Filter elements and assemblies

Abstract

A filter element comprising a media pack and a seal, wherein the seal is directly or indirectly connected to the media pack in a sealed state, the filter element includes a longitudinal axis, the seal extends along a closed loop path around the longitudinal axis, the seal defines a predetermined sealing direction with respect to the longitudinal axis along the closed loop path, the predetermined sealing direction is not constant along the loop path, the seal comprises a first sealing portion along the closed loop path where the predetermined sealing direction is generally outward, and a second sealing portion along the closed loop path where the predetermined sealing direction is generally inward, the predetermined sealing direction of the seal along the closed loop path remains parallel to a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the filter element, and a related filter assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application is filed as an international patent application, claims priority to European Patent Application No. 23205063.3 filed on October 20, 2023, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a filter structure for filtering fluids such as liquids or gases, for example air. BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A fluid flow can carry contaminant materials such as dust and liquid particulates therein. In many cases, it is desirable to filter some or all of the contaminant materials from the fluid flow. For example, airflow to engines (e.g. combustion airflow) for electric vehicles or power generation equipment, gas flow to gas turbine systems, and airflow to various combustion furnaces carry particulate contamination therein that should be filtered. In such systems, it is preferred that selected contaminant materials are removed from the air (or the concentration in the air is reduced). Various fluid filter configurations have been developed for contaminant removal. Typical fluids to be filtered are, for example, gases such as air, or liquids such as fuel or oil.

[0004] Fluid filter configurations typically include a filter housing and a replaceable filter element or filter cartridge operably disposed therein. Air filter elements typically include an inflow face and an outflow face for respective dirty air inflow and clean air outflow, and include a seal arranged and adapted to seal against the inner surface of the filter housing, thereby separating the dirty side containing unfiltered or less filtered air from the clean side containing filtered or more filtered air within the filter housing.

[0005] Often, filter housings include, or preferably should include, reinforcing structures, flow-guiding structures, or other structures on the inner sidewalls of the housing, which create obstacles to a straight sealing configuration. In other words, such obstacles reduce the design freedom for the filter elements, for example, one or more seals of the filter elements.

[0006] Furthermore, air filtration housings or air purifiers should be designed to be located within a tightly available envelope, for example, in the engine compartment of a vehicle.

[0007] Improvements are needed. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The object of this disclosure is to provide a filter element according to claim 1 and an associated filter assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a filter element is disclosed comprising a media pack and a seal, wherein the seal is directly or indirectly connected to the media pack in a sealed state, the filter element comprises a longitudinal axis, the seal extends along a closed loop about the longitudinal axis, the seal defines a predetermined sealing direction with respect to the longitudinal axis along the closed loop path, the predetermined sealing direction is not constant along the closed loop path, and the seal comprises a first sealing portion along the closed loop path where the predetermined sealing direction is generally outward (e.g., radially outward), and a second sealing portion along the closed loop path where the predetermined sealing direction is generally inward (e.g., radially inward), wherein the predetermined sealing direction of the seal along the closed loop path preferably remains parallel to a single plane (e.g., the XY plane) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0010] The above features also offer the advantage of greater design flexibility, which also provides filter elements, filter housings, and filter assemblies. By embodying the sealing surface within the housing and addressing the filter element sealing surface as a more complex surface than those existing in the prior art, the new filter housing is considered to be smaller or can be made smaller to fit other engine or vehicle components. These features can also provide a new alternative filter housing that can offer better functionality than existing housings. This can also provide an alternative filter element that fits into state-of-the-art filter housings. This can also position other housing components in locations where it was previously impossible to position them in the filter housing.

[0011] For example, while it is still possible to manufacture filter elements that include seals, the filter elements themselves should contain obstacles such as reinforcing ribs, flow-guiding features, handles, and so on. Similarly, filter elements that include seals can be designed to successfully seal the inner wall of a housing, even if it contains physical obstacles such as reinforcing ribs or flow-guiding means. Even for housings that a particular filter element should be able to seal, alternative sealing patterns can be developed to seal the inner wall of the housing, i.e., alternative filter elements that seal an alternative sealing surface on the inner wall of the housing.

[0012] Furthermore, since the sealing direction does not include any axially oriented components, no axial force is required to keep the seal compressed. In prior art solutions that include axial components in the sealing direction, an axial seal is typically provided, which adds to the length of the filter element and increases the variation in the length of the filter element during production.

[0013] For any filter element having a seal, a person skilled in the art can determine the (preferred or inherent) sealing direction of the seal for that element. The sealing direction can therefore be predetermined. The sealing direction can be (predetermined) at any point along the sealing path.

[0014] The sealing direction can be defined or recognized, for example, by the configuration of the filter elements. The sealing direction can be determined, at least partially or completely, from the relative position of the seal with respect to the media pack, for example, with respect to the inlet and outlet surfaces of the media pack. The sealing direction can also be determined, at least partially or completely, by analyzing the presence and orientation of support or reinforcing structures for the seal. The sealing direction can be determined, at least partially or completely, by analyzing the thickness of the seal.

[0015] In embodiments of the present invention, the sealing direction is not constant, and there are at least two different sealing portions (longitudinal divisions, i.e., different divisions, parts, or sections in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the seal) along the closed-loop path. Each pair of sealing portions / sections is, for example, a portion that physically separates the seal in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the seal. The two sealing portions / sections are connected only indirectly by an intermediate sealing portion / section located between, for example, a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the intermediate sealing portion containing another longitudinal division, part, or section in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the seal).

[0016] In embodiments of the present invention, the seal includes a first sealing portion along a closed-loop path whose predetermined sealing direction is generally outward (generally away from the center or central axis of the filter element), for example radially outward, and a second sealing portion along a closed-loop path whose predetermined sealing direction is generally inward (generally toward the center or central axis of the filter element), for example radially inward.

[0017] Preferably, a single seal direction can be defined at any point along the closed-loop path of the seal.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, the sealing direction of the seal along the closed-loop path remains parallel or substantially parallel to a single plane, with a deviation of less than 3 degrees, less than 2 degrees, or less than 1 degree.

[0019] According to a specific embodiment, the single plane (e.g., the X-Y plane) is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the deviation therefrom is less than 3 degrees, or less than 2 degrees, or less than 1 degree.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the closed-loop path of the seal corresponds to the closed-loop path of the sealing surface of the seal.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing direction never includes an axially oriented component along the closed-loop path.

[0022] The expression that the seal or the seal is preferably connected to the path means that the path can be drawn on the seal between any two points of the seal. Preferably, the seal may comprise a single material, or may be a composite seal made from different materials.

[0023] According to a specific embodiment, the thickness of the seal may be constant along the closed-loop path. According to other embodiments, the thickness of the seal may vary along the closed-loop path.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal comprises two-fold rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal comprises three-fold rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal comprises 1, 2, or more axially extending portions, which may for example comprise or constitute seal portions of generally ear-shaped or C-shaped configuration. If two axially extending portions are provided, they are preferably arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the seal. If three axially extending portions are provided, they are preferably arranged symmetrically, for example at constant angular intervals.

[0027] The advantage of the above-described embodiments, which have two- or three-fold rotational symmetry of the seal and / or of the axially oriented portions / projections that are diametrically opposed or otherwise equally spaced, is that during installation of the filter element, and thus during sealing contact between a predefined first portion of the housing and one of the axially extending portions (e.g., ear structures), another portion of the seal does not loosen the sealing contact with a predefined second portion of the housing.

[0028] The media pack can be, for example, a media pack of grooved media (also referred to as a Z-type) or a pleated media pack. The pleated media pack can be arranged in a planar (e.g., flat filter) or tubular configuration.

[0029] A grooved media pack typically includes a plurality of grooves disposed between the inflow face and the outflow face of the media pack, with adjacent grooves being closed at their inlets and outlets in an alternating manner. The incoming air flow enters the grooves that are open at the inflow face, which are closed at the outflow face, and is forced to pass through the filter media of the walls separating the adjacent grooves. The filtered air is then discharged at its open side to the outflow face from the adjacent grooves whose inlet faces are closed. Grooved filter elements are typically wound or manufactured by laminating grooved sheets. Grooved filter elements typically have a circular, oblong, elliptical, rectangular, or square cross-section.

[0030] A pleated media pack includes a sheet of filter media that is pleated to increase its filtration surface. The pleated media pack typically defines virtual inflow and outflow faces defined by the peaks and valleys of the pleats. The pleated media pack can also be configured to replace an equivalent volume of a grooved media pack, for example by arranging a corresponding amount of one or more pleated media sheets in a suitable manner. In such cases, the pleated media pack defines the virtual inflow and outflow faces of the filter element. The pleated filter element can be, for example, planar ("flat filter") or can be substantially tubular. In the latter case, the pleated sheet of filter media is wound to define a hollow tube.

