Integrated access cover and filter element with bayonet feature for alignment

Abstract

A filter assembly includes a housing, a cover, and a filter element. The housing defines a recess. The cover includes a bayonet piece sized to be received in the recess. The bayonet piece defines an elongated opening. The filter element is sized to be received in the housing. The filter element includes a media pack and a filter housing coupled to the media pack. The filter housing includes a trunnion sized to be received in both the recess and the elongated opening to interlock the cover and the filter element so that removing the cover from the housing triggers removal of the filter element.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202041015877 filed on April 13, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to filters for internal combustion engine systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for installing a filter element into a filter housing. Background Art

[0004] Internal combustion engine systems generate power from a fuel and air mixture. Air entering the engine system may be contaminated with dirt, dust, and other coarse abrasive particulate matter that, if not removed, may damage various engine system components. To remove particulate contaminants, air entering the engine is generally passed through a filter assembly, which may include a particulate filter. Summary of the invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a housing, a cover, and a filter element. The housing defines a recess. The cover includes a bayonet piece sized to be received in the recess. The bayonet piece defines an elongated opening. The filter element is sized to be received in the housing. The filter element includes a media pack and a filter housing coupled to the media pack. The filter housing includes an ear shaft sized to be received in both the recess and the elongated opening to interlock the cover and the filter element so that removing the cover from the housing triggers removal of the filter element.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a filter element. The filter element includes a media pack and a filter housing coupled to the media pack. The filter housing includes an outer wall and a first pair of trunnions coupled to the outer wall, and the first pair of trunnions extend away from the media pack in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the outer wall. The first pair of trunnions includes a first trunnion disposed on a first side of the outer wall and a second trunnion disposed on a second side of the outer wall opposite the first side.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of installing a filter element into a housing. The method includes providing a housing defining a recess, a cover including a bayonet, and a filter element. The filter element includes a media pack and a filter housing coupled to the media pack. The method includes inserting a trunnion of the filter housing into an elongated opening of the bayonet to couple the cover to the filter housing. The method also includes installing the filter element into the housing and installing the trunnion into the recess. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only several implementations of the present disclosure and should not be considered to limit its scope. Additional elaboration and detailed description of the present disclosure will be provided through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air filter assembly according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the filter assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another side view of the filter assembly.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another side view of the filter assembly.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Top view of the filter assembly.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the filter assembly.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a filter assembly.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Another partial perspective view of the filter assembly.

[0017] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 Another partial perspective view of the filter assembly.

[0018] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10I yes Figure 1 Top view of both the filter housing and cover of a filter assembly in various installed states.

[0019] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Top cross-sectional views of the filter assembly in the filter housing in various installed states.

[0020] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Reappearance near the trunnion of the filter housing.

[0021] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 Top cross-sectional views of the filter assembly in the filter housing in various installed states.

[0022] Fig.14 yes Figure 1 A top cutaway view of the filter assembly moving through the first stage of installation in the filter housing.

[0023] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Reappearance near the lower seal member of the filter housing.

[0024] Fig.16 yes Figure 1 Top cutaway view of the filter assembly moving through the second stage of installation in the filter housing.

[0025] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Reappearance near the upper sealing member of the filter housing.

[0026] Fig.18 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the filter assembly with the cover partially removed.

[0027] Figures 19 to 28 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the filter assembly with the cover in different stages of removal.

[0028] Fig.29 is a perspective view of an air filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0029] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 Side view of the filter assembly.

[0030] Fig.31 yes Fig.29 Another side view of the filter assembly.

[0031] Fig.32 yes Fig.29 Still another side view of the filter assembly.

[0032] Fig.33 yes Fig.29 Top view of the filter assembly.

[0033] Fig.34 yes Fig.29 Bottom view of the filter assembly.

[0034] Fig.35 yes Fig.29 A partial perspective view of a filter assembly.

[0035] Fig.36 yes Fig.29 Another partial perspective view of the filter assembly.

[0036] Fig.37 yes Fig.29 Another partial stereoscopic view of the filter assembly.

[0037] FIG. 38A to FIG. 38I yes Fig.29 Top view of both the filter housing and cover of a filter assembly in various installed states.

[0038] Fig.39 yes Fig.29 Top cross-sectional views of the filter assembly in the filter housing in various installed states.

[0039] Fig.40 yes Fig.39 Reappearance near the trunnion of the filter housing.

[0040] Fig.41 yes Fig.29 Top cross-sectional views of the filter assembly in the filter housing in various installed states.

