Filter Elements and Assemblies

Abstract

The air cleaner includes: a) a housing; b) a cover; and c) a filter element within the housing, a peripheral housing wall defining a pair of opposing V-shaped receiving grooves, the filter element including first and second protrusions extending from opposite sides of the filter element and disposed along a common axis, the protrusions fitting and positioned within the receiving grooves such that the filter element can be rocked within the housing about a pivot axis defined by a pivot point of the first and second protrusions to pivot the filter element into sealing engagement with the housing, the protrusion including a generally L-shaped cross-section including first and second legs connected by an elbow connection, the elbow connection positioned and adapted to serve as the pivot point for the filter element within the housing.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application was filed as a PCT international patent application on March 28, 2023, and claims the benefit of and priority to European Patent Application No. 22164878.5, filed March 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a filter structure for filtering a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, e.g., air. The present disclosure relates to a filter element, e.g., a direct-flow filter element, and an assembly using such a filter element and an associated removable housing cover. [Background technology]

[0003] Straight through flow filter elements have been used in a variety of systems for filtering fluids such as gases or liquids. Straight through flow filters generally have an inlet face (or end) and an outlet face (or end) disposed on an opposite side. During filtration, the fluid to be filtered flows in one direction as it enters the filter at the inlet face and has the same general flow direction as it leaves the outlet face. Straight through flow filters are generally installed in a housing for use. After a period of use, the filter requires servicing, either by cleaning or complete replacement of the filter. To ensure proper filtration of the fluid flow through the device, a seal is required between the filter and the portion of the housing in which the filter is located during use.

[0004] In practice, servicing of the filter element within the housing is often not easy due to space constraints within the associated vehicle around the filter housing and / or the filter housing being mounted relatively high within the vehicle. The access opening to the filter housing may not be easily reachable by personnel. The access opening in the filter housing is also often oriented upwards in use, further complicating repairs. In such an arrangement, it is preferable that servicing of the filter element can be performed in a blinded manner, i.e., without the need to actually see inside the housing.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses a filter assembly including a through-flow filter element, the through-flow filter element including lugs forming a pivot axis for installation of the filter element, the pivoting action enabling insertion of a radial seal of the filter element into a corresponding outlet arrangement of a housing.

[0006] Improvements to the direct-flow filter and assembly thereof described in the '613 patent are particularly desirable in the area of ​​improving the fixation of the position of the elements within the filter housing after installation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2414071 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, an associated filter element as claimed in the second independent claim and an associated housing cover.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an air cleaner or air cleaner assembly is disclosed. The air cleaner includes a housing, the housing comprising: i) a peripheral housing wall defining an open interior; ii) an inlet arrangement; and iii) an outlet arrangement; and Includes.

[0010] The inlet and outlet arrangements are preferably at opposite ends of the housing. The housing defines an access opening, preferably at its upper side or top, which communicates with the open interior.

[0011] The air cleaner includes a cover that is removably secured to the housing, for example pivotally, to cover the access opening.

[0012] A filter element is held and oriented for selective removal within the open interior between the inlet arrangement and the outlet arrangement.

[0013] The filter element is i) a media pack having an inlet and an outlet face, preferably opposite the inlet and outlet faces; ii) a sealing member sealingly attached to the media pack (e.g., for purposes of this disclosure, "sealingly attached" includes both permanent or releasable attachment), the sealing member forming a releasable seal with a sealing surface in the housing; and Includes.

[0014] The peripheral housing wall defines a pair of opposed receiving V-grooves, each of which is in open communication with the access opening and which is located closer to the outlet arrangement than to the inlet arrangement.

[0015] The V-groove is defined by a first leg located further away from the outlet arrangement and a second leg located closer to the outlet arrangement, the first leg and the second leg being connected by a preferably curved connecting section.

[0016] The filter element includes first and second protrusions extending from opposite sides of the filter element and disposed along a common axis, the first and second protrusions being fitted and disposed within the receiving groove such that the filter element can be swung within the housing about a pivot axis defined by pivot points of the first and second protrusions such that the filter element can be swung or pivoted into sealing engagement with the housing.

[0017] The protrusion includes a generally L-shaped cross-section including a first leg and a second leg connected by a (preferably rounded) elbow connection positioned and adapted to function as the pivot point for the filter element within the housing.

[0018] Protrusions including a generally L-shaped cross section have the advantage that they are more resistant to forces applied to them during installation and during use compared to known cylindrical protrusions or lugs known from the prior art.

