Air cleaner device and associated filter element

Abstract

1. A filter element for filtering a gaseous fluid, the filter element comprising: a filter media pack having a longitudinal axis; and a circumferential seal support structure sealingly coupled to a side wall of the filter media pack, the seal support structure further comprising a first seal and a second seal, wherein axial projections of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define first and second closure perimeters, and areas corresponding to the first and second closure perimeters include non-overlapping areas, the filter element, and an associated filter assembly.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application was filed as a PCT international patent application on April 20, 2022, and claims the benefit of and priority to European Patent Application No. 21169534.1 filed on April 20, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to filter devices and filter elements, typically for use in filtering air, such as the intake air for an internal combustion engine. [Background technology]

[0003] Air streams can carry contaminants such as dust and liquid particles. In many cases, it is desirable to filter some or all of the contaminants from the air stream. For example, airflow streams (e.g., combustion air streams) to engines for automobiles or power generating equipment, gas streams to gas turbine systems, and air streams to various combustion furnaces carry particulate contaminants to be filtered. In such systems, it is preferable to remove selected contaminants from the air (or reduce their levels in the air). For contaminant removal, various air filter devices have been developed.

[0004] There is a need in industry to reduce the size and weight of air filtration systems and filter elements (also called filter cartridges) that are installed in automobiles or large vehicles. These air filtration systems (and cartridges) need to be compact and need to be integrated with other components of the vehicle in a compact space.

[0005] Therefore, a system with a high degree of design freedom is required.

[0006] It is also necessary to guarantee to the end user that the filter element is suitable for the respective system, for example by making it mechanically impossible to install an inappropriate filter element. Indeed, filter elements are usually developed for a particular type of vehicle and the given working and ambient conditions of such vehicle. Much research and development goes into the development and selection of filter media, analysis of the characteristics of the fluid flow, dust removal capacity, behavior under simulated and real vibration exposure, etc. Positioning of an incorrect filter element in a filter housing can adversely affect the filtering performance of a particular system and the functioning of the engine to which the filtered air is supplied. Engine failures can also occur due to prolonged use of an inappropriate filter element.

[0007] There is a need in the industry for improved and alternative filtering devices.

[0008] There is also a need to reduce manufacturing costs of filtration systems, for example by enabling reuse / shared use of certain components in more than one filter device, i.e. for different types of vehicles, e.g., for different brands / manufacturers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a filter element according to claim 1 and to provide an associated filter assembly according to the second independent claim. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a filter element for filtration of gaseous fluids is disclosed, which comprises a filter media pack having a longitudinal axis. It comprises a circumferential seal support structure sealingly coupled to a side wall of the filter media pack. Thus, the seal support structure is preferably directly or indirectly, permanently or removably, hermetically connected to the filter media pack. The seal support structure further comprises a first seal and a second seal. Axial projections of the first seal and the second seal along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define first and second closure perimeters. The areas corresponding to the first and second closure perimeters include non-overlapping areas.

[0011] An advantage of the embodiments of the present disclosure is that they offer additional design freedom for filter elements and associated filter assemblies.

[0012] For example, a first seal can be positioned to form a seal against a first sealing surface of a main housing portion, while a second seal can be positioned to form a seal against a complementary housing portion, such as a housing end cover or a precleaner arrangement. By having seals that present non-overlapping portions in projection, the relationship between the main housing portion and the complementary housing portion can be different than state of the art.

[0013] Additionally, there may be some decoupling in the shape of the complementary housing portion and the primary housing portion.

[0014] Also, if the filter element is properly designed, the filter main housing can be used with different complementary housing parts, or complementary housing parts can be used with different filter main housing parts. This can be advantageous because more volume can be created and components can be used across different air cleaner systems.

[0015] The presence of the non-overlapping portion has the added benefit of aiding a user in placing the correct filter element in a particular housing and aiding in identifying the correct location of the filter element.

[0016] For practical reasons, the present disclosure has been claimed by referring to the periphery of the axial projection of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or alternatively, to the periphery defined by the projection of the sealing surfaces defined by the first and second seals, as considered to be part of the present disclosure.

[0017] Preferably, the filter, and thus the filter medium, is suitable for filtering air.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the area defined by the closure perimeter also includes an overlap area.

[0019] Preferably, the non-overlapping region has a surface that constitutes at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30% of the minimum area of ​​the region defined by the closure perimeter.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping area is 5 cm 2 Greater than or equal to 10cm 2 Greater than or equal to 25cm 2 It has a larger surface area.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping area does not have a rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis, for example but not exclusively, when the non-overlapping area consists of a single area corresponding to a local offset between the two closure peripheries, which follow / correspond to each other for other complementary parts of their peripheries, for example but not exclusively, when the non-overlapping area is defined as an area between a concave section of the periphery of one projection of the seal and a bridging section of the other projection of the seal, the bridging section bridging all or part of the concave section.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping region is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first or second perimeter.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping region is asymmetrically disposed with respect to the first and second perimeters.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second closure perimeters enclose a projection of the filter media pack along the longitudinal axis on a plane.

[0025] The media pack can include any type of media, including pleated media configurations as well as fluted (also called Z-shaped) media. Fluted media can be stacked media or rolled media. Media packs including fluted media can further include a wrap of a shell circumferentially disposed around the outer surface of the media pack. Such a wrap or shell is also typically connected to the media in an airtight manner.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the areas defined by the periphery have different shapes.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the areas defined by the peripheries have a similar shape but different sizes.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the periphery has a common centre of gravity.

