Integrated manifold for pre-cleaner dust removal

Abstract

The pre-cleaner may include a plurality of spin tubes arranged in a row to form a column. Each spin tube may include a longitudinal axis, an inlet at a first end, and an outlet at a second end. The pre-cleaner may also include a manifold configured to enclose the outlets of the plurality of spin tubes and to receive dust and move it away from the outlets. The manifold may include a cover portion that extends adjacently along the row of spin tubes at a position along the longitudinal axis between each spin tube's outlet and first end. The manifold may also include a trough that extends along the row of spin tubes and defines a collection area located along the longitudinal axis beyond the second ends of the spin tubes. A method for dust removal is also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a pre-cleaner for a working machine such as a vehicle engine or motor, a vacuum cleaner, or other machinery. More specifically, this application relates to a manifold of a pre-cleaner that receives dust and deflects it away from the outlets of a plurality of spin tubes. Even more specifically, this application relates to a manifold design that is particularly efficient in removing dust and dirt.

Background Art

[0002] The engine of a working machine receives air through an intake port. The engine can include a filter for removing dirt and dust upstream of the intake port. The filter can include a fibrous or porous material for removing solid particles from the air. The solid particles can include dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. The working machine can include a pre-cleaner positioned upstream of the filter to provide further removal of dirt and dust before the air enters the filter. This can be useful, for example, in extending the service life of the filter by removing larger particles and preventing it from clogging quickly.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,162,905 relates to an intake filter with a cyclone separator stage. Chinese Patent Application No. 210660372 relates to an air filter and its pre-filter. The cyclone includes a cyclone tube and an annular frame, and the cyclone tube is arranged in a honeycomb shape. The dust collection plate is arranged below the cyclone tube.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one or more examples, the pre-cleaner may include a plurality of spin tubes arranged in a row to form a column. Each spin tube may include a longitudinal axis, an inlet at a first end, and an outlet at a second end. The pre-cleaner may also include a manifold configured to enclose the outlets of the plurality of spin tubes and to receive dust and keep it away from the outlets. The manifold may include a cover portion that extends adjacently along the row of spin tubes at a position along the longitudinal axis between each spin tube's outlet and first end. The manifold may also include a trough that extends along the row of spin tubes and defines a collection area located along the longitudinal axis beyond the second ends of the spin tubes.

[0005] In one or more other examples, a dust removal method may include directing a plurality of dust particles into a plurality of spin tubes arranged in a row to form a column, wherein the plurality of spin tubes are configured to receive the plurality of dust particles through inlets at first ends. This method may also include directing a plurality of dust particles into the outlets of each of the plurality of spin tubes, wherein the outlets are located at second ends. This method may also include directing a plurality of dust particles into a pre-cleaner manifold through the outlets of the plurality of spin tubes, wherein the cover portion of the manifold is adjacent to the row of spin tubes at a position between each outlet of the spin tubes and the first end. This method may also include directing a plurality of dust particles into a trough of the manifold using the cover portion of the manifold, wherein the trough is located beyond the second end of the spin tubes. This method also involves removing multiple dust particles through a scavenging tube of a pre-cleaner, which may also include removal if the scavenging tube is connected to a trough of the manifold.

[0006] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but the same numbers may represent similar components from different perspectives. Similar numbers with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings are provided as examples, not as limitations, of the various embodiments described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a working machine having an air filtration system, with one or more examples. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows perspective front / top / side views of the pre-cleaner of the air filtration system, with one or more examples. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows front / bottom / side perspective views of the pre-cleaner, with one or more examples. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view, including a cross-section of the filter media portion of the air filtration system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air filtration system suitable for use in a work machine. The air filtration system may be configured to treat the air collected from the work machine to make it suitable for use in the combustion process within the engine. Although not shown, the work machine may include equipment such as loaders, excavators, transport trucks, crawlers, rotary mixers, paving machines, milling machines, and other types of machines adapted to perform work, and may also include stationary engines such as generators. These machines may include a frame on which a combustion engine is mounted for powering the work machine, which may be used to operate a driving system such as a towing or self-propelled system. The combustion engine may also supply rotational power to a hydraulic system for operating the work machine's equipment. The work machine may include an electronic control module for receiving inputs to operate the driving system and / or hydraulic system from an onboard or remote operator. As shown, the air filtration system may be located adjacent to the combustion engine on the work machine, may be fluidly coupled to it, and may function to purify the air entering the combustion engine. Although this air filtration system and its pre-cleaner are described in conjunction with the working machinery, this system may be suitable for use with any combustion engine installed in any type of equipment.

