Ventilation with inversion protection

Abstract

A vent assembly has a vent housing having a first axial end portion, a second axial end portion, and an airflow path extending between the first axial end portion and the second axial end portion. An ambient opening faces the second axial end, the ambient opening configured for fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path. The enclosure opening is configured to selectively define a fluid flow path between an interior of the enclosure and the airflow path. The vent assembly has a blocking portion having a first relative position and a second relative position. The blocking portion is configured to block the fluid flow path in the first relative position and not block the fluid flow path in the second relative position. The filter medium portion is arranged transversely in the vent housing over the air flow path.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 348,910 filed on June 3, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 409,342 filed on September 23, 2022, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to enclosure vents and more particularly to vents with inversion protection. Summary of the invention

[0004] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a ventilator assembly. The ventilator assembly has a ventilator housing having a first axial end, a second axial end, and an airflow path extending between the first axial end and the second axial end. An environmental opening faces the second axial end, and the environmental opening is configured for fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path. The enclosure opening is configured to selectively define a fluid flow path between the interior of the enclosure and the airflow path. The ventilator assembly has a blocking portion having a first relative position and a second relative position. The blocking portion is configured to: in a first relative position, block the fluid flow path; and in a second relative position, not block the fluid flow path. The filter medium portion is arranged laterally in the ventilator housing on the airflow path.

[0005] In some such embodiments, the ventilating member housing has an inner housing and an outer housing surrounding the inner housing, wherein the inner housing is capable of translating relative to the outer housing. Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing defines an enclosure opening. Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing defines a blocking portion. Additionally or alternatively, the outer housing defines a blocking portion. Additionally or alternatively, the outer housing further defines a corresponding opening, which is aligned with the enclosure opening when the blocking portion is in the second relative position, and which is misaligned with the enclosure opening when the blocking portion is in the first relative position.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing can rotate relative to the outer housing to define a first relative position and a second relative position of the obstruction. Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing can translate axially relative to the outer housing to define a first relative position and a second relative position of the obstruction. Additionally or alternatively, the vent assembly has a translation limiter that engages the inner housing and the outer housing in a disengageable manner. The translation limiter is configured to block translation of the inner housing relative to the outer housing until manually disengaged. Additionally or alternatively, the translation limiter is a manually removable clamp. Additionally or alternatively, the translation limiter has a visually unique color relative to a visible portion of a component of the vent assembly that is not the translation limiter.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in a first relative position of the obstruction, the outer housing defines a first axial end of the housing, and in a second relative position of the obstruction, the inner housing defines the first axial end of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the outer housing has an openable seal that defines the obstruction. In the first relative position, the openable seal extends transversely over the first axial end of the vent housing, and the inner housing is configured to extend through the openable seal to define the first axial end of the vent housing in the second relative position. Additionally or alternatively, the outer housing includes a duckbill valve.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the ventilator housing has an axially extending sidewall around the airflow path, wherein the ventilator assembly further comprises an intermediate mounting seal and a final mounting seal, the intermediate mounting seal being arranged around the sidewall towards the first axial end, and the final mounting seal being arranged around the sidewall towards the second axial end. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate mounting seal is positioned between the enclosure opening and the first axial end. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate mounting seal is arranged around the inner housing. Additionally or alternatively, the outer housing has a seal retaining portion, wherein, in a first relative position, the intermediate mounting seal is located outside the seal retaining portion, and in a second relative position, the intermediate mounting seal is located within the seal retaining portion. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate mounting seal defines the obstruction portion. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate mounting seal is configured such that, in a first relative position, the intermediate mounting seal abuts the enclosure; and, in a second relative position, the intermediate mounting seal is spaced apart from the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure opening faces the axial direction. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure opening faces the lateral direction.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure opening is positioned toward the first axial end. Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation member assembly has a membrane that is connected to the ventilation member housing between the filter medium portion and the second axial end, wherein the membrane extends laterally in the airflow path. Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation member assembly has a spacing area between the filter medium portion and the membrane. Additionally or alternatively, the filter medium portion includes a coalesced filter medium portion. Additionally or alternatively, the filter medium portion includes at least 10 plates of the filter medium portion arranged in an axial direction in an overlapping manner.

[0010] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a ventilator assembly having a ventilator housing configured to extend through an enclosure having a wall thickness portion. The ventilator housing has a first axial end, a second axial end, and an airflow path extending between the first axial end and the second axial end. The environmental opening toward the second axial end is configured for fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path. The enclosure opening is configured to selectively define a fluid flow path between the interior of the enclosure and the airflow path. The first coupling structure is configured to engage the enclosure in a sealable manner at an intermediate mounting position. A translation limiter is configured to block translation of the ventilator housing relative to the enclosure at an intermediate mounting position. The translation limiter is configured to be manually disconnected. The filter medium portion is laterally arranged in the housing on the airflow path.

[0011] In some such embodiments, the enclosure opening faces the lateral direction. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate installation seal is arranged around the ventilation member housing, wherein the intermediate installation seal is positioned between the enclosure opening and the first axial end. Additionally or alternatively, the translation limiter has a visually unique color relative to the visible portion of the components of the non-translation limiter of the ventilation member assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the translation limiter is configured to block the translation of the ventilation member housing in the axial direction. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure sealing surface portion is arranged around the ventilation member housing, wherein the enclosure sealing surface portion is axially positioned between the second axial end and the enclosure opening, and the enclosure sealing surface portion is configured to form a seal with the enclosure in the intermediate mounting position. Additionally or alternatively, the translation limiter is axially positioned between the enclosure sealing surface portion and the environment opening. Additionally or alternatively, the axial distance between the intermediate installation seal and the translation limiter is greater than the axial distance between the enclosure sealing surface portion and the enclosure opening. Additionally or alternatively, the vent member assembly has an engaging thread portion extending around the vent member housing from the enclosure sealing surface portion toward the intermediate mounting seal, wherein an axial distance on the engaging thread is greater than an axial distance between the intermediate mounting seal and the enclosure opening.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation member assembly has a snap-fit ​​connector that is configured to engage the enclosure via an interference fit. Additionally or alternatively, the axial distance between the intermediate mounting seal and the enclosure opening is configured to be less than the wall thickness portion of the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the translation limiter is configured to prevent the ventilation member housing from rotating relative to the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure opening faces the axial direction. Additionally or alternatively, the filter medium portion is configured to be positioned within the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation member assembly has a second coupling structure that is configured to be disconnected from the enclosure in an intermediate mounting position, and the second coupling structure is configured to engage the enclosure in a sealable manner in a completed mounting position. Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation member assembly has a blocking portion, wherein the blocking portion is configured to block the fluid flow path in the intermediate mounting position and not block the fluid flow path in the completed mounting position.

[0013] The above summary is not intended to describe every embodiment or every implementation. Rather, a more complete understanding of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent and readily appreciated by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary aspects and the claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present technical content may be more fully understood and appreciated by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example vent assembly.

[0016] Figure 2 is with Figure 1 An example cross-sectional view of a consistent example vent assembly.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ventilation assembly in an intermediate installation position.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figures 2 to 3 A cross-sectional view of the vent assembly in the completed installed position.

[0019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example vent assembly in an intermediate installation position.

[0020] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example vent assembly in an intermediate installation position.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an example vent assembly in a completed installed position.

[0022] Figure 8is a cross-sectional view of yet another example vent assembly in an intermediate installation position.

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the vent assembly in the completed installed position.

[0024] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example vent assembly consistent with the techniques disclosed herein.

[0025] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example vent assembly in an intermediate installation position consistent with the techniques disclosed herein.

[0026] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of an example vent assembly in a completed installed position.

[0027] The drawings are primarily for clarity and are therefore not necessarily drawn to scale. In addition, various structures / components, including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wiring, cables, etc.), etc., may be illustrated in a diagrammatic manner or removed from some or all of the views to better illustrate various aspects of the described embodiments, or where the inclusion of these structures / components is not necessary for understanding the various exemplary embodiments described herein, these structures / components may be illustrated in a diagrammatic manner or removed from some or all of the views. However, the lack of illustration / description of these structures / components in a particular view should not be construed as limiting the scope of the various embodiments in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example vent member consistent with the technology disclosed herein. Figure 2 is with Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of a consistent ventilation member. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ventilation element in the middle installation position, Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ventilation member in the completed installed position.

[0029] The ventilation member assembly 100 has a ventilation member housing 110, a first axial end 102, a second axial end 104, and an airflow path 106 extending between the first axial end 102 and the second axial end 104. An environmental opening 112 is defined toward the second axial end 104. The environmental opening 112 is configured to be in fluid communication with an external environment. The environmental opening 112 is configured for fluid communication between the external environment and the airflow path 106. The external environment can be, for example, an environment outside the enclosure 10. The ventilation member housing 110 is defined with an enclosure opening 114. The enclosure opening 114 is generally configured to be in selective fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure 10. The enclosure opening 114 is configured for selective fluid communication between the interior of the enclosure 10 and the airflow path 106. More specifically, the enclosure opening 114 is configured to selectively define a fluid flow path 107 ( Figure 4 ).

[0030] The vent housing 110 is generally configured to extend through a wall of the enclosure 10. The vent housing 110 is generally configured to be coupled to the enclosure 10. In some embodiments, the enclosure 10 may be a fluid storage tank. In some embodiments, the enclosure 10 is a system container for a vehicle, such as a crankcase container.

[0031] The filter medium portion 140 is disposed transversely in the ventilation member housing 110 on the airflow path 106. The filter medium portion 140 is generally configured to filter the airflow passing through the airflow path 106. In some embodiments, the filter medium portion 140 is a combined filter medium portion 140. In some embodiments, the filter medium portion 140 includes a breathable membrane, such as a porous PTFE membrane. In some embodiments, the PTFE membrane is an expandable PTFE membrane. In some embodiments, the filter medium portion 140 is arranged in the form of a vertical stack of individual plates of the filter medium portion 140. In some such embodiments, the filter medium portion 140 includes at least 10 plates of the filter medium portion 140 arranged in a stacked manner in the axial direction. In some other embodiments, the filter medium portion is not arranged in a stacked manner. In some embodiments, the filter medium portion is a random fiber mass. In some embodiments, the filter medium portion is a plate of a wound filter medium portion. In some embodiments, the plate of the wound medium portion can be arranged around a central solid core. In some embodiments, the filter medium portion is a plate of a pleated filter medium portion. In various embodiments, the air flow path 106 extends through the filter media portion 140 in an axial direction.