[0019] The asymmetry introduced by the L-shape can also be used to advantage with currently available housings that have opposing receiving V-grooves: pivoting the filter element about the pivot point of the V-groove blocks rotation of the projection, and thus the filter element, in at least a first rotational direction.

[0020] As a result, no additional structure is required to achieve this blocking effect.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any movement of the filter element within the housing, whether translational or rotational, is preferably avoided during use as this may cause, for example, destruction of the sealing surfaces.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first leg of the protrusion contacts (e.g., is aligned or parallel to) the first leg of the V-groove to block the filter element from moving in a direction towards the inlet arrangement and to block the filter element from rotating about its pivot point in a first rotational direction.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the first leg of the V-groove is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the axis of the filter element and / or the axis of the filter housing.

[0023] Advantageously, some of the significant forces acting on the filter element during use, in conjunction with the acceleration of the vehicle involved, are perpendicular to the first leg of the V-groove when the filter element is arranged in a horizontal position, preferably when placed in a filter housing which receives the filter element in that way and has an axis which is horizontal, which is the common configuration.

[0024] And the position of the first leg of the projection on the filter element can be such that it extends along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the filter element, simplifying the associated plastic molding manufacturing process.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the second leg of the projection is in contact with the curved connecting section and / or the second leg of the V-groove.

[0026] This has been shown to be the optimum configuration for the lugs in terms of providing a smooth pivoting action.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the second leg of the projection is substantially shorter than the first leg of the projection, which may for example be within the range of 2-50% or within the range of 5-30% of the length of the first leg of the projection.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the generally L-shaped projection comprises one or more lateral recesses or slots and / or internal openings and / or gaps. According to a preferred embodiment, the generally L-shaped projection comprises a set of individual structures that are not connected. Advantageously, the manufacturing process can be simplified and a relative reduction in material can be achieved without affecting the disclosed functionality of the generally L-shaped projection.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a locking structure arranged and adapted to block movement of the projection and thus the filter element in a direction towards the outlet arrangement and / or along the insertion / removal direction of the filter element.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking structure is configured and adapted to block the filter element from rotating about its pivot point in a second rotational direction (opposite to the first rotational direction).

[0031] The locking structure may include, for example, one or more fin or rib structures.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking structure includes a cover slot for receiving the protrusion.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking structure includes a first portion adapted and positioned to be received in the V-groove between the projection and the second leg of the V-groove.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, said first portion is complementary to said protrusion with respect to said V-groove.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking structure includes a second part adapted to lock the position of the filter element along an axis of the filter element and / or the housing, and by not being received by the V-groove, blocks the filter element from moving in a direction towards the inlet arrangement and blocks the filter element from rotating about its pivot point in the first rotational direction.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the second leg of the V-groove forms an angle with the first leg of the V-groove in the range of 30° to 95°, preferably in the range of 30° to 85°.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover is pivotally removably mounted about a pivot axis adjacent the access opening.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element further comprises a handle positioned adjacent the inlet face and suitable for receiving one or more fingers of an adult human hand.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover is adapted and arranged to be locked in a fixed position relative to the housing when closed, and includes a contact surface that contacts the handle of the filter element to provide additional positional fixation of the filter element within the housing.

[0040] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a filter element (preferably for use in an air cleaner according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect) is disclosed, the filter element comprising: i) a media pack, preferably having an inlet and an outlet face, preferably opposite each other; ii) a peripheral sealing member sealingly attached (e.g. fixed) to a periphery of the media pack, the sealing member adapted to form a releasable seal with a sealing surface in a housing; and Including, iii) the filter element includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from opposite sides of the filter element and disposed along a common axis, the first protrusion and the second protrusion adapted and arranged to define a pivot axis defined by pivot points of the first protrusion and the second protrusion for swinging or pivoting the filter element into sealing engagement with the housing. The projection includes a generally L-shaped cross-section (e.g., along a plane perpendicular to a common axis) including a first leg and a second leg connected by a rounded elbow connection positioned and adapted to serve as the pivot point for a filter element within the housing.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the first leg of the projection (or a side thereof, e.g. the face which in use lies adjacent to the first leg of the V-groove) extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the second leg of the projection extends in a direction forming an angle in the range of 30° to 150° with the direction of the first leg of the projection.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element includes a support structure adjacent to at least one of the inlet flow and outlet flow faces and sealingly connected to each of the inlet flow and outlet flow faces, and a radial or axial seal supported about the support structure.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element includes a shell structure around the media pack over at least a portion of the axial length of the media pack, the shell structure including support and reinforcement structures for each of the projections, each of the support structures abutting a flat imaginary side from which the projections extend.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element preferably includes a handle structure extending from said shell structure.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the projection extends toward and abuts a plane defined by the flat outer surface of the shell or media pack.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure also abuts and is flush with a plane defined by the flat outer surface of the shell or media pack.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the projection has a height H in the range of 2 to 3 cm.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the projection has a width W in the range of 1 to 2 cm.

