and thus the closed end plate sealing surface 69) is curved or arcuate around the outer periphery of the filter element 22. The closed end plate sealing surface 69 includes at least one first end plate sealing portion, segment, zone, or section 61 and at least one second end plate sealing portion, segment, zone, or section 62. According to some embodiments (as further described herein), the closed end plate sealing surface 69 (and the wall 64) includes two first end plate portions 61 and two second end plate portions 62.

[0092] The second end plate portion 62 of the wall 64 (and the closed end plate sealing surface 69) is axially further from the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 and the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 (eg, Figure 1D ), and is axially closer to the first housing end 31 of the housing 30. In comparison, Figure 1E As shown, first end plate portion 61 of wall 64 (and closed end plate sealing surface 69 ) is axially closer to second housing end 32 of housing 30 and second media end 42 of filter media 40 , and axially farther from first housing end 31 of housing 30 .

[0093] To include at least the first end plate portion 61 and the second end plate portion 62, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 is a continuous, gradually changing bend extending between at least one raised position (i.e., at least one second end plate portion 62) and at least one lowered position (i.e., at least one first end plate portion 61). Therefore, the second end plate portion 62 and the first end plate portion 61 are part of the same continuous surface, rather than separate, distinct surfaces. With multiple second end plate portions 62 and multiple first end plate portions 61, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 makes multiple different bends between the second end plate portion 62 and the first end plate portion 61. However, as Figure 6-Figure 8As shown and further described herein, according to various embodiments, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 can include an angled portion that extends continuously between the second end plate portion 62 and the first end plate portion 61. As further described herein, the continuous bends or angles of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 complement each other to form a seal therebetween around their entire perimeters.

[0094] The first end plate portion 61 includes a first end plate location or point 61a that corresponds to the minimum axial height of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 along the central axis 49. The second end plate portion 62 includes a second end plate location or point 62a that corresponds to the maximum axial height of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 along the central axis 49. For example, if the closed end plate sealing surface 69 gradually extends between the first end plate portion 61 and the second end plate portion 62 in a curved manner (e.g., Figure 1D-1E As shown) or the first end plate portion 61 and / or the second end plate portion 62 are angled planar surfaces (as shown) Figure 6 As shown), the first end plate point 61a and / or the second end plate point 62a correspond to only one portion of the first end plate portion 61 and the second end plate portion 62, respectively.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 can have a variety of different configurations (e.g., at least a portion of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 can be planar and non-perpendicular to the central axis 49, or non-planar by being bent, curved, and / or angled relative to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 49) to complement the shape and configuration of the housing cover sealing surface 33. According to various embodiments, the second end plate point 62a is radially aligned with the ends of the handle 92 and the latch 82, and the first end plate point 61a is radially located midway between the ends of the handle 92.

[0096] According to Figure 7-Figure 8 In another embodiment shown, the wall 64 (particularly the non-planar axially outer surface 68 and the axially inner surface 66 and thus the closed end plate sealing surface 69) can have multiple different portions (e.g., at least one perpendicular portion 72 perpendicular to the central axis 49 and at least one angled portion 73 not perpendicular to the central axis 49). The angled portion 73 can be flat or curved, but at an angle relative to the central axis 49. Although some of the angled portions 73 of the axially outer surface 68 and the axially inner surface 66 are shown as flat, it should be understood that these portions can alternatively be curved.

[0097] The vertical portion 72 and the angled portion 73 can be positioned relative to each other in a variety of different configurations. Figure 7In one embodiment shown, the axially outer surface 68 and the axially inner surface 66 (and thus the closed end plate sealing surface 69) include a vertical portion 72 and an angled portion 73 located directly adjacent to each other. The vertical portion 72 is located along one radial side or radial end of the axially outer surface 68 and the axially inner surface 66 (and the closed end plate sealing surface 69), while the angled portion 73 is located along the other radial side or radial end of the axially outer surface 68 and the axially inner surface 66 (and the closed end plate sealing surface 69). Figure 8 In another embodiment shown, the axially outer surface 68 and the axially inner surface 66 (as well as the closed end plate sealing surface 69) include two vertical portions 72 (on opposite radial sides or ends of the axially outer surface 68 and the axially inner surface 66) and an angled portion 73 (which is radially and axially directly between and adjacent to the two vertical portions 72). Alternatively, one or both of the two vertical portions 72 may instead be an angled portion extending from the middle angled portion 73 at at least one different angle.