[0029] This may be convenient, for example, in an air cleaner configuration in which the precleaner housing cover has a longitudinal axis that substantially corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the filter element, where the element is used in a relatively straight air cleaner configuration.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the periphery has different centres of gravity.

[0031] This may be convenient when the element is used in an air cleaner configuration in which one or both of the primary and complementary filter housing portions have longitudinal axes that are substantially offset from the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0032] According to preferred embodiments, the areas defined by the closure perimeter differ in surface area by at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 50%.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the first periphery or the second periphery completely surrounds the other.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure comprises at least one through-opening for the gaseous fluid in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area, the through-opening itself may comprise or be defined by the third seal.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure comprises one or more electronic devices in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area. The same can be applied to the main housing part, i.e. the main housing part can comprise one or more electronic devices in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area.

[0036] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present disclosure that the non-overlapping areas in the projection corresponding to the relative in-plane offset between the first and second seals can provide space for positioning functional features.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure has an axial extension of less than 10 cm, or less than 8 cm, or less than 5 cm.

[0038] According to alternative preferred embodiments, the seal support structure has an axial extension of at least 10 cm, or at least 20 cm, or at least 30 cm. In such embodiments, the filter element / media pack preferably comprises a shell on its outer contour, the shell preferably constituting at least part of the seal support structure.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals are disposed around the periphery of the media pack. In such a configuration, the first and second seals are disposed against or near a side wall of the media pack, for example against a side wall of a rolled fluted media pack, which optionally includes a wrap or shell.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the first seal and the second seal are separate and distinct seals. Preferably, the first and second sealing surfaces are formed by separate seals.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the first seal and the second seal comprise a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. Alternatively, one or both seals may comprise a polyurethane (PU) seal material, or any other material known to those skilled in the art of air filtration systems.

[0042] The first and / or second seal may be embodied as a lip seal, preferably comprising a TPE, that elastically deforms to form a seal with a corresponding sealing surface when brought into contact therewith. Alternatively, or in combination, one or both seals may comprise a compressible seal, for example comprising a PU.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second seals is disposed in a single plane, the first plane and the second plane, respectively. Preferably, the corresponding first and second seal surfaces are disposed in or along a single plane.

[0044] The first and second planes are preferably parallel. Preferably, one or both of the first and second planes are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0045] The first plane and the second plane are preferably not coincident and intersect the longitudinal axis of the filter element at different axial heights.

[0046] The distance between the first plane and the second plane is preferably greater than 0.5 cm, or greater than 1 cm, or greater than 2 cm, or greater than 3 cm, or greater than 4 cm, or greater than 5 cm, or greater than 10 cm.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the first seal or the second seal conforms to a side wall of the filter media pack.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the first seal and the second seal conforms to the side wall of the filter media pack over an angular range (around the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack) of at least 180°, preferably at least 210°, preferably at least 240°, preferably at least 270°, preferably at least 300° but not completely.

[0049] By "conforms to the side wall" it is meant that each seal remains within 3 cm of each other along the side wall of the media pack, more preferably within 2 cm, even more preferably within 1 cm, and most preferably within 0.5 cm.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals follow each other over an angular range (around the longitudinal axis of the media pack) of at least 180°, preferably at least 210°, preferably at least 240°, preferably at least 270°, preferably at least 300°. The respective seals preferably thereby remain within a distance of 3 cm, more preferably within 2 cm, even more preferably within 1 cm, most preferably within 0.5 cm, in projection. Preferably, both seals follow the media pack to the same extent that they follow each other.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals follow one another around the circumference of the media pack, except for portions of each corresponding to the non-overlapping region.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping region corresponds to an angular range over which either the first or second seal does not conform to the media pack.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping region consists of a single region corresponding to the local bias between two closed perimeters, which follow / correspond to each other for other complementary (non-biased) parts of their perimeters.

[0054] Preferably, the non-overlapping region is defined as the region between a peripheral concave section of one projection of the seal and a bridging section of the projection of the other seal, the bridging section bridging all or part of the concave section in the projection.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the filter media pack comprises a convex curve and a concave curve.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter media pack does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first seal and the second seal does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element has a first axial end and a second axial end, and the circumferential seal support structure is disposed adjacent to or at one of the axial ends of the filter element.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element has first and second axial ends and the circumferential seal support structure is disposed between and spaced from the first and second axial ends of the filter element.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure sealingly and gas-tightly bridges the gap between the first and second seals, except for an optional through opening in the seal support structure.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure comprises a base sealingly coupled to a side wall of the filter media pack and a flange extending radially from the base, the flange having an outer edge, the flange defining a first side and an opposite second side thereof relative to a longitudinal axis of the filter media pack, and the first and second seals are disposed on or adjacent to the flange.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals are positioned at different locations selected from the set of: (on the first side of the flange, on the second side of the flange, on the outer edge, on the base of the first side of the flange, on the base of the second side of the flange).

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the seals is arranged on the flange. It is also possible for both the first and second seals to be arranged on the flange.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the seals is located at the outer edge of the flange.