[0041] Fig.42 yes Fig.29 A top cutaway view of the filter assembly moving through the first stage of installation in the filter housing.

[0042] Fig.43 yes Fig.42 Reappearance near the lower seal member of the filter housing.

[0043] Fig.44 yes Fig.29 Top cutaway view of the filter assembly moving through the second stage of installation in the filter housing.

[0044] Fig.45 yes Fig.44 Reappearance near the upper sealing member of the filter housing.

[0045] Fig.46 yes Fig.29 A perspective view of the filter assembly with the cover partially removed.

[0046] Figures 47 to 56 yes Fig.29 A partial perspective view of the filter assembly with the cover in different stages of removal.

[0047] During the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals generally refer to similar components unless the context dictates otherwise. The exemplary implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations may be used and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter herein. It is readily understood that each aspect of the present disclosure, as described herein and shown in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and constitute a part of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The embodiments described herein generally relate to air filter assemblies for internal combustion engines. Because the concepts described are not limited to any particular implementation, the various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways. The examples of specific implementations and applications provided are primarily intended for illustrative purposes.

[0049] I. Overview

[0050] An air filter assembly (e.g., air cleaner, etc.) for an internal combustion engine system may include a filter housing and a replaceable filter element. The filter element may include a filter medium to capture and separate particulate matter, oil, and other contaminants from the air entering the engine system. The filter element generally includes a sealing member (e.g., an O-ring, a gasket, etc.) engaged with the filter housing to prevent dirty air and particulate matter from bypassing the filter medium. In order to ensure full contact between the housing and the sealing member, the filter element must be correctly positioned in the housing. Therefore, the air filter assembly is generally designed so that the filter element can be inserted into the housing in a single direction and parallel to the flow direction through the filter element. To install the filter element, remove the cover at the end of the housing, and press the filter element toward the outlet plenum / connection with a single action. The filter element may also include a gasket and / or an extension that prevents the installation of the cover if the filter element is not fully installed. Although this assembly method ensures a solid seal between the filter element and the housing, this installation method requires that the housing should be oriented in an end-use application so that the user can reach the cover at the end of the housing. This method of installation also requires that sufficient space be left beyond the ends of the housing to accommodate the full height of the filter element during installation and removal.

[0051] The present application generally relates to an air filter assembly that allows the filter element to be installed through a side of the filter housing (e.g., a sidewall perpendicular to the flow direction through the filter element, etc.), rather than through the end of the filter housing facing the outlet plenum / connection. In particular, the present application relates to a filter assembly having filter element alignment and positioning features to facilitate installation and removal of the filter element through the side of the filter housing. In at least one embodiment, the filter element includes a filter housing that defines a plurality of ear shafts. A first group (e.g., a pair) of ear shafts (e.g., a lower group of ear shafts) engages with a recess (e.g., a slot, a groove, etc.) in the housing and pivots within the recess to facilitate alignment and engagement between a sealing member and the housing (e.g., a sealing surface).

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the filter assembly includes a cover, which includes a bayonet (e.g., hook, arm, latch, etc.) sized to be received in a recess in the housing. The bayonet can be configured to engage with a second group of trunnions (e.g., an upper group of trunnions spaced apart from the first group of trunnions) of the filter housing to fully position the filter element in the filter housing. In at least one embodiment, the bayonet includes an elongated opening sized to receive the second group of trunnions. The second group of trunnions slide along the elongated opening when the cover is moved relative to the housing. The elongated opening extends at an oblique angle relative to the insertion direction of the cover on the housing, and controls the movement of the filter element in the housing during installation. The interaction between the second group of trunnions and the bayonet during the installation of the cover moves the filter element in at least a partial lateral direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cover. The lateral movement of the filter element presses the sealing member fully into the recessed portion and / or the sealing surface of the housing.

[0053] Among other benefits, the structure of the cover can ensure full engagement of the sealing member within the housing without requiring an operator or technician to apply any lateral force to the filter element. In other words, the filter element can be fully installed by pressing the cover in one direction without having to manually manipulate the filter element within the housing in multiple directions (e.g., parallel to the flow direction) to fully engage the sealing member with the sealing surface.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, the bayonet also defines a slot extending outwardly from the elongated opening. The slot can be positioned to prevent the cover from being removed from the filter element when the filter element is installed in the housing. For example, the slot can extend with an oblique angle relative to the cover towards the insertion direction of the housing. Among other benefits, the connection between the filter element and the cover simplifies the removal of the filter element by eliminating the need for an operator or technician to remove the filter element separately from the cover.