[0098] like Figure 1D-Figure 3A As shown, the contour, shape, and orientation of the wall 64 (particularly the closed end plate sealing surface 69) corresponds to, and complements and mates with, the contour, shape, and orientation of the corresponding housing cover sealing surface 33 of the cover 36 to allow the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 to interlock together (which properly aligns and orients the filter element 22 within the housing 30) and form a seal. Figure 3A In one embodiment shown, the wall 64 includes a protruding lip that forms the closed end plate sealing surface 69 of the closed end plate 60. The protruding lip of the wall 64 is the outer edge and outer circumference of the wall 64 that extends radially outward beyond the remainder of the filter element 22. Thus, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A-2B As shown, the housing cover sealing surface 33 of the cover 36 is a complementary step, protrusion, or flange extending radially inward from the inner surface of the through hole 37 of the cover 36 (and around the entire inner circumference of the through hole 37). The flange (forming the housing cover sealing surface 33) is configured to receive, directly abut, and form a seal with the protruding lip (forming the closed end plate sealing surface 69).

[0099] The outer diameter of the filter element 22 along the closed end plate sealing surface 69 is greater than the outer diameter of the filter element 22 along other portions of the filter element 22 (particularly, greater than the outer diameter of the filter element 22 between the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the end of the filter element 22 corresponding to the second media end 42 of the filter medium 40). This configuration of the filter element 22 (and the housing cover sealing surface 33) allows the filter element 22 to be inserted and extended through the cover 36 (and at least partially through the housing cover sealing surface 33) and to seal with the housing cover sealing surface 33.

[0100] Due to the configuration of the axially outer surface 68 of the wall 64, the first end plate portion 61 and the second end plate portion 62 are at different axial distances relative to the second media end 42 of the filter media 40, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A-Figure 3E and Figure 6-Figure 8 For example, the first end plate portion 61 (and the corresponding portion of the resulting seal) is axially closer to the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 (and the second housing end 32 of the housing 30) relative to each other, while the second end plate portion 62 (and the corresponding portion of the resulting seal) is axially farther from the second media end 42 of the filter media 40 (and the second housing end 32 of the housing 30). The first and second end plate portions 61, 62 can be on opposite radial sides of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 or at other radial locations relative to each other. Furthermore, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 can include any number of first and second end plate portions 61, 62 (and can also include other portions at other axial distances).

[0101] According to Figure 3A-Figure 3E In one embodiment shown, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 includes two first end plate portions 61 and two second end plate portions 62, the two first end plate portions 61 having two corresponding first end plate points 61a (which are opposite to each other around the center axis 49 and are approximately 180° to each other), and the two second end plate portions 62 having two corresponding second end plate points 62a (which are opposite to each other around the center axis 49 and are approximately 180° to each other). Figure 1D and Figure 1E The relative positioning of each of the two second end plate portions 62 (and the corresponding two second end plate points 62a) and each of the two first end plate portions 61 (and the corresponding two first end plate points 61a) is shown separately. Thus, each of the two first end plate points 61a is approximately 90° away from the two second end plate points 62a around the circumference of the wall 64 of the filter element 22 (and vice versa). The two first end plate portions 61 can be referred to as a first pair of opposing radial sides or radial ends, and the two second end plate portions 62 can be referred to as a second pair of opposing radial sides or radial ends.

[0102] In order to define the two first end plate portions 61 and the two second end plate portions 62, the wall 64 includes a middle portion extending from the wall 64 corresponding to the two second end plate points 62a (e.g., Figure 3B-3C and Figure 4C The two opposite radial ends of the filter element 22 (as shown) are bent downward (toward the second media end 42 of the filter media 40) and extend entirely across the filter element 22. Figure 3D-Figure 3E and Figure 4DAs shown, each of the two opposing radial ends (corresponding to the two first end plate points 61a) curves upward (away from the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 and the filter medium 40) from the middle portion. Thus, the curved middle portion of the wall 64 defines the two first end plate portions 61, and the two opposing radial ends of the wall 64 define the two second end plate portions 62.

