Filtration device with latching mechanism adapter

Abstract

The filtration device may include an adapter, a filter element, and a housing. The adapter may include a collar having an upper edge and a lower edge, a plurality of locking tabs extending from the upper edge, and a plurality of snap members extending from the lower edge. The filter element may include a case and a plurality of receptacles coupled to a first outer surface of the case and disposed about the first outer surface of the case. The receptacles are configured to receive the locking tabs. The housing configured to receive the filter element includes a shell and a plurality of angled members coupled to a second outer surface of the shell. The angled members are configured to engage with the snap members.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to filtration devices, for example, to filter elements and housings for filtration devices. [Background technology]

[0002] To convert the chemical energy stored in the fuel into mechanical work, the engine utilizes air from the surrounding environment to combust the fuel. However, because the air in the surrounding environment is often full of debris particles (e.g., dust, sand, or other particles) that can damage engine components and / or clog the fuel, the air may need to be filtered before it enters the engine. Accordingly, some engine-powered machines (e.g., vehicles, generators, or other types of machinery) include an air cleaner assembly having one or more filtration devices that selectively trap debris particles while allowing clean air to pass through.

[0003] When the filtration media in one or more filtration devices fills with debris particles, pressure differentials across the one or more filtration devices tend to increase, which can reduce engine efficiency. Therefore, it may be necessary to periodically remove the filtration media from the air cleaner assembly for replacement and / or cleaning. To enable removal of the filtration media, one or more filtration devices may include a latching mechanism that removably secures the filtration media therein. However, because space within a machine is limited, including a latching mechanism may limit the size and / or number of filtration devices in the air cleaner assembly, complicate filtration media replacement, and / or have other drawbacks.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 8,245,868, issued August 21, 2012, to Ikeda et al., discloses a case lock mechanism located between a first case member and a second case member. The mechanism includes a protrusion, a deformable member, a hook portion, a guide portion, and a retaining portion. The protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the first case member. The deformable member is integrally formed with the outer surface of the second case member and has a curved portion folded back toward the rear at the midpoint in the longitudinal direction. The hook portion is formed at the end of the deformable member and is engageable with the protrusion. The guide portion is formed on the protrusion. When the case members are closed, the guide portion guides the claw portion formed within the hook portion along the direction in which the claw portion and the protrusion engage. The retaining protrusion is formed on the protrusion to maintain the engagement between the claw portion and the protrusion.

[0005] The filtration device of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems addressed above and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In some embodiments, the adapter includes a collar, a plurality of locking tabs, and a plurality of snap members. The collar has an upper edge, a lower edge, and a wall connecting the upper edge to the lower edge. The upper edge extends radially inward from the wall, and the lower edge extends radially outward from the wall. The plurality of locking tabs extend downward from the upper edge and are configured to resiliently engage with a plurality of receptacles on the filter element to couple the adapter and the filter element. The plurality of snap members extend radially outward from the lower edge and are configured to resiliently engage with one or more angled members on the housing to couple the filter element and the housing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the filter element includes a case, a flange, and a plurality of receptacles. The case has a first end, a second end, and an outer surface connecting the first end to the second end. The outer surface defines a periphery of the case. The flange is connected to the outer surface and extends around the periphery of the case. The flange has an upper surface. The plurality of receptacles are connected to the outer surface and disposed around the periphery of the case. The plurality of receptacles are configured to receive a plurality of locking tabs of the adapter to enable connection of the filter element to the housing. The plurality of receptacles extend between the first end of the case and the upper surface of the flange.

[0008] In some embodiments, the filtration device includes an adapter, a filter element, and a housing. The adapter includes a collar, a plurality of locking tabs, and a plurality of snap members. The collar has an upper edge and a lower edge. The plurality of locking tabs extend downward from the upper edge. The plurality of snap members extend radially outward from the lower edge. The filter element is configured to receive the adapter and includes a case and a plurality of receptacles. The case has a first outer surface defining a first periphery of the case. The plurality of receptacles are coupled to the first outer surface and disposed around the first periphery of the case. The plurality of receptacles are configured to receive the plurality of locking tabs of the adapter. The housing is configured to receive the filter element and includes a shell and a plurality of angled members. The shell has a second outer surface. The plurality of angled members are fixedly coupled to the second outer surface and configured to engage with the plurality of snap members of the adapter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine including an air purification assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the air purification assembly of FIG. 1 having multiple filtration devices therein. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the air purification assembly of FIG. 1 having multiple filtration devices therein. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a plurality of the filtration devices of FIGS. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a filtration device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a filtration device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a filtration device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a filtration device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a filtration device having a latching mechanism. The filtration device generally applies to any device and / or system related to air filtration. For example, the filtration device may be part of an air cleaner assembly in fluid communication with a power system, a fuel system, etc. The device and / or system may be implemented on machinery associated with industries such as mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or another type of industry.