[0055] II. Example of an Air Filter Assembly

[0056] Figures 1 to 9 An air filter assembly 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The air filter assembly 100 is configured to remove particulate contaminants from air entering an internal combustion engine system and / or another system requiring filtered airflow. The air filter assembly 100 includes a housing 102, a cover 104, and a filter element 106 (e.g., a primary filter element, etc.). The cover 104 and the filter element 106 are removably coupled to the housing 102. In other words, the housing 102 can be reused with different filter elements and / or covers. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the filter element 106 is configured to be disposed in the interior cavity 107 of the housing 102 between the inlet port 109 and the outlet port 111 of the housing 102. The cover 104 is configured to engage with the housing 102 at an access opening 113 defined along the side wall of the housing 102. Figure 7 As shown in , the air filter assembly 100 also includes a removable secondary filter element 115 (eg, a safety element, etc.) disposed between the filter element 106 and the outlet port 111. In other embodiments, the air filter assembly 100 may include only a single filter element (eg, only the filter element 106).

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the filter element 106 is a replaceable cartridge configured to be generally disposed within the interior cavity 107 of the housing 102. The filter element 106 includes a filter housing 108 and a media pack 110. The filter housing 108 is coupled to the media pack 110 and is configured to structurally support the media pack 110 and direct fluid through the media pack 110. Fig. 9 As shown in , the filter housing 108 includes an outer wall 146 surrounding the media pack 110 and substantially covering (e.g., enclosing, etc.) the sides of the media pack 110 so as to direct fluid through the media pack 110 in an axial direction (e.g., substantially parallel to the central axis of the media pack 110). Fig. 9 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the filter element 106 also includes a center support 142 around which the media pack 110 is formed.

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown in , the filter element 106 also includes a sealing member 120 disposed in a channel at the first end of the filter housing 108. The sealing member 120 can be a gasket made of, for example, neoprene, rubber, or other suitable material. The sealing member 120 circumscribes the filter housing 108 and is configured to sealingly engage a sealing surface 122 (e.g., a sealing interface, a sealing area, etc.) of the housing 102 to separate the clean side and the dirty side of the filter element 106 and prevent dirty air from bypassing the filter element 106. Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , by moving the filter element 106 in a lateral direction within the housing 102 (eg, toward the outlet port 111, as shown in FIG. 1 ), the filter element 106 is moved in a lateral direction within the housing 102 (eg, toward the outlet port 111, as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 1, sealing member 120 engages sealing surface 122 (shown horizontally from left to right in FIG. 1 , generally parallel to the central axis of filter element 106, generally perpendicular to the direction of insertion of filter element 106 through access opening 113, etc.). Figure 7 In an embodiment of the filter housing 108 , the filter housing 108 further includes a support member 119 extending across the end of the media pack 110 to further support the media pack 110 under load due to the pressure drop across the media pack 110 .

[0059] The media pack 110 is configured to remove particulate contaminants from the air passing through the filter element 106. The media pack 110 includes a filter media 144, which may include any fibrous or porous material for removing solid particles from an incoming airflow. In at least one embodiment, the filter media 144 is pleated, corrugated, or otherwise formed to increase the total surface area of ​​the filter media 144 along the direction of flow through the air filter assembly 100. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , dirty air 10 enters the air filter assembly 100 through the inlet port 109 and passes axially through the media pack 110 (e.g., filter media 114). Contaminants (e.g., dust, particulates, etc.) are removed from the air passing through the filter media 144. Clean, filtered air 12 is discharged from the downstream end of the media pack 110, where it passes through a secondary filter element 115 before being ejected through the outlet port 111 of the housing 102.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in , the housing 102 defines an inlet port 109 for receiving polluted (e.g., dirty) air and providing the air to the filter element 106, an outlet port 111 for providing unpolluted (e.g., clean) air to the engine, and an access port 113 sized to be suitable for installing and removing the filter element 106 from the housing 102. In at least one embodiment, the inlet port 109 and the outlet port 111 can be separate components from the body 121 (e.g., housing, etc.) of the housing 102. Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment, the cross-section through the body 121 is generally racetrack-shaped and includes two long straight sides that are generally parallel to each other and two short sides that are curved. Figure 3 ) is arranged on one short side of the main body 121. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the main body 121 may be different.