[0031] The media pack typically includes a first axial end defined by an inlet surface or (e.g., directly) adjacent to an inlet surface, and a second axial end defined by an outlet surface or (e.g., directly) adjacent to an outlet surface.

[0032] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the media pack corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment, when the media pack is a stack of wound grooved media packs, or when the media pack is a tubularly arranged pleated media pack, the seal is provided on or directly adjacent to a first end cap of an open-type filter element at a first axial end of the media pack. At a second end of the media pack, the filter element may include a second end cap, which may be open or closed.

[0034] According to certain embodiments, the first and second sealing portions are connected by a bridging portion of the seal. At least a portion of the bridging portion is adapted and positioned to seal tangentially, and the tangential direction is substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the filter element. At least a portion of the bridging portion may include a single point or a single line (for example, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter element). In other embodiments, more than 50%, 75%, or 80% of the bridging portion is adapted and positioned to seal tangentially.

[0035] When described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r) having a Z direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the filter element, the bridging seal can extend in the r direction having z and θ coordinates, thereby the sealing direction is perpendicular to the bridging portion.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment, the seal includes an axially extending portion, the first seal portion being provided on the radially outer surface of the axially extending portion. According to a particular embodiment, the bridging portion includes first and second joining sections that join a portion of the bridging portion, which is arranged to conform to seal tangentially, to the first and second seal portions, respectively. These first and second joining sections are substantially parallel to and can be in a plane that is at an angle with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, preferably in the range of 10 to 80 degrees.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment, when tracing a seal along a closed-loop path, the seal undergoes one or more angular reversals. When tracing a seal along a closed-loop path, for example, the seal or sealing surface undergoes at least two even angular reversals. In an alternative diagram, when described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), the sealing surface of a seal having a Z direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the filter element includes at least two even divisions, and the change in θ is reversed when tracing the seal along a closed-loop path.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, the seal includes at least one axial step. For example, the sealing surface of the seal, when described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), includes a generally constant z-coordinate, except for one or more segments where the z-coordinate decreases and then increases again when the seal is traced along a closed-loop path.

[0039] According to certain embodiments, the seal is positioned at least partially, or entirely, circumferentially around the periphery of the media pack. The seal can at least partially, or entirely, enclose the media pack.

[0040] According to certain embodiments, the length of one of the first and second sealing portions is substantially longer than the length of the other of the first and second sealing portions. For example, the length of the first sealing portion can be 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, or 10 times or more the length of the second sealing portion. Alternatively, for example, the length of the second sealing portion can be 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, or 10 times or more the length of the first sealing portion.

[0041] In another figure, the ratio of the length of the first seal portion to the length of the second seal portion (L(SP1) / L(SP2)), or the ratio of the length of the second seal portion to the length of the first seal portion (L(SP2) / L(SP1)), is 1.5 times or more, or 2 times or more, or 3 times or more, or 4 times or more, or 5 times or more, or 8 times or more, or 10 times or more.

[0042] This offers the advantage of increased resistance of the seal configuration to leak formation. Since the sealing directions of the first and second sealing portions are substantially opposite (outward relative to inward), these portions can be pulled away from each other from their sealing surface. By making one portion substantially smaller than the other, it helps to maintain the seal in the correct position.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the lengths of the first and second sealing portions are the same or approximately the same. For example, the ratio of the length of the first sealing portion to the length of the second sealing portion (L(SP1) / L(SP2)), or the ratio of the length of the second sealing portion to the length of the first sealing portion (L(SP2) / L(SP1)), is in the range of 0.75 to 1.25, or in the range of 0.85 to 1.15, or in the range of 0.9 to 1.1.

[0044] The lengths of the first and second sealing portions can be determined along their respective sealing surfaces.

[0045] According to a particular embodiment, the filter element further includes a support structure attached to the media pack in a sealed state, and the seal is at least partially (or completely) supported by the support structure.

[0046] According to certain embodiments, the support structure for the seal is embedded within the seal and is not exposed or visible.

[0047] According to certain embodiments, a portion of the support structure supporting the seal is not embedded within the seal, but is exposed or visible. Such exposed portions of the seal support structure may be positioned to be suitable for guiding the seal / filter element positioning process without affecting the sealing properties of the seal.

[0048] According to other embodiments, the media pack includes a reinforcing portion that constitutes a support structure for the seal, and the seal is at least partially supported by the support structure. This may be the case where, adjacent to the seal, the media, for example, the groove of the media, is reinforced with a material such as resin.

[0049] According to another embodiment, a predetermined sealing direction is defined as the normal direction to each part of the support structure that supports the corresponding sealing portion.

[0050] In other embodiments, the support structure includes a smooth, continuous band surface that follows the seal, and the band surface preferably corresponds to a closed-loop path of the seal, so that for each section or portion of the seal there exists a corresponding portion of the band surface that supports it.

[0051] According to certain embodiments, at least one of the band portion relative to the first or second sealing portion extends over the length of the closed-loop path, preferably 75% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the length of the closed-loop path. This occurs, for example, when the seal includes only a single first sealing portion along a closed-loop path having a predetermined sealing direction generally outward, and only a single second sealing portion along a loop path having a predetermined sealing direction generally inward.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment, the band surface includes a first portion and a different second portion along closed-loop paths (longitudinal divisions) corresponding to the first and second sealing portions, defining the first and second normal directions, respectively. The first and second normal directions are oriented generally outward and inward, respectively.

[0053] At any point along the band surface, only one normal direction can be determined.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment, the normal direction of the support structure transitions smoothly, preferably to the intermediate portion, between the normal directions of the respective band surface portions corresponding to the first and second sealing portions.

[0055] According to a particular embodiment, the first, second, and crosslinked sealing portions of the seal are provided at or (preferably directly) adjacent to the axial end of the media pack.

[0056] According to a particular embodiment, a first sealing portion along a closed-loop path is provided radially outward of the media pack or adjacent thereto, for example, on or adjacent to its outer periphery, and a second sealing portion is provided radially inwardly oriented of the media pack or adjacent thereto, for example, on or adjacent to its inner periphery.

[0057] According to a particular embodiment, the axial projections of both the first and second sealing portions are located outside the axial projections of the media pack.

[0058] According to a particular embodiment, the seal transitions smoothly and continuously between the sealing directions of the first and second sealing portions and the cross-linked sealing portion.

[0059] According to a particular embodiment, the sealing direction in the intermediate sealing portion between the first and second portions of the seal creates a continuous, preferably smooth transition (in the intermediate portion) between the respective sealing directions of the first (or any first) portion and the second (or any second) portion of at least two sealing portions.

[0060] According to certain embodiments, the seal comprises or consists of a polyurethane material, preferably a foamed polyurethane material. A predetermined sealing direction for a polyurethane seal is typically normal to its sealing surface. The polyurethane seal or end cap can be applied by using a mold. It is advantageous to use a polyurethane material that is sufficiently flexible to allow demolding of features including cantilevered or undercut portions.

[0061] According to a particular embodiment, a predetermined sealing direction is defined as the normal direction to each part of the support structure that supports the corresponding sealing portion.

[0062] According to a particular embodiment, the support structure includes a smooth, continuous band surface that follows the seal. The band surface corresponds to a continuous closed-loop path of the seal. For each section or portion of the seal, there is a corresponding portion of the band surface that supports it. A predetermined sealing direction of a portion of the seal is then defined as the direction defined by the normal on the corresponding portion of the band surface. For example, the first and second sealing portions of the seal correspond to the first and second portions of the support structure or the smooth, continuous band surface.

[0063] In other embodiments, the entire seal is a planar seal structure extending along a single plane, for example, where the axial projections of both the first and second seal portions are outside the axial projections of the media pack, and the seal may include a lip seal. The lip seal includes a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or another flexible material suitable for providing the sealing effect. Generally, the sealing direction of a lip seal on a filter element corresponds to the radial direction of the lip and the direction of a dominant component selected from the axial components.

