Filter element with seal receptacle

Abstract

To provide a cost-effective filter element for filtering a fluid.SOLUTION: A filter element 1 for insertion into a housing of a filter system, comprising: a filter media pack 10 including pleated filter media for filtering a fluid, the filter media pack 10 having an outer peripheral surface 5 extending between a first exterior axial surface 7a and a second exterior axial surface 7b opposite the first exterior axial surface; and a seal receiver 15 sealingly attached to the filter media pack, the seal receiver 15 comprising: And a seal receiver including a closed loop surface 16 for receiving a removable peripheral seal member, wherein the closed loop surface forms an outer shape with single rotational symmetry, and wherein the seal receiver is sealingly attached to the first exterior axial face of the filter media pack.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1b

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application was filed as a PCT international patent application on March 19, 2021, and claims priority to European Patent Application No. 20164153.7, filed on March 19, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a filter element including a filter media pack for filtering fluids, and more particularly to a filter element that can be inserted into a housing of a filter system and removed for maintenance. [Background technology]

[0003] Filter elements, also called filter cartridges, are used in a wide variety of filtration applications, and the fluid being filtered can be a liquid or a gas, such as air.

[0004] In fact, it is often desirable to filter contaminants from fluid streams. For example, gas flows to engines for electric vehicles, or for power generation, construction, or other equipment, gas flows to gas turbine systems, and air flows to various combustion furnaces carry particulate contaminants therein. A system in which contaminants are removed from the fluid, or at least reduced, is preferred.

[0005] The filter element includes a filter media pack containing filter media that removes contaminants as fluid flows through the filter media. Commonly used and commercially available filter media are, for example, pleated or fluted media.

[0006] Generally, the filter media pack has a tubular shape and includes an outer circumferential surface that extends essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the filter element. The outer circumferential surface can therefore be considered the radial boundary of the filter media pack. The filter media pack further includes a first outer axial surface and a second outer axial surface that intersect the central longitudinal axis, thereby forming the axial boundary of the filter media pack.

[0007] Proper operation of the filter element essentially requires that the filter media pack be properly sealed to the housing into which it is inserted. Thus, the present filter element includes, in addition to the filter media pack, a sealing arrangement attached to the filter media pack and configured to seal a gap between the filter media pack and the housing so as to keep filtered fluid separated from unfiltered fluid.

[0008] Various types of seal arrangements for filter elements have been proposed. For example, seal arrangements can be formed using foamed polyurethane (PU) obtained by molding techniques. U.S. Patent No. 7,396,376 discloses a foamed polyurethane (PU) seal arrangement used in combination with a grooved filter media pack. During the manufacturing process, the filter media pack is placed in a mold together with a reinforcing frame element. The mold is then filled with PU, followed by a rising process, forming a so-called foamed PU overmold.

[0009] One drawback of these filter elements is that the manufacturing process is time consuming and integrating the sealing arrangement with the filter media pack contributes to the non-negligible cost of the filter element.

[0010] The overall maintenance cost of a filter system is influenced by the cost of a single filter element, since the filter element must be considered as an element that must be removed from the filter system housing and replaced at regular intervals. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Therefore, there is room for improvement in filter elements and filter systems that include filter elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a cost-effective filter element for filtering fluids and to reduce the number of natural resources required to manufacture the filter element.A further object of embodiments of the present invention is to reduce the risk of incorrect installation of a filter element within a filter system.It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a filter system in which, during maintenance of the filter system, the seal assembly that forms a seal between the filter media pack and the housing does not necessarily need to be replaced at the same time that the filter media needs to be replaced.

[0013] In fact, the present disclosure is based on the inventors' belief that, at least in part due to reduced filtration efficiency of the filter media, the time interval required to replace current filter elements is shorter than the time interval that would be required to replace the seal member. Currently, the seal member is an integral part of the filter element and is attached to the filter media by glue or through molding techniques, so replacing the filter element implicitly involves replacing the seal arrangement.

[0014] The invention is defined in the accompanying independent claims, with the dependent claims defining advantageous embodiments.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a filter element for insertion into a housing of a filter system.

[0016] In an embodiment, a filter element for insertion into a housing of a filter system includes a filter media pack for filtering a fluid, the filter element having an outer circumferential surface extending between a first outer axial surface and a second outer axial surface opposite the first outer axial surface, the filter element characterized by: a seal receiver sealingly attached to the filter media pack, the seal receiver including a closed-loop surface adapted to receive a removable peripheral seal member; and the closed-loop surface forming an outer shape with single-fold rotational symmetry.

[0017] In an embodiment, in addition to the single-fold rotational symmetry, the contour shape of the closed loop surface has mirror symmetry about a mirror plane that intersects the first and second exterior axial faces of the filter media pack.

[0018] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, a filter element for insertion into a housing of a filter system includes a filter media pack for filtering a fluid, the filter element having an outer circumferential surface extending between a first outer axial surface and a second outer axial surface opposite the first outer axial surface, the filter element characterized by including a seal receiver sealingly attached to the filter media pack, the seal receiver including a closed loop surface for receiving a removable peripheral seal member, the closed loop surface forming an outer shape having a single plane of mirror symmetry, the single plane of mirror symmetry intersecting the first and second outer axial surfaces.

[0019] In embodiments, a filter element according to the present disclosure does not include a seal member.

[0020] In other words, embodiments of the filter element according to the present disclosure do not include a peripheral seal member coupled to the filter media pack to seal the filter media pack to the filter system housing. Therefore, embodiments of the filter element according to the present disclosure do not support any peripheral seal member to seal the filter media pack to the filter system housing. Instead, filter elements according to the present disclosure include a seal receiver attached to the filter media pack, the seal receiver including a closed-loop surface for receiving the removable peripheral seal member. The removable peripheral seal member is coupled to or supported by a separate device separate from the filter element. In embodiments, the separate device supporting the removable peripheral seal member is a seal carrier that forms a removable interface between the filter element and the filter system housing. In other embodiments, a removable seal carrier is not used, and the removable seal is directly coupled to the wall of the filter system housing.

[0021] In embodiments, a filter element according to the present disclosure does not include a seal member attached to the closed-loop surface.

[0022] In embodiments, the filter element does not include a seal member adhesively bonded to the closed loop surface.

[0023] In embodiments according to the present disclosure, the seal receiver does not include a groove or recess for supporting the seal member.

[0024] Advantageously, by providing a seal receiver with a closed loop surface having a contour with single-fold rotational symmetry, a unique orientation of the filter element is defined for insertion into the filter housing and for mating with the seal member.

[0025] Advantageously, the filter element does not include a seal member attached to the filter media, but instead includes a seal receiver for receiving a removable seal member, so that when maintenance is performed, the filter media can be replaced without having to replace the seal member.

[0026] A closed-loop surface with a profile with single-fold rotational symmetry must be considered a profile configured such that when the closed-loop surface is rotated, only after 360° does the profile match the initial profile at the start of the rotation. In other words, only after 360° does the profile appear identical to the start of the rotation.

[0027] A contour with single-fold rotational symmetry does not have an axis of rotational symmetry. In contrast, a contour with rotational symmetry has an axis of rotational symmetry such that after a rotation of 180° or less about the axis of rotational symmetry, the contour coincides with the initial contour at the start of the rotation.

[0028] In an embodiment, the closed loop surface of the seal receiver is non-planar.

[0029] In an embodiment, the contour formed by the closed loop surface of the seal receiver corresponds to, or partially corresponds to, the contour of the outer periphery of the filter media pack.

[0030] In other embodiments, the contour formed by the closed loop surface corresponds to a peripheral non-planar contour forming the first axial face of the filter media pack.

[0031] The term "corresponding" is used herein to indicate that the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface of the filter media pack or the shape of the first outer axial surface of the filter media pack closely follows the outer shape of the closed loop surface. In other words, the distance between the outer shape of the closed loop surface of the seal receiver and the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface or the outer shape of the first outer axial surface of the filter media pack does not vary significantly along the outer shape.

[0032] In some embodiments, the seal receiver is a belt-shaped seal receiver.

[0033] In embodiments, the seal receiver is circumscribing and sealingly attached to the outer peripheral surface of the filter media pack, while in other embodiments, the seal receiver is sealingly attached to the first outer axial surface of the filter media pack or to the interface of the first axial surface of the filter media pack.

[0034] In some embodiments, the contour formed by the closed loop surface includes at least one concave contour and / or one convex contour to create a single-fold rotational symmetry of the closed loop surface.

[0035] In an embodiment, the seal receiver is attached or at least partially attached to the first or second exterior axial surface of the filter media pack.

[0036] In an embodiment, the seal receiver is attached or at least partially attached to the outer periphery of the filter media pack.

[0037] In an embodiment, the seal receiver is attached or at least partially attached to the edge of the outer periphery of the filter media pack.

[0038] In embodiments, the seal receiver includes an engagement element configured to engage with a snap-fit ​​coupling or to engage with a latch. Examples of engagement elements are gaps, notches, ridges, grooves, notches, edges, recesses, notches, indentations, or any contour suitable for engagement with a snap-fit ​​coupling or for engagement with a latch. Advantageously, by providing an engagement element on the seal receiver, a snap-fit ​​or latch connection between the seal receiver and a seal carrier supporting a removable peripheral seal member can be made by using a snap-fit ​​coupling or latch. The snap-fit ​​coupling or latch is, for example, coupled to the seal carrier.