[0061] like Figures 8 to 9As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 102 defines a pair of radially opposed recesses 114 disposed on the long sides of the body 121. The recesses 114 may include a recessed area formed by a protrusion in the sidewall that extends radially outward from the long sides (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9 ).like Figure 8 As shown in , the recess 114 is generally "V" shaped, and the width at the outer open end 124 of the recess 114 (near the access port 113) is greater than the width at the inner closed end 126 of the recess 114. In various embodiments, the shape of the recess 114 and / or the angle of the sidewalls forming each recess 114 may be different.

[0062] like Figures 8 to 9 As shown in , the cover 104 is sized to engage the housing 102 at the access opening 113. In one embodiment, the cover 104 can be inserted into the housing 102 in a single direction (as shown by the insertion direction 130) toward the body 121. The cover 104 includes a bayonet 112 (e.g., a hook, an arm, a latch, etc.) that facilitates alignment between the cover 104 and the housing 102 and engagement between the filter element 106 and the housing 102. Figures 8 to 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the cover 104 includes a pair of bayonet members 112 oriented substantially parallel to each other and arranged on opposite sides of the cover 104 (the two sides are approximately symmetrical). The size of the gap formed between the bayonet members 112 is set to receive the filter housing 108 (see Fig. 9 ), so that the filter housing 108 can be nested and engaged between the bayonet members 112. Figures 8 to 9 As shown in , the recesses 114 of the housing 102 are each sized to receive a corresponding bayonet 112 therein such that the bayonet 112 is substantially flush with the outer sidewall of the housing 102. Each bayonet 112 is wedged into a corresponding one of the recesses 114 and may be arranged to contact the outer sidewall of the housing 102 on at least two sides when the cover 104 is mounted to the housing 102. In at least one embodiment, the shape of the bayonet 112 is complementary to the shape of the recess 114 (e.g., substantially "V" shaped, conical, etc.) such that when the filter element 106 is mounted in the housing 102, the cover 104 remains coupled to the filter housing 108. Thus, when the filter element 106 is mounted in the housing 102, the rotational position of the cover 104 relative to the filter housing 108 is substantially fixed.

[0063] The bayonet 112 is configured to engage the filter housing 108 to position the filter element 106 within the housing 102 and sealingly engage the filter element 106 with the sealing surface 122 (see FIG. Figure 7 ).like Figures 8 to 9As shown in FIG. 1 , the bayonet 112 engages a first set (e.g., a pair) of trunnions 116 of the filter housing 108 (e.g., an upper set of trunnions closest to the cover 104 when the cover 104 is installed on the housing 102). During installation and / or removal of the filter element 106, the first set of trunnions 116 slide within the elongated opening 128 defined by the bayonet 112, and they interact to fully engage and / or disengage the filter element 106 from the housing 102 (e.g., sealingly engage and / or disengage the filter element 106 from the housing 102).

[0064] Each trunnion 116 of the first set of trunnions may be a generally cylindrical protrusion (e.g., a pin, etc.) and may be provided at a position substantially parallel to the trunnion. Figures 8 to 9 In an implementation of FIG. 1 , each set of trunnions 116 includes two protrusions (eg, two diametrically opposed protrusions, etc.) disposed on opposite sides of the outer wall 146 of the filter housing 108 . Fig. 10B As shown in , each trunnion 116 of the first set of trunnions has a cross-sectional shape formed by cutting away opposite sides of a generally cylindrical protrusion, resulting in a cross-section having two parallel straight edges 132 forming generally flat side walls at the long end of the cross-section (e.g., extending along the height of the cross-section), and two curved edges 134 (e.g., end walls) separating the long ends at the short end of the cross-section (e.g., extending along the width of the cross-section). In other embodiments, the trunnions 116 can have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape or other suitable shape. Among other benefits, the geometry of the first set of trunnions 116, combined with the shape of the slot in the bayonet 112, generally prevents accidental disengagement (e.g., separation) of the cover 104 from the filter housing 108 during operations of installing the filter element 106 to the housing 102 and / or removing the filter element 106 from the housing 102.

