Air cleaner device and related filter element

Abstract

1. A filter element for filtering a gaseous fluid, the filter element comprising: a filter media pack having a longitudinal axis; and a circumferential seal support structure sealingly coupled to a side wall of the filter media pack, the seal support structure further comprising a first seal and a second seal, wherein axial projections of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define first and second closure perimeters, and areas corresponding to the first and second closure perimeters include non-overlapping areas, the filter element, and an associated filter assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application was filed on April 20, 2022 as a PCT international patent application, and also claims the benefit and priority of European Patent Application No. 21169534.1 filed on April 20, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to filter devices and filter elements for use typically in filtering air such as intake air for internal combustion engines.

Background Art

[0003] An air stream can carry contaminants such as dust and liquid particles. In many cases, it is desirable to filter some or all of the contaminants from the air stream. For example, an air flow stream (e.g., a combustion air stream) to an engine for an automobile or power generating equipment, a gas stream to a gas turbine system, and an air stream to various combustion furnaces carry particulate contaminants to be filtered. In such systems, it is preferred that the selected contaminants are removed from the air (or their levels are reduced in the air). Various air filter devices have been developed for contaminant removal.

[0004] In the industry, there is a need to reduce the size and weight of air filtration systems and filter elements (also called filter cartridges) mounted on automobiles or large vehicles. These air filtration systems (and cartridges) need to be compact and integrated with other components of the vehicle in a compact space.

[0005] Therefore, a system with a high degree of design freedom is required.

[0006] Furthermore, it is necessary to assure end users that filter elements are suitable for their respective systems, for example, by mechanically making it impossible to install inappropriate filter elements. In fact, filter elements are typically developed to suit specific types of vehicles and their given operating and ambient conditions. Much research and development is conducted on the development and selection of filter media, analysis of fluid flow characteristics, dust removal capacity, behavior under simulated and actual vibration exposure, and other aspects. Incorrectly positioning a filter element within a filter housing can negatively impact the filtration performance of a particular system and the function of the engine supplied with filtered air. Prolonged use of an inappropriate filter element can even lead to engine failure.

[0007] There is a need in industry for improved alternative filter devices.

[0008] Furthermore, there is a need to reduce the manufacturing cost of filtration systems by enabling the reuse / common use of certain components in more than one filter device, i.e., for different types of vehicles, or for different brands / manufacturers. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The object of this disclosure is to provide a filter element according to claim 1, and a related filter assembly according to the second independent claim. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a filter element for filtering gaseous fluids is disclosed, comprising a filter media pack having a longitudinal axis. This includes a circumferential seal support structure sealed to the side wall of the filter media pack. The seal support structure is thus airtightly connected to the filter media pack, preferably directly or indirectly, permanently or removable. The seal support structure further comprises a first seal and a second seal. The axial projections of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define the first and second closed periphery portions. The regions corresponding to the first and second closed periphery portions include non-overlapping regions.

[0011] An advantage of the embodiments of this disclosure is that they offer greater design freedom for filter elements and associated filter assemblies.

[0012] For example, a first seal may be positioned to form a seal against a first sealing surface of the main housing portion, while a second seal may be positioned to form a seal against a complementary housing portion, such as a housing end cover or pre-cleaner arrangement. By having seals that present non-overlapping portions in projection, the relationship between the main housing portion and the complementary housing portion can be different from that of the front end.

[0013] Furthermore, the shapes of the complementary housing portion and the main housing portion can be separated to some extent.

[0014] Furthermore, if the filter element is properly designed, the main filter housing can be used with different complementary housing parts, or the complementary housing parts can be used with different main filter housing parts. This can be advantageous because it allows for the formation of a larger volume and enables the use of components across different air cleaner systems.

[0015] The presence of non-overlapping sections also has another advantage: it helps users place the correct filter elements in specific housings and helps identify the correct positions for the filter elements.

[0016] For practical reasons, this disclosure has been claimed by referring to the periphery of the axial projections of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, as may be considered part of this disclosure, the periphery may be defined by the projection of the sealing surfaces defined by the first and second seals.