[0064] The lip seal includes an elongated base having a front and a rear surface, and an elongated flexible lip structure or a lip extending from the front surface of the base. The lip seal includes a T-shaped cross-section. The base is inherently planar and forms an angle with the lip. The angle is within the range of 30 to 90 degrees. The angle may be close to 90 degrees, for example, within the range of 75 to 89 degrees. According to certain embodiments, the lip forms an inclination angle with respect to the axis of the filter element in the direction toward the inlet surface of the filter element or media pack. This bias of “symmetrical breaking” of the lip seal causes the lip seal to move in the correct direction during use, and the lip seal has optimal resistance to the pressure differences it is normally exposed to. According to certain embodiments, the support structure includes a smooth, continuous band surface that follows the seal, and the base of the lip seal is attached to the band surface. The lip seal is in direct or indirect contact with the band surface. The base of the lip seal is substantially parallel or perpendicular to the smooth, continuous band surface that follows it. In such embodiments, the angle between the lip and the band surface corresponds to the angle between the lip and the base. According to certain embodiments, the angle between the lip seal and the base is constant along the closed-loop path. According to other embodiments, the angle between the lip seal and the base is not constant along the closed-loop path.

[0065] According to a particular embodiment, the lip seal includes an elongated base having a front and a rear surface, and a plurality of elongated flexible lip structures or lips positioned on the front surface of the base and extending from the front surface of the base. The edges of the plurality of lips are arranged in parallel, i.e., they are parallel to the base and at a distance from the base. The edges of the plurality of lips have the same length, which is measured radially between the base and the tip of each lip. The length of one or more lips is in the range of 1 to 15 mm, and in a particular embodiment, in the range of 3 to 10 mm. The edges of the plurality of lips form the same angle at the base at the same position along the closed-loop path. The angle of inclination between the parallel lips and the base of the lip seal is constant. The base is preferably applied to a filter element or is injection molded.

[0066] Apart from the filter media pack and seal, the filter element may include one or two end cap structures and / or shell structures and / or seal support structures. Shells are known to those skilled in the art and can be provided to cover and protect the outer surface of the media pack over part or all of the axial direction. One or both end cap structures and / or shells are usually attached to the media pack in a sealed state. One or both end cap structures and / or shells may include seal support structures. The shell can be integrated and formed as a single unit with at least one of the end caps. Seals can be applied to different parts of the filter element. For example, a seal can be applied entirely to one of the end caps of the filter element. Alternatively, a seal can be applied entirely to the shell of the filter element. In certain embodiments, a seal can be applied to the media pack of the filter element, a seal can be applied to either the media pack or the end cap of the filter element, and / or a seal can be applied to either the shell or the end cap of the filter element.

[0067] Generally, seals are compressible or flexible so that they can conform to the corresponding sealing surface. Generally, support or reinforcing structures for seals are substantially rigid or indeformable when exposed to the forces that arise while handling and installing the filter element within the corresponding housing. Generally, support or reinforcing structures for seals are substantially less deformable and more rigid than the seals they support.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the material for forming the seal may be selected based on the desired Shore hardness of the resulting seal. In some embodiments, the seal has a Shore A value of at least 25, at least 30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, at least 50, at least 55, or at least 60. In some embodiments, the seal has a Shore A value up to 40, up to 45, up to 50, up to 55, up to 60, up to 65, up to 70, up to 75, up to 80, up to 85, or 90. In exemplary embodiments, the seal has a Shore A value in the range of 30 to 90. In another exemplary embodiment, the seal has a Shore A value in the range of 40 to 70. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the seal has a Shore A value in the range of 50 to 70. In some embodiments, the Shore A value is determined as described in ASTM D2240-15el, entitled “Rubber properties - Standard test method for durometer hardness”.

[0069] In some embodiments, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore A value of at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, or at least 90. In some embodiments, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore A value up to 80, up to 90, up to 95, or up to 100. In exemplary embodiments, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore A value in the range of 60 to 100. In another exemplary embodiment, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore A value in the range of 70 to 100. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore A value in the range of 80 to 100. In some embodiments, the Shore A value is determined as described in ASTM D2240-15el.

[0070] In some embodiments, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore D value of at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, or at least 30. In some embodiments, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore D value up to 80, up to 90, up to 95, or up to 100. In exemplary embodiments, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore D value in the range of 15 to 100. In another exemplary embodiment, the seal support or reinforcement structure has a Shore D value in the range of 30 to 100. In some embodiments, the Shore D value of the seal support or reinforcement structure is determined as described in ASTM D2240-15el.

[0071] A second aspect of the present disclosure discloses a filter assembly comprising a housing and a filter element, according to any embodiment of the first aspect, which is operably held within the housing, wherein the housing includes a predetermined sealing surface for receiving a seal along a closed-loop path, the sealing surface being captured by a seal having a predetermined sealing direction which is not constant.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the distance between a predetermined sealing surface of the housing for receiving the seal along a closed-loop path and a smooth, continuous band surface of the support structure along which the seal is followed is kept constant along the closed-loop path.

[0073] This offers the advantage that the seal exhibits the same amount of compression (for example, a polyurethane seal) or the same or nearly the same direction and amount of deflection along the closed-loop path (for example, a lip seal), resulting in a stronger sealing connection between the seal and the housing wall.

[0074] A predetermined sealing surface can work with the seal to separate the clean air region within the housing from the contaminated air region.

[0075] According to certain embodiments, the housing includes an internal sealing surface that forms a continuous closed-loop path (i.e., defines a single loop or band). Features and advantages disclosed for one of the above embodiments of the present disclosure are implicitly disclosed thereto for the other embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0076] The accompanying drawings, incorporated into parts of this description, illustrate several aspects of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0077] [Figure 1a-b] This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2a-b] This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] The following illustrates the interaction between the element and the housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4a-c] Figures 4(a) and (c) are perspective views of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4(b) is a perspective section view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5a-b] Figure 5(a) illustrates a filter element according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5(b) illustrates possible interactions between the filter element and the filter housing. [Figure 6] This illustrates possible interactions between filter elements and filter housings. [Figure 7a-b] This is a perspective view of a filter element according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8a-b] This is a perspective view of a filter element according to a fourth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment. [Figure 9a-b] Figure 9(a) is a side section view of the filter elements shown in Figures 8(a) and (b) in a front-loaded, related housing, illustrating the interaction between the filter elements and the filter housing, while Figure 9(b) is a section view of the internal configuration of the related housing. [Figure 10a-b]Figures 8(a) and (b) or 7(a) and (b) illustrate the interaction between the filter element and the associated side-loaded housing. [Figure 11a-b] Figure 11(a) illustrates the interaction between the filter element and the associated side-loaded housing as shown in Figures 8(a) and (b) or Figures 7(a) and (b), and Figure 11(b) illustrates the details of the housing outlet. [Figure 12a-b] Two different fifth embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated below. [Figure 13] An example of a filter element according to the sixth embodiment is shown. [Figure 14] Figure 13 illustrates the interaction between the filter element and the associated filter housing. [Figure 15a-b] This is a perspective view of a filter element according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] The interaction of the filter housing 10 with the filter elements shown in Figures 15(a) and (b) is illustrated. [Figure 17a-c] The interaction of the filter housing 10 with the filter elements shown in Figures 15(a) and (b) is illustrated. [Figure 18a-b] Figure 18(a) is a plan view of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 18(b) is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19a-b] Figure 19(a) is a plan view of the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 19(b) is a perspective view of the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20a-b] Figure 20(a) shows a variation thereof, and Figure 20(b) illustrates the return details of these embodiments. [Figure 21] The concept of cylindrical coordinates used when describing specific aspects of this disclosure is illustrated below. [Figure 22a-c] Figure 22(a) is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 22(b) is a plan view of the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 22(c) is an axial cross-sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] Figure 22(a) is a detailed perspective view of the first end cap. [Figure 24a-b] An example of a configuration parallel to the sealing direction along a closed-loop path according to the embodiments of this disclosure is provided. [Figure 25a-b] Figure 25(a) is a perspective view of the 11th embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 25(b) is a plan view of the 11th embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26a-b] Figure 26(a) illustrates the "closed-loop path" shown in the embodiment of Figure 23, and Figure 26(b) illustrates the sealing direction shown in the embodiment of Figure 23. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0078] This disclosure is described with reference to specific drawings relating to specific embodiments, but is not limited thereto and is limited only by the claims. The drawings provided are conceptual and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and may not be drawn to a consistent scale for illustrative purposes. Dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions for the practical application of this disclosure.

[0079] Furthermore, the terms 1, 2, 3, etc., used in this description and in the claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to indicate a consecutive or chronological order.

[0080] While various embodiments are referred to as “preferred,” they should be interpreted as examples of how this disclosure can be implemented, rather than as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0081] Figures 1(a) and (b), Figures 2(a) and (b), and Figures 4(a) and (c) are perspective views of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4(b) is a perspective cross-section. The images in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are identical but have supplementary markings. The same applies to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), and Figures 4(a) and 4(c).