[0065] In certain embodiments, at least one of the seals is disposed on the base. Both the first and second seals can be disposed on the base.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals are adapted to form a radial seal.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals are adapted to form an axial seal.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the first seal is adapted to form a seal in a radial direction and the second seal is adapted to form a seal in an axial direction.

[0069] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a filter assembly is disclosed comprising a housing comprising a main housing portion and a complementary housing portion, and a filter element according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0070] The first seal forms a seal between the filter element and the main housing portion, and the second seal forms a seal between the filter element and the complementary housing portion.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element comprises a seal support structure comprising a base sealingly coupled to a side wall of the media pack and a flange extending radially from the base, the flange having an outer edge, the flange defining a first side and an opposite second side of the flange relative to a longitudinal axis of the media pack, the first and second seals being disposed on or adjacent the flange such that the flange bridges the gap between the two seals and forms an airtight connection between the seals and, therefore, between the primary and complementary housing parts.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the gap between the first and second seals will not otherwise be bridged by any portion of the filter housing.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the complementary housing portion comprises a precleaner device or housing cover. Such precleaner devices are known in the art and are used to remove large particles and other constituents from the incoming air stream before it reaches the filter element.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises a filter element, the seal support structure having at least one penetration for a gaseous fluid in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area, and further comprises a precleaner scavenge pipe connected with the at least one penetration of the seal support structure.

[0075] Features and advantages disclosed for one of the above aspects of the disclosure are hereby implicitly disclosed for the other aspects, mutatis mutandis, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In particular, aspects described for a filter element in the context of a filter assembly aspect are also considered applicable and disclosed for the filter element or cartridge, and vice versa.

[0076] The present disclosure is further elucidated by the following description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a first perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure; [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a second perspective view of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] 1B shows a partial cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 illustrates a first perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 illustrates a first perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of an air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure; [Figure 3A]FIG. 1 illustrates a first perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of an air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1B shows a side view of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1B shows a second perspective view of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3B illustrates a first end view of the filter element of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a first side view of the filter element of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B shows a first perspective view of the filter element of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1B illustrates a first end view of the filter element of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a first perspective view of the filter element of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B shows a first side view of the filter element of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5B shows a second perspective view of the filter element of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2C illustrates a first side view of the filter element of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 2B. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a first perspective view of the filter element of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B shows a first end view of the filter element of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2B illustrates a first end view of the filter element of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 2A. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows a first perspective view of the filter element of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B shows a first side view of the filter element of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7B shows a second perspective view of the filter element of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of a non-overlapping area associated with the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 2A. [Figure 8B]2C illustrates a schematic diagram of a non-overlapping region associated with the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 2B. [Figure 8C] 8B illustrates, in schematic form, an alternative non-overlapping region to that shown in FIG. 8A. [Figure 8D] 3B illustrates a schematic diagram of a non-overlapping region associated with the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 8E] 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of a non-overlapping area associated with the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 9A] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of bases and radially extending flanges that can be used with the embodiments of filter elements disclosed herein. [Figure 9B] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of bases and radially extending flanges that can be used with the embodiments of filter elements disclosed herein. [Figure 9C] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of bases and radially extending flanges that can be used with the embodiments of filter elements disclosed herein. [Figure 9D] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of bases and radially extending flanges that can be used with the embodiments of filter elements disclosed herein. [Figure 9E] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of bases and radially extending flanges that can be used with the embodiments of filter elements disclosed herein. [Figure 9F] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of bases and radially extending flanges that can be used with the embodiments of filter elements disclosed herein. [Figure 10A-1] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10A-2] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10B-1]1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10B-2] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10C-1] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10C-2] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10D-1] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10D-2] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 11A] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 11B] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure having different locations of first and second seals on a seal support structure usable with embodiments of a filter element disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] The drawings may also be characterized as follows: Figures 1A-1C and 5A-5D show a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 2A and 7A-7D show a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 2B and 6A-6C show a third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 3A-3C and 4A-4C show a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 8A-8F show different non-overlapping regions according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 9A-9F generally show embodiments of the present disclosure having different positioning of the base and radially extending flanges; and Figures 10A-1-10D-2 and 11A-11B generally show embodiments of the present disclosure having different positioning of the first seal and the second seal on the seal support structure.

[0079] The present disclosure will be described with respect to certain embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to the practice of the present disclosure.

[0080] Moreover, the terms first, second, third and the like in this specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order.

[0081] Although various embodiments are referred to as "preferred," this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but rather as examples in which the disclosure may be practiced.

[0082] 1A-1C and 5A-5D show a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The air filter assembly (1, 2) comprises a housing (1) and an associated filter element (2) arranged within the housing (1). The housing (1) comprises a main housing part (1b) and a complementary housing part (1a). The complementary housing part (1a), here embodied as a precleaner device, can be, for example, a filter housing cover, which preferably comprises one or more air inlet openings. The precleaner device or housing cover (1a) is preferably removably connected to the main housing part (1b) so that it can be removed for servicing the filter element (2). The filter element (2) is arranged within the main housing part such that all or substantially all of the air flowing through the filter housing (1) from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12) must pass through the filter element (2). The filter element (2) typically includes at least one seal for sealing the filter element (2) to the inner wall of the filter housing (1). In this disclosure, the filter element (2) includes at least two seals (23, 24) to provide this general function and more.