[0017] Preferably, the filter, and therefore the filter material, is suitable for filtering air.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the region defined by the closed periphery also includes an overlapping region.

[0019] Preferably, the non-overlapping region has a surface that constitutes at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the minimum area of ​​the region defined by the closed periphery.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping region is 5 cm 2 Larger, or 10cm 2 Larger, or 25cm 2 It has a larger surface area.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping region does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis. This is, for example, when the non-overlapping region consists of a single region corresponding to a local asymmetry between two closed peripheries, and the closed peripheries follow / correspond to each other with respect to other complementary parts of those peripheries. This is also, for example, when the non-overlapping region is defined as the region between a concave section of the periphery of one projection of the seal and a bridging section of the other projection of the seal, and the bridging section bridges all or part of the concave section.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping regions are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first or second peripheral edge.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping regions are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first and second peripheral edges.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second closed peripheral edges surround the projection of the filter pack along the longitudinal axis on a plane.

[0025] The filter pack can comprise any type of filter media, including not only a pleated filter media configuration but also a grooved (also called Z-shaped) filter media. The grooved filter media can be a laminated filter media or a wound filter media. A filter pack comprising a grooved filter media can further comprise a wrap of a shell provided circumferentially around its outer surface. Such a wrap or shell is also typically connected to the filter media in an airtight manner.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the regions defined by the peripheral edges have different shapes.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the regions defined by the peripheral edges have similar shapes but different sizes.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the peripheral edges have a common center of gravity.

[0029] This can be convenient, for example, in an air cleaner configuration where the housing cover of a pre-cleaner has a longitudinal axis that substantially corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the filter element, when the element is used in a relatively straight air cleaner configuration.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the peripheral edges have different centers of gravity.

[0031] This may be useful when the element is used in an air cleaner configuration in which one or both of the main filter housing portion and the complementary filter housing portion have a longitudinal axis substantially offset from the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the region defined by the closed periphery differs in surface area by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, or at least 50%.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the first or second peripheral edge completely surrounds the other.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure comprises at least one through-opening for a gaseous fluid in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to a non-overlapping region. The through-opening itself may comprise or be defined by a third seal.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure comprises one or more electronic devices in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping region. The same may apply to the main housing portion, i.e., the main housing portion may comprise one or more electronic devices in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping region.

[0036] An advantage of embodiments of this disclosure is that non-overlapping regions in the projection corresponding to the relative in-plane bias between the first seal and the second seal can provide space for positioning functional features.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure has an axial extension of less than 10 cm, less than 8 cm, or less than 5 cm.

[0038] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the seal support structure has an axial extension of at least 10 cm, or at least 20 cm, or at least 30 cm. In such embodiments, the filter element / filter media pack preferably has a shell on its outer contour, the shell preferably constituting at least a portion of the seal support structure.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals are positioned around the filter media pack. In such a configuration, the first and second seals are positioned following or near the side walls of the filter media pack, for example, following the side walls of a rolled grooved filter media pack, the side walls optionally comprising a wrap or a shell.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the first seal and the second seal are separate, detached seals. Preferably, the first and second sealing surfaces are formed by separate seals.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the first seal and the second seal comprise a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. Alternatively, one or both seals may comprise a polyurethane (PU) sealing material or any other material known to those skilled in the art in the field of air filtration systems.

[0042] The first and / or second seals can preferably be embodied as lip seals containing TPE, which are elastically deformable and form a seal with the corresponding sealing surface when pressed against it. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, one or both seals may include compressible seals, for example, containing PU.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second seals is located in a single plane, and is positioned on the first and second planes, respectively. Preferably, the corresponding first and second sealing surfaces are located in or along a single plane.

[0044] The first and second planes are preferably parallel. Preferably, one or both of the first and second planes are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter element.

[0045] The first and second planes are preferably not identical and cross the longitudinal axis of the filter element at different axial heights.