[0011] To simplify the following description, the same reference numerals may be used to denote similar features.The drawings may not be to scale.

[0012] 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine 100 including an air cleaner assembly 102. Machine 100 is powered by an engine that utilizes an air intake system to convert chemical energy stored in a fuel into mechanical work. For example, machine 100 may be a ground transportation vehicle such as a mining truck (shown in FIG. 1), a tractor, a backhoe loader, a dozer, an excavator, an earthmoving machine, or another type of vehicle. As another example, machine 100 may be a stationary machine such as a generator, a pump, or another type of machine.

[0013] Air cleaner assembly 102 is a device configured to filter air from the environment to prevent debris particles (e.g., dust, sand, or other types of particles) within the air from entering an air intake system associated with an engine. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , air cleaner assembly 102 may include a precleaner 104 that provides a first stage of air filtration and a cabinet 106 that provides a second stage of air filtration. During use, air cleaner assembly 102 is mounted to machine 100 such that it is in fluid communication with the air intake system associated with the engine. For example, as described below with reference to FIGS. 2-3 , air may enter multiple inlets 108 of precleaner 104 and exit multiple outlets 110 of cabinet 106 to enter the air intake system of machine 100.

[0014] As noted above, Figure 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from the example depicted in Figure 1. For example, the number and arrangement of air cleaner assemblies 102 may differ from the number and arrangement shown in Figure 1. Thus, there may be additional air cleaner assemblies, fewer air cleaner assemblies, different air cleaner assemblies, and / or differently arranged air cleaner assemblies as shown in Figure 1.

[0015] 2-3 are views of the air cleaner assembly 102. Figure 2 is an isometric view of the air cleaner assembly 102. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assembly 102.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2-3, the precleaner 104 includes a pair of doors 202 hinged to the cabinet 106 and movable between a closed position and an open position. Each door 202 includes a subset of the plurality of inlets 108, which are configured to rotate the air passing through them. As air travels along the plurality of inlets 108 and enters the cabinet 106, the air propels a majority of airborne debris particles into a pair of collection tubes 204 for collection and / or removal. In this manner, the precleaner 104 can provide a first stage of air filtration.

[0017] The cabinet 106 includes an interior-mounted platform 206 for dividing the interior of the cabinet 106 into a front interior space 208 and a rear interior space 302 (as shown in FIG. 3 ). The front interior space 208 is configured to accommodate air passing through and over the precleaner 104, and the rear interior space 302 is configured to be in fluid communication with a plurality of outlets 110 for allowing air to exit the air cleaner assembly 102. To selectively filter remaining debris particles in the air as it travels from the front interior space 208 into the rear interior space 302, the platform 206 includes a plurality of filtration devices 210, alternatives of which are described below with reference to FIGS. 5-8 . In this manner, the cabinet 106 can provide a second stage of air filtration.