[0032] The ventilation member assembly 100 is formed with a blocking portion 150. The blocking portion 150 is generally configured to block the enclosure opening 114 in a first relative position and not to block the enclosure opening 114 in a second relative position. More specifically, the blocking portion 150 is generally configured to block the fluid flow path 107 in a first relative position and not to block the fluid flow path 107 in a second relative position. In the first relative position, the blocking portion 150 is generally configured to block a portion of the airflow path 106 extending from the external environment through the enclosure opening 114 to the filter medium portion 140. In the first relative position, the blocking portion 150 is configured to block the fluid flow path 107. More specifically, the blocking portion 150 is configured to prevent liquid from being transferred from the enclosure opening 114 to the filter medium portion 140, which can advantageously prevent the liquid from contaminating the filter medium portion 140. Such a configuration may advantageously allow the enclosure 10 to be inverted, such as during a manufacturing operation, without allowing fluid to enter the vent assembly 100 from the enclosure 10 .

[0033] In some embodiments, when the obstruction 150 is in the first relative position, the obstruction 150 can be disposed between the enclosure opening 114 and the filter media portion 140 along the airflow path 106 (and the fluid flow path 107). Figures 1 to 5 As shown in , in the first relative position, the enclosure opening 114 is arranged between the filter medium portion 140 and the blocking portion 150 along the airflow path 106 (and the fluid flow path 107). The first relative position can be an intermediate installation position, in which the ventilation member assembly 100 is partially installed in the enclosure 10, but not completely installed in the enclosure 10. It should be noted that "blocking the enclosure opening" as used herein does not require that the blocking portion 150 abuts the enclosure opening 114, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the blocking portion 150 can indirectly block the enclosure opening 114 on the fluid flow path 107. In some other embodiments, for example Figures 5 to 9 As shown in , the blocking portion can directly block the enclosure opening, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0034] In the second relative position of the blocking portion 150, i.e., the "finished" installation position, the blocking portion 150 leaves the airflow path 106 unobstructed to provide (accommodate) ventilation between the enclosure 10 and the external environment. More specifically, the blocking portion 150 leaves the fluid flow path 107 ( Figure 4) is unblocked to provide ventilation between the enclosure 10 and the external environment. The obstruction 150 is removed from the fluid flow path 107 (and the airflow path 106) to provide fluid flow from the first axial end 102 of the ventilation member housing 110 toward the filter medium portion 140. In this way, the environment outside the ventilation member housing 110 (particularly the environment within the enclosure 10) is in fluid communication with the filter medium portion 140 through the enclosure opening 114. In various embodiments, the ventilation member assembly 100 is configured to remain in an upright orientation when the completed installation position is achieved (when the obstruction is in the second relative position).

[0035] In the present example, the ventilation member housing 110 has an inner housing 120 and an outer housing 130 surrounding the inner housing 120. In various embodiments, the inner housing 120 defines the second end 104 of the assembly 100. The inner housing 120 has an inner axial sidewall 122 extending in an axial direction from the second axial end 104 of the assembly 100 toward the first axial end 102 of the assembly 100 around the airflow path 106. The outer housing 130 has an outer axial sidewall 134 extending in an axial direction between the first axial end 102 and the second axial end 104 of the assembly 100. The outer axial sidewall 134 surrounds the inner axial sidewall 122 in a transverse direction.

[0036] The inner shell 120 is generally translatable relative to the outer shell 130, wherein "translatable" is used herein to cover linear translation, rotational translation, etc. In some embodiments, the outer shell is omitted. In such embodiments, the inner shell 120 is generally capable of selective translation relative to the enclosure 10. In the current example, the inner shell 120 is capable of selective rotation relative to the outer shell 130 and / or the enclosure 10. The inner shell 120 is capable of selective linear translation relative to the outer shell 130 and the enclosure 10. It is worth noting that in some other examples where the outer shell 130 is omitted, the inner shell 120 can be selectively linearly translated relative to the enclosure 10.

[0037] The inner housing 120 can be installed in an intermediate position (such as Figures 1 to 3 as shown) and the completed installation position (as shown Figure 4 In the intermediate installation position, the blocking portion 150 is formed on the airflow path 106, as described above. In the completed installation position, the blocking portion 150 does not block the airflow path 106, as described above.

[0038] In the example shown here, the inner housing 120 defines an enclosure opening 114. In the example shown here, the outer housing 130 defines a blocking portion 150. In some embodiments, the inner housing 120 also defines a blocking portion 150. In some other embodiments, such as those described in more detail below, Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, only the outer shell 230 defines the obstruction 250. In various embodiments, both the inner shell 120 and the outer shell 130 define the obstruction 150, for example Figures 1 to 4 . In various embodiments, the interaction between the inner shell 120 and the outer shell 130 selectively blocks the airflow path 106 and clears the airflow path 106. In some embodiments, the outer shell 130 defines an enclosure opening 114. In various embodiments, both the inner shell 120 and the outer shell 130 define an enclosure opening 114. In some other examples, when the obstruction 150 is in the second relative position, i.e., the completed installation position of the ventilation member assembly 100, the outer shell 130 (or enclosure 10) can define a corresponding opening (e.g., Figure 7 , Fig. 9 and Fig.11 , and will be discussed in more detail below).

[0039] In various embodiments, the translation limiter 160 is configured to block translation of the inner housing 120 relative to the outer housing 130 until manually disengaged. In some embodiments, such as in embodiments where the outer housing 130 is omitted, the translation limiter 160 can be configured to block translation of the vent housing 110 in the intermediate mounting position relative to the enclosure 10 until manually disengaged. The translation limiter 160 can advantageously prevent unintentional translation of the inner housing 120 relative to the outer housing 130 and / or the enclosure 10. The translation limiter 160 engages the inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130 (or the enclosure 10 when the outer housing 130 is omitted) in a disengageable manner. In a first relative position, the translation limiter 160 engages the inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130 in a disengageable manner.

[0040] exist Figures 1 to 4 In some examples, the inner housing 120 is capable of selectively axially translating relative to the outer housing 130 to define a first relative position (intermediate installation position) of the blocking portion 150 and a second relative position (complete installation position) of the blocking portion 150. In such examples, the translation limiter 160 is configured to prevent axial translation of the inner housing 120 relative to the outer housing 130. In some examples, the inner housing 120 is capable of rotating relative to the outer housing 130 to define a first relative position and a second relative position of the blocking portion 150. In such examples, the translation limiter 160 is configured to prevent rotational translation of the inner housing 120 relative to the outer housing 130 and / or the enclosure 10. In some embodiments in which the inner housing is capable of rotating relative to the outer housing, the inner housing 120 is not axially translatable relative to the outer housing, which means that the inner housing has a fixed position in the axial direction relative to the outer housing.

[0041] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the example of , the translation limiter 160 is a manually removable clamp that selectively secures the position of the inner shell 120 relative to the outer shell 130 to prevent the vent assembly 100 from being fully installed to the enclosure 10. In the current example, the translation limiter 160 extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the inner shell 120. In some embodiments, the clamp can frictionally engage the inner shell 120. In some embodiments, the translation limiter 160 is a molded component arranged completely around the vent housing 110, wherein the molded component has one or more weakened areas that are configured to be torn apart by a user to remove the molded component from the vent assembly 100. Figures 1 to 5 In the example of FIG. 1 , the translation limiter 160 is located between the inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130 in the axial direction and prevents the inner housing 120 from axially translating in the axial direction toward the outer housing 130. More specifically, the translation limiter 160 blocks the linear translation path of the inner housing 120 toward the outer housing 130. In the current example, the translation limiter 160 is axially positioned between the enclosure opening 114 and the final installation seal 118 coupled to the inner housing 120.

[0042] In some embodiments, the translation limiter 160 is another mechanism that selectively fixes the position of the inner housing 120 relative to the outer housing 130 (or relative to the enclosure 10 itself if the outer housing 130 is omitted) to prevent the vent assembly 100 from being fully installed to the enclosure 10. For example, the vent assembly 100 can have a translation limiter that combines the functionality of a safety cover such as a push and twist cover, a squeeze and lock cover, a push-down and twist cover, etc. In such an embodiment, in an intermediate installation position, the inner housing 120 is able to rotate relative to the enclosure 10 and / or the outer housing 130, but the inner housing 120 is fixed in the axial direction relative to the enclosure 10 and / or the outer housing 130 until the safety cover function is enabled (e.g., by pressing and twisting the inner housing 120). In these types of examples, the translation limiter 160 fixes the axial position of the inner housing 120 , but does not necessarily fix the angular position of the inner housing 120 relative to the enclosure 10 and / or the outer housing 130 .

[0043] In some embodiments, the translation limiter 160 has a visually distinct color compared to the visible portion of the non-translation limiter component of the ventilation member assembly 100 to visually indicate that the ventilation member assembly 100 is in the intermediate installation position. The "visible portion of the non-translation limiter component of the ventilation member assembly" is an area of ​​the ventilation member assembly 100 that is configured to be positioned outside the enclosure when the ventilation member assembly 100 is in the intermediate installation position and is in direct contact with the environment outside the enclosure. In some embodiments, the translation limiter 160 is a relatively bright color, while the other components of the ventilation member assembly 100 are relatively dull colors. For example, the translation limiter 160 can be a color such as red, orange, or yellow, while the other components of the ventilation member assembly 100 can be another color, such as brown, black, or gray. In some embodiments, the translation limiter 160 can be a fluorescent color, while the other components of the ventilation member assembly 100 can be a non-fluorescent color.