[0050] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a cover for a filter housing is disclosed, preferably including a pivot structure at a first end, arranged and adapted to block a filter element according to any of the embodiments of the second aspect in an air cleaner according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect from moving in a direction towards an outlet arrangement of the housing and / or along an insertion / removal direction of the filter element relative to the housing, and to block the filter element from rotating in a second direction about its pivot point.

[0051] Features and advantages disclosed for one of the above aspects of the disclosure are implicitly disclosed for other aspects, mutatis mutandis, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] The present disclosure is further illustrated by the following description and accompanying figures. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a prior art air cleaner and associated filter element. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]3(a)-3(d) show different views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, where FIG. 3(a) is a side view, FIG. 3(b) is a side view of the inlet flow face, FIG. 3(c) is a close-up 3D view of the feature in FIG. 3(a), and FIG. 3(d) is a top view. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an air cleaner or filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the process of inserting a filter element into the air cleaner as steps (a) to (f). [Figure 5(a)] FIG. 5(a) provides more detail of FIG. 4(f). [Figure 5(b)] FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5(a). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the air cleaner shown in FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is an expanded view of the pivot mechanism of the air cleaner shown in FIG. 5(a) illustrating several parameters of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the pivot mechanism of the air cleaner shown in FIG. 5(a) illustrating several parameters of the present disclosure. [Figure 7C] 7C(a) and (b) show alternative exemplary embodiments of the protrusions. [Figure 8] 8(a) and (b) provide further details regarding the interaction of the housing cover and filter element at the location of the protrusion in the embodiment associated with FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a 3D diagram providing further details regarding the interaction of the housing cover and filter element at the location of the protrusion in the embodiment associated with FIG. [Figure 10] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) show a first alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped protrusion. [Figure 11] 11(a) and 11(b) show a second alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped protrusion. [Figure 12] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show a third alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped protrusion. [Figure 13]Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show a fourth alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped protrusion. [Figure 14] Figures 14(a) and 14(b) show a fifth alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped protrusion. [Figure 15] Figures 15(a) and 15(b) show a sixth alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The present disclosure will be described with respect to certain embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments 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 of the present disclosure.

[0054] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc. in the description and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order.

[0055] Various embodiments, although referred to as "preferred" embodiments, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure but rather as examples in which the disclosure may be practiced.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a prior art air cleaner and associated filter element disclosed in the '691 patent, in which a peripheral housing wall defines a pair of opposing receiving V-grooves that interact with lugs on the filter element to pivot the filter element to a final position where seals on the filter element are pressed into a sealed position near the outlet of the air cleaner.

[0057] The lugs or protrusions of the filter element disclosed in the patent application EP 1 239 333 A1 are cylindrical. Their robustness can be improved, especially against breakage during installation and use. The filter element can also rotate slightly around the axis defined by the lugs when installed. This degree of freedom is blocked only after the cover of the air cleaner interacts with the handle of the filter element. It has been found that the handle is not necessary for successful installation of the filter element. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that typical deviations of product shape features due to certain manufacturing processes, e.g. plastic molding processes, are more easily taken into account in product design when these features are close to each other than when these features are farther apart.

[0058] Figures 2 and 3(a)-3(d) show a filter element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Such a filter element can be attached to a housing / air cleaner shown in an assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 4, 5(a), 5(b) and 6. Figures 4(a)-4(f) also show a process for inserting a filter element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention into an air cleaner.

[0059] The air cleaner includes a housing 100, an inlet arrangement 112, and an outlet arrangement 113. In this embodiment, the inlet arrangement 112 and the outlet arrangement 113 are at opposite ends of the housing 100. The inlet arrangement preferably includes a precleaner arrangement.

[0060] Housing 100 includes a peripheral housing wall that defines an open interior. Housing 100 further defines an access opening 101 that communicates with the open interior. In the illustrated embodiment, access opening 101 is located between inlet arrangement 112 and outlet arrangement 113. Access opening 101 is at the top of air cleaner 100 when the air cleaner is in its normal upright operational orientation.