[0018] As noted above, Figures 2-3 are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from those depicted in Figures 2-3. For example, the number and arrangement of components (e.g., the number of inlets 108, the number of outlets 110, the pair of doors 202, the pair of collection tubes 204, and / or the number of filtration devices 210) may differ from the number and arrangement shown in Figures 2-3. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, and / or different arrangements of components compared to those shown in Figures 2-3.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of multiple filtration devices 210 secured within cabinet 106. As shown in FIG. 4, multiple filtration devices 210 are compactly arranged within cabinet 106, maximizing the filtration capacity of a cabinet 106 of a given size. Multiple filtration devices 210 are generally identical and interchangeable. Each filtration device 210 includes a mounting mechanism 402 that secures the corresponding filtration device 210 to platform 206. Each mounting mechanism 402 includes a plurality of mounting tabs 404 that fixedly extend radially from the corresponding filtration device 210 and a plurality of fasteners 406 (e.g., screws, bolts, and / or other types of fasteners) configured to extend through the plurality of mounting tabs 404 and into platform 206. To minimize the spacing between multiple filtration devices 210, multiple mounting tabs 404 may be spaced apart and offset from one another. Therefore, when multiple filtration devices 210 are secured to the platform 206, the mounting tab 404 of one filtration device 210 can be accommodated in the space between two mounting tabs 404 adjacent to the filtration devices 210, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0020] To adequately filter air entering the intake system of the machine 100, each of the plurality of filtration devices 210 may have a length ranging from about 18 inches to about 22 inches, a width ranging from about 10 inches to about 14 inches, and a depth ranging from about 8 inches to about 12 inches. For example, the length may be about 20 inches, the width may be about 12 inches, and the depth may be about 10 inches. Also, to minimize the spacing between the plurality of filtration devices 210, each of the plurality of mounting tabs 404 may have a radial length ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches. For example, the radial length may be about 0.9 inches. Other sizes are possible.

[0021] As noted above, Figure 4 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those depicted in Figure 4. For example, the number and arrangement of components (e.g., the number of filtration devices 210, the number of mounting tabs 404, and / or the number of fasteners 406) may differ from the number and arrangement shown in Figure 4. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, and / or differently arranged components compared to those shown in Figure 4.

[0022] 5-6 are diagrams of a filtration device 500 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the filtration device 500 in an unlocked state. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the filtration device 500 in a latched state. It should be understood that the filtration device 500 may correspond to one or more of the filtration devices 210 of FIGS. 2-4.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 5-6 , the filtration device 500 includes a filter element 502 and a housing 504 configured to accommodate the filter element 502. The filter element 502 includes a case 506, a filtration medium 508, a handle 510, and a flange 512. The case 506 includes a first end 514, a second end 516, and an exterior surface 518. The exterior surface 518 defines the outer periphery of the case 506 and connects the first end 514 to the second end 516. The first end 514 defines a first opening 520, and the second end 516 defines a second opening 522 that communicates with the first opening 520 to form a hollow interior 524 of the case 506. The filtration medium 508 is disposed within the hollow interior 524 and configured to filter air flowing through the filtration device 500. The filtration medium 508 may be a fluted and / or pleated material such as paper and / or cotton. For example, the filtration media 508 is configured to trap debris particles within the hollow interior 524 of the case 506 as air travels from the first opening 520 and through the second opening 522 .

[0024] Handle 510 is fixedly coupled to first end 514 of case 506 and extends through first opening 520 from a first side edge 526 of first opening 520 to a second side edge 528 of first opening 520. Handle 510 is constructed and arranged to facilitate handling of filtration device 500 (e.g., during installation and / or removal of filtration device 500). For example, handle 510 may be generally H-shaped (as shown in FIGS. 5-6), I-shaped, or may have another similar shape.

[0025] Flange 512 is coupled to an outer surface 518 of case 506 and extends around the outer periphery of case 506. Flange 512 includes a plurality of snap members 530, each forming part of a latch mechanism that connects filter element 502 and housing 504 when filtration device 500 is in a latched state (as shown in FIG. 4 ). Each snap member 530 includes a fulcrum 532 and a lever 534 attached to fulcrum 532. Fulcrum 532 projects radially from an upper end 536 of flange 512, and lever 534 extends along a direction generally perpendicular to fulcrum 532. Lever 534, which is generally planar and has a generally rectangular shape, includes a latch portion 538 and a handle portion 540. Latch portion 538 is located at a first end 542 of lever 534, handle portion 540 is located at a second end 544 of lever 534 opposite first end 542, and fulcrum 532 is located approximately centered therebetween. Latch portion 538 includes a lower inner surface 546 facing a lower end 547 of flange 512 and a generally rectangular hole 548. Handle portion 540 is configured to be depressed along a direction generally parallel to fulcrum 532 to disengage from the latch mechanism. To facilitate depression of handle portion 540, handle portion 540 may include a curved section 550.