[0046] The distance between the first plane and the second plane is preferably greater than 0.5 cm, or greater than 1 cm, or greater than 2 cm, or greater than 3 cm, or greater than 4 cm, or greater than 5 cm, or greater than 10 cm.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, either the first seal or the second seal follows the side wall of the filter media pack.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, one of the first seal and the second seal follows the side wall of the filter media pack over an angular range of at least 180°, preferably at least 210°, preferably at least 240°, preferably at least 270°, and preferably at least 300° (about the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack), but not perfectly.

[0049] The phrase "following the side wall" means that each seal remains within 3 cm, more preferably 2 cm, even more preferably 1 cm, and most preferably 0.5 cm of each other along the side wall of the filter media pack.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals follow each other over an angular range (about the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack) of at least 180°, preferably at least 210°, preferably at least 240°, preferably at least 270°, and preferably at least 300°. Each seal preferably remains within a distance of 3 cm, more preferably 2 cm, even more preferably 1 cm, and most preferably 0.5 cm in projection. Preferably, both seals follow the filter media pack over the same range as they follow each other.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals follow each other along the circumference of the filter media pack, except for the respective portions corresponding to non-overlapping areas.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping region corresponds to an angular range in which one of the first or second seals does not follow the filter pack.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the non-overlapping region consists of a single region corresponding to a local bias between two closed peripheries, and the closed peripheries follow / correspond to each other with respect to other complementary (non-biased) portions of those peripheries.

[0054] Preferably, the non-overlapping region is defined as the region between the concave section at the periphery of one projection of the seal and the bridging section of the projection of the other seal, the bridging section bridging all or part of the concave section in the projection.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the filter media pack includes a convex curve and a concave curve.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter media pack does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first seal and the second seal does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element has a first axial end and a second axial end, and the circumferential seal support structure is located near one of the axial ends of the filter element or on one of the axial ends.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element has first and second axial ends, and the circumferential seal support structure is positioned between the first and second axial ends of the filter element, away from them.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure bridges the gap between the first and second seals in a sealed and airtight manner, except for any optional through-openings in the seal support structure.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal support structure comprises a base sealed to the side wall of the filter media pack and a flange extending radially from the base, the flange having an outer edge, the flange defining a first side and a second opposite side with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack, and the first and second seals being positioned on or adjacent to the flange.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals are positioned at different locations selected from the set of (on the first side of the flange, on the second side of the flange, on the outer edge, on the base of the first side of the flange, and on the base of the second side of the flange).

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the seals is positioned on the flange. Both the first and second seals may also be positioned on the flange.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the seals is positioned on the outer edge of the flange.

[0065] In certain embodiments, at least one of the seals is positioned on the base. Both the first and second seals may be positioned on the base.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals are adapted to form a seal in the radial direction.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second seals are adapted to form a seal in the axial direction.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the first seal is adapted to form a seal in the radial direction, and the second seal is adapted to form a seal in the axial direction.

[0069] A second aspect of this disclosure discloses a filter assembly comprising a housing having a main housing portion and a complementary housing portion, and a filter element according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0070] The first seal forms a seal between the filter element and the main housing portion, and the second seal forms a seal between the filter element and the complementary housing portion.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element comprises a seal support structure having a base sealedly coupled to the side wall of the filter media pack and a flange extending radially from the base, the flange having an outer edge, the flange defining a first side and a second opposite side with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack, and the first and second seals being positioned on or adjacent to the flange. The flange thus bridges the gap between the two seals, forming an airtight connection between the two seals and, consequently, between the main housing portion and the complementary housing portion.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the gap between the first and second seals would not be bridged by any other part of the filter housing.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the complementary housing portion comprises a pre-cleaning device or a housing cover. Such pre-cleaning devices are known in the art and are used to remove large particles and other components from the incoming airflow before the incoming airflow reaches the filter element.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises a filter element having at least one penetration for a gaseous fluid in a region of the seal support structure corresponding to a non-overlapping region of the seal support structure, and further comprises a pre-cleaner scavenging pipe connected to at least one penetration of the seal support structure.