[0061] The cover 11 is removably secured to the housing 100 to cover the access opening 101. In this embodiment, the cover 11 is pivotally secured to the housing 100 by a hinge arrangement 111 located adjacent the outlet arrangement 113. The cover 11 can thus pivot about the hinge arrangement between a closed position (FIG. 4(f)) and an open position (FIG. 4(a)). When in the open position, the interior is accessible. The cover preferably includes a circumferential seal disposed on a surface that faces the housing 100 when in the closed state. Further features relating to the cover 11 are described below, particularly with reference to FIGS. 8(a), 8(b) and 9. The housing wall defines a pair of opposing receiving grooves 114. Each of the grooves 114 is in open communication with the access opening 101 and is located closer to the outlet arrangement 113 than to the inlet arrangement 112. In FIG. 6, the receiving grooves 114 can be seen on the interior of the housing 100. The receiving groove has a closed radially outer surface that corresponds to a portion of the housing wall. The receiving grooves 113 on both sides of the housing are mirror images of each other. In FIG. 6, only the outer side of the receiving groove 114 is visible. The receiving groove 114 serves to orient the filter element 1 in an operative orientation and sealing engagement with the housing 100. It is further noted that the end faces 300 of the projections 3 are in close proximity to or in contact with the inner wall of the housing at the location of the V-grooves 114, thereby blocking movement of the filter element 1 within the housing along the common axis of the projections perpendicular to the housing axis.

[0062] The filter element 1 is oriented for selective removal within the open interior between the inlet arrangement 112 and the outlet arrangement 113 .

[0063] For example, as shown in detail in Figures 7A / 7B, the groove 114 is a V-shaped groove 114 and is preferably defined by a first leg 1141 located further from the outlet arrangement 113 and a second leg 1143 located closer to the outlet arrangement, which legs are connected by a curved connecting section 1142.

[0064] The first leg of the V groove is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the axis of the filter element and / or the axis of the filter housing. The second leg of the V groove forms an angle α of 35° with the first leg of the V groove. Preferably, the second leg of the V groove forms an angle α of 30° to 95° with the first leg of the V groove.

[0065] The filter element 1 includes first and second projections 3 extending from opposite faces A, A' of the filter element 1 and disposed along a common axis. The projections 3 on either side of the housing are preferably symmetrical to each other and have a generally L-shaped cross section, as will be described in more detail below.

[0066] The first and second protrusions 3 are fitted and positioned within the receiving groove 114 such that the filter element 1 can be swung about a pivot axis defined by the pivot points of the first and second protrusions within the housing 100 to allow the filter element 1 to be swung or pivoted into sealing engagement with the housing 100.

[0067] In Figures 2 and 3(a)-3(d) a preferred embodiment of the filter element or cartridge 1 can be seen removed from the housing 100. While other embodiments are possible, this is one possible embodiment that may be used to advantage. However, it is not necessary for a filter element to have all components or features. Individual features, techniques and advantages may be selected and selectively combined for various alternative configurations.

[0068] The filter element 1 includes a media pack 2 having opposed first and second flow faces 20 and 21, e.g., an inlet flow face 20 and an outlet flow face 21. The media pack 2 includes z-media (also known as fluted media), but may include alternative media and media configurations, such as, for example, a pleated media configuration used to simulate the behavior of fluted media, thereby potentially defining corresponding virtual inlet and outlet flow faces 20, 21. The inlet flow face 20 and outlet flow face 21 of the media pack 2 correspond to opposed faces C and C' of the filter element 1, which are preferably parallel.

[0069] The filter element and / or media pack may have a longitudinal axis extending through opposed faces C and C' and may have a radial cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is racetrack shaped, or may have a rectangular, oval, rectangular with rounded corners, or any other shape deemed suitable by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0070] The filter element further includes two pairs of preferably parallel, opposing faces A, A' (left, right, eg, shorter sides) and B, B' (top, bottom, eg, longer sides).

[0071] The first and second pairs of opposing faces (A, A') and (B, B') generally extend towards each other.