[0026] 4, each of the fulcrums 532 of the snap members 530 can have a length that is shorter than the radial length of each of the mounting tabs 404 so as not to interfere with spacing within the cabinet 106. Thus, the length of each fulcrum 532 can be less than about 1.5 inches. For example, the length can be about 0.2 inches. Other sizes are possible.

[0027] The housing 504 includes a shell 552, a seal member 554, a plurality of angled members 556, and a plurality of mounting tabs 404. The shell 552 includes a first end 558, a second end 560, an outer surface 562 connecting the first end 558 to the second end 560, and an inner surface 564 opposite the outer surface 562. The first end 558 defines a first opening 566, and the second end 560 defines a second opening 568 that communicates with the first opening 566 to form a hollow interior 570 of the case 552. The outer surface 562 defines an outer periphery of the shell 552, and the inner surface 564 defines an inner periphery of the shell 552. The inner surface 564 includes a ledge 572 that extends around the inner periphery of the shell 552 and is located a first distance from the first end 558 of the shell 552. Ledge 572 supports sealing member 554, which is an elongated strip of material (e.g., plastic) configured to compress lower end 547 of flange 512 of filter element 502 when filtration device 500 is in a latched state.

[0028] The plurality of ramp members 556 are fixedly coupled to an outer surface 562 of the shell 552 and are positioned at a second distance from a first end 558 of the shell 552 that is less than the first distance. In other words, the plurality of ramp members 556 are disposed on the shell 552 at vertical positions between the first end 558 of the shell 552 and a ledge 572 of the shell 552. The plurality of ramp members 556 may be arranged in subsets (e.g., subsets of two ramp members, subsets of four ramp members) around the outer periphery of the shell 552. Each ramp member 556 is configured to engage with one of the plurality of snap members 530 to form a corresponding portion of the latch mechanism. Each ramp member 556 includes a ramp surface 574, a first side 576, a second side 578, and a bottom surface 580. The ramp surface 574 extends from the outer surface 562 of the shell 552 at an acute angle relative to the outer surface 562. The apex of the acute angle is closer to first end 558 of shell 552 than to second end 560 of shell 552. Generally rectangular inclined surface 574 includes a first edge 582 opposite second edge 584 and a third edge 586 opposite fourth edge 588. Generally triangular first side 576 and second side 578 are connected to first edge 582 of inclined surface 574 and second edge 584 of inclined surface 574, respectively. Generally rectangular bottom surface 580 is connected to fourth edge 588 of inclined surface 574.

[0029] 4, are fixedly coupled to an outer surface 562 of the shell 552. The plurality of mounting tabs 404 are positioned at a distance approximately equal to a first distance from a first end 558 of the shell 552.

[0030] To withstand environmental conditions, the case 506, handle 510, and / or snap members 530 of the filter element 502 may be made of a durable material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or another type of plastic. The flange 512 may be made of a material to support the snap members 530 while forming a seal with the housing 504. For example, the upper end 536 of the flange 512, which supports the snap members 530, may be integral with the snap members 530 and / or may be made of a durable material, such as ABS plastic. The lower end 547 of the flange 512 may be made of urethane or another type of resilient material to allow compression. Similarly, the shell 552 of the housing 504 may be made of a material, such as glass-filled nylon, to withstand environmental conditions. Other materials are possible.

[0031] To connect the filter element 502 to the housing 504, a user may grasp the handle 510 and insert the filter element 502 into the hollow interior 570 of the shell 552. As the flange 512 of the filter element 502 enters the hollow interior 570, the bottom surface 590 of the lower end 547 of the flange 512 is compressed by the seal member 554, forming a seal. Once the filtration device 500 is installed within the cabinet 106, the seal prevents air from passing through the cabinet 106 without first passing through the filtration media 508. As the lower end 547 of the flange 512 of the filter element 502 is gradually compressed by the seal member 554, the lower inner surface 546 of the latch portion 538 slides over the inclined surfaces 574 of the plurality of inclined members 556, causing the handle portion 540 of the lever 534 to tilt toward the case 506 of the filter element 502. Once the holes 548 of the latch portion 538 contact the bottom surfaces 580 of the plurality of angled members 556, the plurality of snap members 530 automatically snap into engagement with the plurality of angled members 556. Thus, the user can latch the filtration device 500 without directly contacting the latch mechanism.