[0039] In other embodiments, the seal receiver includes a snap-fit ​​coupling or latch coupled to a portion of the seal receiver. Advantageously, the seal receiver and the seal carrier can be removably coupled by engaging the snap-fit ​​coupling or latch with an engaging element on the seal carrier.

[0040] In an embodiment, the filter media pack includes a central longitudinal axis Z extending from a first axial surface to a second axial surface. The first and second axial surfaces are transverse to the longitudinal axis Z. The outer circumferential surface may therefore also be referred to as a radial outer circumferential surface.

[0041] In an embodiment, the contour of the closed loop surface has single-fold rotational symmetry about rotation along the central longitudinal axis Z of the filter media pack.

[0042] In an embodiment, the contour shape of the closed loop surface has single-fold rotational symmetry about a rotation along a central longitudinal axis Z of the filter media pack, the central longitudinal axis extending from the center of gravity of the first axial face of the filter media pack to the center of gravity of the second axial face of the filter media pack.

[0043] In embodiments in which the filter media pack includes fluted filter media, the first and second exterior axial faces correspond to fluid inlet and outlet faces, respectively, or alternatively correspond to fluid outlet and inlet faces, respectively.

[0044] In embodiments where the filter media pack includes pleated filter media, the seal receiver is sealingly attached to the first exterior axial surface of the filter media pack.

[0045] In some embodiments, where the filter media pack includes pleated filter media, the filter media pack has a hollow shape and the seal receiver forms an open end cap for the filter media pack for receiving unfiltered fluid or for discharging filtered fluid. In these embodiments, preferably, a closed end cap is sealingly attached to the second exterior axial surface of the filter media pack.

[0046] In embodiments of the filter element, the closed loop surface of the seal receiver is one of the following: a radially inward facing surface, a radially outward facing surface, or a surface that faces axially relative to a central longitudinal axis Z that extends from the first outer axial surface 7a to the second outer axial surface 7b.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a filter assembly including a filter element and a seal carrier. The seal carrier forms a removable interface between the filter element and a housing of a filter system. The seal carrier includes first and second peripheral seal members supported by a seal support structure of the seal carrier. The outer shape of the first peripheral seal member is configured to match the outer shape of the closed-loop surface of the seal receiver of the filter element. In this manner, when the filter element is inserted into the housing of the filter system, the first peripheral seal member forms a seal between the filter element and the seal carrier. The second peripheral seal member is configured to form a seal between the seal carrier and the housing of the filter system.

[0048] In an embodiment, the seal support structure of the seal carrier includes a first peripheral support configured to support the first peripheral seal member, and a second peripheral support configured to support the second peripheral seal member.

[0049] In an embodiment, the first and second perimeter seals are mounted to a seal support structure of the seal carrier.

[0050] Advantageously, the seal carrier forms a removable interface supporting the first and second peripheral seal members so that when performing maintenance on the filter system, the filter element can be replaced, while the first and second peripheral seal members supported by the seal support structure of the seal carrier can be reused as long as the seal members are not worn out. Thus, the intervals for replacing the filter media pack and the seal assembly can be varied.

[0051] Advantageously, the outer shape of the closed loop surface of the seal receiver has single-fold rotational symmetry, and the outer shape of the first peripheral seal member is configured to match the outer shape of the closed loop surface, so that when the filter element is replaced and the first peripheral seal member is reused, the first peripheral seal member is always positioned in the same position relative to the filter element.

[0052] Preferably, the seal carrier is manufactured together with the first and second peripheral seal members by applying a multi-component injection molding manufacturing process, so that the seal carrier forms a single part together with the first and second peripheral seal members.

[0053] In embodiments, the filter assembly includes a snap-fit ​​coupling, and the seal receiver and seal carrier are configured to engage the snap-fit ​​coupling, such that a removable coupling can be established between the seal receiver and the seal carrier.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the filter assembly includes a clamp for clamping the seal carrier to the filter element.

[0055] In embodiments, a filter element for insertion into a housing of a filter system can include a media pack for filtering a fluid, the media pack defining an outer circumferential surface extending between a first axial surface and a second axial surface, and a seal receiver sealingly attached to the media pack, the seal receiver including a closed-loop surface for receiving a separately formed peripheral seal member, the closed-loop surface forming a contoured shape with single-fold rotational symmetry, and an engaging element for removably securing the peripheral seal member to the seal receiver.

[0056] In an embodiment, the contour shape of the closed loop surface is mirror symmetrical with respect to a mirror plane intersecting said first and second axial planes.

[0057] In an embodiment, the seal receiver includes a material having a hardness of anywhere from 60 to 100 measured on the Shore A scale.

[0058] In an embodiment, the closed loop surface is non-planar.

[0059] In embodiments, the closed loop surface of the seal receiver is one of the following: a radially inward facing surface, a radially outward facing surface, or a surface that faces axially relative to a central longitudinal axis extending from the first axial surface to the second axial surface.

[0060] In an embodiment, the engagement element is one of a first component of a snap-fit ​​coupling and an extension member configured to receive the latch member.

[0061] In an embodiment, the media pack includes fluted filter media.

[0062] In an embodiment, the outer peripheral shape of the media pack has single-fold rotational symmetry, and the outer shape formed by the closed loop surface of the seal receiver corresponds at least in part to the outer peripheral shape of the media pack.

[0063] In embodiments, the seal receiver is circumscribing and sealingly attached to the outer peripheral surface of the filter media pack, or is sealingly attached to the interface of the first axial face of the media pack, or is attached to both the interface of the first axial face and the outer peripheral surface of the media pack.

[0064] In an embodiment, the media pack includes pleated filter media.

[0065] In an embodiment, the seal receiver is sealingly attached to the first axial face of the media pack.

[0066] In an embodiment, the first axial surface is defined by a peripheral non-planar surface having a contour that corresponds to the contour defined by the closed loop surface of the seal receiver.

[0067] In an embodiment, the media pack has a hollow shape and at an end of the media pack, the outer peripheral surface includes one or more battlements, or alternatively one or more notches, configured to form said peripheral non-planar surface of the first axial surface.

[0068] In an embodiment, the media pack has a hollow shape and the seal receiver forms an open end cap for the media pack for receiving unfiltered fluid or for discharging filtered fluid, and preferably a closed end cap sealingly attached to the second exterior axial face of the media pack.

[0069] In an embodiment, the seal receiver is at least partially attached to the first or second axial surface of the media pack.

[0070] In an embodiment, the seal receiver is at least partially attached to the outer periphery of the media pack.

[0071] In an embodiment, the seal receiver is at least partially attached to the edge of the outer periphery of the media pack.

[0072] In an embodiment, the seal receiver includes a first peripheral side and an opposite second peripheral side, the first peripheral side including the closed loop surface, and at least a portion of the second peripheral side attached to the outer peripheral surface of the media pack.

[0073] In an embodiment, the seal receiver includes a first peripheral side and an opposite second peripheral side, the first peripheral side including the closed loop surface, and at least a portion of the second peripheral side attached to the first or second axial surface of the media pack.

[0074] In an embodiment, the seal receiver has the shape of a belt.

[0075] In an embodiment, the seal receiver includes a peripheral side surface, a first peripheral portion of the peripheral side surface forming the closed loop surface, and a second peripheral portion of the peripheral side surface attached to the first or second axial surface of the media pack.

[0076] In an embodiment, the closed loop surface is a smooth surface.

[0077] In embodiments, the filter element does not include a deflectable or compressible seal member.

[0078] In an embodiment, the filter element does not include a seal member attached to the closed loop surface.

[0079] In an embodiment, the seal receiver does not include a groove or recess for supporting the seal member.

[0080] In an embodiment, the seal receiver includes a single closed loop surface configured to receive a single removable peripheral seal member.

[0081] In an embodiment, a filter assembly may include a filter element having any of the aforementioned features; and a seal carrier for forming a removable interface between the filter element and a filter system housing, the seal carrier including: a first peripheral seal member for forming a seal between the filter element and the seal carrier, the first peripheral seal member having a contour configured to match the contour of a closed loop surface of a seal receiver of the filter element; a second peripheral seal member for forming a seal between the seal carrier and the filter system housing; and a seal support structure for supporting the first and second peripheral seal members.

[0082] In embodiments, a filter housing may be provided that receives any of the aforementioned filter elements.

[0083] In embodiments, a filter system may include a filter element having any of the aforementioned features, a filter housing configured to receive the filter element, and a peripheral seal member coupled to a wall of the filter housing and configured to form a seal between the filter element and the filter housing, the peripheral seal member having a contour configured to match the contour of the closed loop surface of the seal receiver.

[0084] In an embodiment, a filter element for insertion into a housing of a filter system may include a media pack for filtering a fluid, the media pack defining an outer circumferential surface extending between a first axial surface and a second axial surface, and a seal receiver sealingly attached to the media pack, the seal receiver having a closed-loop surface for receiving a separately formed peripheral seal member, the closed-loop surface forming an outer shape having a mirror-symmetric single plane, the single plane of mirror-symmetric including the closed-loop surface extending between the first axial surface and the second axial surface, and an engaging element for removably securing the peripheral seal member to the seal receiver.