[0009] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, as already mentioned, the working machine may include an air filtration system 10 configured to treat the combustion air as a whole. This may include receiving or drawing in ambient air collected from the working machine and removing dust, debris, and other particles from the air in order to supply clean air for combustion to the engine. The air filtration system 10 may include a pre-cleaner 100 and a filter 12, and the system 10 may be arranged in fluid communication with the engine 14 of the working machine. This improvement of the air filtration system mainly relates to the pre-cleaner 100, which will be described in more detail in Figures 2 to 5.

[0010] Referring here to Figures 2 and 3, an example of the pre-cleaner 100 is shown. The pre-cleaner 100 may be configured to pre-clean incoming air without using a filter medium. For example, the pre-cleaner 100 may instead use a specific airflow technique to separate dust, debris, and other particles from the airflow and then change the direction of the airflow to an air filter to direct the dust, debris, and other particles elsewhere. The pre-cleaner 100 may include a body 102, a plurality of spin tubes 120, and a manifold 136.

[0011] The body 102 may be configured to receive or draw in ambient air from the outside, house components that perform a filtering operation without using filter media, physically couple the pre-cleaner to the air filter, and fluidly couple the pre-cleaner to the air filter to allow the air from the pre-cleaner to move from the pre-cleaner 100 to the air filter. The body 102 may define an inlet, two outlets, and a filter mechanism positioned between the inlet and outlets. Referring to Figure 2, the body 102 may be a right-angle prism defining a first longitudinal side 104, a second longitudinal side (not shown, but opposite side 104), a first end 108, a second end 110, a first transverse side 112, and a second transverse side 114 (the side opposite 112, see Figure 3). The first longitudinal side 104 and the second longitudinal side may be parallel and may extend between the first end 108 and the second end 110. The first lateral surface 112 and the second lateral surface 114 may be parallel and may extend between the first end 108 and the second end 110. The first end 108 and the second end 110 may be parallel. Alternatively, the body 102 may be cylindrical, defining sides corresponding to the first lateral surface 112 and the second lateral surface 114, and a cylindrical wall extending between them. Although a rectangular body 102 and a cylindrical body have been described, other shapes such as square, donut-shaped, triangular, or other shapes may be provided.

[0012] Multiple spin tubes 120 may be arranged inside or on the body and may be configured to separate dust from the incoming air by creating a cyclonic motion of air for separating particulate matter from the air. Each spin tube 120 may include an inlet 122 which may together define the inlet of the entire body 102. The inlet 122 of the spin tube may be on a first lateral surface 112 of the body 102. The inlet 122 may be in substantially direct fluid communication with the ambient air outside. Multiple spin tubes 120 may be aligned in a row, or multiple rows of spin tubes 120 may be provided. The row of spin tubes 120 may extend parallel to the first longitudinal surface 104 between a first end 108 and a second end 110. Although shown as a linear row, the row of spin tubes 120 may follow the curvature of the sidewall of the body 102, for example, it may be curved in a donut-shaped or cylindrical body 102. A row of spin tubes 120 may include at least two spin tubes 120, and / or the number of spin tubes may be selected depending on the airflow through the pre-cleaner.