[0032] Conversely, to disconnect the filter element 502 from the housing 504, a user can depress the handle portion 540 of the plurality of snap members 530 and pull the handle 510 in a direction away from the housing 504. By depressing the handle portion 540, the user causes the lever 534 to pivot about the fulcrum 532, thereby disengaging the hole 548 from the plurality of angled members 556. The resilience of the plurality of snap members 530 allows the latch mechanism to be repeatedly latched and released.

[0033] As noted above, Figures 5-6 are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from those depicted in Figures 5-6. For example, the number and arrangement of components (e.g., snap members and / or ramp members) may differ from the number and arrangement shown in Figures 5-6. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, and / or differently arranged components compared to those shown in Figures 5-6.

[0034] 7-8 are diagrams of a filtration device 700 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of filtration device 700 in an unlocked state. FIG. 8 is an isometric view of filtration device 700 in a latched state. It should be understood that filtration device 700 may correspond to one or more of filtration devices 210 of FIGS. 2-4. It should also be understood that filtration device 700 has the same features as filtration device 500. The following discussion will focus on the structural differences.

[0035] 7-8 , the filtration device 700 includes an adapter 702, a filter element 704, and a housing 706. The adapter 702 includes a collar 708, a plurality of locking tabs 710, a plurality of snap members 530, and a plurality of fastening tabs 712. The collar 708 includes an upper edge 714, a lower edge 716, and a wall 718 connecting the upper edge 714 to the lower edge 716. The upper edge 714 extends radially inward from the wall 718, and the lower edge 716 extends radially outward from the wall 718. The plurality of locking tabs 710 extend downward from the upper edge 714 and are configured to connect the adapter 702 to the filter element 704. Each locking tab 710 includes a body portion 720 and teeth 722. A body portion 720 extends from an upper edge 714 and is spaced inwardly from a wall 718, with teeth 722 projecting inwardly from a free end 724 of the body portion 720. Snap members 530, as described above with reference to Figures 5-6, extend radially outward from the lower edge 716 and are configured to couple the adapter 702 to the housing 706. Fastening tabs 712, which assist the snap members 530 in coupling the adapter 702 to the housing 706, also extend radially outward from the lower edge 716.

[0036] The adapter 702 may be formed from a single, unitary material. For example, the material may be ABS plastic, nylon, or a similar material to allow for the formation of a resilient connection between the locking tabs and snap members. Other materials are possible.

[0037] In addition to having the case 506, the filtration media 508, and the handle 510 of the filter element 502, the filter element 704 further includes a flange 726 and a plurality of receptacles 728. The flange 726 is coupled to the exterior surface 518 of the case 506 and extends around the outer periphery of the case 506. The flange 726 includes an upper surface 730, a lower surface 732, and an outer surface 734 that couples the upper surface 730 to the lower surface 732. The upper surface 730 of the flange 726 is configured to support the lower edge 716 of the adapter 702 when the adapter 702 is secured to the filter element 704. The lower surface 732 of the flange 726 is configured to form a seal with the housing 706 when the filtration device 700 is in the latched state.

[0038] A plurality of receptacles 728 are fixedly coupled to the exterior surface 518 of the case 506 and extend between the first end 514 of the case 506 and an upper surface 730 of the flange 726. The plurality of receptacles 728 are disposed around the outer periphery of the case 506 for engaging the plurality of locking tabs 710. Each receptacle 728 includes an inclined surface 736 and an opening 738. The inclined surface 736 extends from the exterior surface 518 of the case 506 at an acute angle relative to the exterior surface 518. The apex of the acute angle is closer to the first end 514 of the case 506 than to the second end 516 of the case 506. The opening 738 is located between the inclined surface 736 and the exterior surface 518 and is configured to receive the tooth 722 of a corresponding locking tab 710 when the adapter 702 and the filter element 704 are in an attached state.

[0039] The flange 726 of the filter element 704 may be formed from a resilient material such as urethane. The receptacles 728 of the filter element 704 may be integral with the case 506 and therefore may be formed from the same durable material as the case 506, such as ABS plastic or another type of plastic. Other materials are possible.