[0085] In an embodiment, a filter element for insertion into a housing of a filter system may include a media pack for filtering a fluid, the media pack defining an outer circumferential surface extending between a first axial surface and a second axial surface, and a seal receiver sealingly attached to the media pack, the seal receiver defining a closed-loop surface for receiving a separately formed peripheral seal member, the seal receiver being formed from a material having a hardness of 60-100 on the Shore A scale or a hardness of 0-100 on the Shore D scale, and including an engaging element for securing the peripheral seal member to the seal receiver.

[0086] These and further aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0087] [Figure 1a] 1 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, with a seal receiver attached to an axial surface of a filter media pack. [Figure 1b] 1 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, with a seal receiver attached to an axial surface of a filter media pack. [Figure 2a] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, including a seal receiver and a filter media pack. [Figure 2b] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, including a seal receiver and a filter media pack. [Figure 2c] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, including a seal receiver and a filter media pack. [Figure 2d] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, including a seal receiver and a filter media pack. [Figure 2e] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, including a seal receiver and a filter media pack. [Figure 2f] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, including a seal receiver and a filter media pack. [Figure 2g] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, including a seal receiver and a filter media pack. [Figure 2h] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, including a seal receiver and a filter media pack. [Figure 3a] 1A-1D show perspective views of various example embodiments of a seal receiver according to the present disclosure; [Figure 3b] 1A-1D show perspective views of various example embodiments of a seal receiver according to the present disclosure; [Figure 3c] 1A-1D show perspective views of various example embodiments of a seal receiver according to the present disclosure; [Figure 4a] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4b]10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4c] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4d] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4e] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4f] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4g] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4h] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4i] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 4j] 10A-10C show portions of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver with various contour shapes. [Figure 5a] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter media pack having rotational symmetry about a central longitudinal axis Z. FIG. [Figure 5b] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter media pack having rotational symmetry about a central longitudinal axis Z. FIG. [Figure 6a] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a pleated filter media pack having a radially outer surface with single-fold rotational symmetry. [Figure 6b] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a pleated filter media pack having a radially outer surface with single-fold rotational symmetry. [Figure 6c]1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a pleated filter media pack having a radially outer surface with single-fold rotational symmetry. [Figure 7a] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter media pack having a radially outer surface with single-fold rotational symmetry. [Figure 7b] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter media pack having a radially outer surface with single-fold rotational symmetry. [Figure 8a] 1 shows a cross section of an exemplary filter media pack with a transverse cross section perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis Z illustrating a filter media pack outer peripheral contour having single-fold rotational symmetry. [Figure 8b] 1 shows a cross section of an exemplary filter media pack with a transverse cross section perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis Z illustrating a filter media pack outer peripheral contour having single-fold rotational symmetry. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B illustrate a schematic diagram of a press molding process for forming a filter media pack with single-fold rotational symmetry. [Figure 10a] 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a filter assembly including a filter element with an axially mounted seal receiver and an associated seal carrier. [Figure 10b] 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a filter assembly including a filter element with an axially mounted seal receiver and an associated seal carrier. [Figure 11a] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a filter assembly in which the seal carrier and seal receiver are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection. [Figure 11b] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a filter assembly in which the seal carrier and seal receiver are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection. [Figure 12a] 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a filter assembly including a filter element with a radially mounted seal receiver and an associated seal carrier. [Figure 12b] 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a filter assembly including a filter element with a radially mounted seal receiver and an associated seal carrier. [Figure 13] 10 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a filter assembly including a filter element with a seal receiver and an associated seal carrier. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a filter assembly in which the seal carrier includes a shell that forms a support element for the first and second peripheral seals. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly. [Figure 16] 10 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a filter assembly in which the seal receiver includes an engagement element for engaging with a latch coupled to the seal carrier. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a filter assembly including a clamp for clamping a seal carrier to a filter element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0088] The drawing figures are not drawn to scale or to proportion. Generally, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0089] The present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, which are illustrative of the present disclosure and should not be considered limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and / or described, and that alternative or modified embodiments may be developed in light of the entire teachings of the present disclosure. The depicted figures are schematic only and are not limiting.

[0090] The use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements other than those stated. The use of the articles "a", "an" or "the" before an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0091] Furthermore, the terms first, second, and the like in the description and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a temporal, spatial sequence, or order in any other manner. Terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it is understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0092] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

[0093] Although many of the figures presented and discussed below are embodiments that specifically address filter elements for filtering air, the present disclosure is not limited to filter elements for filtering any particular fluid, e.g., a gas such as air.

[0094] The phrase "geometry with single-fold rotational symmetry" or "object with single-fold rotational symmetry," as used throughout this disclosure, shall be considered to be a geometry or object with first-order discrete rotational symmetry, i.e., when the geometry or object is rotated, the geometry or object coincides only after 360° rotation, i.e., only after 360° rotation does the geometry or object appear identical to the start of the rotation. For example, a closed-loop surface with a geometry with single-fold rotational symmetry shall be considered to be a geometry configured such that when the closed-loop surface is rotated, the geometry coincides only after 360° rotation.

[0095] Single-fold rotational symmetry is also commonly referred to as one-fold rotational symmetry. In other words, a shape or object with single-fold rotational symmetry does not have rotational symmetry. In contrast, for example, in a rotationally symmetric object or shape with N-fold rotational symmetry (where N>1), the object or shape appears identical after a rotation of 360° / N. A rotationally symmetric object or shape has an N-th rotation axis (where N>1). An object or shape with single-fold rotational symmetry does not have an axis of rotational symmetry, as in the case of a rotationally symmetric object or shape, which coincides after a rotation of 180° or less about the axis of rotation.

[0096] When the phrase "mirror symmetry" or "mirror symmetry" is used throughout this disclosure, it must be considered reflection symmetry; that is, in three dimensions, an object of mirror symmetry includes a plane of mirror symmetry (also called a mirror plane). For each half of the object of mirror symmetry on a first side of the plane of mirror symmetry, there is another half of the object on a second side of the plane of mirror symmetry, such that each point of the half of the object on the first side has an equidistant assignment to another point of the other half of the object on the second side of the plane of mirror symmetry. In two dimensions, mirror symmetry implies the existence of an axis of symmetry; when a two-dimensional object of half is folded along the axis of symmetry, the two halves should be identical.

[0097] Filter Elements, Overview A filter element is a replaceable component that can be inserted into a filter system housing. An exemplary embodiment of a filter element according to the present disclosure, in which the filter element 1 includes a filter media pack 10 for filtering fluid and a seal receiver 15, is shown schematically in FIGS. 1a-2h. As illustrated in these figures, the filter media pack 10 has an outer circumferential surface 5 extending between a first outer axial surface 7a and a second outer axial surface 7b opposite the first outer axial surface. The outer circumferential surface 5 thus forms the radial boundary of the filter media pack, and the first and second axial surfaces form the axial boundary of the filter media pack. The outer circumferential surface 5 may also be referred to as a radial outer circumferential surface. For illustrative purposes, only half of a filter element is shown in FIGS. 2c-2g.

[0098] 1a and 1b, the outer peripheral surface 5 extends essentially parallel to a central longitudinal axis Z of the filter element. The central longitudinal axis Z extends from the first axial face toward the second axial face of the filter media pack 10 and can be considered the central axis of the filter media pack 10.

[0099] For embodiments in which the first and second axial surfaces are formed by planes, for example, as shown in Figures 1a and 2a-2g, the central longitudinal axis Z extends generally from the center of gravity of the first axial surface 7a to the center of gravity of the second axial surface 7b of the filter media pack 10. The center of gravity of a plane is the arithmetic average location of all points on the surface.

[0100] For rotationally symmetric filter media packs, such as those shown in Figures 1a and 2a, the central longitudinal axis Z coincides with the axis of rotational symmetry of the filter media pack.

[0101] In other embodiments, the outer circumferential surface may have, for example, a conical shape or any other suitable shape for forming an outer circumferential surface extending between the first axial surface and the second axial surface.

[0102] The seal receiver 15 of a filter element 1 according to the present disclosure is sealingly attached to the filter media pack, and the seal receiver 15 includes a closed-loop surface 16 adapted to receive a removable peripheral seal member. Figures 1a, 1b, 2g, and 2h show embodiments of a filter element 1 in which the seal receiver 15 is sealingly attached to the first exterior axial surface 7a of the filter media pack 10, while Figures 2a-2f show embodiments of a filter element 1 in which the first periphery of the seal receiver 15 circumscribes and sealingly attaches to the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10.

[0103] In an embodiment such as that illustrated in Figure 2g, the seal receiver 15 is sealingly attached to the interface of the first exterior axial surface 7a of the filter media pack. In a further embodiment such as that illustrated in Figure 15, the seal receiver 15 is attached to both the interface of the first exterior axial surface 7a and the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack.

[0104] The filter element 1 according to the presently disclosed embodiment is characterized in that the closed loop surface 16 defines a contour with single-fold rotational symmetry. In other words, the contour of the closed loop surface 16 does not have rotational symmetry. Regardless of the axis of rotation selected, the seal receiver must always be rotated 360° to return to the same contour relative to the closed loop surface 16. For example, when rotated along the central longitudinal axis Z of the filter media pack, 360° of rotation must occur before the contour matches the contour prior to the start of the rotation.

[0105] The dotted lines marked on the closed loop surface 16 in Figures 1a-2h indicate where a removable perimeter seal member should be received on the closed loop surface.