[0103] like Figure 1D As shown, two second end plate points 62a are radially aligned with the end of the handle 92. One of the second end plate points 62a is radially on the same side relative to the center axis 49 as the DEV port 36a (while the other second end plate point 62a is radially on the opposite side from the DEV port 36a). According to one embodiment, the second end plate point 62a is axially at least about 5 mm further from the second media end 42 of the filter medium 40 than the first end plate point 61a. According to another embodiment, the second end plate point 62a is axially at least about 10 mm further from the second media end 42 of the filter medium 40 than the first end plate point 61a. In addition, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 may include other portions at other axial distances relative to the second media end 42 of the filter medium 40 (axially located between the first end plate point 61a and the second end plate point 62a).

[0104] To correspond and complement the configuration of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 of the closed end plate 60, the housing cover sealing surface 33 of the cover 36 also extends at a non-constant axial distance away from the second media end 42 or the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 around the inner periphery of the cover 36 (alternatively, at different axial distances), and extends along the central axis 49 at different axial positions around the inner circumference of the cover 36, as shown in the first housing portion 33a and the second housing portion 33b. Thus, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A-2B As shown, the housing cover sealing surface 33 of the cover 36 also does not have a circular shape around the perimeter of the cover 36, is not perpendicular to the central axis 49, and is at least partially angled or curved relative to the central axis 49 to complement the shape and configuration of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 of the closed end plate 60. As further described herein, the first and second housing portions 33a, 33b, located at different axial distances relative to the first and second housing ends 31, 32 of the housing 30, correspond to, align with, and form a seal with the first and second end plate portions 61, 62 of the closed end plate sealing surface 69, respectively. Specifically, the first housing point 35a directly corresponds to, is radially aligned with, and forms a seal with the first end plate point 61a. Similarly, the second housing point 35b directly corresponds to, is radially aligned with, and forms a seal with the second end plate point 62a.

[0105] The angled or curved configuration of wall 64 causes closed end plate sealing surface 69 to be not radially symmetrical (and housing cover sealing surface 33 has a complementary non-radially symmetrical configuration). Thus, filter element 22 can be installed in housing 30 only in a specific clock orientation (wherein closed end plate sealing surface 69 and housing cover sealing surface 33 are aligned, interlocked, and matched with each other, thereby forming a seal together). For example, if closed end plate sealing surface 69 has an oval shape, filter element 22 can only be installed in two different orientations. This configuration may be particularly beneficial when there are certain components in air cleaner assembly 20 that require a certain relative loading orientation (e.g., sealing members along the outlet side of filter element 22) that may be difficult to see (e.g., radial seal members 52, as further described herein). Because the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 allow the filter element 22 to be attached to the housing 30 only in a specific relative orientation (or multiple orientations) with respect to each other to form a seal, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 ensure that the filter element 22 is correctly installed, oriented, and aligned within the housing 30. Therefore, it is easier and more intuitive for a user (e.g., when the filter element 22 is being serviced) to install the filter element 22 into the housing 30 in the correct orientation.

[0106] Furthermore, the curved or angled configuration of the closed end plate sealing surface 69, wherein the first and second end plate portions 61, 62 (and therefore also the first and second housing portions 33a, 33b of the corresponding housing cover sealing surface 33) are at different axial distances relative to the second media end 42 of the filter media 40, also provides greater flexibility and axial space for other components within the air cleaner assembly 20 (e.g., the DEV port 36a of the cover 36) for better packaging and performance of the air cleaner assembly 20. For example, Figure 1DAs shown, the DEV port 36a can be positioned along or radially aligned with one of the second housing points 35b of the housing cover sealing surface 33 and one of the second end plate points 62a of the closure end plate sealing surface 69, with one of the second housing points 35b and one of the second end plate points 62a being axially further from the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 than the first housing point 35a and the first end plate point 61a. Thus, the configuration of the closure end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 allows the DEV port 36a to be positioned axially further from the second housing end 32 of the housing 30 (and therefore further from the outlet 39). In contrast, if the corresponding sealing surfaces were not curved or angled in such a configuration, DEV port 36a would have to be located further axially inboard toward second housing end 32 and outlet 39 of housing 30 (because the corresponding sealing surfaces are located axially closer to first housing end 31 than DEV port 36a), making packaging of air cleaner assembly 20 within a piece of equipment more difficult. The unique interface between filter element 22 and housing 30 at closed end plate sealing surface 69 and housing cover sealing surface 33 also helps prevent substandard, counterfeit, or incorrect products (e.g., substandard, counterfeit, or incorrect filter elements) from being installed within housing 30, thereby protecting the integrity of air cleaner assembly 20 and any engine to which it may be attached. Engine integrity protection (EIP) can be tailored to the specific requirements of the user.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 can be used both to form a seal between the closed end plate 60 and the cover 36 and to adhere or attach the filter medium 40 to the closed end plate 60. Thus, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 can be constructed of or include a urethane or polyurethane material.