[0044] In various examples, in the first relative position of the obstruction portion 150 (the first intermediate installation position of the vent assembly 100), the outer housing 130 defines the first axial end 102 of the vent housing 110, which is Figure 3 and Figure 5 You can see it in Figure 3 In certain examples of the present invention, the inner housing 120 also defines the first axial end 102 of the vent housing 110, while in other examples discussed below, the inner housing does not define the first axial end of the vent housing. Figure 4 In the second relative position of the blocking portion 150, the inner housing 120 defines the first axial end 102 of the ventilation member housing 110, and the outer housing 130 does not define the first axial end 102 of the ventilation member housing 110. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the outer axial sidewall 134 that laterally surrounds the inner housing 120 to form a seal with the inner housing 120 forms a blockage 150 in a first relative position (intermediate installation position) on the airflow path 106. In the second relative position (complete installation position), the inner housing 120 has been translated in the axial direction so that the first axial end of the inner housing 120 travels beyond the first axial end of the outer housing 130. More specifically, the outer housing cavity 131 defined by the outer housing 130 extends through the first axial end of the outer housing 130. The inner housing 120 is configured to translate axially through the outer housing cavity 131 and beyond the first axial end of the outer housing 130.

[0045] In various examples, such as with Figures 1 to 4In a consistent example, the ventilation member housing 110 has an axially extending sidewall, which is an inner axial sidewall 122 surrounding the airflow path 106. An intermediate mounting seal 116 is arranged around the inner axial sidewall 122 toward the first axial end 102. The intermediate mounting seal 116 is positioned between the enclosure opening 114 and the first axial end 102 of the ventilation member housing 110. In the current example, the intermediate mounting seal 116 is a component of the blocking portion 150. Therefore, in a first relative position, the intermediate mounting seal 116 is radially arranged in a sealable manner between the outer housing 130 and the inner housing 120 to prevent fluid communication between the enclosure 10 and the filter medium portion 140 through the enclosure opening 114. Specifically, the intermediate mounting seal 116 blocks the fluid flow path 107. In a second relative position of the blocking portion 150, the intermediate mounting seal 116 does not abut the outer housing 130, and no seal is formed between the inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130. Thus, in the second relative position, the intermediate mounting seal clears the fluid flow path 107. In some embodiments where the vent assembly 100 lacks the outer housing 130, the intermediate mounting seal 116 is configured to abut the enclosure 10 in the first relative position and not abut the enclosure 10 in the second relative position.

[0046] Although in Figures 2 to 4 , the intermediate mounting seal 116 is depicted as being coupled to the inner housing 120 and disposed in a seal receiving portion 128 defined by the inner housing 120, but in some embodiments, the intermediate mounting seal 116 may be coupled to the outer housing 130. In such an example, the outer housing 130 may define a seal receiving portion configured to receive the intermediate mounting seal 116. In such an example, in a first relative position, the intermediate mounting seal 116 is radially disposed in a sealable manner between the outer housing 130 and the inner housing 120 to prevent fluid communication between the enclosure 10 and the filter media portion 140 through the enclosure opening 114, as described above. In a second relative position, the intermediate mounting seal 116 continues to abut the outer housing 130, but no longer forms a seal between the inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130. At least a portion of the intermediate mounting seal 116 does not abut the inner housing 120. In some embodiments where the ventilation member assembly 100 lacks an outer shell 130, the intermediate mounting seal 116 is configured to be connected to the enclosure 10 around a ventilation member opening in the enclosure 10 to form a seal between the ventilation member assembly 10 and the outer shell in a first relative position (intermediate mounting position) and not form a seal between the enclosure 10 and the ventilation member assembly 100 in a second relative position (complete mounting position).

[0047] In some examples, a second seal, which may be referred to as a final installation seal 118, is disposed about the inner axial sidewall 122 toward the second axial end 104. The final installation seal 118 is coupled to the inner housing 120 and abuts a second retaining edge portion 124 of the inner housing 120, wherein the second retaining edge portion 124 extends radially outward relative to the inner axial sidewall 122. In some embodiments, the final installation seal 118 does not abut the outer housing 130 or the enclosure 10 when the obstruction 150 is in the first relative position. In such embodiments, the final installation seal 118 is configured to abut the outer housing 130 when the obstruction 150 is in the second relative position. Figure 4 In the second relative position, the final installation seal 118 is sealably disposed between the outer shell 130 and the inner shell 120. In an embodiment where the outer shell 130 is omitted, in the second relative position, the final installation seal 118 can be configured to form a seal between the enclosure 10 and the inner shell 120. In such an embodiment, the final installation seal 118 does not abut the enclosure 10 in the first relative position of the obstruction 150.

[0048] In the present example, the enclosure opening 114 faces in the transverse direction. In some other embodiments, for example Figure 5 and Figures 8 to 9 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the enclosure opening 114 faces in the axial direction. In some embodiments, the enclosure opening 114 is positioned toward the first axial end 102 of the vent housing 110 .

[0049] In some embodiments, the ventilation member assembly 100 has a membrane 142, which is connected to the ventilation member housing 110 between the filter medium portion 140 and the second axial end 104. The membrane 142 extends laterally on the airflow path 106. In some such embodiments, a spacing area is provided between the filter medium portion 140 and the membrane 142, and the spacing area is a gap in the axial direction. In some embodiments, when the ventilation member assembly 100 is in the fully installed position, at least a portion of the filter medium portion 140 is configured to be positioned within the enclosure 10.

[0050] The ventilation member assembly 100 has a first coupling structure 108, which is configured to engage the enclosure 10 in a sealable manner in the middle installation position. The first coupling structure 108 includes an intermediate installation seal 116, as discussed in detail above. In the current example, the first coupling structure 108 includes a screw threaded portion 138 or an engaging threaded portion 138 defined by the outer shell 130 and configured to engage with the mating threaded portion of the enclosure 10. In some embodiments, as an alternative to the screw threaded portion 138, the first coupling structure 108 may include a snap-fit ​​connection between the outer shell 130 and the enclosure 10. The snap-fit ​​connection can be configured to form an interference fit between the enclosure 10 shell and the ventilation member assembly 100. In some embodiments, the enclosure 10 shell and the outer shell 130 are defined with a mating bayonet connection. In some embodiments, as an example, the outer shell 130 and the enclosure 10 can be connected by, for example, a welded part, a fastener such as a bolt or a screw, or by an adhesive.

[0051] In an example, the first coupling structure 108 may include an enclosure sealing surface portion 109, which is configured to form a seal between the enclosure 10 and the ventilation member assembly 100 in an intermediate installation position. In some embodiments, the enclosure sealing surface portion 109 may be configured to form a seal between the enclosure 10 and the ventilation member assembly 100 in the completed installation position. In various embodiments, a sealing material piece 111 is configured to be arranged between the enclosure sealing surface portion 109 and the enclosure 10 to form a seal, and the sealing material piece 111 is, for example, an O-ring, a gasket, or another sealing material piece. The sealing material piece may be a component of the ventilation member assembly 100, in some other embodiments, the sealing material piece may be a component of the enclosure 10, and in yet other embodiments, the sealing material piece is a separate component independent of the enclosure and the ventilation member assembly 100.

[0052] In the current example, the first connecting structure 108 includes a first retaining edge portion 136, which is a component of the outer shell 130. The first retaining edge portion 136 extends radially outward relative to the outer axial side wall 132. The first retaining edge portion 136 is generally configured to prevent the ventilation member assembly 100 from translating in the enclosure beyond a specific axial position relative to the enclosure 10. In some embodiments, in the intermediate installation position, the first retaining edge portion 136 is configured to abut the outer surface of the enclosure 10. The enclosure sealing surface portion 109 extends around the outer axial side wall 134. In the current example, the enclosure sealing surface portion 109 is defined by the retaining edge portion 136 and the outer axial side wall 134. In some embodiments, the first connecting structure 108 may additionally or alternatively include a fastener configured to join the outer shell 130 to the enclosure 10. For example, the enclosure 10 may define a fastener opening that aligns with a fastener opening defined by the outer shell 130 that is configured to engage a fastener, such as a bolt or screw.

[0053] In the present example, the first coupling structure 108 comprises the corresponding mating threaded portions 126, 133 of the inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130. In the intermediate installation position, the first axial length portion a1 (at Figure 3 The inner housing 120 may be inserted into the outer housing 130 and rotated to engage the first axial length a1 of the outer circumferential threaded portion 126 and the inner circumferential threaded portion 133.

[0054] In some embodiments, the ventilation member assembly 100 has a second coupling structure 113 that is configured to be disengaged from the enclosure 10 in the intermediate installation position. Figures 2 to 3 ), and in the completed installation position, the second coupling structure 113 is configured to engage with the enclosure 10 ( Figure 4 ). The second coupling structure 113 may include, for example Figures 1 to 4 . In the intermediate installation position, the final installation seal 118 is considered to be disengaged from the enclosure 10 because the final installation seal 118 does not form a seal with the enclosure 10. In the intermediate installation position, the first retaining edge portion 136 is spaced apart from the second retaining edge portion 124 by a first axial distance D1, that is, in the current example, the first axial distance D1 is the axial length of the translation limiter 160. Similarly, the final installation seal 118 is spaced apart from the first retaining edge portion 136 by approximately the first axial distance D1. The translation limiter 160 is configured to be removed to allow the inner housing 120 to be axially translated relative to the outer housing 130 to achieve the finished installation position.

[0055] In the finished installation position, the final installation seal 118 is considered to be engaged with the enclosure 10 by forming a seal with the enclosure 10 via the outer shell 130. More specifically, in the final installation position, the final installation seal 118 forms a seal between the first retaining edge portion 136 of the outer shell 130 and the second retaining edge portion 124 of the inner shell 120. Therefore, in the current example, the second coupling structure 113 includes the second retaining edge portion 124, which is a component of the inner shell 120. The second retaining edge portion 124 extends radially outward relative to the inner axial sidewall 122. The second retaining edge portion 124 is relative to the outer shell cavity 131 defined by the outer shell 130 (at Figure 3 The second retaining edge 124 is generally configured to prevent the inner housing 120 from translating in the enclosure 10 beyond a specific axial position relative to the enclosure 10. In some embodiments, in the completed installation position, the second retaining edge 124 is configured to abut the outer surface of the outer housing 130.