[0083] The precleaner arrangement (1a) comprises one or more inlet openings (11) for intake air and a mechanism for providing a coarse inertial separation of dirt from the incoming air stream without the need for a replaceable filter element (2). The precleaner may comprise, for example, a small vaned tube that spins the air at very high speeds, thereby displacing dust particles and dirt from the air stream before it is fed to the air filter element (2). The precleaner device (1a) may also comprise, for example, a dust discharge valve arranged and adapted to remove dust from the precleaner device, preferably without drawing in excess ambient air through the dust discharge valve.

[0084] The filter element (2) comprises a media pack (20) having a longitudinal axis (A). The media pack (20) may comprise any known type of media, preferably fluted or Z-shaped media, but may comprise, for example, pleated media, in a configuration that respects the flow direction relative to the fluted media configuration. The fluted media is preferably rolled fluted media, but may comprise, for example, stacked fluted media. The media pack (20) comprises an inflow face (26), an outflow face (27), and side faces (28).

[0085] The filter media pack (20) may further include a wrap or shell on its exterior surface (28).

[0086] The filter element (2) comprises a circumferential seal support structure (25) sealingly coupled to the side wall (28) of the media pack (20). The seal support structure (25) is preferably hermetically connected, directly or indirectly, permanently or removably, to the media pack (20). It can, for example, be attached or glued directly to the media pack (20). If the media pack comprises a shell in the form of a tubular protective layer on the outer surface (28), for example made of hard plastic, the seal support structure (25) and the shell structure can be integral.

[0087] The seal support structure further comprises a first seal (23) and a second seal (24). Axial projections of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis (A) on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) define a first closure perimeter (P1) and a second closure perimeter (P2). The areas corresponding to the first and second closure perimeters (P1, P2) comprise a non-overlapping area (N). This is shown, for example, diagrammatically in Figures 8A-8E, which are similar to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0088] The non-overlapping region has a surface that includes more than 10% of the minimum area of ​​the region defined by the closure perimeter to provide a substantial amount of excess area formed in the bridging section of the seal support structure (25) between the first seal (23) and the second seal (24). In this particular embodiment, the minimum area is the area defined by the perimeter P2 corresponding to the smaller seal (24) that is positioned to seal between the housing main part (1a) and the filter element (2).

[0089] It should be noted that the non-overlapping region (N) does not have rotational symmetry, and the non-overlapping region (N) is asymmetrically disposed with respect to the first perimeter (P1) and / or the second perimeter (P2).

[0090] Both seals (23) and (24) surround the filter media pack (20) such that both the first and second closure perimeters (P1, P2) surround, on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), a projection of the filter media pack (20) along the longitudinal axis.

[0091] The areas defined by perimeters P1 and P2 have different shapes, with the first perimeter or the second perimeter completely surrounding the other.

[0092] The periphery has a different center of gravity.

[0093] The area defined by the closure perimeter differs in surface area by more than 10%.

[0094] The seal support structure (25) comprises at least one through opening (29) for the gaseous fluid in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area, the through opening preferably comprising and being bounded by a gasket / seal, the gasket / seal being capable of gas-tightly mating with the outlet spud (1a1) of the precleaner device (1a).

[0095] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, alternatively or in combination, the area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area may also include one or more electronic devices, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, or other sensors, which may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0096] The first seal (23) and the second seal (24) are separate seals, for example formed as TPE seals of the lip seal type.

[0097] Each of the first and second seals (23, 24) is disposed in a single plane, a first plane and a second plane, respectively, which are preferably parallel but not coincident, in other words the first plane and the second plane are offset.

[0098] The second seal (24) conforms completely to the side wall (28) of the media pack (20), i.e., 360° around the angular axis (A). A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the media pack shows a kidney-shaped shape including a convex curve and a concave curve. For example, a concave section (30) is present, which is advantageously used as described below. Thus, the second seal (24) also conforms to the concave section (30) of the media pack side wall (28).

[0099] The first seal (23) generally follows the contour / sidewall of the media pack, but in fact everywhere except in the area corresponding to the concave section (30) of the media pack sidewall (28).

[0100] Thus, the majority of the non-overlapping region corresponds to an angular range where the first or second seals do not conform to the media pack sidewall (28).

[0101] The first and second seals also follow one another around the circumference of the filter media pack, except for portions of each corresponding to the non-overlapping region.

[0102] It should be noted that the filter media pack has no rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis (A), and neither the first seal (23) nor the second seal (24) have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0103] The media pack has a first axial end (proximate the inlet flow face (26)) and a second axial end (proximate the outlet flow face (27)), and the circumferential seal support structure (25) is disposed proximate the first axial end of the media pack (20). Optionally, a second support structure, such as a support ring (31), can be provided at or near the second axial end of the media pack (20). The second support structure can include, for example, one or more anti-telescopic ribs (32).

[0104] In this embodiment, the seal support structure comprises a base (22) sealingly coupled to the side wall (28) of the filter media pack (20) and a flange (21) extending radially from the base (22), the flange having an outer edge (211), an upper wall (212) and a lower wall (213) defining a first side and an opposing second side of the flange relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack, a first seal (23) disposed on the flange (21) on the first side, on the flange side wall (212), and a second seal (24) provided on the base (22) on the second side.

[0105] The first seal (23) is positioned and configured to provide an axial seal, and the second seal (24) is positioned and configured to provide a radial seal.