[0106] As a result of the single-fold rotational symmetry of the outer shape of the seal receiver 15, when installing a new filter element into the housing of the filter system, the filter element can only be installed by holding the filter element in a specific orientation so that, for example, the reusable peripheral seal member supported by the seal carrier can be accurately received by the closed loop surface of the seal receiver.

[0107] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, in addition to the single-fold rotational symmetry, the contour of the closed-loop surface 16 has mirror symmetry with respect to a mirror plane that intersects the first and second exterior axial faces of the filter media pack. An example of such an embodiment is shown in Figures 2a and 2b, where planes ZX and ZY are each planes of mirror symmetry.

[0108] In an embodiment, the closed loop surface 16 forms a contour with a single plane of mirror symmetry, which intersects the first and second exterior axial surfaces 7a, 7b of the filter media pack. The embodiment shown in Figures 2a and 2b is an example of an embodiment in which the contour has only a single plane of mirror symmetry, i.e., planes ZX and ZY, respectively. A single plane of mirror symmetry means that there is only one plane of mirror symmetry.

[0109] An advantage of a filter element having a closed-loop surface geometry with mirror symmetry is that it facilitates positioning the filter element within the filter system housing. For closed-loop surfaces without such a plane of mirror symmetry intersecting the first and second exterior axial surfaces 7a, 7b, as shown in Figure 12a, for example, it is difficult to know in what orientation the filter element should be held before inserting it into the filter system housing.

[0110] The first perimeter of the seal receiver 15 may be attached to the filter media pack 10 by, for example, glue, hot melt adhesive techniques, using shrink wrap, a molding process, or any other attachment technique known in the art for sealingly attaching a seal receiver to a filter media pack. For example, in Figure 2c, an embodiment of a filter element 1 is shown in which the first perimeter of the seal receiver 15 is attached to the outer perimeter surface 5 of the filter media pack with glue 17. In the embodiment of the filter element shown in Figure 2e, the seal receiver 15 is attached to the outer perimeter surface 5 using shrink wrap 19. In Figure 2e, the shrink wrap 19 is colored black.

[0111] As outlined above, embodiments of the filter element according to the present disclosure do not include a peripheral seal member coupled to the filter media pack to seal the filter media pack to the filter system housing. In other words, embodiments of the filter element according to the present disclosure do not support any peripheral seal member to seal the filter media pack to the filter system housing.

[0112] In an embodiment, the closed-loop surface 16 is a single closed-loop surface, that is, the seal receiver 15 includes a single closed-loop surface 16 such that the seal receiver 15 can receive only one removable peripheral seal member.

[0113] Seal holder Numerous exemplary embodiments of a seal receiver 15 according to the present disclosure are shown in Figures 3a-3c. As shown schematically in these figures, each of these seal receivers 15 has a closed-loop surface 16 that forms an outer shape with single-fold rotational symmetry. A dotted line on the closed-loop surface 16 generally indicates a central location where a removable peripheral seal member should be received when the filter element is inserted into the filter system housing.

[0114] The contours of the closed-loop surfaces of the seal receivers shown in Figures 3a-3c are also mirror-symmetric. In fact, as discussed above, in some embodiments, when the seal receiver is installed in a filter media pack, there is a plane of mirror symmetry that intersects the first and second exterior axial faces of the filter media pack. For example, the filter element of Figure 2a includes a seal receiver of the type shown in Figure 3b; in this example, the plane XZ is a mirror plane relative to the closed-loop surfaces of the seal receiver.

[0115] The seal receiver 15 is generally made of a hard material, more specifically encompassing materials ranging from medium hard to hard and very hard. The well-known Shore A or Shore D scales can be used to represent and measure the hardness of a material. In embodiments, the seal receiver 15 has a hardness of 60 to 100, preferably 70 to 100, and more preferably 80 to 100, as measured on the Shore A scale, or alternatively, a hardness of 0 to 100, preferably 15 to 100, and more preferably 30 to 100, as measured on the Shore D scale. In this manner, when the filter element is inserted into the filter housing, the peripheral seal member, for example, supported by the seal carrier, contacts and presses against the closed-loop surface 16 of the seal receiver, thereby forming a reliable seal.

[0116] In an embodiment, the seal receiver 15 is made from, for example, a hard plastic.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal receiver comprises a thermoplastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In these materials, the seal receiver can be attached to the filter media pack by, for example, heat welding or by multi-component injection molding.

[0118] In some embodiments in which the seal receiver 15 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10, the closed-loop surface 16 of the seal receiver is a surface that faces radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis Z that extends from the first outer axial surface to the second outer axial surface, as illustrated in Figures 2a, 4a, 4b, and 4h-4j. Such a radially outward facing surface should be considered a surface configured to receive an outwardly directed seal.

[0119] In other embodiments where the seal receiver 15 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10, such as illustrated in Figure 2b, the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver is a radially inward facing surface. Such a radially inward facing surface should be considered a surface configured to receive an inwardly directed seal.

[0120] In an embodiment, the contour formed by the closed loop surface 16 includes at least one concave contour such that the contour of the seal receiver has single-fold rotational symmetry.

[0121] In the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2a, the closed-loop surface 16 includes steps configured to create single-fold rotational symmetry.

[0122] In embodiments where the seal receiver is attached to the first exterior axial surface of the filter media pack, as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver is an axially facing surface suitable for receiving an axial seal.

[0123] In embodiments, the seal receiver 15 includes a peripheral first side and an opposite peripheral second side, where the peripheral first side includes a closed-loop surface 16, and the peripheral second side of the seal receiver, or at least a portion of the peripheral second side, is attached to the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack. Examples of these types of embodiments are shown in Figures 2a-2f. In an embodiment such as that illustrated in Figure 2a, the peripheral first side and the peripheral second side are the peripheral outer side and the peripheral inner side of the seal receiver, respectively. In other embodiments such as that illustrated in Figure 2b, the peripheral first side and the peripheral second side are the peripheral inner side and the peripheral outer side of the seal receiver, respectively.

[0124] In another embodiment, the seal receiver 15 includes a first peripheral side and an opposite second peripheral side, where the first peripheral side includes the closed loop surface 16, and the second peripheral side or at least a portion of the second peripheral side is attached to the first or second outer axial surface 7 a, 7 b of the filter media pack. Examples of such embodiments are shown in Figures 1 a, 1 b, and 2 h.

[0125] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11a and 11b, the seal receiver 15 includes a peripheral side surface, a first peripheral portion of which forms the closed loop surface 16, and a second peripheral portion of which is attached to the first or second outer axial surface 7a, 7b of the filter media pack 10.

[0126] In embodiments such as those illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, the seal receiver is belt-shaped with a belt width W. Figure 2f shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a filter element in which the seal receiver is attached to the outer periphery of the filter media pack, and the seal receiver has a belt shape. In Figure 2f, only half of the filter element is shown for illustrative purposes, with the seal receiver 15 colored black and a white dotted line indicating the center location for receiving the perimeter seal.

[0127] For embodiments in which a belt-shaped seal receiver is attached to the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack, preferably 0.05≦W / H≦0.5, more preferably 0.05≦W / H≦0.30, where H is the height of the filter media pack, corresponding to the distance measured between the first and second outer axial faces of the filter media pack, as illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b. For filter media packs including battlements 12 or cutouts 13, as shown in Figures 6a-6c, the height H corresponds to the maximum distance measured between the first and second outer axial faces of the filter media pack.

[0128] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 2c and 2d, the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver is essentially parallel to the contour cross-section of the outer peripheral surface of the filter media pack. In other words, in these embodiments, the contour formed by the closed loop surface corresponds to the contour or a portion of the contour of the filter media.

[0129] In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 1b, in which the first axial side of the filter media pack includes a non-planar surface, the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver is essentially parallel to the non-planar surface of the first axial side of the filter media pack. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1a, the first axial side 7a of the filter media pack is planar, while the closed loop surface 16 is non-planar. In Figures 1a and 1b, a dotted perimeter line on the closed loop surface 16 generally indicates where a perimeter seal should be received, thereby highlighting the single-pronged profile of the closed loop surface 16.

[0130] Furthermore, the contour of the closed loop surface 16 is not limited to any particular shape or orientation relative to the filter media pack. Figures 4a-4j show a portion of a cross section between a mid-plane and various embodiments of a filter element having a seal receiver 15 with different contours. The mid-plane is a plane that intersects the first and second axial faces of the filter media pack.

[0131] In Figures 4a-4j, the seal receiver 15 is either attached to the outer peripheral surface 5 or to the first outer axial surface 7a of the filter media pack. The cross-section of the seal receiver is shown as a dotted area, and the closed loop surface 16 is highlighted by a solid line. Figure 4a shows a belt-shaped seal receiver 15, as discussed above, where the closed loop surface 16 is smooth and either parallel to the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack or parallel to the first outer axial surface 7a, depending on the type of embodiment. Figure 4b shows a further example of an embodiment in which the closed loop surface 16 is parallel to the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack or parallel to the first outer axial surface 7a. Figures 4c and 4d show embodiments of the seal receiver 15 in which the contour of the closed loop surface 16 includes an arc-shaped portion. Such an arc-shaped closed loop surface is suitable for receiving, for example, a C-shaped or U-shaped perimeter seal. Figure 4e shows an embodiment in which the seal receiver has an angled contour. Figure 4f illustrates an embodiment in which the closed loop surface is configured to receive, for example, a peripheral lip seal. Figure 4g illustrates a seal receiver similar to that of Figure 4a. However, in this example, the closed loop surface is oriented perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface 5 or perpendicular to the first outer axial surface 7a. For example, in an embodiment in which the closed loop surface is oriented perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface 5, the closed loop surface can receive an axial seal.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment of a seal receiver according to the present disclosure, as illustrated, for example, schematically in Figures 2g, 4b, 4h, and 4i, the seal receiver 15 includes an engagement element 21 configured to engage with a connector, for example a snap-fit ​​connector, or to engage with a latch.