[0082] The filter element 1 includes a media pack 2 and a seal 3, the seal being directly or indirectly connected to the media pack in a sealed state. The media pack is a tubular, pleated media pack. At the first end of the media pack 2, the first end cap 4 of the filter element 1 is provided in a sealed state. The seal may include or consist of a polyurethane material, such as foamed polyurethane material. The first end cap 4 may include or consist of a polyurethane material, such as foamed polyurethane material. The first end cap 4 and the seal can be made from a single material. Alternatively, the end cap 4 may include a rigid plastic material to which the seal 3, for example polyurethane or polyurethane containing the seal 3, is attached in a sealed state. The end cap 4 may be made from, for example, a rigid plastic material of the end cap 4, and in certain embodiments may further include a support structure for the seal 3 integrated with the rigid plastic material of the end cap 4.

[0083] The filter element includes the longitudinal axis, marked as the Z-axis in the drawing. The orthogonal axes X and Y are also drawn for use in describing specific aspects of this disclosure. See also Figure 21 illustrating the well-known concept of cylindrical coordinates.

[0084] Seal 3 extends along the closed loop, defining the closed-loop path L around the longitudinal axis Z. The seal defines a predetermined sealing direction SD with respect to the longitudinal axis along the closed-loop path L. The sealing surface of the seal is generally marked with dark lines, for example, in Figures 1(b), 2(b), and 4(c). In Figures 23 and 26(a), the sealing surface is marked with dotted lines for easy identification. In Figure 26(b), the sealing surface is marked as a ribbon, and the sealing direction SD is indicated by arrows for different divisions or portions along the longitudinal or vertical direction of the closed-loop path L. When the seal surface is shown in each figure, it should be understood that the remaining surface is not a valid sealing surface for the exemplified element.

[0085] The arrow indicates that the predetermined sealing direction SD is not constant along the closed-loop path L, but differs along the sealing surface.

[0086] The seal 3 includes a first sealing portion 30 along a closed-loop path L where a predetermined sealing direction SD is generally outward, and a second sealing portion 32 along a closed-loop path L where a predetermined sealing direction SD is generally inward. As a result, the predetermined sealing direction SD of the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L remains parallel to a single plane mapped as the XY plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z.

[0087] The seal 3 includes an axial projection 34 having an axial end face 340. The radial outer surface of the axial projection 34 includes the first portion 30 of the seal 3. The end cap 4, having a central outlet opening 11, opens to include an inwardly facing radial sealing portion of the seal 3 corresponding to the second sealing portion 32.

[0088] The first sealing portion 30 and the second sealing portion 32 are connected by the bridging portion 31 of the seal 3. At least a portion of the bridging portion 31 is positioned to be adapted to seal in the tangential direction T, which is substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the filter element 1. For example, in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), a portion of the bridging portion 31 extends in the r direction having constant z and θ coordinates, and the sealing direction SD is perpendicular to the bridging portion 31. For example, 30% or more or 50% or more of the sealing surface of the bridging portion is positioned to be adapted to seal in the tangential direction T.

[0089] In some embodiments, the bridging portion may consist only of a small area (single point) or line having a sealing direction SD that is tangent, for example, if the bridging portion 31 includes a rounded or U-shaped contour on a projection in the XY plane.

[0090] Each bridging portion 31 includes first and second connection sections 311, 312, the portion of which is adapted and positioned to seal tangentially and contacts the first sealing portion 30 and the second sealing portion 32, respectively. The first and second connection sections 311, 312 extend laterally on the axial projection portion 34 of the end cap 4. Here, the first and second connection sections 311, 312 are substantially parallel. As described below, the second connection section 312 also includes a step in the Z direction toward the center of the filter element 1.

[0091] As you traverse the seal 3 (or sealing surface) along the closed-loop path L, the angular direction reverses one or more times, in this case, twice. In other words, as you traverse the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L, the seal (or sealing surface) creates a step where the angular direction reverses one or more times. This may be further described using cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r) that include an even number of at least two divisions where the change in θ reverses as you traverse the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L.

[0092] The seal 3 (or sealing surface) includes at least one axial step S. When described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), the seal or sealing surface of seal 3, when the seal is followed along the closed-loop path L, includes a generally constant z coordinate (generally in a single plane), except for one or more segments where the z coordinate decreases, possibly remaining at a different constant value, and then increasing again. This allows the step S of the seal to be defined toward the center of the filter element 1. As previously described, the bridging portion 31 may include the corresponding step portion.

[0093] The ratio of the length of the second sealing portion 32 to the length of the first sealing portion (L(SP2) / L(SP1)) is 2 or greater. In other words, the length of the second sealing portion 32 is at least twice the length of the first sealing portion 30.

[0094] The filter element may optionally include a seal support structure 5 (often embedded within the seal 3 and therefore not depicted) attached to the media pack 2 in a sealed state, with the seal 3 being at least partially (or completely) supported by the support structure 5. Alternatively, the media pack may include a reinforcing portion that constructs the seal support structure 5 relative to the seal 3, with the seal 3 being at least partially supported by the seal support structure 5.

[0095] The embodiments illustrated in Figures 4(a), (b), and (c) differ only in that the ribs or grooves or similar structures 33 are provided on the radially inner surface 342 of the axially extending portion 34 of the seal 3, so this surface cannot be used as a sealing surface, and sealing is required on the radially outer surface 341 of the axially extending portion 34. In the embodiments described below with respect to Figure 23, the generally C-shaped inner cavity is at least partially defined by a corresponding generally C-shaped portion of a seal support structure 5 having a similar effect.

[0096] Figure 3 illustrates the interaction of element 1 with housing 10 according to the first embodiment. The filter element is connected to a housing outlet 102 which includes an outlet pipe 1021. Furthermore, the housing outlet 102 on the housing cover 103 includes a recess 1022 for receiving a seal to receive an axially extending portion 34 of the seal. A first seal portion 30, defined by the outer surface 341 of the axially extending seal portion 34, seals the inside of the radial outer wall of the recess 1022. A second seal portion 32 seals the outer surface of the outlet pipe 1021. Laterally, the short side of the recess 1022 includes a bridging portion 31 as described, providing an intermediate portion that continuously seals (to the housing) the seal 3 connecting the first and second seal portions 30, 32.

[0097] Figure 5(a) illustrates a filter element according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, with only the differences from the first embodiment being described below.

[0098] In this embodiment, the axially extending portion 34 of the seal 3 is longer than in the first embodiment, as it encloses the external opening 11 by approximately 270 degrees. The ratio of the length of the first sealing portion 30 to the length of the second sealing portion 32 (L(SP1) / L(SP2)) is approximately 3, or greater than 2. In other words, the first sealing portion 32 is approximately 3 times, or greater than 2 times, the length of the second sealing portion 30. Furthermore, toward the shorter side of the axially extending portion 34 of the seal 3, the width of the bridging portion 31 increases slightly when measured along a plane parallel to the XY plane. This is an optional feature, but it may be advantageous in this region where forces are applied to the seal 3 both inward and outward during use, as it locally increases the robustness of the seal. Furthermore, the end cap 4 may include a distance-retaining structure 330 between its axial end face and the two bridging portions 31, which is adapted and positioned so that air can pass through it or be between the distance-retaining structure and each of the bridging portions 31, and therefore it should be necessary to seal it using the second sealing portion 32.

[0099] Figures 5(b) and 6 illustrate possible interactions of the filter element 1 with the corresponding filter housing 10. While interactions with the housing cover 103 have been described in relation to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the opening end cap 4 of the filter element 1 interacts with the outlet pipe 1021 of the outlet 102 of the main housing body 104. The main housing body 104 includes an internal volume and is adapted to receive the filter element 1 in the internal volume. The generally closed end face of the main housing body, excluding the outlet opening, includes the outlet 102 formed by the outlet pipe 1021. The end face includes a periphery step or periphery recess 1022 for receiving an axially extending portion 34 of the seal 3, which is sealed radially outward using a first sealing portion 30 on the side wall 10221 of the recess 1022. The outlet pipe further includes an axially extending portion 1021', which has an angular range limited, for example, about 45 degrees. The second sealing portion 32 is positioned and fitted to seal radially inward on the axially inwardly extending portion 1021'. Each bridging portion 31 provides a sealing path connecting the first and second sealing portions 30, 32 as previously described by creating a step S in the Z direction. Note that the seal 3 and the associated sealing surface, shown as a solid black line in Figure 6, create an axial step S and also reverse the angular direction at each of the two bridging portions 31. The seal 3 and the associated sealing surface thus reverse the angular direction twice at all bridging portions 31 when the seal is followed along the closed-loop path L.