[0108] The closed end plate 60 may be constructed from or include a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, plastic, urethane, injection molded thermoplastic, or polyurethane.

[0109] handle

[0110] According to Figure 1A-1E and Figure 3A-Figure 3E In one embodiment shown, the filter element 22 includes a handle 92 positioned along the first media end 41 of the filter media 40. Optionally, as shown in FIG. Figures 4A-4DAs shown, the closed end plate 60 may include or contain a handle 92, and the handle 92 may be positioned along the axially outer surface 68 and extend axially from the axially outer surface 68. The two opposite ends of the handle 92 extend directly from and are attached to opposite radial sides or opposite radial ends of the axially outer surface 68 of the wall 64. Figure 1A and Figure 1D As shown, one end of the handle 92 is substantially radially aligned with the DEV port 36a of the cover 36. Both ends of the handle 92 are radially aligned with and positioned along the two second end plate points 62a of the closed end plate sealing surface 69.

[0111] According to Figures 4A-4D In one embodiment shown, the closed end plate 60 (i.e., the handle 92, the wall 64, and the central tube 76) is integrated together as a single part, and in particular, a single integral component that cannot be separated without destruction. According to another embodiment, the closed end plate 60 may include multiple components (the handle 92, the wall 64, and the central tube 76) that can be attached to each other. For example, the handle 92 can be any handle disclosed in WO2019 / 140045, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. The handle 92 can be incorporated into any of the various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0112] Center tube

[0113] like Figure 3C 、 Figure 3D and Figures 4A-5A As shown, the closed end plate 60 includes a center tube 76 extending axially from the axially inner surface 66 of the wall 64. The center tube 76 is configured to be positioned within and axially aligned with the central region of the filter media 40. Optionally, the center tube 76 can extend along a portion or the entire axial length of the filter media 40 and can help support the filter media 40. Figure 1D-1E As shown, the inner support 29 of the housing 30 may be positioned within the center tube 76 .

[0114] According to Figures 4A-4D In one embodiment shown, the center tube 76 is an integral component with the remainder of the closed end plate 60 (i.e., with the wall 64 and the handle 92). Thus, the center tube 76, the wall 64, and / or the handle 92 are integrated together as a single part, and in particular, a single, unitary component that cannot be separated without destruction. However, according to other embodiments, the center tube 76 is a separate part or component from the closed end plate 60 (or from various other components of the closed end plate 60, such as the wall 64 and / or the handle 92) and can be attached to the closed end plate 60. The center tube 76 can be incorporated into any of the various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0115] Connection of filter elements to closed end plates

[0116] Figure 5A-5B The closed end plate 60 and the filter medium 40 are shown separated from each other. As shown, the wall 64 of the closed end plate 60 includes a rib 66a extending axially from the axial inner surface 66 of the wall 64. The filter medium 40 includes a cover 43 positioned along and defining the first media end 41 of the filter medium 40. The axial outer surface of the cover 43 (facing away from the main body of the filter medium 40 and defining the first media end 41) is complementary in shape and configuration to the axial inner surface 66 of the wall 64 and is configured to receive the rib 66a. When assembled, the axial inner surface 66 of the wall 64 directly abuts the first media end 41 of the filter medium 40.

[0117] Radial seal

[0118] like Figure 9 As shown, the filter element 22 includes a radial seal member 52 positioned along the second media end 42 of the filter media 40. Optionally, the open end plate 50 may include or contain the radial seal member 52. Figure 1D As shown, the radial sealing member 52 is configured to form an inwardly and / or outwardly directed radial seal with the second housing end 32 of the main body 34 of the housing 30 (e.g., along an interior portion at or along an interior portion along the second housing end 32 of the housing 30).