[0056] In the present example, the second coupling structure 113 includes a second axial length portion a2 (at Figure 4 ), the outer circumferential threaded portion 126 is configured to engage with the inner mating threaded portion 133 of the outer housing 130. The second axial length portion a2 of the outer circumferential threaded portion 126 is greater than the first axial length portion a1 of the outer circumferential threaded portion 126. In the current example, the inner housing 120 can be rotated relative to the outer housing 130 to allow the inner housing 120 to move in the axial direction to a completed installation position, in which the obstruction portion 150 is removed from the fluid flow path 107, and the seal 118 is finally installed to form a seal with the outer housing 130.

[0057] In embodiments where the blocking portion 150 is configured to translate axially without blocking the enclosure opening 114, for example, Figures 1 to 4In consistent embodiments and embodiments in which the outer housing 130 is omitted, the first axial length D1 of the translation limiter 160 is greater than the axial distance D2 between the intermediate mounting seal 116 and the enclosure opening 114. Therefore, removal of the translation limiter 160 and subsequent axial translation of the ventilation member assembly 100 to seal the final mounting seal 118 between the inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130 (or between the inner housing 120 and the enclosure 10 in the case of omitting the outer housing 130) results in the opening of the enclosure opening 114. In addition, in some embodiments, the axial distance D3 between the final mounting seal 118 and the enclosure opening 114 is configured to be less than the thickness T of the wall of the enclosure 10, wherein the thickness T of the wall refers to the axial distance of the portion of the wall of the enclosure 10 that is directly adjacent to and surrounds the ventilation member assembly 100. Thus, in embodiments where the outer shell 130 is omitted, the wall of the enclosure 10 may form a blockage 150 over the enclosure opening 114 , with portions of the blockage 150 also forming a seal between the wall and the vent assembly 100 .

[0058] In some embodiments, the axial distance D4 between the intermediate mounting seal 116 and the translation limiter 160 is greater than the axial distance D5 between the enclosure sealing surface portion 109 and the enclosure opening 114. In some embodiments, the axial distance D6 on the engagement thread portion 138 is greater than the axial distance D7 between the intermediate mounting seal and the enclosure opening.

[0059] In some embodiments where the vent assembly 100 has an inner housing 120 and an outer housing 130, the inner housing 120 can be coupled to the outer housing 130 by various methods and combinations of methods. The inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130 can form a snap-fit ​​connection. The inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130 can have mating bayonet connection features. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the inner housing 120 and the outer housing 130 can define mating screw threads, as discussed in detail above.

[0060] Fig.11 yes Figures 1 to 4 A cross-sectional view of an alternative example vent assembly 600 is shown and described above, wherein the vent assembly 600 is in an intermediate installed position. Fig.12is a cross-sectional view of the example vent assembly 600 in the completed installation position. The above description applies to the current vent assembly 600 unless otherwise indicated in the current description or figure, and the current described vent assembly 600 has the same components as the above example - although the filter media portion is omitted, it should be understood that the vent assembly 600 will generally be combined with the filter media portion described elsewhere in this document. However, in the current example, when the obstruction portion 650 is in the second relative position, i.e., the completed installation position of the vent assembly 600, the outer shell 630 is defined by a corresponding opening 615, which overlaps with the enclosure opening 614 (defined by the inner shell 620). The corresponding opening 615 is a lateral opening that is configured to align with the enclosure opening 614 in a lateral direction, such as Fig.12 The corresponding openings 615 are a series of discrete openings defined transversely through the outer axial sidewall 632 and around the outer housing cavity 631 .

[0061] Unlike the examples shown previously, in the current example, in the completed installation position, both the inner housing 620 and the outer housing 630 define a first axial end 602 of the vent housing 610. Specifically, the first axial end 602 of the outer housing 630 defines a seal retaining portion 635. The seal retaining portion 635 is an annular component having an inner circumferential surface portion 637, which is configured to abut the intermediate installation seal 616 in the final installation position. In the final installation position, the seal retaining portion 635 is generally configured to receive the intermediate installation seal 616. The seal retaining portion 635 is configured to maintain the position of the intermediate installation seal 616 relative to the inner housing 620, which can advantageously prevent the intermediate installation seal 616 from falling from the inner housing 620. The intermediate installation seal 616 is configured to linearly translate into the seal retaining portion 635 to reach the final installation position.

[0062] In the intermediate mounting position, the intermediate mounting seal 616 is positioned radially and axially between the enclosure opening 614 and the corresponding opening 615 to prevent fluid communication between the enclosure and the filter medium portion through the enclosure opening 614. In the current embodiment, in the second relative position of the obstruction portion 650, the intermediate mounting seal 616 does abut the outer shell 630. In the second relative position of the obstruction portion 650, the intermediate mounting seal 616 can form a seal between the inner shell 620 and the outer shell 630. However, in the second relative position, the intermediate mounting seal 616 leaves the fluid flow path 607 unobstructed. In some embodiments where the vent assembly 600 lacks the outer shell 630, the enclosure itself can define the corresponding opening and the optional seal retaining portion, as described herein.

[0063] Fig.10A cross-sectional view of an alternative example vent assembly 500 is shown having a vent housing 510 as a single component. The vent assembly 500 is in a fully installed position. More specifically, the outer housing is omitted. The vent housing 510 is similar to the vent assembly 500 described above with reference to FIG. Figures 1 to 4 The inner housing described is constructed consistently, and therefore, unless otherwise indicated in the current description and drawings, the above description of the inner housing generally applies to the ventilation member housing 510 of the current example. In this example, the ventilation member housing 510 is configured to be directly coupled to the enclosure 50 in the intermediate installation position and the completed installation position. The enclosure 50 defines an axially extending side wall 52 surrounding the ventilation member housing 510. The axially extending side wall 52 defines an inner circumferential threaded portion 54 that cooperates with the outer circumferential threaded portion of the ventilation member housing 510.

[0064] In an intermediate installation position (not currently depicted), the axially extending side wall 52 may form a blockage 550 on the enclosure opening 514 of the vent housing 510, similar to the Figure 3 How the outer shell of the ventilation member shell 510 forms a blocking portion on the enclosure opening of the inner shell. In the intermediate installation position, the intermediate installation seal 516 abuts the side wall 52 of the enclosure 50 to block the fluid flow path through the enclosure opening 514. In the intermediate installation position, the first axial length portion (i.e., a portion of the entire axial length portion) of the outer circumferential threaded portion 526 of the ventilation member shell 510 can engage the inner circumferential threaded portion 54 of the enclosure 50. In the completed installation position, the second axial length portion of the outer circumferential threaded portion 526 of the ventilation member shell 510 can engage the inner circumferential threaded portion 54 of the enclosure 50, wherein the second axial length portion is greater than the first axial length portion. Fig.10 The example vent assembly shown in FIG. 1 may be combined with the Figures 1 to 4 A translation limiter similar to the one shown and described is shown, wherein the translation limiter is manually disengaged to complete installation of the vent assembly 500 in the enclosure.

[0065] Figure 5 2 is a cross-sectional view of another example ventilation member assembly 200 in an intermediate installation position. The ventilation member assembly 200 can be generally consistent with the above discussion, unless otherwise specified herein. The ventilation member assembly 200 has a ventilation member housing 210, a first axial end 202, a second axial end 204, and an airflow path 206 extending between the first axial end 202 and the second axial end 204. The environmental opening 212 is defined toward the second axial end 204. The environmental opening 212 is configured to be fluidly connected between the external environment and the airflow path 206. The ventilation member housing 210 has an enclosure opening 214, which is configured to be selectively fluidly connected to the interior of the enclosure 20. The enclosure opening 214 selectively defines a fluid flow path 207 between the interior of the enclosure 20 and the airflow path 206.

[0066] The vent housing 210 is generally configured to extend through a wall of the enclosure 20. The vent housing 210 is configured to be coupled to the enclosure 20. The enclosure 20 may be as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 Describes the type of enclosure.

[0067] The filter media portion 240 is arranged transversely in the ventilation member housing 210 on the airflow path 206. The filter media portion 240 is generally configured to filter the airflow passing through the airflow path 206. The filter media portion 240 can be consistent with the filter media portion described above. In the current example, the filter media portion 240 is arranged in a coil configuration around a central core 248 extending in an axial direction. The central core 248 can block the fluid flow in the lateral direction to guide the fluid flow through the filter media portion 240 (rather than bypassing the filter media portion 240). In some embodiments, the central core 248 can be omitted. In some embodiments, the space between the adjacent layers of the coils of the filter media portion 240 can advantageously define a flow channel to guide the gathered fluid toward the enclosure opening 214. The resistance of this flow channel to the fluid flow in the axial direction may be less than the resistance of the fluid flow passing through the filter media portion 240 itself. This flow channel can be aligned vertically so that gravity helps to guide the gathered fluid downward toward the enclosure opening 214. The filter media portion may have alternative configurations, such as those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 Described configuration.

[0068] The ventilation member assembly 200 is formed with a blocking portion 250, which is generally configured to block the enclosure opening 214 in a first relative position and not to block the enclosure opening 214 in a second relative position. More specifically, the blocking portion 250 is configured to: in the first relative position, block the fluid flow path 207 extending from the outside of the ventilation member assembly 200 to the airflow path 206, as shown in the figure currently described; and in the second relative position (not currently depicted), the fluid flow path 207 is unblocked (or unblocked). In the first relative position, the blocking portion 250 is configured to block the portion of the airflow path 206 extending from the external environment to the filter medium portion 240 via the enclosure opening 214. More specifically, in the first relative position, the blocking portion 250 is configured to prevent liquid from being transferred to the filter medium portion 240 via the enclosure opening 214. This configuration can have the advantages discussed above.

[0069] In this example, in the first relative position, enclosure opening 214 is disposed along fluid flow path 207 between filter media portion 240 and obstruction portion 250. The first relative position may be an intermediate installation position where vent assembly 200 is partially, but not completely, installed in enclosure 20.