[0072] The filter element 1 includes a sealing member 5 that forms a releasable seal with a sealing surface in the housing 100. The sealing member 5 can be sealingly attached (e.g., permanently or removably attached) to the periphery of the media pack near the outflow face 21. Adjacent to the outflow face 21, a support grid or frame 4 can be applied to the media pack 2. The support grid 4 is preferably sealingly attached to the outflow face, for example, by direct bonding, use of an adhesive, or by overmolding with a sealing or other material. The support grid 4 is typically an anti-stretch mechanism for the rolled Z-media and can provide flow guiding. The seal or sealing member 5 can be applied directly to the media pack 2 or at least partially or completely, for example, at its periphery, again sealingly to the support grid 4. The sealing member 5 can be adapted for radial sealing or axial sealing towards the housing. The sealing member can be made, for example, of a (e.g. foamed) polyurethane (PU) material and / or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and / or a rubber (e.g. O-ring) material, and is preferably compressible. It may be a lip seal member that includes one or more circumferential lips.

[0073] The filter element preferably includes a surrounding shell or protective layer 33 around the media pack 2 over at least a portion of the axial length of the media pack 2. For example, the shell can extend over at least 10% of the axial length of the media pack. The shell can extend over 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 100% of the media pack. The shell can extend from the outflow surface 21 towards the inflow surface 20 or from the inflow surface 20 towards the outflow surface 21, for example, according to any of the ranges described above.

[0074] The filter element preferably includes an optional handle 34 including an opening suitable for receiving one or more fingers of an adult hand located adjacent the inlet flow face 20 or face C of the filter element, e.g., on one of the sides A or A' or B or B'. The handle 34 may be positioned such that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the axis of the filter element. The opening is preferably oriented in a direction toward the outlet flow face of the filter element. The handle 34 preferably extends from the shell structure and may be integral therewith, e.g., when manufactured by plastic molding.

[0075] The shell 33 and the support grid 4 may be separate elements or may be integral, for example when manufactured by plastic moulding.

[0076] The inlet flow face 20 or face C of the filter element may also be provided with a reinforcing structure 31 that is integrally formed with the shell. This may be, for example, a localized thickening at the periphery of the shell. The reinforcing structure 31 may optionally include a grid structure disposed over the inlet flow face 20 for reinforcement or flow guidance.

[0077] The filter element further includes first and second projections 3. When the filter element is operatively oriented within the housing 100, each projection 3 is positioned within a respective receiving groove 114. The projections 3 preferably extend from the shell 33. The projections 3 are preferably integrally formed with the shell structure 33 as well as with the support and reinforcement structure 30, which is described further below.

[0078] The projection 3 includes a generally L-shaped cross-section including a first leg 351 (having an outer surface 3512, an opposing inner surface 3513, and a top / end surface 300) and a second leg 353 (having an outer surface 3532, an opposing inner surface 3533, and a bottom / end surface 3531) connected by a rounded elbow connection 352. The elbow connection 352 is positioned and adapted to function as a pivot point.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the first leg 351 of the projection 3 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter element 1 .

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the second leg 353 of the projection 3 diverges from the first leg 351 of the projection in a direction towards the outflow face 21 (or towards the outlet arrangement 113 of the housing 100 if attached to the housing). The angle β between the first leg 351 and the second leg 353, defined as the angle between the inner faces 3513 and 3533, is preferably between 30° and 150°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle β may be, for example, 98° or 148° or about 98° or about 148°. These embodiments are shown in Figure 7C(a) and Figure 7C(b), respectively.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 3512 of the first leg 351 rests against the first leg 1141 of the V-groove when the filter is installed in the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the rounded elbow connection 352 rests against the curved connection section 1142 of the V-groove when the filter is installed in the housing.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 3532 of the second leg 353 rests against the second leg 1143 of the V-groove when the filter is installed in the housing. The shell structure 33 preferably includes a support and reinforcement structure 30 for each of the projections 3 on opposite sides of the filter element 1. Each of these support structures 30 abuts an imaginary flat side from which the respective projection 3 extends. For example, the imaginary flat side may be parallel to or correspond to the faces A, A' of the filter element 1.

[0083] The projections 3 preferably extend toward, and have their respective upper ends 300 abut, a plane P defined by the flat outer surface of the shell 33. This enables the projections to be more easily formed when the shell and projections are manufactured integrally by the preferred plastic (injection) molding technique. It has been found that plastic tends to flow into the openings defining the projections in the mold when the openings are adjacent the bottom of the mold.

[0084] Each support structure 30 preferably abuts and is flush with a flat outer surface of the shell or media pack, for example the plane defined by the surface defined by sides A and A'.

[0085] The protrusion 3 preferably has a height H within 2-3 cm and a width W within 1-2 cm. The described L-shaped protrusion has the advantage that it is relatively stronger than prior art cylindrical protrusions comprising a similar material volume, e.g. a plastic volume.