[0133] Examples of engaging elements 21 for engaging with a snap-fit ​​coupling or with a latch are gaps, notches, ridges, grooves, notches, edges, recesses, notches, depressions, or any contour suitable for engaging with a snap-fit ​​coupling. The engaging elements 21 can create a snap-fit ​​or latch connection between the seal receiver and the seal carrier that supports the removable peripheral seal member.

[0134] In embodiments, a snap-fit ​​coupling or latch is coupled to, for example, the seal carrier. This provides a removable connection between the seal receiver and the seal carrier. Typically, the snap-fit ​​coupling or latch is a cantilever arm for bridging the distance between the seal receiver and the seal carrier. For example, FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a filter assembly in which the seal carrier 50 includes a latch 25 and the seal receiver 15 includes an engagement element 21 for engaging with the latch 25 of the seal carrier.

[0135] In another embodiment, the seal receiver includes a snap-fit ​​coupling 20 that is, for example, rotatably or flexibly coupled to a portion of the seal receiver 15, as illustrated in Figures 4j and 11a. In this manner, the seal receiver 15 and the seal carrier 50 can be removably coupled by engaging the snap-fit ​​coupling 20 with an engaging element 21 of the seal carrier 50, as further illustrated in Figure 11b.

[0136] Filter media pack, shape The filter media pack 10 of the filter element according to the present disclosure is not limited to a particular shape. The filter media pack can have rotational symmetry or single-fold symmetry, i.e., no symmetry. Figure 5a shows an embodiment of a filter media pack in which the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10 has two degrees of rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis Z. Figure 5b shows an embodiment of a filter media pack 10 that is cylindrical in shape, and therefore the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 is perfectly symmetric about the longitudinal central axis Z, i.e., the contour has infinite degrees of rotational symmetry.

[0137] 6a-6c and 7a-7b show filter media pack embodiments in which the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10 has single-fold rotational symmetry. In fact, when these types of embodiments are rotated, for example, about the central longitudinal axis Z, the same contour is obtained only through a 360° rotation.

[0138] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 6a-6c, single-fold rotational symmetry of the outer peripheral contour is achieved by providing one or more battlements 12 at the ends of the filter media pack, or alternatively, by providing one or more notches 13. The battlements 12 should be considered as local ends of the filter media pack where the height of the filter media pack increases locally along the longitudinal axis Z.

[0139] In other embodiments, the first and / or second exterior axial surfaces of the filter media pack can be angled so that the outer circumferential surface has single-fold rotational symmetry. Figure 2h shows an example of a filter element with a filter media pack having an angled first axial side, and a seal receiver 15 is attached to the angled first axial side 7a. In Figure 2g, the seal receiver 15 is colored black, and a white dotted line on the closed-loop surface 16 indicates a central location on the closed-loop surface 16 for receiving a removable peripheral seal member.

[0140] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6a-6c, the filter media pack has a tubular shape. As illustrated in Figure 6a, a single cut 13 is made in the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack so that the radial profile of the filter media pack has single-fold rotational symmetry. Figures 6b and 6c show an embodiment in which a single battlement 12 is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the filter media pack. In this way, as illustrated in Figures 6a-6c, the first axial surface 7a of the filter media pack is formed non-planar.

[0141] In embodiments of the filter element, as shown in Figure lb, the first axial surface 7a is peripherally non-planar, having a contour that corresponds to the contour formed by the seal receiver's closed loop surface 16. In these embodiments, both the filter media pack and the seal receiver have single-fold rotational symmetry.

[0142] 7a and 7b show further embodiments of the filter media pack 10 in which the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 has single-fold rotational symmetry. In these embodiments, the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 includes one concave contour such that such single-fold rotational symmetry is created.

[0143] 8a and 8b show cross sections between the transverse plane and the radially outer peripheral surface 5 of an exemplary filter media pack embodiment, illustrating further examples of outer peripheral surface 5 geometries having single-fold rotational symmetry. The transverse plane is a plane located midway between the first and second outer axial surfaces and perpendicular to the median plane defined above.

[0144] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the first and second exterior axial faces 7a, 7b of the filter media pack are plane-parallel faces. In other embodiments, the first and / or second exterior axial faces may be angled.

[0145] In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 2 a, where the outer peripheral surface of the filter media pack has single-fold rotational symmetry and the seal receiver 15 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack, the contour formed by the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver corresponds to the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack.

[0146] FIG. 2b shows an example of a filter element 1 in which the filter media pack 10 has two-fold rotational symmetry and the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver 15 has single-fold rotational symmetry.

[0147] In an embodiment, the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10 is mirror symmetrical with respect to a plane of mirror symmetry, preferably the plane of mirror symmetry intersecting the first and second outer axial faces of the filter media pack.

[0148] In embodiments where the closed loop surface defines a contour having a single plane of mirror symmetry that intersects the first and second exterior axial surfaces 7a, 7b of the filter media pack, the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10 is also mirror symmetrical with respect to this single plane of mirror symmetry of the closed loop surface. An example of an embodiment where plane ZY is a mirror plane with respect to both the closed loop surface of the filter media pack and the seal receiver is shown in Figure 2b.

[0149] grooved filter media The filter media pack of the filter element according to the present disclosure is not limited to any particular filter media, and may include, for example, fluted filter media, pleated filter media, or any other filter media suitable for filtering fluids.

[0150] The filter element 1 shown in Figures 2a and 2b is an example of an embodiment in which the filter media pack comprises fluted filter media, also known as Z-filter media. In the embodiment, the fluted filter media comprises a coiled layer of fluted filter material, with the outer surface of the outer layer of the coiled fluted filter media forming the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10.

[0151] Typically, in filter media pack embodiments including fluted filter media, the first and second exterior axial surfaces 7a, 7b correspond to fluid inlet and fluid outlet faces, respectively, or alternatively correspond to fluid outlet and fluid inlet faces, respectively.

[0152] A filter media pack with a coiled Z-filter media is disclosed, for example, in patent document U.S. Patent No. 7,396,376. One type of Z-filter media construction utilizes two specific media components that are joined together to form the media structure. The two components are a fluted, typically corrugated, media sheet and a facing media sheet. The facing media sheet is typically non-corrugated. The fluted media sheet and facing media sheet are used together to define a media having a set of parallel inlet grooves and a set of parallel outlet grooves. After securing the fluted sheet together with the facing sheet, a layer of fluted filter material is obtained, which includes a set of inlet grooves and a set of outlet grooves.

[0153] Each layer of the coiled grooved material includes a set of inlet grooves and a set of outlet grooves. The set of inlet grooves is open at an axial inlet side of the filter body to receive unfiltered fluid, and the inlet grooves are closed at an axial outlet side of the filter body. Meanwhile, the set of outlet grooves is closed at the axial inlet side and open at the axial outlet side to allow filtered fluid to exit the filter body. In this way, the fluid is forced to create a Z-shaped trajectory as it flows from the axial inlet side to the axial outlet side.

[0154] Generally, layers of fluted filter material are coiled to form a filter body having an outer peripheral surface formed by an outer layer of coiled fluted filter media, and having an axial inlet face for receiving unfiltered fluid and an axial outlet face for exiting filtered fluid. In embodiments, the grooves in each coiled layer are oriented essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the filter media pack.

[0155] In embodiments, during the process of producing a wound fluted filter media pack, a length of filter media having a constant width is wound around a winding core. The outer peripheral shape of the filter media pack depends on the outer peripheral shape of the winding core used. A cylindrical winding core will result in a cylindrical filter media pack, while an oval winding core, for example, will result in an oval outer peripheral shape for the filter media pack. Generally, after removing the winding core, the resulting filter media pack will have a hollow center 11, as illustrated in Figure 8b. In some embodiments, the hollow center 11 is filled with a material to strengthen the filter media pack.

[0156] A filter media pack having a contour resulting from, for example, a concave contour with a single rotational symmetry on the outer periphery can be produced by first producing a cylindrical filter element and then placing the filter media pack in a suitably shaped press mold having protrusions and cavities corresponding to the desired contour for the outer periphery. Such a press mold 30 pressed together with the filter media pack 10 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 9.

[0157] Patent document WO 2017 / 1741199 A1 discloses a further example of a filter medium comprising channels or grooves. The filter medium disclosed therein includes a group of first channels, each extending from a first end to a second end, each having an inlet opening at its first end through which a fluid to be filtered can enter the respective first channel and closing at its second end, and a group of second channels, each extending from the first end to the second end, each having an outlet opening at its second end through which the filtered fluid can exit the respective second channel and closing at its first end. At least one first channel is disposed adjacent to a second channel, the first channel being separated from the second channel by a partition, the partition being formed from a filter medium, and a fluid to be filtered can flow from the first channel into the second channel through the filter medium.