[0075] The features and advantages disclosed in relation to one of the above embodiments of this disclosure are thereby implicitly disclosed in relation to the other embodiments, with modifications as necessary, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. In particular, embodiments described in relation to filter elements in the context of embodiments of filter assemblies are also applicable to and deemed disclosed for filter elements or cartridges, and vice versa.

[0076] This disclosure is further clarified by the following description and attached figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0077] [Figure 1A] A first perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows a second perspective view of the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 1C] Figure 1A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 2A] A first perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2B] A first perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3A]A first perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the air cleaner assembly of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3B] Figure 1A shows a side view of the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 3C] Figure 1A shows a second perspective view of the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 4A] Figure 3A shows a first end view of the filter element of the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A shows a first side view of the filter element. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A shows the first perspective view of the filter element. [Figure 5A] Figure 1A shows a first end view of the filter element of the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A shows the first perspective view of the filter element. [Figure 5C] Figure 5A shows a first side view of the filter element. [Figure 5D] Figure 5A shows a second perspective view of the filter element. [Figure 6A] Figure 2B shows a first side view of the filter element of the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A shows the first perspective view of the filter element. [Figure 6C] Figure 6A shows the first end view of the filter element. [Figure 7A] Figure 2A shows a first end view of the filter element of the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A shows a first perspective view of the filter element. [Figure 7C] Figure 7A shows a first side view of the filter element. [Figure 7D] Figure 7A shows a second perspective view of the filter element. [Figure 8A] Figure 2A schematically shows the non-overlapping regions related to the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 8B]Figure 2B schematically shows the non-overlapping regions related to the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 8C] A schematic representation of an alternative non-overlapping region for what is shown in Figure 8A is provided. [Figure 8D] Figure 3A schematically shows the non-overlapping regions related to the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 8E] Figure 1A schematically shows the non-overlapping regions related to the air cleaner assembly. [Figure 9A] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein that have different base and radially extending flange positions. [Figure 9B] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein that have different base and radially extending flange positions. [Figure 9C] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein that have different base and radially extending flange positions. [Figure 9D] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein that have different base and radially extending flange positions. [Figure 9E] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein that have different base and radially extending flange positions. [Figure 9F] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein that have different base and radially extending flange positions. [Figure 10A-1] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10A-2] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10B-1]This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10B-2] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10C-1] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10C-2] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10D-1] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 10D-2] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 11A] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Figure 11B] This specification schematically shows embodiments of the disclosure in which the positions of the first and second seals on the seal support structure differ, which are usable in embodiments of the filter element disclosed herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0078] The drawings may also be characterized as follows: Figures 1A-1C and 5A-5D illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 2A and 7A-7D illustrate a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 2B and 6A-6C illustrate a third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 3A-3C and 4A-4C illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 8A-8F illustrate different non-overlapping regions according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 9A-9F schematically illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure having different positioning of the base and radially extending flanges; Figures 10A-1-10D-2 and 11A-11B schematically illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure having different positioning of the first seal and the second seal on the seal support structure.

[0079] This disclosure is described with reference to specific embodiments and specific drawings, but is not limited thereto and is limited only by the claims. The drawings described are schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale. Dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions in the implementation of this disclosure.

[0080] Furthermore, the terms 1, 2, 3 and similar terms in this specification and the claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order.

[0081] While various embodiments are described as “preferred,” they should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as examples of how this disclosure may be implemented.

[0082] Figures 1A to 1C and 5A to 5D illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. An air filter assembly (1, 2) comprises a housing (1) and an associated filter element (2) disposed within the housing (1). The housing (1) comprises a main housing portion (1b) and a complementary housing portion (1a). The complementary housing portion (1a), embodied here as a pre-cleaner device, can be, for example, a filter housing cover, which preferably comprises one or more air inlet openings. The pre-cleaner device or housing cover (1a) is preferably removably connected to the main housing portion (1b) so that it can be removed for servicing the filter element (2). The filter element (2) is disposed within the main housing portion such that all or substantially all of the air flowing through the filter housing (1) from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12) must pass through the filter element (2). The filter element (2) typically comprises at least one seal for sealing the filter element (2) to the inner wall of the filter housing (1). In this disclosure, the filter element (2) comprises at least two seals (23, 24) to provide this general function and beyond.