[0013] The spin tube 120 defines an inlet 122 at its first end. The first end of the spin tube 120 may be coplanar with the first lateral surface 112 of the pre-cleaner body 102. The first end of the spin tube 120 may be embedded in the first lateral surface 112. In yet another example, the first end of the spin tube 120 may protrude from the first lateral surface 112. For example, if any of the first longitudinal surface 104, the second longitudinal surface, the first end 108, and / or the second end 110 extend beyond the first lateral surface 112, the first end of the spin tube 120 may protrude substantially as much from the first lateral surface 112.

[0014] The inlet 122 may be in substantially direct fluid communication with the two outlets of the pre-cleaner 100: a first outlet for pre-cleaned air and a second outlet for dust and dirt. The first outlet may be each of the pre-cleaned air outlets 130 of the spin tube 120 (see Figure 3). The outlet 130 may be at a second end of the spin tube 120. The second end may be positioned laterally from the first end along the longitudinal axis of the spin tube 120. The second end may extend laterally to a height less than the height of the first longitudinal side surface. The air outlet 130 of the spin tube is in substantially direct fluid communication with the inlet 122 of the spin tube via a channel (shown in Figures 4 and 5). The outlet is in fluid communication with a cavity 150 of the pre-cleaner 100, which is defined by the second lateral surface 114, the first end 108, the second end 110, the first longitudinal surface 104, and the second longitudinal surface.

[0015] As shown in Figure 5, the second lateral surface 114 can secure the pre-cleaner body 102 to the filter, the cavity 150 allows air to move between the pre-cleaner 100 and the filter (e.g., filter 12), and as a result, the cavity 150, and more specifically the outlet 130, are in substantially direct fluid communication with the filter, and the second lateral surface 114 can essentially be an edge along the first end 108, the second end 110, the first longitudinal surface 104, and the second longitudinal surface, for facilitating the coupling between the body 102 and the filter while maintaining sufficient fluid flow.

[0016] The second outlet may be a dust and debris outlet 142. The second outlet may carry dust into a channel 118 defined by a scavenging tube 116. The scavenging tube 116 may extend longitudinally from the second end 110. The scavenging tube 116 may be in fluid communication with the inlet 122 of the spin tube, and the scavenging tube 116 may be coupled to a pump, such as a vacuum pump, which directs a portion of the airflow, including dust and debris, out of the pre-cleaner 100 through the channel 118.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of the pre-cleaner 100 taken through one of the rows of spin tubes 120. Each spin tube 120 may define a cylindrical channel 124 extending from a first end to a second end of the spin tube 120. The channel 124 may be fluidly coupled to an inlet 122, a pre-cleaned air outlet 130, and a dust and dirt channel 132. Each spin tube 120 may include a fin 126 near the inlet 122 of the spin tube and proximal to the first end of the spin tube 120. The fin 126 may be configured to separate dust and dirt from the airflow and direct dust and dirt into the dust and dirt channel 132 of the spin tube 120. For example, the fin 126 may be auger-shaped to rotate the airflow in order to separate dust and dirt from the airflow. In other words, the fins 126 can induce rotation in the air due to the air flowing through the spin tube 120 and passing through the fins 126. Thus, the spin tube 120 can filter the air by directing dust and dirt into the dust and dirt channel 132 and pre-cleaned air into the pre-cleaned air outlet 130. The pre-cleaned air outlet 130 can direct the air to components following the pre-cleaner 100, such as a filter, or an air filter 12 or an engine.

[0018] The spin tube 120 defines an inner wall 128. The inner wall 128 separates a pre-cleaned air outlet 130 and a dust and dirt channel 132 within the spin tube 120. The inner wall 128 is cylindrical and extends longitudinally from the second end of the spin tube 120 for only a portion of the entire spin tube 120, creating a gap between the outer wall of the spin tube 120 and the inner wall 128. The pre-cleaned air outlet 130 may be inside the inner wall 128, and the dust and dirt channel 132 may be between the inner wall 128 and the outer wall of the spin tube. Such a configuration allows for the separation of dust, debris, and other particles from the airflow by changing the direction of the pre-cleaned airflow so that it passes through the spin tube 120, directing dust, debris, and other particles towards the outer wall of the spin tube 120.