[0119] In addition to the closed end plate sealing surface 69, the radial seal member 52 is also not continuously radially symmetrical. In particular, Figure 9 The radial seal member 52 of the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of circular or curved surfaces or portions 54 and a plurality of chord-shaped surfaces or portions 56, which are optionally positioned around the inner periphery of the radial seal member 52. The circular portions 54 together (except for the chord-shaped portions 56) form a circular shape. However, the circular shape is interrupted by a plurality of chord-shaped portions 56 around its inner circumference. The chord-shaped portions 56 may not have the same curvature as the circular portions 54, and the chord-shaped portions 56 may optionally each extend in a straight line between the respective ends of the two circular portions 54, thereby creating discontinuities between the respective circular portions 54. The open end plate 50 may be, for example, any end plate (with a chord-shaped portion) disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,498,743, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0120] The discontinuity between the radial seal members 52 requires that the open end plate 50 (and therefore the entire filter element 22) be installed in a specific orientation (or orientations) within the housing 30 for proper sealing. However, the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 (as further described herein) along with the non-radially symmetrical configuration of the radial seal members 52 together ensure that the filter element 22 is properly oriented and aligned along both ends of the filter element 22 (corresponding to the first media end 41 and the second media end 42 of the filter media 40, respectively). Compared to the relative orientation of the radial seal members 52 on the open end plate 50 relative to the housing 30, it is easier for a user to observe the relative orientation of the closed end plate sealing surface 69 on the closed end plate 60 relative to the housing cover sealing surface 33 on the cover 36 to verify that the filter element 22 is properly installed within the housing 30 (e.g., due to the through-holes 37 of the cover 36) than the relative orientation of the radial seal members 52 on the open end plate 50 relative to the housing 30. Thus, if the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 are properly aligned and oriented along the closed end plate 60 and the cover 36 (i.e., the first housing point 35a and the first end plate point 61a are radially aligned with each other, and the second housing point 35b and the second end plate point 62a are radially aligned with each other), the user can ensure that the open end plate 50 is also properly aligned and oriented within the body 34 of the housing 30.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the radial sealing member 52 may have one of an annular shape or an elliptical shape. Figure 1D and Figure 9 As shown, radial seal members 52 are positioned along the interior surface of the filter element 22 (particularly along the interior surface of the through-hole of the open end plate 50) so that the radial seal members 52 face radially inward to form a seal with the body 34 of the housing 30. Alternatively or additionally (e.g., Figure 1D and Figure 9 ), radial sealing members 52 are positioned along an exterior surface of the filter element 22 (particularly along an exterior surface of the through-hole of the open end plate 50) such that the radial sealing members 52 face radially outward to form a seal with the main body 34 of the housing 30. Alternatively, radial sealing members 52 may be positioned along both an interior surface and an exterior surface of the filter element 22 such that the radial sealing members face both radially inward and radially outward to form two seals with the main body 34 of the housing 30.

[0122] latch

[0123] According to Figure 1A-1D and Figures 10A-10CIn one embodiment shown, the filter element 22 includes a fastener (referred to herein as a latch 82) positioned along the first media end 41 of the filter media 40, and the housing 30 includes a corresponding receiver 86. Optionally, the closed end plate 60 may include or contain the latch 82, and the cover 36 may include or contain the receiver 86. The latch 82 and receiver 86 may be integrated with the closed end plate 60 and cover 36, respectively, as a single part, particularly a single, integral component that cannot be separated without destruction. The latch 82 may extend axially from the axially outer surface 68 of the wall 64, and the receiver 86 may be a portion of the side wall of the cover 36 (and positioned along the inner surface of the side wall of the cover 36). The latch 82 is axially positioned above the closed end plate sealing surface 69 and along the axially outer surface 68 of the wall 64. The receiver 86 is axially positioned above the housing cover sealing surface 33 and axially between the housing cover sealing surface 33 and the first housing end 31. The latch 82 can be pivoted relative to the axially outer surface 68 of the wall 64 and relative to the receiver 86 to attach and detach the latch 82 from the receiver 86. Although the latch 82 is shown as part of the filter element 22 and the receiver 86 is shown as part of the housing 30, it should be understood that the latch 82 can alternatively be part of the housing 30 and the receiver 86 can be part of the filter element 22.