[0100] As a result, the predetermined sealing direction SD of the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L remains parallel to a single plane mapped as the XY plane, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z.

[0101] The filter element or filter assembly further includes an internal liner 6 in a removable media pack 2. Figure 5(b) illustrates the installed filter element 1 and liner 6. Figure 6 illustrates the filter element 1 and liner 6 optionally introduced separately within the housing 10 (see white arrow). Typically, at least a portion of the lower rim of the conical or cylindrical liner structure 6, which is more rigid than the seal 3, is received by at least a portion or all of the circumferential recess or groove 35 within the seal 3, reinforcing the seal 3. The recess or groove 35 opens axially inward and is provided in the radially inward portion of the seal 3 where there is no axially extending portion 34 of the seal 3, for example, in the region between at least the bridging portions 31 of the seal 3. In various locations, the recess or rib 33 can be provided so that the alternative sealing surface of the housing cannot be used, for example, the inner surface of the outlet pipe 1021 and / or the radially inner surface of the axially extending portion 1021' and / or the inner surface 342 of the axially extending portion 34 of the seal 3.

[0102] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams of the filter element according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are perspective views of the filter element according to the fourth embodiment, which is similar to the third embodiment. Both the third and fourth embodiments relate to the same seal 3, seal path, and sealing surface as described for the first and second embodiments, which are applied to or on a grooved media pack 2, for example, the outflow surface 21 (or the inflow surface 20, since the inflow and outflow are interchangeable) of a wound grooved media pack 2.

[0103] The seal surrounds the outlet surface 21 of the media pack 2 and extends axially from there. The filter element also includes an optional seal support structure 5 made of a rigid plastic material that supports the seal 3. The seal support structure 5 can be attached to the media pack 2 by the same material that adheres to and / or forms the seal 3. The seal support structure 5 may also include an opening support grid 51 positioned immediately next to or in close contact with the outlet surface 21 of the wrapped media pack 2 to prevent the media 2 from being compressed when subjected to a pressure difference between the inlet surface 20 and the outlet surface 21. The media pack 2 has an elliptical cross-section, but can be cylindrical, for example, or of other shapes. The seal includes two parallel straight sections connected by two curved sections. In one of the curved sections, the seal 3 includes an axially extending portion 34 (extending further away from the outlet surface 21 than the remainder of the seal 3). Figure 7(b) illustrates the closed-loop path of the seal 3 or the sealing surface of the relatively thick black line. The first sealing portion 30, positioned to seal radially outward, is embodied by the radially outer surface 341 of the axially extending sealing portion 34. The second sealing portion 32, positioned to seal radially inward, is embodied by the inner surfaces of the two linear sections of the seal 3 and a curved section opposite the axially extending sealing portion 34 that connects the two linear sections. The bridging sealing portion 31 is provided at both longitudinal ends of the axially extending portion 34, connecting the first and second sealing portions 30, 32 in the same manner as described in the previous embodiment. Note here as well that the seal 3 and associated sealing surfaces create an axial step S and also reverse the angular direction twice at each of the two bridging portions 31. The seal 3 and associated sealing surfaces thus reverse the angular direction four times when the seal 3 is followed along the closed-loop path L.

[0104] The predetermined sealing direction SD of seal 3 along the closed-loop path remains parallel to a single plane mapped as the XY plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z.

[0105] The filter element includes a second end cap 7 that is directly or indirectly connected to the inlet surface 20 in a sealed state. The second end cap is preferably made of a rigid plastic material and acts as protection for the second end of the media pack 2 during handling and installation. The second end cap may further include a handle structure 71, which can also be used to keep the filter element 1 in a better position within the housing 10, for example, by interacting with a locking feature of the housing cover 103.

[0106] The fourth embodiment shown in Figures 8(a) and (b) differs from the third embodiment only in that the filter element 1 does not include the second end cap 7.

[0107] Figure 9(a) is a side section view of the filter element shown in Figures 8(a) and (b) within a preloaded associated housing 10, illustrating the mode of interaction of the filter element 1 with the filter housing 10. Figure 9(b) is a section view of the internal configuration of the associated housing 10. In such a configuration, the filter element 1 can be inserted into the housing 10 by linear motion.

[0108] The housing 10 includes a main housing body 104 that can receive the filter element 1 through an opening covered by a cover 103. The housing 10 includes a housing cover 103 that acts as an inlet and includes an arrangement of pre-cleaner tubes adapted to filter relatively large particulate matter from the inflow airflow by, for example, introducing a vortex and using centrifugal force induced on the contaminating particulate matter. The housing 10 includes a housing outlet 102. The filter element 1 seals the housing 10 near the housing outlet 102 or on the side of the housing outlet of the housing 10. Thus the housing 10 includes a sealing surface 105 (marked with a dashed line in Figure 9(b)) to which a second sealing portion 32 seals (radially) inward. A supplementary sealing surface 106 is provided within the housing 10 to which the first sealing portion 30 seals radially outward, and to which the respective bridging portions 31 can seal.

[0109] Figures 10(a) and (b) and 11(a) and (b) illustrate the interaction of the filter element 1 with the associated side-loaded housing 10 according to Figures 8(a) and (b) or 7(a) and (b). In such a configuration, the housing 10 can be opened laterally by opening a laterally positioned cover 103, and the element is inserted from the side of the filter housing 10. In such a configuration, the filter element 1 must be inserted at an angle and tilted around a pivot point to install the filter element 1 within the housing 10. The filter element 1 is installed between the housing inlet 101 and the housing outlet 102, which include, for example, the arrangement of a pre-cleaner pipe. The housing outlet 102 and the housing inlet 101 are connected by a main housing body 104 (not shown). The housing 10 is positioned to fit and seal the filter element 1 against the housing outlet 102. Figure 11(b) illustrates the surfaces 105 and 106 of the outlet 102, which are sealed by the second and first sealing portions 32 and 30, respectively, using relatively thick lines.

[0110] Figure 12 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure in two variations (a) and (b). In the embodiment of Figure 12(a), the filter housing 10 includes a main housing body 104 that receives the filter element 1 through the filter maintenance opening. A housing cover 103 closes the housing 10 and acts as a housing inlet 101. The filter element 1 includes a wrapped grooved media pack 2, and a seal 3 is provided adjacent to its inlet surface 20. The media pack 2 has an elliptical cross-section, but other configurations are possible. The seal 3 surrounds the outer surface of the media pack 2 and is, for example, flat with the inlet surface 20. The seal 3 includes a first sealing portion 30 (indicated by dashed lines) that seals outward to a partial peripheral wall 1041 that partially defines the maintenance opening. The seal 3 includes a second sealing portion 32 (not shown) that seals inward to a second partial peripheral wall 1042 that partially defines the maintenance opening (a sealing surface on the wall 1042, indicated by dashed lines). The seal 3 includes two hinge portions 31 connecting a first seal portion 30 and a second seal portion 32. A corresponding connecting portion 1044 of the housing 10 is provided, which preferably also partially defines a service opening. The service opening is thus preferably defined by supplementary portions 1041, 1042, and 1044 that define the sealing surface for the seal 3. Here, a predetermined sealing direction SD of the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L remains parallel to a single plane mapped as an XY plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z.

[0111] The embodiment in Figure 12(b) is generally identical to the embodiment in Figure 12(a), but allows for optimal use of the claimed seal configuration. A flange 111, which may be made of the same material as the seal, extends radially from the filter element 1 adjacent to the location of the second seal portion 32 and is provided radially outward of the closed-loop path L. The flange may include through-holes that align with through-holes in a radially extending flange 1043 of the main housing body 104, which connect to, for example, the second portion of the bypass or scavenging pipe 1031B. The cover 103 includes the first portion of the bypass pipe or scavenging pipe 1031A. The flange 111 can then act as a sealing connecting piece for the scavenging pipe portions 1031A and 1031B (by itself or with additional sealing means or seals placed thereon). It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that such functionality should be more difficult to achieve with a standard grooved media filter element having, for example, a single radially outward sealing seal. An advantage of this embodiment is that the bypass or scavenging pipe includes two separate parts 1031A and 1031B, the first part 1031A being connected to and integrated with the cover 103 or inlet portion 101. This simplifies the handling and removal of the scavenging pipe that is normally required during maintenance in the prior art.