[0065] like Figures 8 to 9 As shown in FIG. , a second set (eg, a pair) of trunnions 117 (eg, Fig. 10A The first set of trunnions 116 (shown in FIG. 1 ) are slidably and / or pivotally engaged with the recess 114 (e.g., the sidewalls of the recess 114). The second set of trunnions 117 are configured to engage with the recess 114 to rotate the lower end of the filter element 106 within the housing 102 along at least a portion of a lateral direction 131 that is perpendicular to the insertion direction 130. In this way, the position (e.g., rotation) of the filter element 106 within the housing 102 is controlled based on (i) the relative position of the first set of trunnions 116 within the recess 114 and the bayonet 112, and (ii) the relative position of the second set of trunnions 117 within the recess 114. Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , the second set of trunnions 117 are spaced apart from the first set of trunnions 116 along the sidewall of the filter housing 108 and are disposed between the closed end 126 of the recess 114 and the first set of trunnions 116 when the filter element 106 is installed in the housing 102. Fig. 10A As shown in FIG. 8 , each trunnion of the second set of trunnions 117 may include a cylindrical protrusion extending outwardly from an outer wall 146 of the filter housing 108 (eg, away from the media pack 110 ) in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the outer wall 146 .

[0066] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10I The bayonet 112 is shown in various stages of engagement with the first set of trunnions 116. The bayonet 112 defines an elongated opening 128 and a bayonet slot 140 that is sized to receive one of the first set of trunnions 116 therein. As described above, each trunnion of the first set of trunnions 116 may include a planar sidewall, and the bayonet slot 140 may be angled such that engagement between one of the first set of trunnions 116 and the bayonet slot 140 only occurs in a single rotational orientation between the cover 104 and the filter housing 108 (e.g., the bayonet 112 must be angularly rotated relative to the filter housing 108 to receive the trunnion). FIG. 10A to FIG. 10I In the embodiment, the bayonet slot 140 extends outwardly from the elongated opening 128 at an inclined angle 136 relative to the insertion direction 130 of the cover 104 (see Fig. 10C ).like FIG. 10A to FIG. 10I As shown in , once the trunnion 116 is received within the elongated opening 128 , the bayonet 112 may be slid relative to the filter housing 108 in an insertion direction 130 (eg, in an orientation generally perpendicular to a direction of flow through the filter housing 108 ).

[0067] During installation of the cover onto the housing 102, the elongated opening 128 is positioned so that the upper end of the filter element 106 is within the filter housing (see FIG. Figure 8 ) internal rotation. Fig. 10D As shown in FIG. 1 , the elongated opening 128 extends at an oblique angle 138 relative to the insertion direction 130 of the cover 104 into the housing 102 (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 ). Movement of the filter housing 108 relative to the cover 104 is determined by the position of the trunnion 116 within the elongated opening 128 .

[0068] The geometry of the elongated opening 128 determines the rotation rate of the filter element 106 during installation of the cover 104 onto the housing 102 (see also Figure 8 ).like FIG. 10C to FIG. 10G As shown in FIG. 1 , the first portion 127 of the elongated opening 128 (see Fig. 10E) is configured to gradually rotate or otherwise move the filter element 106 in at least a partially transverse direction 131 relative to the cover 104. FIG. 10G to FIG. 10I As shown in FIG. 1 , the second portion 129 of the elongated opening 128 (see Fig.10I ) extends generally parallel to the insertion direction 130. Among other benefits, the change in geometry of the elongated opening 128 between different portions (eg, the first portion 127 and the second portion 129) provides a user with tactile feedback indicating the position of the filter element 106 within the housing 102.

[0069] During installation, movement of each trunnion of the first set of trunnions 116 within the first portion 127 of the elongated opening 128 rotates the filter element 106 into sealing engagement with the housing 102. The trunnions 116 then move into the second portion 129 of the elongated opening 128, where the force required to move the cover 104 toward the housing 102 is reduced (because no additional force is required to continue rotating the filter element 106). This "reduction" in force as the trunnions 116 move into the second portion 129 indicates to the user that the filter element 106 is fully seated within the housing 102. The second portion 129 also serves as an interlock that substantially prevents the filter element 106 from unscrewing from the housing 102 over time (e.g., preventing the trunnions from creeping along the sloped sidewalls of the first portion 127).