[0158] In a further embodiment of the filter media similar to the embodiment disclosed in WO 2017 / 174199 A1, the filter media additionally includes through-channels for passing through the filter media pack. The through-channels have openings on the top surface and / or bottom surface of the filter media pack. The through-channels can be obtained simply by leaving a specific area of ​​the filter element free from channels belonging to a first group of channels, free from channels belonging to a second group of channels, and free from any other type of channel that has openings on either the top or bottom surface but does not have additional openings. In this embodiment, an element is placed within the through-channels that closes fluid flow through the through-channels while leaving a volume within the through-channels open.

[0159] pleated filter media The filter element illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b is an example of a filter element including a filter media pack containing pleated filter media. The pleated filter media has a plurality of pleats arranged in a closed loop, e.g., an annulus. In this manner, a hollow filter body extending in the longitudinal direction Z is formed. The hollow filter body has a first opening and a second opening at a first end and a second end, respectively, of the hollow filter body. The pleats are formed, for example, by folding a sheet of filter paper. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1b, the hollow filter body is a hollow cylinder with a battlement 12 at the first end, whereas the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1b illustrates a filter element including a cylindrical filter media pack with flat axial sides.

[0160] The outer tips of the pleats define a perimeter of the hollow filter body. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack 10 corresponds to this perimeter defined by the outer tips of the pleats, and the first and second axial surfaces 7 a, 7 b of the filter media pack correspond to the first and second ends of the hollow filter body, respectively. In this embodiment, the fold lines of the pleated filter media are typically oriented essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z.

[0161] After the filter element shown in FIG. 1a or 1b is installed in the filter system housing, fluid crosses the filter media laterally in the longitudinal direction Z during operation of the filter system. For example, the fluid to be filtered crosses through the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack toward the interior of the hollow filter body formed by the pleated media, and the filtered fluid exits the filter media pack through a central opening in the first axial surface 7a of the filter media pack. This central opening in the first axial surface 7a corresponds to the opening at the first end of the hollow filter body. Therefore, these types of embodiments require open and closed end caps at the first and second ends, respectively, of the hollow filter body formed by the pleated media.

[0162] In an embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 1b, the first axial surface 7a includes a peripheral non-planar surface. As discussed above, in the embodiment, the non-planar surface is achieved by providing a peripheral surface with one or more battlements at the first end of the filter media pack. In the example shown in FIG. 1b, one battlement 12 is provided. During the filter element manufacturing process, a seal receiver 15 is sealingly attached to the non-planar surface of the filter media pack. Thus, in this embodiment, the seal receiver also forms an open end cap for the first axial side 7a of the filter media pack.

[0163] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1b, the non-planar peripheral surface of first axial surface 7a has a shape that corresponds to the shape of closed loop surface 16 of seal receiver 15. In this embodiment, the closed loop surface is a smooth surface that is essentially parallel to the non-planar peripheral surface of first axial surface 7a.

[0164] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver is the surface facing axially relative to the longitudinal axis Z.

[0165] In filter element embodiments in which the filter media is pleated filter media, the filter media pack 10 has a hollow shape as illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b, and the seal receiver 15 forms an open end cap for the filter media pack for receiving unfiltered fluid or for discharging filtered fluid. Preferably, in these embodiments, a closed end cap is sealingly attached to the second exterior axial surface 7b of the filter media pack.

[0166] Filter Assembly According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a filter assembly 100 that essentially includes most separable components, namely, a filter element 1 as discussed above, and a seal carrier 50. Several example embodiments of a filter assembly 100 according to the present disclosure are shown in Figures 10a-17.

[0167] The seal carrier 50 forms a removable interface between the filter element 1 and the housing of the filter system. The seal carrier 50 includes a first peripheral seal member 51 and a second peripheral seal member 52. The seal carrier further includes a seal support structure 53 configured to support the first and second peripheral seal members.

[0168] When the filter element is inserted into the filter system housing, the first peripheral seal member 51 forms a seal between the filter element 1 and the seal carrier 50, and the second peripheral seal member 52 forms a seal between the seal carrier 50 and the filter system housing. The outer shape of the first peripheral seal member 51 is configured to match the outer shape of the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver 15 of the filter element so as to form a tight and reliable seal.

[0169] In an embodiment, the seal support structure 53 of the seal carrier 50 has a first peripheral support portion configured to support the first peripheral seal member 51 and a second peripheral support portion configured to support the second peripheral seal member 52.

[0170] In embodiments, the seal support structure 53 is formed by a frame member. In other elements, the seal support structure 53 is formed by a shell member configured to partially or completely surround the outer periphery 5 of the filter media pack 10. In these embodiments, the first and second perimeter seals are attached to the outer walls of the shell member. A seal carrier in which the seal support structure 53 for supporting the perimeter seals is a shell member is illustrated in Figures 14 and 15.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first and second perimeter seals are attached to the seal support structure of the seal carrier. The seals can be attached to the seal support structure by glue or any other suitable means. In other embodiments, the first and second perimeter seals are removably attached to the seal support structure so that the first and second perimeter seals are interchangeable while continuing to use the same seal support structure.

[0172] In an embodiment, the seal support structure 53 of the seal carrier is manufactured together with the first and second peripheral seal members 51, 52 by applying a multi-component injection molding manufacturing process. A first component of the multi-component injection molding process is used to form the seal support structure 53 of the seal carrier, and a second component is used to form the first and second peripheral seal members 51, 52. In this manner, the first and second peripheral seal members are attached to the first and second peripheral supports of the seal support structure 53, respectively, during the injection molding manufacturing process, and therefore the seal support structure 53 together with the first and second peripheral seal members 51, 52 form a single part. For example, two different types of polymers can be used as the two components when applying the two-component injection molding manufacturing process: a relatively hard material, such as a hard plastic, for the seal support structure 53 and a relatively soft material, such as a rubber material, for the first and second peripheral seal members 51, 52. In one aspect, the material used for the first and second peripheral seal members 51, 52 may be characterized as being relatively softer, more compressible, and / or more deflectable relative to the material used to form the seal support structure 53. Similarly, the material used for the first and second peripheral seal members 51, 52 may be characterized as being relatively softer, more compressible, and / or more deflectable relative to the material used to form the closed-loop surface 16. In some examples, the material used to form the first and second peripheral seal members 51, 52 may also be characterized as having a higher coefficient of friction compared to the material used to form the seal support structure 53 and / or the closed-loop surface 16.

[0173] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12a, the filter media pack 10 includes a fluted filter media, and the filter element 1 includes a stretch-resistant element 60 bonded to the second axial surface of the filter media pack. The stretch-resistant element prevents the coiled layer from moving in the longitudinal direction Z. This longitudinal movement, generally known as stretch, can result, for example, from a pressure differential between the inlet and outlet of the filter element or as a result of vibration. Bonding the stretch-resistant element 60 to the second axial surface of the filter media pack can be achieved, for example, by gluing or by heat welding as part of the manufacturing process of the filter element 1. In FIG. 12a, the seal receiver 15 attached to the filter media pack 10 is colored black, and a white dotted line on the seal receiver indicates where the first perimeter 51 should be received when the seal carrier 50 is bonded to the filter element.

[0174] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a further example of a filter assembly 100 according to the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, only half of the filter element is shown. This embodiment illustrates that the outer shapes of the first and second peripheral seal members 51, 52 do not necessarily have to be the same. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack filter has a concave contour similar to the filter media pack shown in FIG. 7a. The seal receiver 15 has a belt shape, and the contour formed by the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver corresponds to the contour of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the filter media pack. As noted above, the contour of the first peripheral seal member is configured to match the contour of the closed loop surface of the seal receiver 15. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the second peripheral seal member 52 is supported by a second support portion of the seal support structure 53 of the seal carrier 50 and has an outer shape different from the outer shape of the first peripheral seal member 51, and the outer shape of the second peripheral seal member 52 can have two-fold rotational symmetry, as in this example, whereas the outer shape of the first peripheral seal member 51 has single-fold rotational symmetry.

[0175] In a preferred embodiment, the filter assembly 100 includes a snap-fit ​​coupling 20, and the seal receiver 15 and seal carrier 50 of the filter element are configured to engage with the snap-fit ​​coupling 20 to create a removable connection between the seal receiver 15 and the seal carrier 50. As discussed above, the snap-fit ​​coupling 20 should be considered as a cantilever arm for snap-fitting and bridging the distance between the seal receiver and the seal carrier. In this manner, when the filter element is to be installed into the housing of the filter system using the snap-fit ​​coupling, the seal carrier 50 is first attached to the seal receiver 15, such that the filter element 15 and the seal carrier 50 form a coupled unit that facilitates installation of the filter element into the housing. In an embodiment, the filter assembly 100 includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​couplings 20.

[0176] FIG. 11 a illustrates an embodiment of a filter assembly 100 in which the seal receiver 15 includes a snap-fit ​​coupling 20 configured to create a snap-fit ​​connection between the seal receiver 15 and the seal carrier 50. The snap-fit ​​coupling 20 is a part of the seal receiver 15 and can be, for example, rotatably or flexibly attached to a portion of the seal receiver 15, as shown, for example, schematically in FIG. 4j. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 a, the seal carrier 50 includes a snap-fit ​​engagement element 21, e.g., a groove or notch, configured to allow an end of the snap-fit ​​coupling 20, e.g., a hook or rivet, to snap into the snap-fit ​​engagement element 21 to create an interconnection between the seal receiver 15 and the seal carrier 50. FIG. 11 b illustrates the filter assembly 100 after the seal receiver 15 has been snap-fit ​​with the seal carrier 50 using the snap-fit ​​coupling 20.