[0086] With reference to this type of protrusion 3, it is preferable that the air cleaner and the protrusion are adapted so that the second leg and / or curved connecting portion 352 of the protrusion 3 contacts the second leg 1143 and / or curved connecting portion 1142 of the V-groove 114.

[0087] The air cleaner includes a cover 11 that is removably mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis adjacent the access opening 101. The cover 11 includes a pivot structure 111 at a first end.

[0088] The air cleaner further includes a locking structure 7 arranged and adapted to block the filter element 1 from moving within the air cleaner 100 in a direction towards the outlet arrangement 113 of the housing 100 and / or along a direction of insertion / removal of the filter element 1 relative to the housing 100, and to block the filter element 1 from rotating about its pivot point in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The locking structure preferably protrudes from a lower surface of the cover 11 into the interior volume of the filter housing 100 when in the closed state.

[0089] The locking structure 7 may include two mirror images of each other. The first part may be located on a first side of the cover 11, e.g., adjacent to face A of the filter element 1 when the cover 11 is closed. The second part may be located on an opposite second side of the cover 11, e.g., adjacent to face A' of the filter element when the cover 11 is closed. Each part is adapted and arranged to interact with a respective projection 3.

[0090] 8(a) and 8(b) show details of the preferred locking structure 7. Only one of the two parts of the locking structure is shown (the other part is a mirror copy and symmetrically located on the other side of the cover). Each part may include a rib or fin 71, which is arranged to be received in the V-groove 114 between the second leg 1143 of the V-groove 114 and the protrusion 3. The rib 71 is preferably located parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter element 1 and the housing 100. The rib 71 is preferably complementary to the respective protrusion 3 with respect to the V-groove 114 for maximum strength and fixation. The rib 71 preferably rests in the V-groove 114 against the inner surfaces 3513 and 3533 of the L-shaped protrusion 3 and the second leg 1143 of the V-groove 114.

[0091] The locking structure preferably includes a second portion, i.e. a second rib or fin 72, adapted to lock the position of the filter element 1 along the axis of the filter element 1 and / or housing 100 and is not received in the V-groove 114, thereby blocking movement of the filter element 1 in a direction towards the inlet arrangement and blocking rotation of the filter element 1 about its pivot point in a first rotational direction. When the cover 11 is closed, the second portion 72 enters the space between the filter element 1 and the housing inner wall.

[0092] The first rib 71 and the second rib 72 of the first part are preferably arranged adjacent to each other along a first straight line parallel to the housing and / or filter axis. Similarly for the first rib 71 and the second rib 72 of the second part, which are preferably arranged along a second straight line. Both arrangements or straight lines are preferably parallel to each other and to the housing and / or filter axis. The first rib 71 is preferably thinner than the second rib 72.

[0093] Preferably, the sides of the ribs or fins 71, 72 (and optionally bridge portion 73, see below) on one side of the cover 11 are parallel.

[0094] The locking structure 7 preferably includes two cover slots 74 (one on each side of the cover 11) for receiving each projection 3. The cover slots 74 may be defined by a first portion 71, a second portion 72 and a connecting rib or bridge portion 73 disposed between the first portion 71 and the second portion 72. The rib portion 73 has a reinforcing function for the combined structure and extends to some extent inside the housing 100 in a certain aspect. The bridge portion 73 is preferably aligned with the first portion 71 and the second portion 72. The bridge portion 73, the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 are preferably integrally formed, preferably integrally formed with the remaining portion of the cover 11.

[0095] The cover 11 may be further adapted and arranged to additionally lock the filter element 1 in a fixed position relative to the housing 100 when closed, and may include a contact surface for contacting the handle 34 of the filter element 1 to additionally secure the filter element 1 in such position within the housing 100. The cover may also include a handle 110, preferably opposite the pivot structure 111.

[0096] The air cleaner may further include an optional safety filter element (not shown). The safety filter element is removably sealed between the filter element 1 and the outlet arrangement 113. The safety filter element may be planar, for example, and may include a media pack of pleated filtration media, circumscribed by a frame having, for example, a rectangular, oval, racetrack, rectangular with rounded corners, or other shape that defines the type of outer shape of the safety filter element. This may include a sealing member disposed around the frame to form a seal with the housing wall of the housing 100. The safety filter element may be constructed and arranged to be pivotally mounted within the air cleaner housing 100, and may include a pivot member, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,323.