[0070] As described above, during installation, the second set of trunnions 117 are configured to engage the notches 114 on both sides of the housing 102 to rotate the lower end of the filter element 106 toward the sealing surface within the housing 102 . Figures 11 to 17 Different stages of engagement between the filter element 106 and the housing 102 are shown. Figure 11 to Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the closed end 126 (eg, Figure 11 to Figure 12 The lower end, inner end, etc. shown in the figure define a groove 118, which interacts with a corresponding trunnion in the second set of trunnions 117 during the insertion of the filter element 106 into the housing 102. The groove 118 includes a transition section or step 148 along the side wall 150 of the recess 114, and a guide wall 152 extending from the step 148 to the closed end 126 of the recess 114. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the guide wall 152 is angled relative to the side wall 150 and is configured to guide the trunnion in at least a portion of the lateral direction 131 within the housing 102. When the filter element 106 is inserted into the housing 102, the trunnion 117 slides along the guide wall 152, which causes the filter element 106 to rotate counterclockwise to move the lower end of the filter element 106 toward the sealing surface in the housing 102. Figure 11 to Figure 12As shown in , the groove 118 may also include a second step 151 in the opposite side wall of the recess 114 to support the trunnion 117 as a stop when the filter element 106 is fully inserted into the housing 102. Figures 13 to 15 As shown in , movement of the trunnion within the groove under the action of a force applied in the insertion direction 130 guides the lower end of the sealing member 120 of the filter element 106 into engagement with the sealing surface 122 (eg, recessed area, sealing zone, etc.).

[0071] like Figure 16 to Figure 17 As shown in FIG. 1 , once the lower end of the sealing member 120 engages the sealing surface 122, the upper end of the filter housing 108 is rotated in a clockwise direction to align the sealing member 120 with the sealing surface 122 at the opposite end of the housing 102 (e.g., Figures 16 to 17 The latter part of the installation operation (e.g., the second stage) occurs during the assembly of the cover 104 to the housing 102 (see Fig.18 ).like Fig.18 As shown in , before the filter housing 108 is fully inserted into the access opening 113 (i.e., before the bayonet 112 is pressed into the recess 114), the cover 104 (e.g., the bayonet 112 on either side of the cover 104) engages the first set of trunnions 116. Fig. 10A As shown in the figure, engagement of the bayonet member 112 with the first set of ear shafts 116 may include inserting the first set of ear shafts 116 into the elongated openings 128 of the bayonet member 112, for example by (i) rotating the cover 104 to a first rotational position relative to the filter housing 108, (ii) aligning the bayonet slot 115 with the first set of ear shafts 116, and (iii) inserting the first set of ear shafts 116 into the bayonet slot 115.

[0072] After the cover 104 is secured to the filter housing 108 (eg, by interlocking the bayonet 112 with the first set of trunnions 116), the filter element 106 may be installed into the housing 102. Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C As shown in , installation may include the steps of rotating the cover 104 to a second rotational position relative to the filter housing 108 that is different from the first rotational position (e.g., rotating the cover 104 in a counterclockwise direction relative to the filter housing 108), and aligning the bayonet 112 of the cover 104 with the recess 114 in the housing (see also Fig.18 Next, the cover 104 may be pressed toward the housing 102 along the insertion direction 130 (eg, the bayonet member 112 may be pressed toward the housing 102 and into the recess 114). FIG. 10D to FIG. 10I As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover 104 continues to move toward the housing 102 (see also Fig.18) causes the first set of trunnions 116 to slide along the elongated opening 128, which rotates the upper end of the filter element 106 toward the sealing surface 122 of the housing 102 (see also Fig.19 ).like Figure 16 to Figure 17 As shown in FIG. 1 , due to the interaction between the first set of trunnions 116 and the bayonet member 112 (see also Fig.18 and Fig.19 ), clockwise rotation of the filter element causes the upper end of the sealing member 120 to engage with the sealing surface 122 to fully seat the filter element 106 in the housing 102.

[0073] Figures 19 to 28 1 and 2. A method of removing the filter element 106 from the housing 102 is shown. During removal of the filter element 106 from the housing 102, the interaction between the cover 104, the recess 114, and the filter housing 108 (e.g., the first set of trunnions 116 and the second set of trunnions 117) is similar to the installation operation described above (see FIG. 1 ). FIG. 10A to FIG. 10I and Fig.18 ) is the opposite. Figures 19 to 24 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the cover 104 is pulled out from the housing 102, each of the first set of trunnions 116 is guided along the side wall of the elongated opening 128 (see also FIG. 1 ). Fig.18 This interaction between the trunnion 116 and the elongated opening 128 in the bayonet 112 initiates removal of the filter element 106 from the housing by rotating the filter element 106 (e.g., the filter housing 108) out and away from the sealing surface 122 at the upper end of the housing 102 (see Fig.19 until the sealing member 120 is separated from the sealing surface 122 at the upper end ( Fig.24 ) is fully pulled out. Figure 25 to Figure 28 As shown in FIG. 1 , additional movement of the cover 104 away from the housing 102 pulls the sealing member 120 away from the sealing surface 122 located at the lower end of the housing 102, allowing the lower end of the filter element 106 to rotate freely away from the sealing surface 122. Continued removal of the cover 104 will pull the filter element 106 through the access port 113 and out of the housing (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.28 ).