[0124] The latch 82 may be part of or radially aligned with the end of the handle 92. In particular, the lower portion of the latch 82 extends axially from the end of the handle 92 in a direction away from the filter medium 40. Figure 10A and Figure 10C As shown, the upper portion of the latch 82 can optionally include an activation portion 85 (which can be an extension) that extends radially above a portion of the handle 92. According to one embodiment, when a user grasps the handle 92 with their hand, the user can also simultaneously (e.g., with a finger or thumb of their same hand) reach and move the activation portion 85 of the latch 82 to move or pivot the remainder of the latch 82, thereby attaching and detaching the latch 82 from the receiver 86. The configuration of the latch 82 relative to the handle 92 allows the user to easily move the entire filter element 22 and engage or disengage the filter element 22 with the housing 30.

[0125] By pivoting the latch 82 or pressing radially inward toward the upper surface of the handle 92 and away from the receiver 86, the notch 83 moves out of the interior of the hole 87 and disengages the hole 87 (or, once released or pivoted away from the handle 92 and toward the receiver 86, the notch 83 can more easily align with the hole 87 to subsequently move into and engage the hole 87). Depending on the configuration of the latch 82 and the receiver 86, the rib 88 can slide into or out of the slot 84 with the notch 83 and hole 87 locked to each other when engaged and with the notch 83 and hole 87 disengaged from each other. When the user releases the activation portion 85 of the latch 82, the latch 82 can be biased to pivot in the opposite direction (radially outward, away from the upper surface of the handle 92), which, if aligned, can allow the latch 82 and receiver 86 to fully engage.

[0126] like Figure 1D and Figure 10C As shown, the latch 82 is configured to be attached to or partially axially inserted into the receiver 86 of the cover 36 of the housing 30, and the receiver 86 is configured to axially receive a portion of the latch 82, thereby attaching the filter element 22 to the housing 30. The latch 82 and the receiver 86 are complementary to each other. The latch 82 can protrude radially outward from the outer circumference of the wall 64, and the receiver 86 can protrude radially outward from the inner circumference of the through hole 37.

[0127] If respectively Figures 10A-10B As shown in FIG, latch 82 includes teeth 83, and receiver 86 includes corresponding and complementary holes 87 that are sized and configured to receive teeth 83 (as shown in FIG. Figure 1D 87 to lock the filter element 22 and the housing 30 together axially and radially. Optionally, the axially inner portion of the tooth 83 (i.e., axially closer to the filter media 40) can have an angled side to allow the tooth 83 to be more easily inserted into and removed from the hole 87. Optionally, the axially outer portion of the tooth 83 (i.e., axially farther from the filter media 40) can have a straight side to lock the tooth 83 into the hole 87. When the tooth 83 and hole 87 are attached, the tooth 83 extends at least partially into the hole 87, and the straight side of the tooth 83 extends along and directly abuts the top axial side of the hole 87 (which is axially farther from the filter media 40 than the other sides of the hole 87).

[0128] If respectively Figures 10A-10B84 and 86. As shown in FIG, latch 82 also includes at least one radial indentation or groove 84, and receiver 86 also includes at least one corresponding complementary protrusion or protruding rib 88. Groove 84 and rib 88 are sized, shaped and positioned to complement each other and directly engage each other. Groove 84 and rib 88 both extend axially along its length and radially along its depth in air cleaner assembly 20. Groove 84 extends through at least a portion of the wall of latch 82 (or completely through the wall of latch 82), and rib 88 extends radially inwardly from the wall of receiver 86. Groove 84 is axially positioned below tooth 83 (axially between tooth 83 and the axial outer surface 68 of wall 64), and rib 88 is axially positioned below hole 87 (axially positioned between hole 87 and the housing cover sealing surface 33 of housing 30). Although the slot 84 is shown as part of the latch 82 and the rib 88 is shown as part of the receiver 86 , it should be understood that the slot 84 may alternatively be part of the receiver 86 and the rib 88 may be part of the latch 82 .