[0019] The dust and debris channel 132 may be in fluid communication with the manifold 136 via the dust and debris outlet 142 of the spin tube 120 (as shown in Figure 5). The manifold 136 may extend longitudinally between the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the body 102. The manifold 136 may define a trough 140 extending from the first end 108 to the second end 110 of the body 102. The trough 140 may define a collection area 138 located on the other side of the second end of the spin tube 120, along the longitudinal axis of the spin tube 120. The collection area 138 may be in direct fluid communication with the dust and debris outlet 142 of the spin tube 120, helping to remove dust and debris from the pre-cleaner so that dust and debris can be kept away from the spin tube 120.

[0020] The collection area 138 may include a first height H1 at the first end 108 and a second height H2 at the second end 110. The first height H1 may be less than the second height H2. Thus, the manifold trough 140 may be tapered from the second end 110 to the first end 108. When air flows from the spin tube 120 into the manifold 136 and the collection area 138, the height of the collection area 138 may create a velocity in the collection area 138 corresponding to the height of the collection area 138 at the outlet 130 of a particular spin tube 120. The first height H1 may create a first velocity, and the second height may create a second velocity. The first velocity may be higher than the second velocity. The first velocity at the first end 110 may increase the airflow toward the scavenging tube 116, which may help remove dust and dirt from the manifold 136. Such a configuration may also reduce accumulation in the collection area 138, particularly near the first end 108 of the pre-cleaner 100.

[0021] The manifold 136 can be physically coupled to the scavenging tube 116 at the second end 110. Additionally, the channel 118 of the scavenging tube 116 can be in substantially direct fluid communication with the collection area 138. The scavenging tube 116 can be coupled to a pump and can assist in removing soot and dust from the manifold 136. The height, width, and / or diameter of the manifold 136 may be larger than that of the scavenging tube 116. The scavenging tube 116 can include a taper 134 to assist in directing soot and dust from the manifold 136 through the channel 118 of the scavenging tube due to the size difference between the manifold 136 and the scavenging tube 116. The taper 134 of the scavenging tube 116 can reduce the accumulation of soot and dust in the transition area between the collection area 138 of the manifold 136 and the channel 118 of the scavenging tube.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the air filtration system is shown. The air filtration system includes a precleaner 100 and a filter 12, the filter media portion of the air filtration system. The precleaner 100 can be coupled to the filter 12 along the second lateral side 114. The cavity 150 defined by the precleaner 100 can be in substantially direct fluid communication with the inlet of the filter 12.

[0023] The trough 140 of the manifold 136 can extend along the rows of the spin tubes 120 at a position along the longitudinal axis of the spin tubes 120 on the opposite side of the second end of the spin tubes 120. The trough 140 can define a wall 146 so as to define a collection area 138. To reduce the accumulation of soot and dust, the corners 148 of the trough 140, and the wall 148 can be rounded. In the case of the rounded corners 148, the air flow can circulate at the corners 148 to more efficiently reduce the possibility of soot and dust accumulation in the collection area 138.

[0024] The manifold 136 may be positioned laterally between rows of spin tubes 120. The manifold 136 may include a cover portion 144. The cover portion 144 may extend along the longitudinal axis of the precleaner body 102 from the first end 108 to the second end 110 of the precleaner body 102. The cover portion 144 may extend laterally adjacent to rows of spin tubes 120 at a position along the longitudinal axis of the spin tubes 120 between the dust and debris outlet 142 of the spin tubes 120 and the first end of the spin tubes 120. The dust and debris outlet 142 may be in substantially direct fluid communication with the dust and debris channel 132 of the spin tubes 120. The dust and debris outlet 142 may be in substantially direct fluid communication with the manifold 136, and more specifically with the collection area 138. The manifold 136 may enclose the outlets 142 of multiple spin tubes 120 so as to direct the majority of dust and debris from the spin tubes 120 into the collection area 138 of the manifold 136. The outlets 142 may be continuous openings in the manifold 136 along the longitudinal axis of the pre-cleaner 100. Alternatively, each spin tube 120 may define its individual outlet 142 by being substantially directly fluidically in communication with the collection area 138 of the manifold 136. As shown, the outlets 142 may exit from the side of the spin tube and extend laterally into the manifold 136.