[0106] The flange (21) extends generally along a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and describes a generally oblong shape with no concave sections.

[0107] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure allow for one or more gaps to exist between the projected periphery of the overall outer wall of the main housing portion (1b) and the complementary housing portion (1a), allowing freedom in the design of both housing portions.

[0108] In a particular view, the seal support structure with the flange thus serves to sealingly and gas-tightly bridge the gap between the first and second seals (23, 24) (except for the optional through-part opening (29) of the seal support structure).

[0109] The presence of such a gap allows for the placement of an object in the volume defined by the projection of the non-overlapping region, such as a penetrating part or an electronic device. Such a penetrating part may include, for example, a tube extending from the interior space of the precleaner device / complementary housing part along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A).

[0110] It should be noted that in Figure 1C, the first and second seals (23, 24) are shown in their natural, undeflected state for purposes of clarity, however, it can be readily appreciated that in actual installation, the first and second seals (23, 24) may be biased to conform and form a seal with the inner surfaces of the housing portions (1a, 1b), respectively.

[0111] 2A and 7A-7D show a second embodiment of the present disclosure, which is very similar to the first preferred embodiment, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, and therefore some features will not be described in detail, but are applicable as described for the first preferred embodiment.

[0112] The second embodiment differs in that the filter media pack is cylindrical, so that the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) is circular, and in that the flange and the first seal (23) are arranged differently. The seal support structure (25) comprises a base (22) and a radially extending flange (21). The flange generally extends along a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and presents a generally square shape with rounded corners, with four-fold rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis (A). The same applies to the first seal (23), which is positioned along the outer edge (211) of the flange (21), on the upper wall (212), on the first side of the flange (21). Thus, the first seal (23) also extends in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and has a square shape with rounded corners. A second seal (24) is provided on the base (22) of the seal support structure on the opposite side of the flange (21) from the first seal (23). It conforms to a side surface (28) of the media pack (20), extends in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), and has a circular shape. The first seal (23) is positioned and configured to provide a seal in the axial direction. The second seal (24) is positioned and configured to provide a seal in the radial direction.

[0113] As in the first preferred embodiment, the filter element (2) of the second preferred embodiment offers the possibility of bridging the gap between a main housing part (1b) (e.g. having a rounded cross section) and a complementary housing part (1a) (e.g. having a square cross section) whose sidewall cross sections perpendicular to their longitudinal direction are totally different. Here, a rounded-to-square flange (21) fulfills that function. In a particular view, the rounded-to-square cross section adapter between the main housing part (1b) and the complementary housing part (a) is provided by the filter element itself.

[0114] The filter element (2) has four-fold rotational symmetry, as does the first seal (23). The first and second peripheries have a common center of gravity.

[0115] In this embodiment, through openings are not depicted as they are an optional feature, however, such openings may be provided, for example, in the corner regions of the non-overlapping regions, adjacent one of the rounded corners, between the rounded second seal (24) and the first seal (23). A schematic diagram of the non-overlapping regions (and overlapping regions) for this embodiment can be seen in Figure 8(a).

[0116] Additionally, the first and second seals do not generally conform to one another, possibly only in a few small sections. The first seal (23) does not generally conform to the contour of the media pack.

[0117] 2B and 6A-6C show a third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, which is very similar to the second preferred embodiment, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, and therefore some features will not be described in detail, but are applicable as described for the first and second preferred embodiments.

[0118] This embodiment differs from the second preferred embodiment in that the seal support structure (25) comprises a flange (21) that extends generally in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A), the flange (21) having a circular shape. The second seal (24) is adapted to follow the cylindrical side wall (25) of the filter media pack (20) on the base (22) of the seal support structure (25) on the first side of the flange (21). The first seal (23) is disposed on the flange top wall (212) on the other side of the flange and follows the outer edge (211) of the flange (21). The first seal (23) preferably extends in a single plane parallel to the plane of the second seal (24) and has a circular shape. The radius of the second seal (24) is smaller than the radius of the first seal (23), so that an annular ring-shaped non-overlapping area is present in the projection. Both peripheries P1 and P2 have a common center of gravity, a schematic diagram of which can be seen in Figure 8B.

[0119] In a particular view, the adapter between the main housing part (1b) and the complementary housing part (a), which is cylindrical but of a different radius, is provided by the filter element itself.

[0120] 3A-3C and 4A-4C show a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, which is very similar to the previous preferred embodiment, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, and therefore some features will not be described in detail again, but are applicable as described for the other preferred embodiments.

[0121] The fourth preferred embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the filter element (2) is not only suitable to accommodate different radii between the main housing part (1b) and the complementary housing part (1a), but also allows for axial offset compensation between the longitudinal axis of the main housing part (1b) and the longitudinal axis of the complementary housing part (1a).

[0122] The seal support structure (25) comprises a base (22) and a flange (21) extending radially from the base (22). The flange (21) has a circular shape, but its center is offset from the longitudinal axis (A) of the filter media pack (20). The second seal (24) is disposed similarly to the third preferred embodiment, and the first seal (23) is also disposed (on the top wall 212) on the opposite side of the flange (21) with respect to the side of the second seal (24), while the first seal (23) follows the outer edge (211) of the flange (21). Thus, the first seal (23) is also circular, lies in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A), and is also offset with respect to the second seal (24). There is a non-overlapping area (N) between the areas defined by the peripheries P1 and P2, which is disposed asymmetrically with respect to the first and second closed peripheries. Both peripheries have different centers of gravity. The non-overlapping region (N) does not have rotational symmetry. Its schematic can be seen in Figure 8D.