[0129] The groove 84 is sized and configured to receive, engage, and mate with the rib 88 (e.g., Figure 10C 88 ), which further ensures that the filter element 22 is in the proper orientation within the housing 30. The slot 84 can pivot about the rest of the latch 82 to allow the slot 84 to engage with and disengage from the rib 88. In order to engage or disengage the slot 84 and rib 88, when the filter element 22 is inserted into the housing 30 (or removed from the housing 30), the rib 88 slides axially into the slot 84 (or slides out from the slot 84). By providing slots 84 and ribs 88 of unique and different numbers, sizes and positions, the filter element 22 and the housing 30 can have a unique EIP according to the user's desired configuration. The latch 82 and the receiver 86 can be incorporated into any of the various embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, the latch 82 and the receiver 86 can be any latch and receiver disclosed in, for example, PCT Publication No. WO2019 / 140045, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0130] Outer shield

[0131] like Figure 1D-1EAs shown, the air cleaner assembly 20 includes an extension or dust shield 78 configured to extend around the outer surface of the filter media 40 (particularly along the first media end 41 of the filter media 40). The shield 78 is radially aligned with at least the DEV port 36a and creates a dead zone, dead area, or dead space (radially between the outer surface of the shield 78 and the inner surface of the housing 30) where dust can collect within the housing 30 and be discharged from the housing 30 (through the DEV port 36a). For example, dust can be discharged from the housing 30 via a DEV valve (e.g., a "duckbill" valve) attached to the DEV port 36a. The DEV valve allows dust to be discharged from the housing 30 without allowing air to flow into the housing 30. Optionally, the DEV port can be connected and attached to a vacuum source for suction or removal of airflow. The suction can be exhaust suction, suction through a radiator fan shroud, or suction from another source. Alternatively, the shield 78 can be a plastic wrap.

[0132] According to Figure 1D-Figure 2B In one embodiment shown, the housing 30 includes a shroud 78. Specifically, the cover 36 includes the shroud 78, and the shroud 78 extends from an inner surface of the cover 36 (e.g., Figure 2B The shroud 78 is radially spaced from the inner surface of the outer wall of the cover 36 and extends axially along at least a portion of the axial length of the cover 36.

[0133] According to Figures 11A-11B In another embodiment shown, the filter element 22 includes a shroud 78. Specifically, the closed end plate 60 may include the shroud 78, and the shroud 78 may extend axially from the axial inner surface 66 of the wall 64 toward the second media end 42 in the axial direction. The shroud 78 and the closed end plate 60 may be integrated together as a single part, specifically a single integral component that cannot be separated without destruction. Unless otherwise specified, Figures 11A-11B The embodiments may include any features, components, or configurations of other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0134] Permeable barrier

[0135] According to Figures 11A-11BIn one embodiment shown, the filter element 22 includes a permeable wrap or baffle 28 positioned around the radially outer surface of the filter medium 40. Optionally, the permeable baffle 28 may include a mesh and may have an average pore size between 20 microns (μm) and 200 μm. The permeable baffle 28 may be, for example, any permeable baffle disclosed in PCT / US2019 / 056181, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. The permeable baffle 28 may be incorporated into any of the various embodiments disclosed herein. The permeable baffle 28 may extend axially from the second media end 42 (in a direction toward the first media end 41). According to one embodiment, the permeable baffle 28 extends only along a portion of the axial length of the filter medium 40, such that a portion of the filter medium 40 is not covered by the permeable baffle 28. The permeable baffle 28 may extend around the entire outer circumference of the filter medium 40.

[0136] Unless otherwise stated, each of the various embodiments disclosed herein can have any aspects, features, components, and configurations of the other embodiments.

[0137] As used herein, the term "about" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning that is consistent with the common usage and accepted usage of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure relates. The term "about" as used herein refers to ±5% of a referenced measurement, position, or dimension. Those skilled in the art reading this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or insignificant modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims.

[0138] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "attached," and the like refer to the joining of two members directly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (eg, permanent) or removable (eg, removable or releasable).

[0139] References herein to element orientations (e.g., "top," "bottom," etc.) are only used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of various elements may be different, and such variations are considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0140] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who read this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of the various elements, the values ​​of the parameters, the mounting arrangement, the use of materials, the color, the orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, the positioning of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity of the discrete elements or positioning may be altered or changed. According to optional embodiments, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air cleaner assembly comprising: a housing comprising a first housing end, a second housing end, and a cover positioned along the first housing end, the second housing end of the housing defining an opening of the housing for fluid flow; and a filter element configured to be received through the first housing end of the housing, the filter element comprising: a filter media comprising a first media end and a second media end, the second media end of the filter media defining an opening of the filter element for fluid flow; and a closed end plate positioned along the first media end of the filter media, the closed end plate including a wall having an axially inner surface and an axially outer surface, the axially outer surface being exposed to an area exterior to the housing and sealing the first housing end of the housing when the filter element is positioned within the housing, the closed end plate including a closed end plate sealing surface forming a seal with the housing cover, the closed end plate sealing surface being a non-constant axial distance away from the second media end of the filter media, and the filter media being attached to the closed end plate via the closed end plate sealing surface; wherein the closed end plate includes at least one radial groove configured to cooperate with a corresponding protruding rib of the cover; and wherein the closed end plate includes a fastener positioned along the first media end of the filter media, the fastener being pivotable relative to the wall of the closed end plate to attach and detach the fastener from the receiver of the cover.