[0177] 4b, 4h, and 4j, the seal receiver includes an engagement element 21 configured to receive a snap-fit ​​coupling 20, which may be, for example, rotatably or flexibly attached to the seal carrier. In another embodiment, such as illustrated in FIG. 16, the engagement element 21 of the seal receiver 15 is configured to receive a latch 25 of the seal carrier 50.

[0178] In further embodiments of the filter assembly 100, both the seal receiver 15 and the seal carrier 50 include an engagement element 21 configured to receive the snap-fit ​​coupling 20. In these embodiments, the snap-fit ​​coupling is a separate element having a first end that couples with the snap-fit ​​engagement element 21 of the seal receiver and a second end of the snap-fit ​​coupling 20 opposite the first end that couples with the snap-fit ​​engagement element 21 of the seal carrier.

[0179] FIG. 17 shows a further example of a filter assembly embodiment in which the filter assembly 100 includes a clamp 26 for clamping the seal carrier 50 to the filter element.

[0180] 14 and 15 show a further example embodiment of a filter assembly 100. In this embodiment, the seal support structure 53 of the seal carrier 50, which supports the first and second perimeter seals 51, 52, is formed by a shell member. In this embodiment, the filter element, including the filter media pack 10 and the seal receiver, is insertable into the shell such that after insertion, the shell surrounds, or at least partially surrounds, the outer perimeter surface 5 of the filter media pack 10. The shell member provides rigid protection for the filter media pack. Two vertical arrows in FIG. 14 indicate the direction for inserting the filter element into the shell member 53 of the seal carrier 50.

[0181] In an embodiment, the closed loop surface 16 of the seal receiver 15 is configured to receive a removable peripheral lip seal. For example, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the first peripheral seal member 51 is a peripheral lip seal configured to engage the closed loop surface of the seal receiver 15. In an embodiment, the second peripheral seam member 52 is also a lip seal.

[0182] Filter System According to an additional aspect of the present disclosure, there are provided embodiments of a filter system including a filter assembly 100 and a filter housing as defined above, in which the seal carrier 50 of the filter assembly 100 forms a removable interface between the filter element 1 and the filter housing of the filter system.

[0183] In other embodiments, the filter system does not include a seal carrier 50 that forms a removable interface between the filter element 1 and the filter housing. In those embodiments without such a seal carrier, the filter system includes a filter element as defined above, a filter housing configured to receive the filter element, and a peripheral seal member coupled to the wall of the filter housing. In those embodiments without the seal carrier 50, the peripheral seal member coupled to the wall of the filter housing forms a seal between the filter element and the filter housing. The outer shape of the peripheral seal member is further configured to match the outer shape of the closed-loop surface 16 of the seal receiver of the filter element. In this way, when the filter element is inserted into the filter housing, the peripheral seal member coupled to the filter housing is received by the closed-loop surface of the seal receiver.

[0184] Advantageously, for embodiments in which the contour of the closed loop surface, and therefore the contour of the perimeter seal, has single-fold rotational symmetry, the perimeter seal is maintained in the same position relative to the housing when the filter element is replaced.

[0185] Similarly, for embodiments in which the closed loop surface defines a profile having a single plane of mirror symmetry that intersects the first and second exterior axial surfaces 7 a, 7 b, there are also peripheral seal profiles that are mirror symmetrical about the single plane of mirror symmetry. For these embodiments, the peripheral seal remains in the same position relative to the housing when the seal is replaced.

[0186] In embodiments of the filter system without a seal carrier, the perimeter seal member is permanently attached to the wall of the filter housing. In other embodiments of the filter system without a seal carrier, the perimeter seal member is removably coupled to the wall of the housing, so that the perimeter seal member can be replaced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 1 Filter Element 5 Outer surface of filter media pack 7a: first outer axial surface of the filter media pack 7b second outer axial surface of the filter media pack 10 filter media packs 11 Hollow center 12 Battlements 13 Cutting 15 Seal holder 16 Closed Loop Surface 17 Glue 19 Shrink Wrapping 20 Snap-fit ​​connector 21 Engagement element 25 Latch 26 Clamp 30 Press molding 50 Seal Carrier 51 first peripheral seal member 52 second peripheral seal member 53 Seal support structure 60 anti-stretch element 100 Filter Assembly Z central longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A filter element (1) for insertion into a housing of a filter system, comprising: a filter media pack (10) for filtering a fluid, the filter media pack (10) having an outer circumferential surface (5) extending between a first outer axial surface (7a) and a second outer axial surface (7b) opposite said first outer axial surface; The filter element (1) comprises: further comprising a seal receiver (15) sealingly attached to the filter media pack, the seal receiver (15) including a closed loop surface (16) for receiving a removable peripheral seal member; The closed loop surface (16) forms a contour with single-fold rotational symmetry.

2. 2. The filter element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer shape of the closed loop surface (16) is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a mirror plane intersecting the first and second outer axial surfaces (7a), (7b).

3. 3. The filter element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seal receiver (15) comprises a material having a hardness measured on the Shore A scale of 60 to 100, preferably 70 to 100, more preferably 80 to 100, or alternatively 0 to 100, preferably 15 to 100, more preferably 30 to 100, measured on the Shore D scale.

4. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the closed loop surface (16) is non-planar.

5. 5. The filter element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closed loop surface (16) of the seal receiver is one of the following: a surface facing radially inward, a surface facing radially outward, or a surface facing axially relative to a central longitudinal axis (Z) extending from the first outer axial surface (7a) to the second outer axial surface (7b).

6. 6. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the seal receiver (15) comprises an engagement element (21) for engaging with a snap-fit ​​coupling or for engaging with a latch, or alternatively, the seal receiver comprises a snap-fit ​​coupling (20) or a latch (25).

7. 7. The filter element (1) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filter media pack comprises a fluted filter media, and preferably the first and second outer axial faces (7a), (7b) correspond to a fluid inlet face and a fluid outlet face, respectively, or alternatively correspond to a fluid outlet face and a fluid inlet face, respectively.

8. 8. The filter element (1) of claim 7, wherein the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack (10) has single-fold rotational symmetry, and the outer shape formed by the closed-loop surface (16) of the seal receiver corresponds to or partially corresponds to the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack.

9. 9. The filter element (1) of claim 7 or 8, wherein the seal receiver (15) is circumscribing and sealingly attached to the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack, or the seal receiver (15) is sealingly attached to the boundary of the first outer axial surface (7 a) of the filter media pack, or the seal receiver (15) is attached to both the boundary of the first outer axial surface (7 a) and the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack.

10. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filter media pack (10) comprises pleated filter media.

11. 11. The filter element (1) of claim 10, wherein the seal receiver (15) is sealingly attached to the first outer axial surface (7a) of the filter media pack (10).

12. 12. The filter element (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first axial surface (7a) is defined by a peripheral non-planar surface having a contour corresponding to the contour defined by the closed-loop surface (16) of the seal receiver.

13. 13. The filter element (1) of claim 12, wherein the filter media pack has a hollow shape and at an end of the filter media pack, the outer peripheral surface (5) comprises one or more battlements (12) or alternatively one or more notches (13) configured to form the peripheral non-planar surface of the first axial surface (7a).

14. 13. The filter element (1) of claim 11 or 12, wherein the filter media pack (10) has a hollow shape and the seal receiver (15) forms an open end cap for the filter media pack for receiving unfiltered fluid or for discharging filtered fluid, preferably a closed end cap sealingly attached to the second outer axial face (7b) of the filter media pack.

15. 7. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the seal receiver (15) is attached or at least partially attached to the first or second outer axial surface (7a), (7b) of the filter media pack.

16. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the seal receiver (15) is attached or at least partially attached to the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack.

17. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the seal receiver (15) is attached or at least partially attached to an end of the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack.

18. 7. The filter element (1) of claim 1, wherein the seal receiver (15) comprises a first peripheral side and an opposite second peripheral side, the first peripheral side comprising the closed-loop surface (16), and the second peripheral side or at least a portion of the second peripheral side is attached to the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack.

19. 7. The filter element (1) of claim 1, wherein the seal receiver (15) comprises a first peripheral side and an opposite second peripheral side, the first peripheral side comprising the closed-loop surface (16), and the second peripheral side or at least a portion of the second peripheral side is attached to the first or second outer axial surface (7a), (7b) of the filter media pack.

20. 20. The filter element (1) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the seal receiver has the shape of a belt.

21. 7. The filter element (1) of claim 1, wherein the seal receiver (15) includes a peripheral side surface, a first peripheral portion of the peripheral side surface forming the closed loop surface (16), and a second peripheral portion of the peripheral side surface attached to the first or second outer axial surface (7a), (7b) of the filter media pack.

22. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the closed loop surface (16) is a smooth surface.

23. The filter element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element does not include a sealing member.

24. The filter element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element does not include a sealing member attached to the closed-loop surface.

25. The filter element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal receiver (15) does not include a groove or recess for supporting a seal member.