[0070] In the second relative position of the obstruction 250 (the "finished" installation position of the vent assembly 200), the obstruction 250 clears the airflow path 206 to provide ventilation between the enclosure 20 and the external environment through the fluid flow path 207. More specifically, the obstruction 250 clears the fluid flow path 207 to provide ventilation between the enclosure 20 and the external environment. The obstruction 250 is removed from the fluid flow path 207 (and the airflow path 206) to provide fluid flow from the first axial end 202 of the vent housing 210 toward the filter media portion 240. In this way, the environment outside the vent housing 210 (particularly the environment within the enclosure 20) and the filter media portion 240 are in fluid communication through the enclosure opening 214 and the fluid flow path 207.

[0071] In the present example, the ventilation member housing 210 has an inner housing 220 and an outer housing 230 surrounding the inner housing 220. The inner housing 220 and the outer housing 230 are similar to those described above. Figures 1 to 4 The discussion of the invention has structural and functional similarities. For example, the inner housing 220 can selectively translate relative to the outer housing 230 and the enclosure 20. More specifically, the inner housing 220 can selectively rotate and linearly translate relative to the outer housing 230 and the enclosure 20. The inner housing 220 can selectively rotate relative to the outer housing 230 and the enclosure 20. Figure 5 The intermediate installation position shown translates between the intermediate installation position and the completed installation position (not currently depicted), which will be discussed in more detail below. In the intermediate installation position, the obstruction 250 is formed on the fluid flow path 207. In the completed installation position, the obstruction 250 does not obstruct the fluid flow path 207.

[0072] As mentioned above Figures 1 to 4 As described above, the outer shell 230 and the inner shell 220 are defined with mating threaded portions 234, 226, which are engaged with each other to couple the inner shell 220 and the outer shell 230. The outer shell 230 is defined with an inner circumferential threaded portion 234, and the inner shell 220 is defined with an outer circumferential threaded portion 226. The inner shell 220 can rotate and axially translate relative to the outer shell 230 via the mating threaded portions 234, 226. In the intermediate installation position, the first axial length portion a1, which is a part of the entire axial length of the outer circumferential threaded portion 226 of the inner shell 220, can engage the inner circumferential threaded portion 234. The inner shell 220 can be inserted into the outer shell 230 and rotated to engage the first axial length portion a1 of the outer circumferential threaded portion 226 with the inner circumferential threaded portion 234. The rotation of the inner shell 220 relative to the outer shell 230 causes the inner shell 220 to move in the axial direction toward the outer shell 230 and toward the inside of the enclosure 20.

[0073] The inner housing 220 is allowed to rotate and translate axially relative to the outer housing 230 until it is blocked by the translation limiter 260 of the vent assembly 200. The translation limiter 260 is configured to prevent the inner housing 220 from further translating relative to the outer housing 230 from the intermediate installation position toward the completed installation position. The translation limiter 260 is configured to block the translation of the inner housing 220 relative to the outer housing 230 until the translation limiter 260 is manually disengaged. The translation limiter 260 is configured to be manually disengaged to allow the user to complete the installation of the vent assembly 200 by further translating the inner housing 220 relative to the outer housing 230. The translation limiter 260 is similar to the above referenced Figures 1 to 4 The translation limiter discussed above is consistent.

[0074] In the intermediate installation position, the obstruction 250 is in a first relative position in which the obstruction 250 obstructs the fluid flow path 207. In the current example, the inner housing 220 defines the enclosure opening 214, and the outer housing 230 defines the obstruction 250. Unlike the previously described examples, in the current example, only the outer housing 230 defines the obstruction 250. In various embodiments, the interaction between the inner housing 220 and the outer housing 230 selectively obstructs the fluid flow path 207 and clears the fluid flow path 207.

[0075] In the current example, the blocking portion 250 is an openable seal that extends laterally on the first axial end 202 of the ventilation member housing 210 in a first relative position. The blocking portion 250 extends laterally on the cavity 232 defined by the outer axial side wall 238 of the outer shell 230. In this way, the fluid communication between the first axial end 202 of the ventilation member assembly 200 and the external environment is blocked. In the current example, the blocking portion 250 is an elastic seal, such as a duckbill valve as a component of the outer shell 230. In some other embodiments, the openable seal can be a pierceable seal connected to the first axial end of the outer shell 230. In some embodiments, the pierceable seal is composed of an elastic material, and the pierceable seal has a score line defined laterally on one or more portions of the pierceable seal.

[0076] Similar to the above example, when the translation limiter 260 is disengaged, the inner housing 220 can be rotated relative to the outer housing 230 so that the inner housing 220 moves axially along the outer housing 230 toward the enclosure 20 to reach the completed installation position. The inner housing 220 is configured to translate through the blocking portion 250 in an axial direction to define the first axial end 202 of the ventilation member housing 210 in a second relative position, similar to the above discussion. However, in this example, when the inner housing 220 moves to the completed installation position, the first axial end 221 of the inner housing 220 translates through the blocking portion 250 to open the seal (thereby removing the blocking portion 250). In such an example, the first axial end 221 of the inner housing 220 is configured to move through the blocking portion 250 in an axial direction to pierce the blocking portion 250. In the fully installed position, the first axial end 221 of the inner housing 220 extends through the obstruction 250 to clear the obstruction 250 from the enclosure opening 214, and thus clear the obstruction 250 from the fluid flow path 207. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the filter media portion 240 is configured such that when the vent assembly 200 is in the fully installed position, at least a portion of the filter media portion 240 is positioned within the enclosure 20, similar to Figure 4 The location shown in .

[0077] In the first relative position of the blocking portion 250 (the intermediate installation position of the ventilation member assembly 200), the outer housing 230 defines the first axial end 202 of the ventilation member housing 210. Figures 1 to 4 , in which, in the intermediate installation position, the inner housing 220 does not define the first axial end 202 of the ventilation member housing 210. In the second relative position of the obstruction 250 and the completed installation position of the ventilation member assembly 200, the inner housing 220 defines the first axial end 202 of the ventilation member housing 210, and the outer housing 230 does not define the first axial end 202 of the ventilation member housing 210. In the second relative position of the obstruction (the completed installation position of the ventilation member assembly 200), the inner housing 220 has been translated in the axial direction, so that the first axial end 221 of the inner housing 220 moves beyond the first axial end 231 of the outer housing 230 to expose the enclosure opening 214 to the external environment, i.e., to the interior of the enclosure 20.

[0078] As above Figures 1 to 4 As described, the final installation seal 218 is disposed about the inner axial sidewall 222 of the inner housing 220 toward the second axial end 204 and is consistent with the final installation seal discussed above.

[0079] In the present example, the enclosure opening 214 faces the axial direction. In some other embodiments, the enclosure opening 214 faces the lateral direction. The enclosure opening 214 is positioned toward the first axial end 202 of the ventilation member housing 210. More specifically, the enclosure opening 214 partially defines the first axial end 221 of the inner housing 220.

[0080] Similar to the above examples, here the ventilation member assembly 200 has a membrane 242, which is connected to the ventilation member housing 210 between the filter medium portion 240 and the second axial end 204. The membrane 242 extends laterally on the airflow path 206. In some such embodiments, a spacing area 244 is provided between the filter medium portion 240 and the membrane 242, which is a gap in the axial direction. The spacing area 244 may include a spacer 246 arranged in the axial direction between the membrane 242 and the filter medium portion 240. The spacer 246 can extend laterally on the airflow path 206 and can define an opening (currently not visible) that partially defines the airflow path 206.

[0081] The vent assembly 200 has a first coupling structure 208 configured to sealably engage the enclosure 20 in the intermediate installation position and a second coupling structure 213 configured to sealably engage the enclosure 20 in the completed installation position. Figures 1 to 4 As described, the first coupling structure 208 includes a screw threaded portion of the outer shell 230, which is configured to engage with a mating threaded portion of the enclosure 20. The screw threaded portion is configured to engage the enclosure 20 in the intermediate installation position and the completed installation position. Also in this example, the enclosure sealing surface portion 209 defined around the outer shell 230 is configured to seal between the enclosure 20 and the ventilation member assembly 200 in the intermediate installation position and the completed installation position.

[0082] In some embodiments, one or more components of the second coupling structure are configured to be disengaged in the intermediate installation position and configured to be engaged in the completed installation position. For example, the final installation seal 218, the first axial length portion and the second axial length portion of the outer circumferential threaded portion 226 of the inner housing 220, and the corresponding inner circumferential threaded portion 234 of the outer housing 230 are each described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 A discussion is presented, the disclosure of which is applicable to the present example.

[0083] The axial length of the translation limiter 260 (indicated by element 270) is greater than the axial distance between the obstruction 250 and the enclosure opening 214 (element 272). Therefore, removing the translation limiter 260 and then axially translating the vent assembly 200 to form a sealing contact between the inner shell 220 and the outer shell 230 with the final installation seal 218 makes the enclosure opening 214 unobstructed by the obstruction 250.

[0084] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the example shown in , the ventilation member assembly has an inner shell and an outer shell. In some alternative embodiments, the ventilation member has no outer shell. Figure 6 As such an example design is shown in a cross-sectional view of another example vent assembly 300. The vent assembly 300 is depicted in an intermediate installation position in which the obstruction 350 is in a first relative position. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 , wherein the ventilation member assembly 300 is in a completed installation position, in which the blocking portion 350 is in a second relative position. In the current example, the outer shell is omitted, and the ventilation member assembly 300 has an inner shell 320 that is configured to be directly connected to the enclosure 30 in the intermediate installation position and the completed installation position.

[0085] The ventilation member assembly 300 has a ventilation member housing 310, a first axial end 302, a second axial end 304, and an airflow path 306 extending between the first axial end 302 and the second axial end 304. An environmental opening 312 is defined toward the second axial end 304. The environmental opening 312 is configured to be in fluid communication with an external environment. The environmental opening 312 is configured to be in fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path 306. The ventilation member housing 310 is defined with an enclosure opening 314. The enclosure opening 314 is typically configured to be in selective fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure 30. The enclosure opening 314 is configured to selectively define a fluid flow path 307 between the interior of the enclosure 30 and the airflow path 306.