[0083] The pre-cleaner configuration (1a) comprises one or more inlet openings (11) for intake air and a mechanism that provides coarse inertial separation of dirt from the incoming air stream without requiring a replaceable filter element (2). The pre-cleaner may comprise, for example, a small vane-type tube that rotates air at a very high speed, thereby discharging dust particles and dirt from the airflow before it is supplied to the air filter element (2). The pre-cleaner device (1a) may also comprise, for example, a dust discharge valve arranged and adapted to remove dust from the pre-cleaner device, preferably in which case excess ambient air is not drawn in through the dust discharge valve.

[0084] The filter element (2) comprises a filter media pack (20) having a longitudinal axis (A). The filter media pack (20) may comprise any known type of filter media, preferably grooved or Z-shaped, but may also comprise, for example, a pleated medium configured to respect the flow direction relative to the configuration of the grooved medium. The grooved medium is preferably a wound grooved medium, but may also comprise, for example, a stacked grooved medium. The filter media pack (20) comprises an inlet surface (26), an outlet surface (27), and a side surface (28).

[0085] The filter media pack (20) may further be provided with a wrap or shell on its outer surface (28).

[0086] The filter element (2) includes a circumferential seal support structure (25) that is sealedly coupled to the side wall (28) of the filter media pack (20). The seal support structure (25) is preferably airtightly connected to the filter media pack (20) directly or indirectly, permanently or removable. It can, for example, be directly attached to or bonded to the filter media pack (20). If the filter media pack has a shell in the form of a tubular protective layer on its outer surface (28), for example, made of rigid plastic, the seal support structure (25) and the shell structure can be integrated.

[0087] The seal support structure further comprises a first seal (23) and a second seal (24). The axial projections of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis (A) on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) define a first closing periphery (P1) and a second closing periphery (P2). The regions corresponding to the first and second closing peripheries (P1, P2) include a non-overlapping region (N). This is schematically shown, for example, in Figures 8A to 8E, where Figure 8E is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0088] The non-overlapping region has a surface area that includes more than 10% of the minimum area of ​​the region defined by the closing periphery, in order to provide a substantial amount of extra area formed in the bridging section of the seal support structure (25) between the first seal (23) and the second seal (24). In this particular embodiment, the minimum area is the region defined by the periphery P2 corresponding to the smaller seal (24) that is positioned to seal between the housing main (1a) and the filter element (2).

[0089] Note that the non-overlapping region (N) does not have rotational symmetry, and that the non-overlapping region (N) is asymmetrically positioned with respect to the first periphery (P1) and / or the second periphery (P2).

[0090] Since both seals (23) and (24) surround the filter media pack (20), both the first and second closing peripheries (P1, P2) surround the projection of the filter media pack (20) along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A).

[0091] The regions defined by peripherals P1 and P2 have different shapes, with the first peripheral or the second peripheral completely enclosing the other.

[0092] The peripheral areas have different centers of gravity.

[0093] The region defined by the closed periphery differs in surface area by more than 10%.

[0094] The seal support structure (25) is provided with at least one through-opening (29) for gaseous fluid in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping region. The through-opening is preferably provided with a gasket / seal, which is bounded by the gasket / seal and can be airtightly coupled to the outlet spud (1a1) of the pre-cleaner device (1a).

[0095] As those skilled in the art will understand, instead of, or in combination therewith, the area of ​​the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping area may also be equipped with one or more electronic devices, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, or other sensors, which may be connected by wire or wireless.

[0096] The first seal (23) and the second seal (24) are separate seals, and are formed, for example, as lip seal type TPE seals.

[0097] Each of the first and second seals (23, 24) is positioned in a single plane, the first plane and the second plane, respectively, where the first and second planes are preferably parallel but not identical, in other words, the first and second planes are offset from each other.