[0097] 5(b) shows the air cleaner 100 in operation. Air to be filtered, such as air being drawn into an engine, enters the air cleaner through the inlet arrangement 112. The air passes through the inlet arrangement, which in this embodiment functions as a precleaner. The precleaner may include, for example, a swirl tube adapted to separate dust and larger particles from the incoming airflow by introducing swirl into the flow.

[0098] The air then passes from the inlet arrangement 112 through the inlet face 20 of the media pack 2 of the filter element 1 , through the z-media 2 and out the outlet face 21 of the media pack 2 and the filter element 1 .

[0099] From there, the air passes through an optional safety filter element and then through outlet arrangement 113 and out of air cleaner 100 .

[0100] From there, the filtered air is used for downstream equipment, such as the engine of a vehicle such as a tractor.

[0101] 4(a) to 4(d) show the process of installing a new filter element in an air cleaner according to a preferred embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 4(a) shows an empty housing 100 with an access opening 101 accessible by a filter element 1, which approaches the filter housing 100 at an inclined angle. For example, the length of the access opening in the longitudinal direction of the housing may be shorter than the length of the filter element 1 in the corresponding direction. The filter element is first inserted inside the filter housing 100 at an inclined angle so that the projections 3 are received in the respective V-grooves 114 (FIG. 4(b)). Then, a pivoting movement is applied by pressing the filter element 1 downwards in the still exposed parts of the filter element 1, for example in the region of the handle 34, if present. This causes the seals, for example the radial seals 5, of the filter element to be pressed towards the outlet arrangement 113 and to seal against the inner wall of the housing 100 close to the outlet arrangement 113 (FIG. 4(c)). The cover 11 can now be pivoted in that direction until the closed state of the cover on the housing is reached (FIGS. 4(d)-4(f)). For example, a latch may be provided on the cover to catch a catch surface on the housing 100 to hold the cover closed.

[0103] 10-15 show alternative embodiments of generally L-shaped projections 3 that can be used in combination with cover / locking structures and filter housings in the same manner as described in relation to Figs. 1-9. In the (a) components of each figure, the generally L-shaped feature is highlighted by the respective dotted outlines. Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) show a first alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped projection 3, which is similar to the embodiment described in relation to Figs. 2-9, but differs in that the projections 3 include one or more internal openings 3o or lateral recesses 3s. In the illustrated example, each projection 3 includes a single internal opening 3o at the elbow connection 352 and two lateral recesses 3s at the outer surface 3512 of the first leg 351. The two lateral recesses 3s have openings oriented in the direction of the inlet face 20 of the filter element 1. Each of the recesses 3s can have an axis parallel to the axis of the filter element 1. An advantage of this embodiment is that less material is required for the protrusions while still achieving the effects and advantages discussed above.

[0104] 11(a) and 11(b) show a second alternative embodiment of the generally L-shaped projections 3. The second alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in relation to FIGS. 2-9, except that the projections 3 include at least one interruption or gap 3g. In another view, each of the generally L-shaped projections 3 includes two separate portions separated by the gap 3g. The gap may be present, for example, in the portion of the first leg 351 adjacent to the elbow portion 352. The two separate portions correspond to the first leg 351 on one side and the combination of the elbow portion 352 and the second leg 353 on the other side.

[0105] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show a third alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped projection 3 similar to the embodiment described in relation to Figures 11(a) and 11(b). It also includes an interruption or gap 3g in a similar position. The two separate portions are portions of constant thickness. The first portion corresponding to the first leg 351 is straight, whereas the second portion corresponding to the elbow portion 352 and the second leg 353 is curved, e.g. arc-shaped.

[0106] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show a fourth alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped projection 3. The fourth alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in relation to Figures 12(a) and 12(b), but the second portion is also straight. The second portion is preferably arranged perpendicular to the first portion.

[0107] Figures 14(a) and 13(b) show a fourth alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped projection 3. The fourth alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in relation to Figures 2-9, except that the projection 3 is defined by a plurality of separate or disconnected portions 3c. Each disconnected portion corresponds to a cylindrical projection, and the plurality of disconnected portions are generally arranged in an L-shape. Respective gaps 3g exist between adjacent disconnected portions.

[0108] Figures 15(a) and 15(b) show a sixth alternative embodiment of a generally L-shaped protrusion that is similar to the embodiment described in relation to Figures 14(a) and 14(b) but includes a different configuration of protrusion.