[0086] The filter medium portion 340 is arranged transversely in the ventilation member housing 310 on the airflow path 306, wherein the filter medium portion 340 is configured to filter the airflow passing through the airflow path 306. In the current example, the filter medium portion 340 is an axial stack of the filter medium portion 340, but the filter medium portion 340 can be consistent with other filter medium portions described above. In some embodiments, the ventilation member assembly 300 also has a membrane 342, which is connected to the ventilation member housing 310 between the filter medium portion 340 and the second axial end 304. The membrane 342 extends transversely on the airflow path 306. In some such embodiments, a spacing area is provided between the filter medium portion 340 and the membrane 342, which is a gap in the axial direction. However, some embodiments can omit the membrane.

[0087] The ventilating member housing 310 is generally configured to extend through the wall of the enclosure 30. The ventilating member housing 310 is generally configured to be connected to the enclosure 30. More specifically, the ventilating member housing 310 has a first coupling structure 308, which is configured to engage the enclosure 30 in a sealable manner at least in the intermediate installation position. In the current example, the first coupling structure 308 is configured to engage the enclosure 30 in a sealable manner at the completed installation position. In the current example, the first coupling structure 308 includes a snap-fit ​​connector, but alternative or additional coupling structures can be used, examples of which have been described above. More specifically, the enclosure 30 is defined with an opening 32 and an axial sidewall 34 extending into the enclosure 30 and surrounding the opening 32. The ventilating member housing 310 has an axially extending sidewall 322 surrounding the airflow path 306, and the axially extending sidewall 322 is configured to be received by the axial wall 34 of the enclosure 30. The first coupling structure 308 includes a retaining edge portion 324, which extends radially outward relative to the distal end of the axial side wall 34 to form an interference fit between the ventilation member housing 310 and the enclosure 30. The retaining edge portion 324 can be made of various different materials. In some embodiments, the retaining edge portion 324 is an elastic material portion. In another embodiment, the retaining edge portion is a plastic portion.

[0088] In the example, the first coupling structure 308 may also include an enclosure sealing surface portion 309, which is configured to form a seal between the enclosure 30 and the ventilation member assembly 300 in the intermediate installation position. Therefore, the enclosure sealing surface portion 309 can be regarded as an intermediate installation seal. The enclosure sealing surface portion 309 surrounds the opening of the enclosure 30 and is axially positioned between the enclosure 30 and the ventilation member housing 310. In some embodiments, the enclosure sealing surface portion 309 is radially positioned between the enclosure 30 and the ventilation member housing 310.

[0089] In the current example, the first coupling structure 308 sealably couples the vent housing 310 to the enclosure 30 in the intermediate installation position and the completed installation position. In the current example, as described above, the vent housing 310 does not have an outer shell surrounding an inner shell. Instead, in the current example, the vent housing 310 is a single shell directly coupled to the enclosure 30.

[0090] The ventilation member assembly 300 is formed with a blocking portion 350, which is configured to block the fluid flow path 307 in a first relative position and not to block the fluid flow path 307 in a second relative position. The first relative position of the blocking portion coincides with the middle installation position of the ventilation member assembly 300. In the first relative position, the blocking portion 350 is configured to extend over the enclosure opening 314. The blocking portion 350 is configured to prevent liquid from being transferred from the enclosure opening 314 to the filter medium portion 340. In this example, in the first relative position, the enclosure opening 314 is arranged between the filter medium portion 340 and the blocking portion 350 along the fluid flow path 307. In the current example, the blocking portion 350 directly blocks the enclosure opening 314, which means that the blocking portion 350 is in sealing contact with the ventilation member housing 310 around each of the enclosure openings 314.

[0091] In the second relative position of the blocking portion 350, Figure 7 In the completed installation position shown, the obstruction 350 clears the fluid flow path 307 to provide ventilation between the enclosure 30 and the external environment. The obstruction 350 is configured to be removed from the fluid flow path 307 to provide fluid flow from the first axial end 302 of the vent housing 310 toward the filter medium portion 340. In this way, the environment within the enclosure 30 and the filter medium portion 340 are in fluid communication through the enclosure opening 314. In various embodiments, the vent assembly 300 is configured to maintain an upright orientation when the completed installation position is achieved (when the obstruction is in the second relative position).

[0092] In the example currently shown, the vent housing 310 and the enclosure 30 together define the obstruction 350. More specifically, the axially extending sidewall 322 of the vent housing 310 defines a plurality of enclosure openings 314 that are circumferentially spaced around the axially extending sidewall 322. The axially extending sidewall 322 is configured to abut the axial sidewall 34 of the enclosure 30. The axial sidewall 34 defines a plurality of corresponding openings 36 ( Figure 7), these corresponding openings are spaced circumferentially around the axial wall 34. In the completed installation position, the corresponding openings 36 are configured to overlap with the enclosure openings 314 in the radial direction. In the completed installation position, the blocking portion 350 is in the second relative position, that is, in the completed installation position of the ventilation member assembly 300. In addition, when the blocking portion 350 is in the first relative position, that is, in the intermediate installation position ( Figure 6 ), the corresponding opening 36 ( Figure 7 More specifically, the blocking portion 350 includes an axial side wall 34 of the enclosure 30 extending over each of the enclosure openings 314 of the ventilation member housing 310 and an axially extending side wall 322 of the ventilation member housing 310, and in the intermediate installation position of the ventilation member assembly 300, the axial side wall 34 of the enclosure 30 extends over each of the enclosure openings 314 of the ventilation member housing 310, and the axially extending side wall 322 of the ventilation member housing 310 extends over each of the corresponding openings 36 of the axial wall 34 of the enclosure.

[0093] The inner shell 320 is arranged in the enclosure 30 in a rotatable manner and is configured to rotate relative to the enclosure 30 from an intermediate installation position to a complete installation position, in which the enclosure opening 314 is not aligned with the corresponding opening 36, and in the complete installation position, the enclosure opening 314 is aligned with the corresponding opening 36 to form a fluid flow path 307 extending from the interior of the enclosure 30 to the filter medium portion 340.

[0094] Similar to the discussion above, the vent housing 310 is configured to be selectively rotatable relative to the enclosure 30. The vent housing 310 can be in the intermediate mounting position ( Figure 6 ) and the completed installation location ( Figure 7 ). In the intermediate installation position, the obstruction 350 is formed on the fluid flow path 307, as described above. In the completed installation position, the obstruction 350 does not obstruct the fluid flow path 307, as described above.

[0095] In various embodiments, the translation limiter 360 is configured to block translation of the vent housing 310 relative to the enclosure 30 in the intermediate installation position until manually disengaged. The translation limiter 360 engages the inner housing 320 and the enclosure 30 in a disengageable manner. The translation limiter 360 is configured to be manually disengaged to allow the vent housing 310 to translate from the intermediate installation position to the completed installation position of the vent assembly 300. In the current example, the inner housing 320 is capable of rotating relative to the enclosure 30 to define a first relative position ( Figure 6 ) and the second relative position ( Figure 7). The translation limiter 360 is configured to prevent rotational translation of the inner housing 320 relative to the enclosure 30 until the translation limiter 360 is manually disengaged.

[0096] In the current example, the translation limiter 360 is a pin that prevents the vent housing 310 from rotating relative to the enclosure 30. The pin is configured to extend through a pin receiving portion 362 defined by the vent housing 310 and the enclosure 30. The pin can be configured to be manually removed to enable the vent housing 310 to translate, thereby completing the installation of the vent assembly 300. The translation limiter can have alternative configurations, some of which have been described above.

[0097] In the present example, the enclosure opening 314 faces in a lateral direction. The enclosure opening 314 is located towards the first axial end 302 of the vent housing 310 .

[0098] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example vent assembly 400. In this example, the vent assembly 400 has an inner housing 420 and an outer housing 430. The vent assembly 400 is depicted in an intermediate installation position with the obstruction 450 in a first relative position. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation member assembly 400, wherein the ventilation member assembly 400 is in a completed installation position with the blocking portion 450 in a second relative position.

[0099] As with the other examples described, the ventilation member assembly 400 has a ventilation member housing 410, a first axial end 402, a second axial end 404, and an airflow path 406 extending between the first axial end 402 and the second axial end 404. An environmental opening 412 is defined toward the second axial end 404. The environmental opening 412 is configured to be in fluid communication with an external environment. The environmental opening 412 is configured to be in fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path 406. The ventilation member housing 410 is defined with an enclosure opening 414. The enclosure opening 414 is typically configured to be in selective fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure. The enclosure opening 414 is configured to selectively define a fluid flow path 407 between the interior of the enclosure and the airflow path 406.

[0100] The filter medium portion 440 is arranged transversely in the ventilation member housing 410 on the airflow path 406, wherein the filter medium portion 440 is configured to filter the airflow passing through the airflow path 406. In the current example, the filter medium portion 440 is an axially stacked member of the filter medium portion 440, but the filter medium portion 440 can be consistent with other filter medium portions described above. In some embodiments, the ventilation member assembly 400 also has a membrane 442, which is connected to the ventilation member housing 410 between the filter medium portion 440 and the second axial end 404. The membrane 442 extends laterally on the airflow path 406. In some such embodiments, a spacing area is provided between the filter medium portion 440 and the membrane 442, which is a gap in the axial direction. However, some embodiments can omit the membrane.

[0101] The ventilation member housing 410 is generally configured to extend through the wall of the enclosure (not currently depicted). The ventilation member housing 410 is generally configured to be connected to the enclosure. More specifically, the ventilation member housing 410 has a first coupling structure 408, which is configured to engage the enclosure in a sealable manner at least in the middle installation position. In the current example, the first coupling structure 408 is configured to engage the enclosure in a sealable manner at the completed installation position. In the current example, the outer shell 430 has a first coupling structure 408, which is configured to be connected to the enclosure wall in a sealable manner around the opening defined in the enclosure wall. More specifically, the outer shell 430 has an outer axial sidewall 434 and a first retaining edge portion 436 extending radially outward from the outer axial sidewall 434. The outer axial sidewall 434 is configured to extend through the opening defined by the enclosure wall, and the first retaining edge portion 436 is configured to abut the enclosure wall. The first retaining edge portion 436 may be configured to couple to an enclosure wall by welding, adhesives, fasteners, or by other methods described above.In some embodiments, the outer axial sidewall 434 may define a bayonet connector, snap-fit ​​feature, or other coupling structure configured to mate with an enclosure.