[0098] The second seal (24) follows the side wall (28) of the filter media pack (20) completely, i.e., 360° around the angular axis (A). The cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the filter media pack exhibits a kidney-shaped form including convex and concave curves. For example, a concave section (30) is present, which will be used advantageously as described later. Thus, the second seal (24) also follows the concave section (30) of the side wall (28) of the filter media pack.

[0099] The first seal (23) generally follows the contour / sidewall of the filter media pack, but in practice, it follows everywhere except the area corresponding to the concave section (30) of the filter media pack sidewall (28).

[0100] Therefore, the majority of the non-overlapping region corresponds to an angular range in which the first or second seal does not follow the filter media pack sidewall (28).

[0101] The first and second seals also follow each other along the circumference of the filter media pack, except for the portions corresponding to the non-overlapping areas.

[0102] It should be noted that the filter media pack does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis (A), and neither the first seal (23) nor the second seal (24) has rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0103] The filter media pack has a first axial end (near the inlet surface (26)) and a second axial end (near the outlet surface (27)), and the circumferential seal support structure (25) is positioned near the first axial end of the filter media pack (20). Optionally, a second support structure, such as a support ring (31), can be provided at or near the second axial end of the filter media pack (20). The second support structure may comprise, for example, one or more telescoping prevention ribs (32).

[0104] In this embodiment, the seal support structure comprises a base (22) sealedly coupled to the side wall (28) of the filter media pack (20), and a flange (21) extending radially from the base (22). The flange has an outer edge (211), an upper wall (212), and a lower wall (213). With respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack, the flange has a first side and an opposing second side. The first seal (23) is located on the flange (21) on the first side, on the flange side wall (212), and the second seal (24) is located on the base (22) on the second side.

[0105] The first seal (23) is positioned and configured to provide an axial seal. The second seal (24) is positioned and configured to provide a radial seal.

[0106] The flange (21) extends along a single plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and has a generally oblong shape without any concave sections.

[0107] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure allow for one or more gaps to exist between the projected periphery of the overall outer wall of the main housing portion (1b) and the complementary housing portion (1a), thereby allowing for design flexibility of both housing portions.

[0108] In a particular field of view, the seal support structure with flanges thus serves to seal and airtightly bridge the gap between the first and second seals (23, 24) (except for the optional through-part opening (29) of the seal support structure).

[0109] The presence of such gaps makes it possible to place objects, such as through-parts or electronic devices, in a volume defined by the projection of non-overlapping regions. Such through-parts may include, for example, tubes extending from the internal space of the pre-cleaner device / complementary housing portion along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A).

[0110] Note that in Figure 1C, the first and second seals (23, 24) are shown in their natural, un-deflected state for clarity. However, it can be easily understood that in actual installation, the first and second seals (23, 24) may be deflected to conform to the inner surfaces of the housing portions (1a, 1b), respectively, and form a seal.

[0111] Figures 2A and 7A to 7D illustrate a second embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is very similar to the first preferred embodiment, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore some features will not be described in detail, but will be applicable in the same way as described for the first preferred embodiment.

[0112] The second embodiment differs in that the filter media pack is cylindrical and therefore has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), and in that the flange and the first seal (23) are arranged differently. The seal support structure (25) comprises a base (22) and a radially extending flange (21). The flange generally extends along a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and has a rounded, roughly square shape with four rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis (A). The same applies to the first seal (23), which is positioned on the upper wall (212) along the outer edge (211) of the flange (21) on the first side of the flange (21). Thus, the first seal (23) also extends in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and has a rounded, square shape. The second seal (24) is located on the base (22) of the seal support structure, opposite the flange (21) to the first seal (23). It follows the side surface (28) of the filter media pack (20), extends in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), and has a circular shape. The first seal (23) is positioned and configured to provide an axial seal. The second seal (24) is positioned and configured to provide a radial seal.

[0113] Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the filter element (2) of the second preferred embodiment provides the possibility of bridging the gap between a main housing portion (1b) (e.g., having a rounded cross-section) and a complementary housing portion (1a) (e.g., having a square cross-section), whose sidewall cross-sections perpendicular to their longitudinal directions are entirely different. Here, a rounded square flange (21) performs this function. In a particular field of view, the adapter from the rounded cross-section to the square cross-section between the main housing portion (1b) and the complementary housing portion (a) is provided by the filter element itself.