[0040] In addition to having shell 552, seal member 554, angled members 556, and mounting tabs 404, housing 706 also includes a plurality of fasteners 740. The plurality of fasteners 740 are pivotally mounted to an exterior surface 562 of shell 552 and configured to engage with fastening tabs 712 on adapter 702. Similar to mounting tabs 404, fasteners 740 are positioned at a distance approximately equal to a first distance from a first end 558 of shell 552. Because fasteners 740 are positioned at an angled corner of exterior surface 562, fasteners 740 do not interfere with spacing within cabinet 106, as described above with reference to FIG. 4 .

[0041] To attach the adapter 702 to the filter element 704, a user can press the collar 708 against the flange 726 of the filter element 704. When the adapter 702 is pressed against the filter element 704, the teeth 722 of the locking tabs 710 slide over the angled surfaces 736 of the receptacles 728, causing the body portion 720 to bend toward the wall 718 of the collar 708. Once the free end 724 of the body portion 720 contacts the top surface 730 of the flange 726, the teeth 722 automatically snap into engagement with the openings 738 of the receptacles 728. Thus, a user can attach the adapter 702 and filter element 704 without directly contacting the locking tabs 710.

[0042] Once the adapter 702 and filter element 704 are attached, a user can couple the filter element 704 to the housing 706 using steps generally similar to those described above with reference to Figures 5-6. Similarly, if necessary, a user can detach the filter element 704 from the housing 706 using steps generally similar to those described above. However, it should be understood that the described assembly sequence is provided merely as an example. In fact, the filter element 704 may be inserted into the housing 706 before attaching the adapter 702.

[0043] As noted above, Figures 7-8 are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from those depicted in Figures 7-8. For example, the number and arrangement of components (e.g., snap members 530, locking tabs 710, fastening tabs 712, angled members 556, receptacles 728, and / or fasteners 740) may differ from the number and arrangement shown in Figures 7-8. Thus, there may be additional, fewer, different, and / or differently arranged components than those shown in Figures 7-8.

[0044] Although filtration device 700 has been described as including multiple fasteners 740 and multiple fastening tabs 712, it should be understood that such attachment mechanisms are provided by way of example only. Indeed, other types of attachment mechanisms may be used in place of multiple fasteners 740 and multiple fastening tabs 712, or other types of attachment mechanisms may be used in addition to multiple fasteners 740 and multiple fastening tabs 712. For example, as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 5-6 , filtration device 700 may include only multiple snap members 530 and multiple angled members 556. As another example, filtration device 700 may include one or more different types of attachment mechanisms (such as screws, buckles, C-clamps, or other fasteners) in place of multiple fasteners 740 and multiple fastening tabs 712. Industrial Applicability

[0045] The filtration devices 500, 700 of the present disclosure are particularly applicable within the cabinet 106 of the air cleaner assembly 102. As described above, the air cleaner assembly 102 is configured to communicate with an intake system associated with an engine. The engine can utilize ambient air to convert chemical energy stored in a fuel into mechanical work. For example, the engine can propel a ground transportation vehicle such as a mining truck (shown in FIG. 1 ), a tractor, a backhoe loader, a dozer, an excavator, an earthmoving machine, or another type of vehicle. As another example, the engine can power a stationary machine such as a generator, a pump, or another type of machine.

[0046] Because the snap members 530 and angled members 556 have a relatively narrow profile and are configured to engage with one another without direct user contact, the filtration device 210, 500, 700 of the present disclosure can be more compactly positioned within the cabinet 106. As a result, the air cleaner assembly 102 can more effectively filter airborne debris particles. Furthermore, for the filtration device 700, the adapter 702 allows for modular use of the filter element 704 and / or housing 706 (e.g., use in other types and / or sizes of cabinets and / or with other types of attachment devices). Thus, the filtration device 700 may have the added benefit of reduced costs associated with producing and / or storing inventory.