[0074] refer to Figures 1 to 28 The design of the air filter assembly 100 described should not be considered limiting. It should be appreciated that various alternatives and / or combinations are possible without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, Figures 29 to 37 Another example of an air filter assembly 200 is shown in which the geometry of the interface features differs from the reference Figures 1 to 28 In particular, the air filter assembly 100 described in Fig.38A As shown in FIG. , the bayonet slot 215 is compared with the reference Fig. 10AThe embodiment described in the embodiment has a small inclination angle 136 and a small inclination angle 236 (see Fig.38C ) extends outwardly from the elongated opening 228. Therefore, the relative orientation between the cover 204 and the filter housing 208 required to insert the first set of trunnions 216 into the elongated opening 228 is similar to Fig. 10A Among other benefits, using a smaller angle of inclination 236 for the bayonet slots 215 increases the amount of rotation of the cover 104 required to engage the first set of trunnions 216 with the bayonet members 212, which further reduces the risk that the cover 204 will accidentally separate from the filter housing 108 during filter element installation and / or removal operations.

[0075] In various embodiments, the geometry of the elongated opening 228 may also be different. FIG. 38A to FIG. 38I (In particular, Figure 38G ), the elongated opening 228 includes three portions. The first portion 256 is disposed at the lower end of the elongated opening 228 and includes side walls oriented generally parallel to the insertion direction 230 of inserting the cover 204 into the housing 202. The second portion 258 of the elongated opening 288 is disposed at a mid-position along the elongated opening 228 and extends at an inclined angle 238 relative to the insertion direction 230. The third portion 260 of the elongated opening 228 is disposed at the upper end of the elongated opening 228 and includes side walls oriented generally parallel to both the insertion direction 230 and the first portion 256. The geometries of the first portion 256, the second portion 258, and the third portion 260 together determine how much force is required by the user during different stages of assembling the cover 204 onto the housing 202. For example, in FIG. 38A to FIG. 38I In the implementation mode, FIG. 10A to FIG. 10I The second inclined portion of the elongated opening 228 extends over a smaller portion of the bayonet 212 than the elongated opening 128 in the embodiment of FIG. 2. Thus, the force required to move the cover 204 when the first set of trunnions 216 engages the second portion 258 will be less than Figures 10A to 10I The force required in the embodiment is large, although such force will occur over a smaller range of motion across the cover 204.

[0076] like Fig.38A , the filter housing 208 also includes a handle 254 extending outwardly from a short end of the outer wall of the filter housing 208. Among other benefits, the handle 254 can be used to easily remove the filter element 206 from the cover 204 and / or facilitate manipulation of the filter element 206 located within the housing 202 if the cover 204 becomes damaged.

[0077] Figures 29 to 37 The geometry of the recess in the housing 202 is also different from Figures 1 to 9The geometry of the recess 114 shown in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 39 to Figure 40 As shown in FIG. 1 , the groove 218 at the closed end 226 of the recess 214 includes only a single step 248, rather than two separate steps disposed in opposite side walls of the recess 214. In various exemplary embodiments, the size of the step 248 and the angle of the side walls along the groove 218 may vary.

[0078] Figure 41 to Figure 46 The operation of installing the filter element 206 into the housing 202 is shown, which can be compared with the operation of the reference Figures 11 to 18 The installation operations of the described air filter assembly 100 are the same or substantially similar. Figures 47 to 56 A method of removing the filter element 206 from the housing 202 is shown, which is simply the reverse of the installation operation.

[0079] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to illustrate that these embodiments may be examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and the term is not intended to mean that these embodiments are necessarily the most or most advanced examples).

[0080] As used herein, the term "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and recognized usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. It should be understood by those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure that these terms are intended to allow certain features to be described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as stating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed (e.g., within plus or minus 5% of a given angle or other value) are considered to be within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims.

[0081] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like refer to the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., movable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed into a single unified body, or by the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0082] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, scale, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) may be made without departing substantially from the novel teachings and benefits of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0083] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any implementation or on what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of particular features of particular implementations of particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while the features described above may be described as working in certain combinations, or even initially claimed to be so, in some cases one or more features in a claimed combination may be deleted from the combination, and a claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variations of a subcombination.