2. The air cleaner assembly of claim 1, wherein: The seal formed by the closed end plate and the cover of the housing is an at least partially radially directed seal.

3. The air cleaner assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The seal formed by the closed end plate and the cover of the housing is an axially guided seal.

4. The air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The axially outer surface of the wall of the closed end plate is non-planar.

5. The air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least a portion of the axially outer surface of the wall is planar and non-perpendicular to a central axis of the filter media.

6. A filter element positionable within a housing, the filter element comprising: a filter media comprising a first media end and a second media end, the second media end of the filter media defining an opening of the filter element for fluid flow; and a closed end plate positioned along the first media end of the filter media, the closed end plate comprising a wall having an axially inner surface and an axially outer surface, wherein the housing comprises a first housing end and a cover positioned along the first housing end, the axially outer surface being exposed to an area external to the housing when the filter element is positioned within the housing and the axially outer surface sealing off the first housing end of the housing, wherein the closed end plate includes a closed end plate sealing surface configured to form a seal with the cover of the housing, the filter media being attached to the closed end plate via the closed end plate sealing surface, the closed end plate sealing surface being a non-constant axial distance away from the second media end of the filter media; wherein the closed end plate includes at least one radial groove configured to cooperate with a corresponding protruding rib of the cover; and wherein the closed end plate includes a fastener positioned along the first media end of the filter media, the fastener being pivotable relative to the wall of the closed end plate to attach and detach the fastener from the receiver of the cover.

7. The filter element according to claim 6, wherein The seal formed by the closed end plate and the cover of the housing is an at least partially radially directed seal.

8. The filter element according to claim 6, wherein The seal formed by the closed end plate and the cover of the housing is an axially guided seal.

9. The filter element according to claim 6, wherein The closed end plate sealing surface includes a first end plate portion and a second end plate portion, wherein the second end plate portion is axially at least about 5 mm further from the second media end of the filter media than the first end plate portion.

10. The filter element according to claim 6, wherein The axially outer surface of the wall of the closed end plate is non-planar.

11. The filter element according to claim 6, wherein At least a portion of the axially outer surface of the wall is planar and non-perpendicular to a central axis of the filter media.

12. The filter element of any one of claims 6-11, further comprising a handle positioned along the first media end of the filter media.

13. The filter element of any one of claims 6-11, further comprising a latch positioned along the first media end of the filter media and configured to attach to the cover of the housing.

14. The filter element according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein The closed end plate is removably attached to the filter media.

15. The filter element of any one of claims 6-11, further comprising a radial seal member positioned along the second media end of the filter media and configured to form a seal with the second housing end of the housing.

16. The filter element of any one of claims 6-11, further comprising a permeable barrier positioned around the radially outer surface of the filter media, wherein The average pore size of the permeable barrier is between 20 μm and 200 μm.

17. A filter element positionable within a housing, the filter element comprising: a filter media comprising a first media end and a second media end, the second media end of the filter media defining an opening of the filter element for fluid flow; and a closed end plate positioned along the first media end of the filter medium, the closed end plate comprising a wall having an axially inner surface and an axially outer surface, wherein the housing comprises a first housing end and a cover positioned along the first housing end, the axially outer surface being exposed to an area outside the housing and sealing the first housing end of the housing when the filter element is positioned within the housing, and the closed end plate comprising a closed end plate sealing surface configured to form a seal with the cover of the housing, the filter medium being attached to the closed end plate via the closed end plate sealing surface, wherein the closed end plate includes at least one radial groove configured to cooperate with a corresponding protruding rib of the cover; and wherein the closed end plate includes a fastener positioned along the first media end of the filter media, the fastener being pivotable relative to the wall of the closed end plate to attach and detach the fastener from the receiver of the cover.

18. The filter element according to claim 17, wherein The fastener includes the at least one radial groove.

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