[0047] The above disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made based on the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. Furthermore, any of the embodiments described herein may be combined unless the above disclosure clearly provides a reason why one or more embodiments cannot be combined. Although particular combinations of features may be recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various embodiments. While each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the disclosure of various embodiments includes each dependent claim in combination with all other claims in the claim set.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "a," "one," and "a set" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Additionally, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more items recited in conjunction with the article "the," and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless otherwise stated. Additionally, as used herein, the term "or," when used in a series, is intended to be inclusive and may be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless otherwise stated (e.g., when used in combination with "any" or "only one"). Additionally, for ease of description herein, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "below," "above," "above," and the like, may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as illustrated. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of devices, apparatus, and / or elements during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. An adapter (702), A collar (708) having an upper edge (714), a lower edge (716), and a wall (718) connecting said upper edge (714) to said lower edge (716), The upper edge (714) extends radially inward from the wall (718); The lower edge (716) includes a collar (708) extending radially outward from the wall (718); a plurality of locking tabs (710) extending downwardly from said upper edge (714); a plurality of locking tabs (710) configured to resiliently engage a plurality of receptacles (728) of a filter element (704) to couple the adapter (702) and the filter element (704); a plurality of snap members (530) extending radially outward from said lower edge (716); the plurality of snap members (530) including a plurality of snap members (530) configured to resiliently engage one or more angled members (556) of a housing (706) to couple the adapter (702) and the housing (706); One lock tab (710) of the plurality of lock tabs (710) is a body portion (720) extending from said upper edge (714) and spaced inwardly from said wall (718); a tooth (722) projecting inward from a free end (724) of the body portion (720) and configured to slide over an inclined surface (736) of one of the plurality of receptacles (728) to engage with an opening (738) of the receptacle (728); One snap member (530) of the plurality of snap members (530) is a fulcrum (532) projecting radially from the lower edge (716); a lever (534) attached on the fulcrum (532) and extending perpendicularly to the fulcrum (532); An adapter (702) in which, when one or more holes (548) of one or more latch portions (538) contact one or more bottom surfaces (580) of the one or more tilting members (556), the plurality of snap members (530) automatically snap into engagement with the one or more tilting members (556).

2. The adapter (702) of claim 1, wherein the length of the fulcrum (532) of the snap member (530) is less than 1.5 inches.

3. The lever (534) the latch portion (538) at a first end (542) of the lever (534); a handle portion (540) at a second end (544) of the lever (534); Here, the first end (542) faces the second end (544), 2. The adapter (702) of claim 1, wherein the fulcrum (532) is located between the latch portion (538) and the handle portion (540) of the lever (534).

4. A filter element (704), comprising: a case (506) having a first end (514), a second end (516), and an exterior surface (518) connecting said first end (514) to said second end (516); the outer surface (518) includes a case (506) defining a perimeter of the case (506); a flange (726) coupled to the outer surface (518) and extending around the periphery of the case (506), The flange (726) has an upper surface (730); a plurality of receptacles (728) coupled to the exterior surface (518) and disposed around the periphery of the case (506); the plurality of receptacles (728) are configured to receive a plurality of locking tabs (710) of the adapter (702) of any one of claims 1 to 3 to enable coupling of the filter element (704) to a housing (706); The filter element (704) includes a plurality of receptacles (728) extending between the first end (514) of the case (506) and the upper surface (730) of the flange (726).

5. The first end (514) of the case (506) defines a first opening (520); 5. The filter element of claim 4, wherein the second end of the case defines a second opening that communicates with the first opening to form a hollow interior of the case.

6. 6. The filter element (704) of claim 5, further comprising a filtration medium (508) disposed in the hollow interior (524) of the case (506) and configured to filter air flowing from the first opening (520) through the second opening (522) of the case (506).

7. One receptacle (728) of the plurality of receptacles (728) includes: an inclined surface (736) extending from the outer surface (518) of the case (506) at an acute angle to the outer surface (518); wherein the apex of the acute angle is an inclined surface (736) that is closer to the first end (514) of the case (506) than to the second end (516) of the case (506); The filter element (704) of any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising an opening (738) between the inclined surface (736) and the upper surface (730) of the flange (726).

8. the angled surface of the receptacle (728) is configured to deflect one of the locking tabs (710) when the adapter (702) is pressed against the flange (726) of the filter element (704); and 8. The filter element (704) of claim 7, wherein the opening (738) of the receptacle (728) is configured to receive the teeth (722) of the locking tab (710) when the filter element (704) and the adapter (702) are in an attached state.

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