[0112] Figure 13 illustrates a filter element 1 according to a sixth embodiment. The filter element 1 includes a pleated medium pack 2 containing a tubularly arranged pleated medium. An end cap 4 is provided at the first axial end of the medium pack 2, which includes, or is made of, polyurethane, such as foamed polyurethane, suitable for use as a sealing material. Optionally, the end cap 4 includes a support structure that is harder than the material of the seal, for example, made from a relatively hard plastic, to support a softer polyurethane seal 3. The seal is connected directly or indirectly to the medium pack 2 in a sealed state. The filter element includes a longitudinal axis Z. The seal 3 and the associated sealing surface (indicated by a relatively thick line) extend along a closed-loop path L around the longitudinal axis Z. A given sealing direction SD of the seal 3 is not constant along the closed-loop path. The seal 3 includes a first sealing portion 30 along a closed-loop path, the predetermined sealing direction SD corresponding to the radially outer surface of the end cap 4 being generally outward, and a second sealing portion 32 along a closed-loop path, the predetermined sealing direction SD corresponding to the radially inwardly oriented surface of the end cap 4 being generally inward. Along the projection in the Z direction, both sealing portions are outside the projection of the media pack 2, and the projection of the second sealing portion 32 is inside the projection of the media pack 2. The projection of the first sealing portion 30 is outside the projection of the media pack 2. The predetermined sealing direction SD of the seal along the closed-loop path L remains parallel to a single plane (XY) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first sealing portion 30 and the second portion 32 are connected by two bridging portions 31 of the seal 3. The bridging portion 31 is positioned as a projection 36 extending a predetermined distance from the remainder of the end cap 4 at a certain angle, preferably within the range of 10 to 80 degrees, and more preferably within the range of 25 to 65 degrees, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z. The longitudinal axes of these projections 36 are further generally in contact with the media pack 2 in the radial direction.

[0113] At each single location of the bridging portion 31, the sealing direction SD is tangential, and the tangential direction is substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the filter element 1. Each bridging portion includes first and second connection sections 311, 312 that connect a portion of the bridging portion 31, which is adapted and positioned to seal tangentially, to the first sealing portion 30 and the second sealing portion 32, respectively. The first and second connection sections 311, 312 are substantially parallel to and in the plane at a certain angle with the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, preferably an angle within the range of 10 to 80 degrees, more preferably an angle within the range of 25 to 65 degrees.

[0114] As you follow the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L, the angular direction reverses twice.

[0115] Figure 14 illustrates the interaction of the filter element in Figure 13 with the associated filter housing. The angular projection 36 can act as a matching feature with respect to the housing cover 103. A housing portion such as the housing cover 103, which is suitable for sealing against the seal 3 asserted along the closed-loop path of each filter element 1, has the advantage that it cannot provide sealing against the standard and therefore against the incorrect filter element.

[0116] Figures 15(a) and (b) are perspective views of the filter element 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 16 and 17(a) and (b) illustrate the interaction of the filter element 1 of Figures 15(a) and (b) with the associated filter housing 10.

[0117] The filter element 1 according to the seventh embodiment includes a media pack 2 and a seal 3, the seal being directly or indirectly connected to the media pack 2 in a sealed state. The media pack 2 is a tubular, pleated media pack. At the first end of the media pack 2, the first end cap 4 of the filter element 1 is provided in a sealed state. The seal may include or consist of a polyurethane material, such as a foamed polyurethane material. The first end cap 4 may include or consist of a polyurethane material, such as a foamed polyurethane material. The first end cap 4 and the seal can be made from a single material. Alternatively, the end cap 4 may include a rigid plastic material to which the seal 3, for example polyurethane or polyurethane containing the seal 3, is attached in a sealed state. The end cap may be made from, for example, the rigid plastic material of the end cap 4, and may further include a support structure 5 for the seal 3, preferably integrated with the rigid plastic material.

[0118] The filter elements include the Z-axis and the marked longitudinal axis in the diagram.

[0119] The seal 3 includes a nearly entirely circumferentially axially extending seal portion 34 that extends axially from the end cap 4, away from the filter medium 2 adjacent to the outer side wall of the medium pack 2. However, the circumferentially axially extending seal portion 34 is divided by two bridging portions 31 that deflect the seal 3 toward an “external” seal portion 38 on the outer surface of the medium pack 2. The external portion 38 of the seal 3 is part of the seal, while the projection along the Z axis is on the outside of the projection on the medium pack 2 along the same axis.

[0120] Seal 3 extends along a closed-loop path L around the longitudinal axis Z. The seal defines a predetermined sealing direction SD with respect to the longitudinal axis along the closed-loop path L. The sealing surface of seal 3 is indicated by a relatively thick black line in Figure 16.

[0121] The predetermined sealing direction SD does not coincide with the loop path L.

[0122] The seal 3 includes a first seal portion 30 along a closed-loop path where a predetermined sealing direction SD is generally outward (the outer surface of the outer seal portion 38), and a second seal portion 32 along the closed-loop path where a predetermined sealing direction SD is generally inward (the inner surface of the seal portion 34 extending in the circumferential axis direction). The predetermined sealing direction SD of the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L remains parallel to a single plane mapped as the XY plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z.

[0123] The end cap 4, which has a central outlet opening 11, is open.

[0124] The first sealing portion 30 and the second sealing portion 32 are connected by a bridging portion 31 of the seal 3. At least a portion of the bridging portion is provided on the axial end face of the end cap 4. At least a portion of the bridging portion 31 is adapted and positioned to seal in the tangential direction T, which is substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the filter element 1. For example, in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), a portion of the bridging portion 31 extends in the r direction having z and θ coordinates, and the sealing direction SD is perpendicular to the bridging portion 31.

[0125] In some embodiments, the bridging portion may consist only of a small area (single point) or line having a tangent sealing direction SD, for example, when the bridging portion 31 is supposed to have a rounded or U-shaped contour on a projection in the XY plane.

[0126] The bridging portion 31 includes first and second connection sections 311 and 312, which connect a portion of the bridging portion, which is adapted and positioned to seal tangentially, to the first sealing portion 30 and the second sealing portion 32, respectively. As described below, the second connection section 312 also includes a step in the Z direction toward the center of the filter element 1.

[0127] As you follow the seal 3 (or sealing surface) along the closed-loop path L, the angular direction reverses one or more times, in this case four times (twice in each bridging section). In other words, as you follow the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L, you create a section where the angular direction reverses twice. Still in another diagram, the seal 3 (or sealing surface), when expressed in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), contains at least two even sections where the change in θ is reversed as you follow the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L.

[0128] The seal 3 (or sealing surface) includes at least one axial step S. In other words, the seal or the sealing surface of seal 3, when described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), has a generally constant z coordinate (generally in a single plane), except for one or more divisions where the z coordinate decreases, possibly remaining at different constant values, and then increasing again, so that when the seal is followed along the closed-loop path L, the step S of the seal is defined on the outer surface of the filter element 1 or the media pack 2 (towards the other axial end of the media pack 2). As previously described, the bridging portion 31 may include a corresponding step portion.

[0129] The ratio of the length of the second sealing portion 32 to the length of the first sealing portion (L(SP2) / L(SP1)) is greater than 8. In other words, the length of the second sealing portion 32 is more than 8 times the length of the first sealing portion 30.

[0130] The filter element may optionally include a seal support structure 5 (not depicted) attached to the media pack 2 in a sealed state, the seal 3 being at least partially (or completely) supported by the support structure 5. Alternatively, the media pack may include a reinforcing portion that constructs the seal support structure 5 relative to the seal 3, the seal 3 being at least partially supported by the seal support structure 5.

[0131] The filter element may include a second end cap 7 at the other axial end of the media pack 2, which may be of a closed type but may also be of an open type.

[0132] Figures 16 and 17(a), (b), and (c) illustrate how the exterior 38 of seal 3 interacts with other elements of the filter assembly. Figure 16 illustrates a housing cover 103 that includes an axially extending external filter liner 1031 in the shape of a cylindrical tower, adapted to receive the filter element 1 into its internal volume. The rim at the free end of the tower includes an axially extending recess, which is positioned to be adapted to receive the exterior 38 of the filter element 1, allowing the (asymmetrical) cover 103 to be angularly aligned with the filter element 1. The external seal portion 38 then seals against the interior of the rim at the free end of the tower (see dashed line). The main housing body 104, which together with the housing cover 103 to form the housing 10, includes an outlet 102 positioned axially opposite to the cover 103. The outlet 102 connects to a cylindrical or conical tower that forms the internal liner 1045 of the filter element 1. The main housing portion 104 includes longitudinal slots or recesses 1046 extending axially on its radially outer surface, which are adapted to receive and introduce the outer portion 38 at a predetermined angular position. In this way, angular alignment between the filter element 1 and the main housing portion 104 can also be achieved, and therefore alignment between the main housing portion 104 and the cover 103 can also be achieved.