26. The filter element (1) of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the seal receiver (15) comprises a single closed-loop surface (16) configured to receive a single removable peripheral seal member.

27. a filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, a seal carrier (50) for forming a removable interface between the filter element and the housing of the filter system, the seal carrier (50) comprising: i) a first peripheral seal member (51) for forming a seal between the filter element (1) and the seal carrier (50), the first peripheral seal member (51) having a contour configured to match the contour of the closed loop surface (16) of the seal receiver (15) of the filter element; ii) a second peripheral seal member (52) for forming a seal between the seal carrier and the housing of the filter system; and iii) a seal carrier (50) including a seal support structure (53) that supports said first and second peripheral seal members (51), (52).

28. a filter assembly (100) according to claim 27; a filter housing configured to receive the filter assembly.

29. a filter element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, a filter housing configured to receive said filter element (1); a peripheral seal member coupled to a wall of the filter housing and configured to form a seal between the filter element and the filter housing, a peripheral seal member, the peripheral seal member having a contour configured to match the contour of the closed-loop surface (16) of the seal receiver (15).

30. A filter element (1) for insertion into a housing of a filter system, comprising: a filter media pack (10) for filtering a fluid, the filter media pack (10) having an outer circumferential surface (5) extending between a first outer axial surface (7a) and a second outer axial surface (7b) opposite said first outer axial surface; The filter element (1) comprises: further comprising a seal receiver (15) sealingly attached to the filter media pack, the seal receiver (15) including a closed loop surface (16) for receiving a removable peripheral seal member; The filter element (1), wherein the closed loop surface (16) forms an outer shape having a single plane of mirror symmetry, the single plane of mirror symmetry intersecting the first and second outer axial surfaces (7a), (7b).

31. 31. The filter element (1) according to claim 30, wherein the seal receiver (15) comprises a material having a hardness measured on the Shore A scale of 60 to 100, preferably 70 to 100, more preferably 80 to 100, or alternatively 0 to 100, preferably 15 to 100, more preferably 30 to 100, measured on the Shore D scale.

32. 32. A filter element (1) according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the filter media pack comprises a fluted filter media, and preferably the first and second outer axial faces (7a), (7b) correspond to fluid inlet and outlet faces, respectively, or alternatively correspond to fluid outlet and inlet faces, respectively.

33. 33. The filter element (1) of claim 32, wherein the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack (10) is mirror symmetrical with respect to the single plane of mirror symmetry.

34. 34. The filter element (1) of claim 32 or 33, wherein the seal receiver (15) is circumscribing and sealingly attached to the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack, or the seal receiver (15) is sealingly attached to the boundary of the first outer axial surface (7 a) of the filter media pack, or the seal receiver (15) is attached to both the boundary of the first outer axial surface (7 a) and the outer peripheral surface (5) of the filter media pack.

35. a filter element (1) according to any one of claims 30 to 34, a seal carrier (50) for forming a removable interface between the filter element and the housing of the filter system, the seal carrier (50) comprising: i) a first peripheral seal member (51) for forming a seal between the filter element (1) and the seal carrier (50), the first peripheral seal member (51) having a contour configured to match the contour of the closed loop surface (16) of the seal receiver (15) of the filter element; ii) a second peripheral seal member (52) for forming a seal between the seal carrier and the housing of the filter system; and iii) a seal carrier (50) including a seal support structure (53) that supports said first and second peripheral seal members (51), (52).

36. A filter element (1) for insertion into a housing of a filter system, comprising: a) a media pack for filtering a fluid, the media pack defining an outer circumferential surface extending between a first axial surface and a second axial surface; b) a seal receiver sealingly attached to the media pack, the seal receiver comprising: i) a closed loop surface for receiving a separately formed peripheral seal member, said closed loop surface forming a contour with single-fold rotational symmetry; ii) a seal receiver including an engaging element for removably securing said peripheral seal member to said seal receiver.

37. 37. The filter element (1) according to claim 36, wherein the contour shape of the closed loop surface is mirror symmetrical with respect to a mirror plane intersecting the first and second axial planes.

38. The filter element (1) according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the seal receiver comprises a material having a hardness anywhere between 60 and 100 measured on the Shore A scale.

39. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the closed loop surface is non-planar.

40. 40. The filter element (1) of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the closed loop surface of the seal receiver is one of the following: a radially inwardly facing surface, a radially outwardly facing surface, or a surface that faces axially relative to a central longitudinal axis extending from the first axial surface to the second axial surface.

41. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the engagement element is one of a first component of a snap-fit ​​coupling and an extension member configured to receive a latch member.

42. The filter element (1) of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the media pack comprises a fluted filter media.

43. 43. The filter element (1) of claim 42, wherein the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface of the media pack has single-fold rotational symmetry, and the outer shape formed by the closed-loop surface of the seal receiver corresponds at least in part to the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface of the media pack.

44. The seal receiver is a) circumscribing and sealingly attached to the outer peripheral surface of the filter media pack; b) sealingly attached to the interface of the first axial face of the media pack; or 44. The filter element (1) according to claim 42 or 43, wherein c) it is attached both to the boundary of the first axial surface and to the outer circumferential surface of the media pack.

45. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the media pack comprises a pleated filter media.

46. 46. ​​The filter element (1) of claim 45, wherein the seal receiver is sealingly attached to the first axial face of the media pack.

47. 47. The filter element (1) according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the first axial surface is defined by a peripheral non-planar surface having a contour corresponding to the contour defined by the closed loop surface of the seal receiver.

48. 48. The filter element (1) of claim 47, wherein the media pack has a hollow shape and at an end of the media pack, the outer circumferential surface includes one or more battlements or, alternatively, one or more notches configured to form the peripheral non-planar surface of the first axial surface.

49. 48. The filter element (1) of claim 46 or 47, wherein the media pack has a hollow shape and the seal receiver forms an open end cap for the media pack for receiving unfiltered fluid or for discharging filtered fluid, preferably a closed end cap sealingly attached to the second axial face of the media pack.

50. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the seal receiver is at least partially attached to the first or second axial face of the media pack.

51. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the seal receiver is at least partially attached to the outer circumferential surface of the media pack.

52. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the seal receiver is at least partially attached to an edge of the outer circumferential surface of the media pack.

53. 42. The filter element (1) of any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the seal receiver comprises a first peripheral side and an opposite second peripheral side, the first peripheral side comprising the closed loop surface, and at least a portion of the second peripheral side attached to the outer circumferential surface of the media pack.

54. 42. The filter element (1) of any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the seal receiver comprises a first peripheral side and an opposite second peripheral side, the first peripheral side comprising the closed loop surface, and at least a portion of the second peripheral side attached to the first or second axial surface of the media pack.

55. 55. The filter element (1) according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the seal receiver has the shape of a belt.

56. 42. The filter element (1) of any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the seal receiver includes a peripheral side surface, a first peripheral portion of the peripheral side surface forming the closed loop surface, and a second peripheral portion of the peripheral side surface attached to the first or second axial surface of the media pack.

57. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 56, wherein the closed loop surface is a smooth surface.

58. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 57, wherein the filter element does not include a deflectable or compressible sealing member.

59. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 58, wherein the filter element does not include a sealing member attached to the closed loop surface.

60. The filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 59, wherein the seal receiver does not include a groove or recess for supporting a seal member.

61. 61. The filter element of any one of claims 36 to 60, wherein the seal receiver includes a single closed-loop surface configured to receive a single removable peripheral seal member.

62. a) a filter element according to any one of claims 36 to 61; b) a seal carrier for forming a removable interface between the filter element and the housing of the filter system, the seal carrier comprising: i) a first peripheral seal member for forming a seal between the filter element and the seal carrier, the first peripheral seal member having a contour configured to match the contour of the closed loop surface of the seal receiver of the filter element; ii) a second peripheral seal member for forming a seal between the seal carrier and the housing of the filter system; and iii) a seal support structure supporting said first and second peripheral seal members.

63. c) a filter assembly according to claim 62; and d) a filter housing that receives the filter assembly.

64. a) a filter element (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 61; b) a filter housing configured to receive the filter element; c) a peripheral seal member coupled to a wall of the filter housing and configured to form a seal between the filter element and the filter housing, the peripheral seal member having a contour configured to match the contour of the closed loop surface of the seal receiver.

65. A filter element (1) for insertion into a housing of a filter system, comprising: a) a media pack for filtering a fluid, the media pack defining an outer circumferential surface extending between a first axial surface and a second axial surface; b) a seal receiver sealingly attached to the media pack, the seal receiver comprising: i) a closed loop surface for receiving a separately formed peripheral seal member, said closed loop surface defining a contour having a single plane of mirror symmetry, said single plane of mirror symmetry extending between said first axial surface and said second axial surface; ii) a seal receiver including an engaging element for removably securing said peripheral seal member to said seal receiver.

66. A filter element (1) for insertion into a housing of a filter system, comprising: a) a media pack for filtering a fluid, the media pack defining an outer circumferential surface extending between a first axial surface and a second axial surface; b) a seal receiver sealingly attached to the media pack, the seal receiver comprising: i) defining a closed loop surface for receiving a separately formed peripheral seal member; ii) formed from a material having a hardness of 60 to 100 on the Shore A scale, or a hardness of 0 to 100 on the Shore D scale; iii) a seal receiver including an engaging element for securing said peripheral seal member to said seal receiver.

Images