[0123] Figures 8A-8E show different non-overlapping regions according to embodiments of the present disclosure, where Figures 8A, 8B, 8D and 8E relate to the first to fourth preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 8C shows another example similar to Figure 8A, where the first perimeter is generally rectangular (with rounded corners) instead of generally square (with rounded corners).

[0124] 9A-9F show schematic representations of embodiments of the present disclosure with different positions of the base (22) and the radially extending flange (21). The combination of the base (22) and the flange (21) can have a radial cross section that generally corresponds to a T-shape or an L-shape. The base (22) can extend axially on both sides of the flange (21) (T-shape) or the base (22) can extend axially only on one side of the flange (21) (L-shape). It should be noted that this is not a limitation of the present disclosure. In fact, the combination of the base (22) and the flange (21) can have another cross section or the cross section can vary along its contour.

[0125] 9A shows an embodiment in which the seal support structure (25) is T-shaped. The base (22) is precisely configured at the end of the filter media pack (20) and abuts against a plane corresponding to the end face (inlet face 26 or outlet face 27). In alternative embodiments, the base (22) can be at a distance within a range of 0-1 cm, or within a range of 0-5 mm, from the plane corresponding to the respective end face (26, 27).

[0126] Figure 9F shows yet another embodiment similar to that shown by Figure 9A, but in which the base (22) is positioned to extend beyond the end face (26 or 27). For example, the end of the base (22) furthest from the end face (26 or 27) can be within 0-1 cm or within 0-5 mm from the plane corresponding to the respective end face (26, 27).

[0127] Figure 9B shows yet another embodiment similar to that shown by Figure 9A, but in which the base (22) is disposed about the sidewall (28) of the media pack (20) at a location spaced from the inlet and outlet ends (26, 27). In these embodiments, the flanges are also spaced from both media pack ends (26, 27), for example, at least 5 cm from both ends, or at least 10 cm from both ends. The radially extending flanges (21) can be located, for example, approximately midway between the inlet and outlet faces (26, 27) of the media pack (20).

[0128] FIG. 9D shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 9B in which the seal support structure (25) is L-shaped.

[0129] FIG. 9E shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 9A, in which the seal support structure (25) is L-shaped. The flanges (21) extending radially from the base (22) can be adjacent to or abut the end faces (26, 27) of the media pack (20). The flanges (21) can be at a distance within a range of 0-1 cm or within a range of 0-5 mm from a plane corresponding to the respective end faces (26, 27). The radially extending flanges (21) can also be located axially beyond the end faces (26 or 27) when the base (22) extends axially beyond the respective end faces. For example, the flanges (21) can extend in a plane away from any end face (i.e., the plane does not intersect the media pack). For example, the distance between the flanges and the respective end faces can be within a range of 0-1 cm or within a range of 0-5 mm.

[0130] 9C shows a fifth embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure. The filter element (2) comprises a relatively thin (e.g., having a thickness of less than 10 cm, or less than 5 cm) media pack (20), the sidewall (28) of which comprises a shell that extends from the outlet face (27) to well beyond the inlet face (26), e.g., more than 10 cm, more than 20 cm, or more than 30 cm. The remote end of the shell may have a T-shaped or L-shaped seal support structure disposed on its outer surface, a portion of which may be defined by a portion of the shell itself, and comprises a first seal (23) and a second seal (24). The first and second seals (23, 24) may be arranged in any configuration, e.g., as described below.

[0131] Figures 10A-1 to 10D-2 and 9 show in schematic form an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising a seal support structure (25) with a radially extending flange (21). Different options are shown for positioning the first and second seals (23, 24) on the seal support structure (25). Figure 11 shows another embodiment in which the seal support structure has a locally similar shape (T-shaped cross section) but changes shape along its contour, resulting in non-overlapping areas of the respective seals in the projection.

[0132] There is a strong correlation between the location of the seal and the sealing direction. Indeed, if the seal is located on the outer edge (211) or base (22) of the flange (21), more generally on a surface parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), it is usually adapted to provide a radial seal. If the seal is located on the side wall of the flange (top wall (212) or bottom wall (213) of the flange (21)), more generally on a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, it is usually adapted to provide an axial seal.

[0133] In the previous figures relating to the first to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure, the first seal (23) is disposed on the top wall (212) and the second seal (24) is disposed on the base (22) on the opposite side of the flange (21) from the side on which the first seal (23) is present, but these are exemplary and non-limiting, as shown by the claims and further examples in Figures 10(a)-(d).

[0134] Figures 10A-1 to 10D-2 are paired (e.g., x-1 and x-2; x=A, B, C, D) and show cross-sections of the seal support structure (25) at different angular orientations about the longitudinal axis (A). As can be seen, the radial extension of the flange (21) can vary along its contour (Figures 10C and 10D). The radial extension of the flange (21) can even be zero at certain locations along its contour (see Figure 10D-1).

[0135] All embodiments include a non-overlapping region of the first and second seals in projection, ie the periphery of each projection on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction includes a non-overlapping region.