[0133] The internal surface of the main housing portion 103 further includes a suitable sealing surface, such as a peripheral groove, to seal against the remainder of the seal 3, as illustrated in Figure 16.

[0134] The use of the described seal's cross-linking portion 31 and external portion 38 provides a high-quality, space-saving solution, for example, providing space for the side inlet 1047 in the internal volume of the filter element for pressure or other sensors. See Figure 17(b).

[0135] Figures 18(a) and (b) are a plan view and a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. The panel filter 1 includes a rectangular, pleated media pack 2 arranged in a single plane (XY plane). The filter element is attached to the media pack 2 in a sealed state and may include a peripheral seal frame or support structure 5 surrounding the media pack 2. The seal 3 is connected directly or indirectly to the media pack 2 in a sealed state. For example, the seal 3 is attached to the support frame 5 or a support frame 5 is constructed. The filter element includes a longitudinal axis Z defined as an axis perpendicular to the XY plane (even when the height of the media is typically relatively small compared to the dimensions of the panel filter) and cutting the XY plane at its center position. The seal 3 extends along a closed-loop path L around the longitudinal axis, or the seal extends along a closed-loop path L around the filter media pack 2. It is preferable that the Z-axis projection of the seal 3 is entirely outside the Z-axis projection of the media pack 2. The seal 3 defines a predetermined sealing direction SD with respect to the longitudinal axis or Z axis along the closed-loop path L. The predetermined sealing direction SD is not constant along the closed-loop path L. The seal includes a first sealing portion 30 along the closed-loop path L where the predetermined sealing direction SD is generally outward, and a second sealing portion 32 along the loop path where the predetermined sealing direction SD is generally inward. The predetermined sealing direction SD of the seal 3 along the closed-loop path L remains parallel to a single plane (XY) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In fact, the seal 3 or closed-loop path may describe or include at least one outwardly extending T-shaped (or hammer-shaped or mushroom-shaped) structure, where the base of the "T" or "hammer" is oriented inward (towards the media pack 2) and the head of the "T" or "hammer" is oriented outward (away from the media pack 2). Preferably, the base has a longitudinal axis that crosses the central region of the panel filter 1. In this embodiment, the same "T" or "hammer" structure is included in the loop at all corners of the rectangular panel filter 1. Figure 20(b) illustrates the details of the "T" or "hammer" shaped seal portion.In the orientation described for the "T" or "hammer" shaped portion, the "T" or "hammer" shaped portion of the seal 3 itself includes a first seal portion 30 along a closed-loop path where a predetermined sealing direction SD is generally outward, and a second seal portion 32 along a closed-loop path where a predetermined sealing direction SD is generally inward. Providing one or more "T" or "hammer" shaped seal portions of the seal along the closed-loop path improves the positioning and / or alignment function of the filter element. The "T" or "hammer" shaped seal portion can also be used as a handle, and thus the operation of the panel filter can be improved whether or not it has a support structure 5.

[0136] Seal 3 lies in a single plane, and following the seal along a closed-loop path L results in at least two even-numbered reversals of the angular direction. When described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), the seal does not involve a change in the z-coordinate, and following the seal along a closed-loop path L results in at least two even-numbered divisions where the change in θ is reversed.

[0137] Figures 19(a) and (b) are a plan view and a perspective view of the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. This embodiment is similar to the eighth embodiment, differing primarily in the quantity and location of the “T” or “hammer” shaped sealing portions. Two “T” or “hammer” shaped sealing portions are provided in the center of the opposing long sides of the rectangular panel filter 1. Figure 19(b) further illustrates that the “T” or “hammer” shaped sealing portions may include matching and / or operating features 371, whether or not they have a support structure 5. For example, a matching or operating rib or projection 371 (e.g., located in the center) may include an operating opening and may extend from one or more of the “T” shaped sealing portions (e.g., the head portion) in a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. For example, an opening, recess, or groove 371 (e.g., located in the center) may be provided in one or more of the “T” shaped sealing portions (e.g., the head portion).

[0138] Figure 20(a) illustrates variations in the shape of the "T" or "hammer" shaped sealing portion. The surface of the "T" or "hammer" head facing the filter media pack can be curved to provide a better grip and operation for convenience.

[0139] Figure 21 illustrates the concept of a cylindrical coordinate system used when describing specific aspects of this disclosure. A cylindrical coordinate system is known to those skilled in the art and is a three-dimensional coordinate system (θ, z, r) that specifies the position of a point by distance r from a selected reference axis (axis Z), angle θ between the projections of the point on the XY plane along the z direction with respect to a selected reference direction (axis X), and distance z from the XY plane perpendicular to axis Z. For the purposes of this disclosure, the z direction of the three-dimensional coordinate system (θ, z, r) preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis of the filter element. These cylindrical coordinate concepts are used to generally describe relative directions involving non-cylindrical elements.

[0140] Figures 22(a), (b), and (c) are perspective, plan, and axial cross-sectional views, respectively, of a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 is a detailed perspective view of the first end cap depicted in Figure 22(a). This embodiment is very similar to the embodiments described with respect to Figures 1(a) and (b), Figures 2(a) and (b), Figure 3, and Figures 4(a) to (c), except that it has two axially extended portions / projections 34 (but only one) arranged on diametrically opposed sides of the seal 3, and the axially extended portion(s) 34 have a modified form that includes a central cavity 300. The axially extended seal portions 34 are generally ear-shaped or C-shaped in cross-section along the XY plane and are identical in shape, so that the seal 3 has two rotational symmetries about the Z axis. The cavity 300 abuts against the outlet / inlet opening 11 of the first end cap 4 on the inside and opens toward the outlet / inlet opening 11, and is partially defined, for example, outward, possibly on the lateral surface, and possibly on part of the inside, by the roughly C-shaped portion of the support structure 5 that supports the seal 3. The opening of the C-shaped portion is thereby preferably oriented toward the central cavity 300.

[0141] Figure 23 also illustrates an embodiment of the closed-loop path parallel to the sealing direction according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. In different longitudinal sections or portions of the seal (longitudinal or vertical portions of the seal), the local sealing direction SD is the same and is drawn into a small rectangle that defines the plane of the local sealing direction in each longitudinal section.

[0142] Figures 24(a) and (b), based on the embodiment relating to Figure 23, illustrate parallel configurations of sealing directions along a closed-loop path according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figure 24(a), several small rectangular projections depicted in Figure 23, which define the plane of local sealing directions in each longitudinal section, are labeled SD. Figure 24(b) represents similar information using arrows on the related closed-loop path L in Figures 23 and 26(b). This sufficiently illustrates that all of these local sealing directions are parallel.

[0143] Figures 25(a) and (b) are a perspective view and a plan view of the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. This embodiment is similar to the tenth embodiment, except that the seal includes three rotational symmetries along the longitudinal axis Z. Three axially extending portions 34, including seal portions of the same shape, for example, generally ear- or C-shaped structures, are contained within the seal 3 and are equally spaced and angularly spaced.

[0144] Figures 26(a) and (b) illustrate a “closed-loop path” as shown in the embodiment of Figure 23. The two different sealing portions 30 and 32 have different sealing directions, and the sealing portions 30 and 32 correspond to two different longitudinal or vertical divisions, i.e., different non-overlapping divisions or portions in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the seal along the closed-loop path L.

[0145] This application is intended to cover all adaptations or variations of the subject matter. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

[0146] Exemplary aspects of this disclosure Embodiment 1: A filter element including a media pack and a seal, wherein the seal is directly or indirectly connected to the media pack in a sealed state, and the filter element includes a longitudinal axis, The seal extends along a closed-loop path around the longitudinal axis. The seal defines a predetermined sealing direction with respect to the longitudinal axis along the closed-loop path. The predetermined sealing direction is not constant along the closed-loop path. The seal includes a first sealing portion along a closed-loop path where the predetermined sealing direction is generally outward, and a second sealing portion along a closed-loop path where the predetermined sealing direction is generally inward. A filter element in which a predetermined sealing direction of the seal along a closed-loop path is preferably substantially parallel to or remains parallel to a single plane (XY) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0147] Embodiment 2: The filter element according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first and second sealing portions are connected by a bridging portion of the seal, and at least a portion of the bridging portion is adapted and positioned to seal tangentially, the tangential direction being substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the filter element. (For example, when described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), the bridging seal extends in the r direction having z and θ coordinates, and the sealing direction is perpendicular to the bridging portion.)