[0025] The cover portion 144 of the manifold 136 may extend horizontally between the rows of the spin tubes 120. The cover portion 144 may taper towards the central longitudinal axis of the manifold 136. That is, the cover may form a general V-shape as shown and may help direct the airflow and thus lint and dust into the collection area 138 of the manifold 136. Each tapered surface of the cover portion 144 may also be rounded and may be concave (convex upward) downward from the collection area 138 of the manifold 136. By rounding each side of the cover portion 144, the airflow channel created by the cover portion 144 may remain unchanged so as to maintain a smooth airflow and direct the lint / dust flow. The rounded and tapered portion of the cover portion 144 may create two airflows (e.g., one from each side) in the collection area 138 of the manifold 136 and may generate a rotation of the airflow about two generally horizontally extending axes so as to reduce the accumulation in the collection area 138. For example, the accumulation at the corners of the collection area 138 of the manifold 136 may be reduced.

[0026] The air filter 12 may be configured to receive pre-cleaned air from the pre-cleaner 100 and perform a filtering operation. That is, the air filter may have a housing that defines an inlet, an outlet, and a filter region disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet may be in substantial direct fluid communication with the cavity 150 of the pre-cleaner 100. The outlet may be in substantial direct fluid communication with the air inlet of the engine. The filter region may define a cavity for receiving the filter medium. In some examples, the filter medium may be in the form of a replaceable cartridge and may be rectangular, cylindrical, donut-shaped, or other shapes. The cartridge may include a filter medium such as a microporous membrane that allows air to pass through while capturing dust and particles. The filter medium may be arranged in a folded state within the cartridge to increase the surface area through which air flows internally and thus reduce the restriction to the airflow through the filter.

[0027] Industrial Applicability During operation and use, a pre-cleaner provides efficient air purification. Specifically, positioned in the filtration system before the filter media, the pre-cleaner purifies the air by removing dust and debris before it enters the filters and engines of the work machine. That is, the pre-cleaner may include a manifold that efficiently receives dust and directs it away from the outlets of the pre-cleaner's multiple spin tubes. Efficiently receiving dust and directing it away from the spin tube outlets reduces clogging and buildup, thereby increasing efficiency. That is, increased efficiency and reduced buildup lead to less frequent replacement of parts, resulting in longer lifespan and thus reduced costs.

[0028] A dust removal method may include directing air into the inlet of a pre-cleaner, the air containing dust. The inlet may be at the first end of a plurality of spin tubes arranged in a row. The air may be directed through the plurality of spin tubes to the first outlet of the spin tubes at the second end of the spin tubes adjacent to the first end. As it passes through the spin tubes, the dust may be separated and directed to the second outlet at the second end of the spin tubes. The second outlet may be coupled to a manifold, that is, the manifold may be adjacent to the row of spin tubes at a position between the first and second ends and may extend beyond the second end of the spin tubes. That is, the manifold may define a trough beyond the second end of the spin tubes.

[0029] This method may involve using manifold cover portions extending between rows of spin tubes to direct dust into the manifold. Air may be directed by an inward taper of the manifold cover portion. The inward taper may be curved to help direct air into the manifold trough.

[0030] This method may involve removing dust from the manifold through a scavenging tube that is in substantially direct fluid communication with a trough in the manifold. The trough may include a taper such that the height of the trough at the proximal end of the scavenging tube is greater than the height at the distal end of the scavenging tube. That is, when the scavenging tube removes dust from the manifold, a higher velocity is generated at the distal end and a lower velocity at the proximal end. That is, the higher velocity at the distal end may prevent the manifold from clogging easily.