[0136] In Figure 10A, the first seal (23) is positioned on the top wall (212) of the flange (21). Although the flange has a constant radial extent, the relative position of the first seal (23) on the top wall (212) varies along the contour of the flange (21). The second seal (24) is positioned at a constant axial height above the base (22) on the opposite side of the flange (21) to the side of the first seal (23).

[0137] In Figure 10B, a first seal (23) is positioned on an upper wall (212) of a flange (21). The flange has a constant radial extent, and the relative position of the first seal (23) on the upper wall (212) is constant along the contour of the flange (21). A second seal (24) is positioned on a lower wall (213) of the flange (21), and the relative position of the second seal (24) on the lower wall (213) varies along the contour of the flange (21).

[0138] In Figure 10C, the first seal (23) is positioned on the outer edge (211) of the flange (21). The flange has a varying radial extension along its contour. The second seal (24) is positioned at a constant axial height on the base (22). Figure 10D is similar to Figure 10C, but the radial extension of the flange (21) along the contour goes to zero at a specific location along the contour.

[0139] FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the shape of the seal support structure (25) changes along its contour. In a first position, shown in FIG. 11A, the cross section of the seal support structure (25) is T-shaped. Both the first seal (23) and the second seal (24) are disposed on the base (22) on the opposite side of the flange (21) and are adapted for radial sealing. In another position along the contour of the seal support structure (25), depicted in FIG. 11B, the seal support structure has a different cross-sectional shape, which still comprises surfaces that support the first and second seals, respectively. For example, the "upper leg" of the "T" moves gradually from its initial position in FIG. 11A toward the end of the "base" of the "T" in FIG. 11B. Such a configuration also includes a non-overlapping region of the first and second seals in the projection.

[0140] In yet other embodiments, the cross-section of the seal support structure can have yet other shapes, for example, shapes other than a T-shape or an L-shape.

[0141] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a filter assembly (1, 2) is disclosed comprising a housing (1) comprising a main housing part (1b) and a complementary housing part (1a), and a filter element (2) according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0142] A first seal (23) forms a seal between the filter element (2) and the complementary housing part (1a), and a second seal (24) forms a seal between the filter element (2) and the main housing part (1b).

[0143] If the seal support structure (25) of the filter element (2) comprises at least one penetration (29) for a gaseous fluid in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area, the assembly preferably further comprises a precleaner scavenging pipe (1a1) connected with the at least one penetration (29) of the seal support structure (25).

[0144] In a preferred embodiment, the side walls of the main housing part (1b) are adapted to the side walls (28) of the filter element (2) or filter media pack (20), and also to the concave section (30) of the filter element (2). The volume formed by the concave section (130) of the main filter housing part (1b) can be used, for example, to position a scavenge pipe for scavenging dust from the complementary housing part (1a) / precleaner device. Such a scavenge pipe can be connected, for example, as known in the art, to a suitable location in the exhaust system for creating suction. The volume formed by the concave section (130) of the main filter housing part (1b) can be advantageously used, for example, to position a fastening means or structure (111) for mounting the filter assembly (1, 2) to a vehicle (not shown).

[0145] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element (2) or the seal support structure (25) functions in an airtight manner as an adapter between the main housing part (1b) and the complementary housing part (1a). According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element (2) or the seal support structure (25) comprises a radially extending flange (21) that airtightly bridges the gap between the main housing part (1b) and the complementary housing part (1a).

[0146] For example, the following items may be claimed:

[0147] 1. A filter element for filtering a gaseous fluid, comprising: a media pack having a longitudinal axis; and a circumferential seal support structure sealingly coupled to a side wall of the media pack, the seal support structure further comprising a first seal and a second seal; a filter element, wherein axial projections of the first seal and the second seal along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define first and second closure perimeters, and areas corresponding to the first and second closure perimeters include non-overlapping areas.

[0148] 2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the area defined by the closure perimeter also includes an overlap area.

[0149] 3. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the non-overlapping region has a surface that constitutes at least 10% of the minimum area of ​​the region defined by the closure perimeter.

[0150] 4. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the non-overlapping regions do not have rotational symmetry.

[0151] 5. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the non-overlapping region is asymmetrically disposed with respect to the first perimeter and / or the second perimeter.

[0152] 6. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the first closure perimeter and the second closure perimeter surround a projection of the filter media pack along the longitudinal axis on the plane.

[0153] 7. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the areas defined by the periphery have different shapes.

[0154] 8. The filter element of any of the preceding items 1 to 6, wherein the areas defined by the periphery have similar shapes but different sizes.

[0155] 9. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the periphery has a common center of gravity.

[0156] 10. The filter element according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 8, wherein the peripheral portions have different centers of gravity.

[0157] 11. The filter element of any of the preceding claims, wherein the areas defined by the closure perimeters differ in surface area by at least 10%.

[0158] 12. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein one of the first periphery or the second periphery completely surrounds the other.

[0159] 13. The filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the seal support structure is provided with at least one through opening for a gaseous fluid in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area.

[0160] 14. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the seal support structure comprises one or more electronic devices in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area.

[0161] 15. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the first seal and the second seal are disposed about the periphery of the filter media pack.

[0162] 16. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the filter media pack comprises a wrap and / or a shell.

[0163] 17. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the first seal and the second seal are separate seals.