[0148] Embodiment 3: The filter element according to Embodiment 2, wherein more than 30% or more than 50% of the sealing surface of the crosslinked portion is adapted and arranged to seal in the tangential direction.

[0149] Embodiment 4: The filter element according to any one of Embodiments 2 or 3, wherein the bridging portion includes first and second connection sections that connect a portion of the bridging portion, which is adapted and positioned to seal in the tangential direction, to the first and second sealing portions, respectively.

[0150] Embodiment 5: The filter element according to Embodiment 4, wherein the first and second connection sections are substantially parallel and lie in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a certain angle, preferably in the range of 10 to 80 degrees.

[0151] Embodiment 6: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the seal reverses its angular direction one or more times, for example, at least two even times, when the seal is followed along a closed-loop path.

[0152] Embodiment 7: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the sealing surface of the seal includes at least two even divisions when described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), and the change in θ is reversed when the seal is traced along a closed-loop path.

[0153] Embodiment 8: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the seal includes at least one axial step.

[0154] Embodiment 9: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the sealing surface of the seal, when described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), includes generally constant z coordinates, except for one or more segments where the z coordinate decreases and then increases again when the seal is traced along a closed-loop path.

[0155] Embodiment 10: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the seal is a connecting path structure.

[0156] Embodiment 11: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the seal is positioned at least partially or completely along the circumferential direction on the media pack.

[0157] Embodiment 12: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the ratio of the length of the first sealing portion to the length of the second sealing portion (L(SP1) / L(SP2)) or the ratio of the length of the second sealing portion to the length of the first sealing portion (L(SP2) / L(SP1)) is 2 or more.

[0158] Embodiment 13: The filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising a support structure attached to a media pack in a sealed state, wherein the seal is at least partially (or completely) supported by the support structure.

[0159] Embodiment 14: The filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the media pack includes a reinforcing portion that constitutes a support structure for the seal, and the seal (3) is at least partially supported by the support structure.

[0160] Embodiment 15: The filter element according to Embodiment 12 or 13, wherein a predetermined sealing direction is defined as the normal direction of each part of the support structure that supports the corresponding sealing portion.

[0161] Embodiment 16: The filter element according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the support structure includes a smooth, continuous band surface that follows the seal, and the band surface preferably corresponds to a closed-loop path of the seal, so that for each section or part of the seal there exists a corresponding portion of the band surface that supports it.

[0162] Embodiment 17: The filter element according to Embodiment 16, wherein at least one of the band portions corresponding to the first or second sealing portion preferably extends over a closed-loop path length of more than 75%, 80%, or 90% of the closed-loop path length.

[0163] Embodiment 18: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the first, second, and crosslinking seal portions of the seal are provided at or (preferably directly) adjacent to the axial end of the media pack.

[0164] Embodiment 19: The filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein a first sealing portion along a closed-loop path is provided on or adjacent to a portion of the media pack oriented radially outward, for example, on or adjacent to its outer perimeter wall, and a second sealing portion is provided on or adjacent to a portion of the media pack oriented radially inward, for example, on or adjacent to its inner perimeter wall.

[0165] Embodiment 20: The filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the axial projections of both the first and second sealing portions are located outside the axial projections of the media pack.

[0166] Embodiment 21: A filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the seal transitions smoothly and continuously between the sealing directions of the first, second, and cross-linked sealing portions.

[0167] Embodiment 22: The filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the seal comprises or consists of a polyurethane material, preferably a foamed polyurethane material.

[0168] Embodiment 23: A filter assembly comprising a housing and a filter element according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 22 operably held within the housing, wherein the housing includes a predetermined sealing surface for receiving a seal along a closed-loop path, the sealing surface supplementing the seal.

[0169] Embodiment 24: The filter assembly according to Embodiment 23, wherein the distance between a predetermined sealing surface of the housing and a smooth, continuous band surface of a support structure that follows the seal is kept constant along the closed-loop path in order to receive the seal along the closed-loop path.

[0170] Reference list

[0171] [Table 1]

[0172] [Table 2]

[0173] [Table 3]

Claims

1. A filter element comprising a media pack and a seal, wherein the seal is directly or indirectly connected to the media pack in a sealed state, and the filter element includes a longitudinal axis. The seal extends along a closed-loop path around the longitudinal axis, The seal defines a predetermined sealing direction with respect to the longitudinal axis along the closed-loop path, The predetermined sealing direction is not constant along the closed-loop path, The seal includes a first sealing portion along the closed-loop path whose predetermined sealing direction is generally outward, and a second sealing portion along the closed-loop path whose predetermined sealing direction is generally inward. The predetermined sealing direction of the seal along the closed-loop path preferably remains substantially parallel to a single plane (X-Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the filter element.

2. The first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are connected by the bridging portion of the seal. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bridging portion is adapted and arranged to seal in the tangential direction, and the tangential direction is substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the filter element.

3. The filter element according to claim 2, wherein more than 30% or more than 50% of the sealing surface of the crosslinked portion is adapted and arranged to seal in the tangential direction.

4. The filter element according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the bridging portion includes first and second connection sections that connect a portion of the bridging portion, which is arranged to be fitted to seal in the tangential direction, to the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion, respectively.

5. The filter element according to claim 4, wherein the first and second connection sections are substantially parallel and lie in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a certain angle, preferably in the range of 10 to 80 degrees.

6. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the seal reverses its angular direction one or more times, for example, at least two even times, when followed along the closed-loop path.

7. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing surface of the seal includes at least two even divisions when described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), and the change in θ is reversed when the seal is traced along the closed-loop path.

8. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the seal includes at least one axial step.

9. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealing surface of the seal, when described in cylindrical coordinates (θ, z, r), includes a generally constant z coordinate, except for one or more segments where the z coordinate decreases and then increases again, when the seal is traced along the closed-loop path.

10. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seal is a connecting path structure.

11. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the seal is disposed at least partially or completely along the circumferential direction of the media pack.

12. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ratio of the length of the first sealing portion to the length of the second sealing portion (L(SP1) / L(SP2)), or the ratio of the length of the second sealing portion to the length of the first sealing portion (L(SP2) / L(SP1)), is 2 or more.

13. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a support structure attached to the media pack in a sealed state, wherein the seal is at least partially (or completely) supported by the support structure.

14. The filter element according to claim 13, wherein the seal includes at least one axially extending portion that abuts against the central opening of the filter element and includes an internal cavity that opens toward the central opening, and the support structure includes a generally C-shaped portion that at least partially defines the boundary of the internal cavity.

15. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the media pack includes a reinforcing portion that constitutes a support structure for the seal, and the seal is at least partially supported by the support structure.

16. The filter element according to claim 12, 13, or 14, wherein the predetermined sealing direction is defined as the normal direction to each portion of the support structure that supports the corresponding sealing portion.

17. The filter element according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the support structure includes a smooth, continuous band surface that follows the seal, and the band surface preferably corresponds to the closed-loop path of the seal, so that for each section or portion of the seal there exists a corresponding portion of the band surface that supports it.

18. The filter element according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the band portions corresponding to the first or second sealing portion preferably extends over a length of the loop path of more than 75%, 80%, or 90% of the length of the closed loop path.

19. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first, second, and crosslinking seal portions of the seal are provided at or preferably directly adjacent to the axial end of the media pack.

20. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first sealing portion along the closed-loop path is provided on or adjacent to a portion of the media pack oriented radially outward, for example, on or adjacent to its outer periphery, and the second sealing portion is provided on or adjacent to a portion of the media pack oriented radially inward, for example, on or adjacent to its inner periphery.

21. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the axial projections of both the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are located outside the axial projections of the media pack.

22. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the seal transitions smoothly and continuously between the respective sealing directions of the first, second, and cross-linked sealing portions.

23. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the seal comprises or consists of a polyurethane material, preferably a foamed polyurethane material.

24. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the seal includes double or triple rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

25. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the seal includes at least two axially extending portions disposed on sides of the seal facing each other in the diametrical direction.

26. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the seal includes at least three axially extending portions arranged at equal intervals around the longitudinal axis.

27. A filter assembly comprising a housing and a filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 26 operably held within the housing, wherein the housing includes a predetermined sealing surface for receiving the seal along the closed-loop path, the sealing surface corresponding to the seal.

28. The filter assembly according to claim 27, wherein the distance between the predetermined sealing surface of the housing and the smooth, continuous band surface of the support structure that follows the seal is kept constant along the closed-loop path to receive the seal along the closed-loop path.

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