[0102] The outer axial sidewall 434 and the first retaining edge portion 436 define the inner shell opening 431. Each of the outer axial sidewall 434 and the first retaining edge portion 436 surrounds the inner shell opening 431. The outer axial sidewall 434 is configured to extend axially into the corresponding enclosure. The ventilation member housing 410 has an inner shell 420, and the inner shell 420 has an inner axial sidewall 422 surrounding the airflow path 406. The inner axial sidewall 422 is configured to be received by the outer shell 430. The first coupling structure 408 may include a circumferential retaining edge portion 424 extending radially between the inner shell 420 and the outer shell 430. The circumferential retaining edge portion 424 can fix the inner shell 420 to the outer shell 430 in the axial direction, but allow relative rotation between the inner shell 420 and the outer shell 430. The circumferential retaining edge portion 424 can define a seal ( Figure 8 In various embodiments, the circumferential retaining edge 424 can define a seal between the outer shell 430 and the inner shell 420 in the completed installed position ( Fig. 9 ).

[0103] The ventilation member assembly 400 is formed with a blocking portion 450, which is configured to block the fluid flow path 407 in a first relative position and not to block the fluid flow path 407 in a second relative position. The first relative position of the blocking portion coincides with the middle installation position of the ventilation member assembly 400. In the first relative position, the blocking portion 450 is configured to extend over the enclosure opening 414. The blocking portion 450 is configured to prevent liquid from being transferred from the enclosure opening 414 to the filter medium portion 440. In this example, in the first relative position, the enclosure opening 414 is arranged between the filter medium portion 440 and the blocking portion 450 along the fluid flow path 407. In the current example, the blocking portion 450 directly blocks the enclosure opening 414, which means that the blocking portion 450 is in sealing contact with the ventilation housing 410 around each enclosure in the enclosure opening 414.

[0104] In the second relative position of the blocking portion 450, Fig. 9 In the completed installation position shown, the obstruction 450 makes the fluid flow path 407 unobstructed to provide ventilation between the enclosure and the external environment. The obstruction 450 is configured to be removed from the fluid flow path 407 to provide a fluid flow from the first axial end 402 of the ventilation member housing 410 toward the filter medium portion 440. In this way, the environment within the enclosure and the filter medium portion 440 are fluidically connected through the enclosure opening 414. In various embodiments, the ventilation member assembly 400 is configured to maintain an upright orientation when the completed installation position is achieved (when the obstruction is in the second relative position).

[0105] Refer to above Figure 6 to Figure 7The example described is similar, in which the ventilation member housing 410 is configured to rotate between an intermediate installation position and a completed installation position. However, in the example currently shown, the inner housing 420 and the outer housing 430 jointly define a blocking portion 450. More specifically, the inner housing 420 is defined by a first transverse end wall 428, which extends on the distal end of the inner axial side wall 422. The first transverse end wall 428 defines a plurality of enclosure openings 414 facing the axial direction. The outer housing 430 is defined by a second transverse end wall 438, which extends on the distal end of the outer axial side wall 434. The second transverse end wall 438 defines a plurality of corresponding openings 432 ( Fig. 9 ). The first transverse end wall 428 and the second transverse end wall 438 together define the obstruction 450. The corresponding opening 432 is configured to overlap the enclosure opening 414 in the axial direction in the completed installation position to allow the fluid flow path 307 to be unobstructed. In the completed installation position, the obstruction 450 is said to be in the second relative position, i.e., the completed installation position of the vent assembly 400.

[0106] When the blocking portion 450 is in the first relative position, that is, the middle installation position of the ventilation member assembly 400 ( Figure 8 ), the corresponding openings 432 of the outer shell 430 are not aligned with the enclosure openings 414. More specifically, in the intermediate installation position of the vent assembly 400, the blocking portion 450 includes a second transverse end wall 438 of the enclosure extending transversely over each of the enclosure openings 414 of the inner shell 420 and a first transverse end wall 428 of the vent housing 410 extending over each of the corresponding openings 432 of the second transverse end wall 438 of the enclosure.

[0107] The inner housing 420 is rotatably disposed in the outer housing 430, and the inner housing is configured to rotate relative to the enclosure from an intermediate installation position, in which the enclosure opening 414 and the corresponding opening 432 are not aligned in the axial direction, to a completed installation position, in which the enclosure opening 414 and the corresponding opening 432 are aligned in the axial direction to form a fluid flow path 407 extending from the interior of the enclosure to the filter medium portion 440. Although a plurality of enclosure openings 414 and corresponding openings 432 are currently depicted, in some other embodiments, a single enclosure opening and corresponding opening may be used.

[0108] Similar to the above discussion, the inner housing 420 is configured to be selectively rotatable relative to the outer housing 430 and the corresponding enclosure. Figure 8 ) and the completed installation location ( Fig. 9). In the intermediate installation position, the obstruction 450 is formed on the fluid flow path 407, as described above. In the completed installation position, the obstruction 450 does not obstruct the fluid flow path 407, as described above.

[0109] Although a translation limiter is not currently depicted, it is understood that a translation limiter may be incorporated into the vent assembly 400 to hold the vent assembly 400 in an intermediate installation position until manually disengaged. In the intermediate installation position, the translation limiter may be configured to block translation of the inner housing 420 relative to the outer housing 430 until manually disengaged. In the current example, the translation limiter will be configured to prevent rotational translation of the inner housing 420 relative to the outer housing 430 until the translation limiter is manually disengaged, at which point the inner housing 420 is rotated relative to the outer housing 430 to define the fluid flow path 407.

[0110] Exemplary Aspects

[0111] Aspect 1. A ventilation component assembly, the ventilation component assembly comprising:

[0112] A ventilator housing, the ventilator housing comprising:

[0113] a first axial end, a second axial end, and an airflow path extending between the first axial end and the second axial end,

[0114] an environmental opening toward the second axial end, the environmental opening being configured for fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path,

[0115] an enclosure opening configured to selectively define a fluid flow path between an interior of the enclosure and the airflow path;

[0116] a blocking portion having a first relative position and a second relative position, wherein the blocking portion is configured to: block the fluid flow path in the first relative position, and not block the fluid flow path in the second relative position; and

[0117] A filter medium portion is disposed in the ventilation element housing transversely to the airflow path.

[0118] Aspect 2. The ventilation member assembly according to any one of aspects 1 and aspects 3 to 27, wherein the ventilation member housing comprises an inner housing and an outer housing surrounding the inner housing, wherein the inner housing is capable of translating relative to the outer housing.

[0119] Aspect 3. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 2 and aspects 4 to 27, wherein the inner shell defines the enclosure opening.

[0120] Aspect 4. The ventilation member assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 3 and aspects 5 to 27, wherein the inner shell defines the obstruction portion.

[0121] Aspect 5. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 4 and aspects 6 to 27, wherein the outer shell defines the obstruction portion.

[0122] Aspect 6. A ventilation component assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5 and Aspects 7 to 27, wherein the outer shell also defines a corresponding opening, and when the blocking portion is in the second relative position, the corresponding opening is aligned with the enclosure opening, and when the blocking portion is in the first relative position, the corresponding opening is not aligned with the enclosure opening.

[0123] Aspect 7. The ventilation member assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 6 and aspects 8 to 27, wherein the inner shell is rotatable relative to the outer shell to define the first relative position and the second relative position of the blocking portion.

[0124] Aspect 8. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 7 and aspects 9 to 27, wherein the inner shell is axially translatable relative to the outer shell to define the first relative position and the second relative position of the obstruction portion.

[0125] Aspect 9. A ventilation component assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8 and Aspects 10 to 27, wherein the ventilation component assembly also includes a translation limiter, which engages the inner shell and the outer shell in a disengageable manner, wherein the translation limiter is configured to block the translation of the inner shell relative to the outer shell until manually disengaged.

[0126] Aspect 10. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 9 and aspects 11 to 27, wherein the translation limiter is a manually removable clip.

[0127] Aspect 11. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 10 and aspects 12 to 27, wherein the translation limiter has a visually distinct color relative to visible portions of components of the vent assembly that are not the translation limiter.

[0128] Aspect 12. A ventilation component assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11 and Aspects 13 to 27, wherein, in the first relative position of the blocking portion, the outer shell defines the first axial end of the shell, and in the second relative position of the blocking portion, the inner shell defines the first axial end of the shell.

[0129] Aspect 13. A ventilation member assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12 and Aspects 14 to 27, wherein the outer shell includes an openable seal that defines the blocking portion, wherein the openable seal extends laterally over the first axial end of the ventilation member shell at the first relative position, and the inner shell is configured to extend through the openable seal to define the first axial end of the ventilation member shell at the second relative position.

[0130] Aspect 14. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 13 and aspects 15 to 27, wherein the outer housing comprises a duckbill valve.

[0131] Aspect 15. A ventilation component assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14 and Aspects 16 to 27, wherein the ventilation component housing includes an axially extending side wall surrounding the airflow path, wherein the ventilation component assembly also includes an intermediate mounting seal arranged around the side wall toward the first axial end and a final mounting seal arranged around the side wall toward the second axial end.

[0132] Aspect 16. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 15 and aspects 17 to 27, wherein the intermediate mounting seal is positioned between the enclosure opening and the first axial end.

[0133] Aspect 17. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 16 and aspects 18 to 27, wherein the intermediate mounting seal is arranged around the inner shell.

[0134] Aspect 18. A ventilation component assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17 and Aspects 19 to 27, wherein the outer shell includes a seal retaining portion, wherein the intermediate mounting seal is located outside the seal retaining portion in the first relative position, and the intermediate mounting seal is located inside the seal retaining portion in the second relative position.

[0135] Aspect 19. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 18 and aspects 20 to 27, wherein the intermediate mounting seal defines the obstruction portion.