[0031] After passing through the pre-cleaner, the pre-cleaned air can enter the filter. As the air passes through the filter media, the filter can remove solid particles from the air. The air can then flow into the engine. As the air passes through the pre-cleaner and filter, it can be substantially clean before entering the engine. Therefore, the engine may last longer and operate more efficiently at a lower cost. The pre-cleaner can purify the air sufficiently to remove the filter between the pre-cleaner and the engine.

[0032] The above detailed description is for illustrative purposes only and is not limiting. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the attached claims and the entire scope of the equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. Pre-cleaner (100), A plurality of spin tubes (120) arranged in a row to form a column, wherein each spin tube (120) has a longitudinal axis, an inlet at a first end, and an outlet at a second end, The manifold (136) is configured to enclose the outlets (142) of the plurality of spin tubes (120) and to receive dust and move it away from the outlets (142), and the manifold is At a position along the longitudinal axis between each of the outlets and the first end of the spin tubes (120), a cover portion (144) extends adjacently along the row of spin tubes (120), A pre-cleaner comprising: a trough (140) extending along the row of spin tubes (120) and defining a collection area (138) located on the other side of the second end of the spin tubes (120) and along the longitudinal axis.

2. The pre-cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the cover portion (144) of the manifold (136) includes an inward taper toward the center of gravity axis of the manifold (136), optionally the inward taper is rounded outward from the collection area (138) of the manifold (136), and optionally the inward taper is configured to direct dust toward the trough (140) of the manifold (136).

3. The pre-cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trough (140) of the manifold (136) is tapered along the longitudinal axis, and as a result, the first height of the collection area (138) at a first longitudinal position is smaller than the second height of the collection area (138) at a second longitudinal position of the pre-cleaner, and optionally, the first height of the collection area (138) is configured to generate a higher speed, and the second height of the collection area is configured to generate a lower speed.

4. The pre-cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the manifold (136) is connected to a scavenging tube (116) connected to a pump.

5. The pre-cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the trough (140) has rounded corners.

6. It is a work machine, A pre-cleaner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, filter media and A work machine comprising an engine, wherein the filter material is positioned between the pre-cleaner and the engine.

7. A method of dust removal, Direction of a plurality of dust particles into a plurality of spin tubes (120) arranged in a row to form a column, wherein the plurality of spin tubes (120) are configured to receive the plurality of dust particles through an inlet at a first end, Directional to the outlet (142) of each of the plurality of spin tubes (120), wherein the outlet (142) is located at the second end. Directional to direct the plurality of dust particles into the manifold (136) of the pre-cleaner (100) through the outlets (142) of the plurality of spin tubes, such that the cover portion (144) of the manifold (136) is adjacent to the row of spin tubes (120) at a position between each of the outlets and the first end of the spin tubes (120). Direction of the plurality of dust particles into the trough (140) of the manifold (136) using the cover portion (144) of the manifold, such that the trough (140) is located beyond the second end of the spin tube (120). A method for removing dust, comprising removing the plurality of dust particles through a scavenging tube (116) of the pre-cleaner (100), wherein the scavenging tube (116) is connected to the trough (140) of the manifold (136).

8. The dust removal method according to claim 7, wherein directing the plurality of dust particles into the trough (140) of the manifold (136) includes directing the plurality of dust particles into the trough (140) using the inward taper of the cover portion (144) of the manifold (136).

9. The dust removal method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein removing the plurality of dust particles through the scavenging tube (116) of the pre-cleaner (100) includes generating a higher velocity at the first end of the trough (140) of the manifold (136), the first end of the trough (140) being distal to the scavenging tube (116).

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the cover portion (144) of the manifold (136) includes an inward taper toward the center of gravity axis of the manifold, and optionally the inward taper is concave upward or rounded outward from the collection area of ​​the manifold, and optionally the inward taper is configured to direct dust into the trough of the manifold.

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