[0109] This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present subject matter.It is to be understood that the above description is illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. An air cleaner comprising: a) a housing comprising: i) a peripheral housing wall defining an open interior; ii) an entry arrangement; and iii) Exit arrangements; and Including, iv) the inlet arrangement and the outlet arrangement are at opposite ends of the housing, the housing defining an access opening in communication with the open interior; Housing and b) a cover removably secured to the housing so as to cover the access opening; c) a filter element oriented for selective removal within the open interior between the inlet arrangement and the outlet arrangement, the filter element comprising: i) a media pack, preferably having opposed inlet and outlet faces; ii) a sealing member sealingly attached to the media pack, the sealing member forming a releasable seal with a sealing surface within the housing; and A filter element comprising: Including, the peripheral housing wall defines a pair of opposing receiving V-grooves, each of which is in open communication with the access opening and is located closer to the outlet arrangement than to the inlet arrangement, the V-grooves being defined by a first leg located further from the outlet arrangement and a second leg located closer to the outlet arrangement, the first leg and the second leg being connected by a curved connecting section; the filter element includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from opposite sides of the filter element and disposed along a common axis, the first protrusion and the second protrusion being fitted and disposed within the receiving groove such that the filter element can be swung within the housing about a pivot axis defined by pivot points of the first protrusion and the second protrusion such that the filter element can be swung or pivoted into sealing engagement with the housing; The protrusion includes a generally L-shaped cross-section including a first leg and a second leg connected by an elbow connection positioned and adapted to function as the pivot point for the filter element within the housing.

2. 2. The air cleaner of claim 1, wherein the first leg of the projection contacts the first leg of the V-groove to block the filter element from moving in a direction toward the inlet arrangement and to block the filter element from rotating about its pivot point in a first rotational direction.

3. 3. The air cleaner of claim 2, wherein the first leg of the V-groove is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to an axis of the filter element and / or an axis of the filter housing.

4. 4. The air cleaner of claim 1, wherein the second leg of the protrusion is in contact with the curved connecting section and / or the second leg of the V-groove.

5. 5. An air cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover includes a locking structure arranged and adapted to block the projection, and thus the filter element, from moving in a direction towards the outlet arrangement and / or along an insertion / removal direction of the filter element, and to block the filter element from rotating in a second rotational direction about its pivot point.

6. The air cleaner of claim 5 , wherein the locking structure includes a cover slot for receiving the protrusion.

7. 7. The air cleaner of claim 5 or 6, wherein the locking structure includes a first portion adapted and arranged to be received in the V-groove between the second leg of the V-groove and the projection.

8. 8. The air cleaner of claim 7, wherein the first portion is complementary to the protrusion with respect to the V-groove.

9. 9. The air cleaner of claim 5, wherein the locking structure includes a second part adapted to lock the position of the filter element along an axis of the filter element and / or the housing, and wherein the second part is not received by the V-groove to block the filter element from moving in a direction towards the inlet arrangement and to block the filter element from rotating about its pivot point in the first rotational direction.

10. A filter element comprising: i) a media pack, preferably having opposed inlet and outlet faces; ii) a peripheral sealing member sealingly attached to a periphery of the media pack, the sealing member adapted to form a releasable seal with a sealing surface in a housing; Including, iii) the filter element includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from opposite sides of the filter element and disposed along a common axis, the first protrusion and the second protrusion adapted and arranged to define a pivot axis defined by pivot points of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The filter element, wherein the projection includes a generally L-shaped cross-section including a first leg and a second leg connected by a rounded elbow connection, the elbow connection being positioned and adapted to function as the pivot point.

11. The filter element of claim 10 , wherein the first leg of the projection extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the filter element.

12. 12. A filter element according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second legs of the projections extend in a direction that forms an angle with the direction of the first legs of the projections in the range of 30° to 150°.

13. 13. The filter element of claim 12, comprising a shell structure about the media pack over at least a portion of the axial length of the media pack, the shell structure including support and reinforcement structures for each of the projections, each of the support structures abutting a flat imaginary side from which the projection extends.

14. 14. The filter element of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the projections extend toward and abut a plane defined by a planar outer surface of the shell or media pack.

15. A cover for a filter housing, the cover including a pivot structure at a first end, the cover arranged and adapted to block a filter element as described in any one of claims 10 to 14 in an air cleaner as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 from moving in a direction towards an outlet arrangement of the housing and / or along a direction of insertion / removal of the filter element relative to the housing, and to block the filter element from rotating in a second direction about its pivot point.

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