[0136] Aspect 20. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 19 and aspects 21 to 27, wherein the intermediate mounting seal is configured to abut the enclosure in the first relative position and to be spaced apart from the enclosure in the second relative position.

[0137] Aspect 21. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 20 and aspects 22 to 27, wherein the enclosure opening faces in the axial direction.

[0138] Aspect 22. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 21 and aspects 23 to 27, wherein the enclosure opening faces in the lateral direction.

[0139] Aspect 23. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 22 and aspects 24 to 27, wherein the enclosure opening is located toward the first axial end.

[0140] Aspect 24. The ventilation member assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 23 and Aspects 25 to 27, further comprising a membrane connected to the ventilation member housing between the filter medium portion and the second axial end, wherein the membrane extends laterally in the airflow path.

[0141] Aspect 25. The venting member assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 24 and aspects 26 to 27, further comprising a spacing region between the filter media portion and the membrane.

[0142] Aspect 26. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 25 and aspect 27, wherein the filter media portion comprises a coalescing filter media portion.

[0143] Aspect 27. The ventilation member assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 26, wherein the filter medium portion includes at least 10 plates of the filter medium portion arranged in a stacked manner along the axial direction.

[0144] Aspect 28. A vent assembly, the vent assembly comprising:

[0145] A vent housing configured to extend through an enclosure having a wall thickness, the vent housing having:

[0146] a first axial end, a second axial end, and an airflow path extending between the first axial end and the second axial end,

[0147] an environmental opening toward the second axial end, the environmental opening being configured for fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path, and

[0148] an enclosure opening configured to selectively define a fluid flow path between an interior of the enclosure and the airflow path;

[0149] a first coupling structure configured to sealably engage the enclosure in an intermediate mounted position;

[0150] a translation limiter configured to block translation of the vent housing relative to the enclosure in the intermediate mounting position, wherein the translation limiter is configured to be manually disengaged; and

[0151] A filter media portion is disposed in the housing transversely to the airflow path.

[0152] Aspect 29. The ventilating member assembly according to any one of Aspect 28 and Aspects 30 to 43, wherein the enclosure opening faces in the lateral direction.

[0153] Aspect 30. The ventilation member assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 29 and Aspects 31 to 43, further comprising an intermediate mounting seal arranged around the ventilation member housing, wherein the intermediate mounting seal is positioned between the enclosure opening and the first axial end.

[0154] Aspect 31. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 28 to 30 and 32 to 43, wherein the translation limiter has a visually distinct color relative to visible portions of components of the vent assembly that are not the translation limiter.

[0155] Aspect 32. The ventilation member assembly according to any one of aspects 28 to 31 and aspects 33 to 43, wherein the translation limiter is configured to block translation of the ventilation member housing in the axial direction.

[0156] Aspect 33. According to the ventilation member assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 32 and Aspects 34 to 43, a sealing surface portion of an enclosure is arranged around the ventilation member shell, wherein the sealing surface portion of the enclosure is axially positioned between the second axial end and the enclosure opening, and is configured to form a seal with the enclosure in the intermediate installation position.

[0157] Aspect 34. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 28 to 33 and aspects 35 to 43, wherein the translation limiter is positioned axially between the enclosure sealing surface portion and the ambient opening.

[0158] Aspect 35. A vent assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 34 and Aspects 36 to 43, wherein an axial distance between the intermediate mounting seal and the translation limiter is greater than an axial distance between the enclosure sealing surface portion and the enclosure opening.

[0159] Aspect 36. A ventilation member assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 35 and Aspects 37 to 43, wherein the ventilation member assembly also includes a joining thread portion extending around the ventilation member shell from the enclosure sealing surface portion toward the intermediate mounting seal, wherein the axial distance on the joining thread portion is greater than the axial distance between the intermediate mounting seal and the enclosure opening.

[0160] Aspect 37. The vent assembly according to any one of aspects 28 to 36 and aspects 38 to 43, further comprising a snap-fit ​​connector configured to engage with the enclosure via an interference fit.

[0161] Aspect 38. The vent assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 37 and Aspects 39 to 43, wherein an axial distance between the intermediate mounting seal and the enclosure opening is configured to be less than a thickness of a wall of the enclosure.

[0162] Aspect 39. The vent assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 38 and Aspects 40 to 43, wherein the translation limiter is configured to prevent the vent housing from rotating relative to the enclosure.

[0163] Aspect 40. The vent assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 39 and Aspects 41 to 43, wherein the enclosure opening faces in the axial direction.

[0164] Aspect 41. The vent assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 40 and Aspects 42 to 43, wherein the filter media portion is configured to be positioned within the enclosure.

[0165] Aspect 42. According to any one of Aspects 28 to 41 and Aspect 43, the ventilation component assembly further includes a second connecting structure, the second connecting structure is configured to disconnect from the enclosure in the intermediate installation position, and the second connecting structure is configured to engage with the enclosure in a sealable manner in the completed installation position.

[0166] Aspect 43. The ventilation component assembly according to any one of Aspects 28 to 42, further comprising a blocking portion, wherein the blocking portion is configured to block the fluid flow path in the intermediate installation position and not to block the fluid flow path in the completed installation position.

[0167] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase "configured" describes a system, device or other structure that is formed to perform a specific task or adopt a specific configuration. The term "configured" can be used interchangeably with similar terms such as "set", "constructed", "manufactured", etc.

[0168] All disclosures and patent applications in this application document indicate the level of ordinary technicians in the field of this technology. All disclosures and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference, and their reference degree is the same as the degree specifically and individually pointed out by reference to each individual disclosure or patent application. If there is any inconsistency between the disclosure of the application and the disclosure of any file incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure of the application shall prevail.

[0169] This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the subject matter.It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, and that the claims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Claims

1. A ventilation component assembly, the ventilation component assembly comprising: A ventilator housing, the ventilator housing comprising: a first axial end, a second axial end, and an airflow path extending between the first axial end and the second axial end, an environmental opening, the environmental opening facing the second axial end, the environmental opening being configured for fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path, an enclosure opening configured to selectively define a fluid flow path between an interior of the enclosure and the airflow path, and a blocking portion having a first relative position and a second relative position, wherein the blocking portion is configured to: block the fluid flow path in the first relative position; and not block the fluid flow path in the second relative position; and A filter medium portion is disposed in the ventilation element housing transversely to the airflow path.

2. The ventilation member assembly according to claim 1 and any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the ventilation member housing comprises an inner housing and an outer housing surrounding the inner housing, wherein: The inner housing is translatable relative to the outer housing.

3. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and claims 4 to 13, wherein: The inner shell defines the enclosure opening.

4. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claims 5 to 13, wherein: The outer shell also defines a corresponding opening that is aligned with the enclosure opening when the blocking portion is in the second relative position and is not aligned with the enclosure opening when the blocking portion is in the first relative position.

5. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claims 6 to 13, wherein: The inner housing is axially translatable relative to the outer housing to define the first and second relative positions of the obstruction portion.

6. The vent assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and claims 7 to 13, further comprising a translation limiter that engages the inner shell and the outer shell in a releasable engagement, wherein: The translation limiter is configured to block translation of the inner housing relative to the outer housing until manually disengaged.

7. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and claims 8 to 13, wherein: The vent housing includes an axially extending sidewall surrounding the airflow path, wherein the vent assembly further includes an intermediate mounting seal disposed around the sidewall toward the first axial end and a final mounting seal disposed around the sidewall toward the second axial end.

8. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and claims 9 to 13, wherein: The intermediate mounting seal is positioned between the enclosure opening and the first axial end.

9. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and claims 10 to 13, wherein: The outer housing includes a seal retaining portion, wherein in the first relative position the intermediate mounting seal is located outside the seal retaining portion, and in the second relative position the intermediate mounting seal is located inside the seal retaining portion.

10. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and claims 11 to 13, wherein: The intermediate mounting seal defines the obstruction.

11. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and claims 12 to 13, wherein: The enclosure opening faces in a transverse direction.

12. The vent assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11 and claim 13, further comprising a membrane coupled to the vent housing between the filter media portion and the second axial end, wherein: The membrane extends transversely in the air flow path.

13. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The filter media portion includes a coalescing filter media portion.

14. A ventilation component assembly, the ventilation component assembly comprising: A vent housing configured to extend through an enclosure having a wall thickness, the vent housing having: a first axial end, a second axial end, and an airflow path extending between the first axial end and the second axial end, an environmental opening toward the second axial end, the environmental opening configured for fluid communication between an external environment and the airflow path, and an enclosure opening configured to selectively define a fluid flow path between an interior of the enclosure and the airflow path; a first coupling structure configured to sealably engage the enclosure in an intermediate mounted position; a translation limiter configured to block translation of the vent member housing relative to the enclosure in the intermediate mounting position, wherein the translation limiter is configured to be manually disengaged; as well as A filter media portion is disposed in the housing transversely to the airflow path.

15. The vent member assembly according to claim 14 and any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising an intermediate mounting seal arranged around the vent member housing, wherein: The intermediate mounting seal is positioned between the enclosure opening and the first axial end.

16. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 15 and claims 17 to 20, wherein: The translation limiter has a visually distinct color relative to visible portions of the vent assembly components that are not the translation limiter.

17. The ventilation element assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16 and claims 18 to 20, wherein: The translation limiter is configured to block translation of the breather housing in an axial direction.

18. A ventilation member assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 17 and claims 19 to 20, wherein an enclosure sealing surface portion is arranged around the ventilation member housing, wherein: The enclosure sealing surface portion is axially positioned between the second axial end and the enclosure opening, and the enclosure sealing surface portion is configured to form a seal with the enclosure in the intermediate installation position.

19. A ventilation component assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 18 and claim 20, wherein the ventilation component assembly further includes a second connecting structure, the second connecting structure being configured to be disconnected from the enclosure in the intermediate installation position; and the second connecting structure being configured to be sealably engaged with the enclosure in the completed installation position.

20. The ventilation member assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 19, further comprising a blocking portion, wherein: The blocking portion is configured to: block the fluid flow path in the intermediate installation position; and not block the fluid flow path in the completed installation position.

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