[0164] 18. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the first seal and the second seal comprise a TPE material.

[0165] 19. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein each of the first seal and the second seal are disposed in a single plane, a first plane and a second plane, respectively.

[0166] 20. The filter element of item 19, wherein the first plane and the second plane are offset.

[0167] 21. The filter element of any preceding item, wherein one of the first seal or the second seal conforms to the side wall of the filter media pack.

[0168] 22. The filter element of any preceding item, wherein one of the first seal and the second seal conforms to the filter media pack over an angular range of at least but not completely 180°.

[0169] 23. The filter element of claim 22, wherein the non-overlapping region corresponds to an angular range over which one of the first or second seals does not conform to the filter media pack.

[0170] 24. The filter element of any preceding item, wherein the first and second seals follow each other around the circumference of the filter media pack, except for portions of each corresponding to the non-overlapping region.

[0171] 25. The filter element of any of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section of the filter media pack comprises a convex curve and a concave curve.

[0172] 26. The filter of any preceding claim, wherein the filter media pack does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0173] 27. The filter of any preceding item, wherein at least one of the first seal and the second seal does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0174] 28. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the filter element has a first axial end and a second axial end, and the circumferential seal support structure is disposed adjacent to or at one of the axial ends of the filter element.

[0175] 29. The filter element of any of the preceding items 1 to 27, wherein the filter element has a first axial end and a second axial end, and the circumferential seal support structure is disposed between and spaced apart from the first axial end and the second axial end of the filter element.

[0176] 30. A filter element as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the seal support structure comprises a base sealingly coupled to a side wall of the filter media pack and a flange extending radially from the base, the flange having an outer edge and defining a first side and an opposite second side of the flange relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack, and the first and second seals are disposed on or adjacent to the flange.

[0177] 31. The filter element of item 30, wherein the first and second seals are disposed at different locations selected from the set of: (on a first side of the flange, on a second side of the flange, on the outer edge, on the base of the first side of the flange, on the base of the second side of the flange).

[0178] 32. The filter element of claim 30 or 31, wherein at least one of the seals is disposed on the flange.

[0179] 33. The filter element of item 30 or 31, wherein both the first and second seals are disposed on the flange.

[0180] 34. The filter element of claim 32 or 33, wherein at least one of the seals is disposed at the outer edge of the flange.

[0181] 35. The filter element of item 30, wherein at least one of the seals is disposed on the base.

[0182] 36. The filter element of item 35, wherein both the first and second seals are disposed on the base.

[0183] 37. The filter element of any of the preceding items, wherein the first and second seals are adapted to form a seal in a radial direction.

[0184] 38. The filter element of any of the preceding items 1-36, wherein the first and second seals are adapted to form a seal in an axial direction.

[0185] 39. The filter element of any of the preceding items 1-36, wherein the first seal is adapted to form a seal in a radial direction and the second seal is adapted to form a seal in an axial direction.

[0186] 40. A filter assembly comprising a housing having a main housing part and a complementary housing part, and a filter element according to any of items 1 to 39, wherein the first seal forms a seal between the filter element and the complementary housing part, and the second seal forms a seal between the filter element and the main housing part.

[0187] 41. The filter assembly of claim 40, wherein the complementary housing portion comprises a precleaner device or a housing cover.

[0188] 42. A filter assembly according to any of items 40 to 41, comprising a filter element, the seal support structure having at least one penetration for a gaseous fluid in an area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area, and further comprising a precleaner scavenge pipe connected to the at least one penetration of the seal support structure.

[0189] Although the invention has been described herein above with reference to specific embodiments, this is for purposes of clarity and not limitation of the invention, the scope of which is determined with reference to the appended claims. In particular, variations and elements that are described only in the context of a particular embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments to achieve the same technical effect.

Claims

1. A filter element for filtering a gaseous fluid, comprising: a media pack having a longitudinal axis; and a circumferential seal support structure sealingly coupled to a side wall of the media pack, the seal support structure further comprising a first seal and a second seal; a filter element, wherein axial projections of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define a first closure perimeter and a second closure perimeter, regions corresponding to the first and second closure perimeters including non-overlapping regions, the non-overlapping regions being asymmetrically disposed with respect to the first closure perimeter and / or the second closure perimeter.

2. The filter element of claim 1 , wherein the area defined by the closure perimeter also includes an overlap area.

3. A filter element as described in claim 1, wherein the non-overlapping region does not have rotational symmetry.

4. A filter element as described in claim 1, wherein one of the first peripheral portion or the second peripheral portion completely surrounds the other of the first peripheral portion or the second peripheral portion.

5. A filter element as described in claim 1, wherein the seal support structure has at least one through opening for a gaseous fluid in a region of the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping region.

6. A filter element as described in claim 1, wherein the seal support structure comprises a base sealingly joined to a side wall of the filter media pack and a flange extending radially from the base, the flange having an outer edge and defining a first side and an opposite second side of the flange relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack, and the first and second seals are positioned on or adjacent to the flange.

7. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the first seal and the second seal comprise a TPE material.

8. A filter element as described in claim 1, wherein one of the first or second seals conforms to the side wall of the filter media pack.

9. A filter element as described in claim 1, wherein the first seal is adapted to form a seal in a radial direction and the second seal is adapted to form a seal in an axial direction.

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