Claims

1. A filter assembly, comprising: a housing including a body having one or more protrusions extending radially outwardly from an edge of the body to define a recess disposed on the edge of the body; a cover including a bayonet sized to be received within the recess, the bayonet defining an elongated opening; as well as a filter element sized to be received within the housing, the filter element comprising: Media pack; and A filter housing is coupled to the media pack, the filter housing including an trunnion sized to be received within both the recess and the elongated opening to interlock the cover and the filter element such that removal of the cover from the housing initiates removal of the filter element.

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The trunnion is configured to slide along the elongated opening during installation of the filter element into the housing.

3. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The bayonet is one of a pair of bayonet members arranged on opposite sides of the cover, wherein the trunnion is one of a pair of trunnions arranged on opposite sides of the filter housing, and wherein each trunnion of the pair of trunnions is sized to be received within a corresponding one of the pair of bayonet members.

4. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The trunnion includes two generally parallel sides joined by a curved end.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The bayonet defines a slot extending outwardly from the elongated opening and at an oblique angle relative to the direction in which the cover is inserted into the housing.

6. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cover is configured to receive the trunnion in a first rotational position relative to the filter housing, and wherein the cover is configured to be inserted into the recess in a second rotational position relative to the filter housing.

7. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The bayonet engages the trunnion such that the cover cannot be separated from the filter housing when the filter element is installed in the housing.

8. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The trunnion is a first trunnion, and wherein the filter housing further comprises a second trunnion spaced apart from the first trunnion, the second trunnion being arranged closer to the closed end of the recess than the first trunnion when the filter element is mounted in the housing.

9. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The recess includes a groove proximate a closed end of the recess, the groove including a step along a sidewall of the recess.

10. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The elongated opening extends at an oblique angle relative to a direction in which the cover is inserted into the housing.

11. A filter element, comprising: Media pack; and A filter housing coupled to the media pack, the filter housing comprising an outer wall and a first pair of trunnions coupled to the outer wall, the first pair of trunnions extending away from the media pack in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the outer wall, the first pair of trunnions comprising a first trunnion disposed on a first side of the outer wall and a second trunnion disposed on a second side of the outer wall opposite to the first side, wherein at least one of the trunnions has a cross-sectional shape having a pair of side walls extending along a cross-sectional height of the cross-sectional shape and a pair of end walls extending along a cross-sectional width of the cross-sectional shape, wherein the cross-sectional height is different from the cross-sectional width.

12. The filter element according to claim 11, wherein The pair of side walls are generally parallel sides and are joined by the pair of end walls, the pair of end walls defining curved ends.

13. The filter element of claim 11, wherein: The filter housing also includes a second pair of trunnions spaced apart from the first pair of trunnions.

14. The filter element of claim 13, wherein: Each trunnion of the second pair of trunnions is a cylindrical protrusion.

15. The filter element of claim 13, wherein: The cross-sectional height is greater than the cross-sectional width.

16. The filter element of claim 11, wherein: The filter housing generally covers the sides of the media pack and exposes an upper end of the media pack and a lower end of the media pack.

17. A method for installing a filter element, the method comprising the following steps: providing a housing including a body having one or more protrusions extending radially outwardly from an edge of the body to define a recess disposed on the edge of the body; providing a cover including a bayonet; providing the filter element, the filter element comprising a media pack and a filter housing coupled to the media pack; inserting a trunnion of the filter housing into the elongated opening of the bayonet to couple the cover to the filter housing; as well as The filter element is installed into the housing and the trunnion is installed into the recess.

18. The filter element installation method according to claim 17, wherein: The step of inserting the trunnion of the filter housing into the elongated opening comprises: rotating the cover to a first rotational position relative to the filter housing; and The trunnion is inserted into a slot of the bayonet member extending outwardly from the elongated opening.

19. The filter element installation method according to claim 18, wherein: The step of installing the filter element into the housing comprises: rotating the cover to a second rotational position relative to the filter housing; and The bayonet is inserted into the recess.

20. The filter element installation method according to claim 17, wherein: The step of installing the filter element into the housing comprises: bringing a second trunnion of the filter housing into abutting engagement with a groove at a closed end of the recess, wherein the second trunnion is disposed on a side of the filter housing opposite the trunnion; and The second trunnion is moved along the groove to move the filter element in a lateral direction generally perpendicular to a direction in which the filter element is inserted into the housing.

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