[0114] The filter element (2), like the first seal (23), has four-fold rotational symmetry. The first and second peripheries share a common center of gravity.

[0115] In this embodiment, through-openings are optional features and are therefore not depicted, but such openings can be provided, for example, in the corner region of a non-overlapping area, adjacent to one of the rounded corners, between the rounded second seal (24) and the first seal (23). A schematic diagram of the non-overlapping (and overlapping) regions according to this embodiment can be seen in Figure 8(a).

[0116] Furthermore, the first and second seals do not conform to each other overall, and in some cases only conform to a few small sections. The first seal (23) does not conform to the contour shape of the filter media pack overall.

[0117] Figures 2B and 6A-6C illustrate a third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is very similar to the second preferred embodiment, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore some features will not be described in detail, but are applicable in the same way as described for the first and second preferred embodiments.

[0118] This embodiment differs from the second preferred embodiment in the following respect: the seal support structure (25) comprises a flange (21) that extends substantially in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A), and the flange (21) has a circular shape. The second seal (24) follows the cylindrical side wall (25) of the filter media pack (20) on the base (22) of the seal support structure (25) on the first side of the flange (21). The first seal (23) is positioned on the upper wall (212) of the flange on the other side of the flange and follows the outer edge (211) of the flange (21). The first seal (23) preferably extends in a single plane parallel to the plane of the second seal (24) and has a circular shape. The radius of the second seal (24) is smaller than the radius of the first seal (23), resulting in an annular, ring-shaped, non-overlapping region in the projection. Both peripheral edges P1 and P2 share a common center of gravity. A schematic diagram of this can be seen in Figure 8B.

[0119] In a specific field of view, the adapter between the main housing portion (1b) and the complementary housing portion (a), which is cylindrical but has a different radius, is provided by the filter element itself.

[0120] Figures 3A–3C and 4A–4C illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is very similar to the previously preferred embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore some features will not be described in detail again, but will be applicable in the same way as described for the other preferred embodiments.

[0121] The fourth preferred embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the filter element (2) is not only suitable for accommodating different radii between the main housing portion (1b) and the complementary housing portion (1a), but also allows for axial offset correction between the longitudinal axis of the main housing portion (1b) and the longitudinal axis of the complementary housing portion (1a).

[0122] The seal support structure (25) comprises a base (22) and a flange (21) extending radially from the base (22). The flange (21) has a circular shape, but its center is offset from the longitudinal axis (A) of the filter media pack (20). The second seal (24) is positioned similarly to that of the third preferred embodiment, and the first seal (23) is similarly positioned (on the upper wall 212) on the opposite side of the flange (21) with respect to the side of the second seal (24), while the first seal (23) follows the outer edge (211) of the flange (21). Thus, the first seal (23) is also circular, lies in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A), and is similarly offset from the second seal (24). A non-overlapping region (N) exists between the regions defined by the peripherals P1 and P2, which is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the first and second closing peripherals. Both peripheries have different centers of gravity. The non-overlapping region (N) does not have rotational symmetry. Its schematic diagram can be seen in Figure 8D.

[0123] Figures 8A to 8E show different non-overlapping regions according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 8A, 8B, 8D, and 8E relate to the first to fourth preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 8C shows another example similar to Figure 8A, where the first periphery is roughly rectangular (with rounded corners) rather than roughly square (with rounded corners).

[0124] Figures 9A to 9F schematically show embodiments of the present disclosure in which the positions of the base (22) and the radially extending flange (21) differ. The combination of the base (22) and the flange (21) can have a radial cross-section that generally corresponds to a T-shape or an L-shape. The base (22) can extend axially on both sides of the flange (21) (T-shape), or the base (22) can extend axially on only one side of the flange (21) (L-shape). Note that this is not limiting to the present disclosure. In fact, the combination of the base (22) and the flange (21) can have a different cross-section, or the cross-section can vary along its contour.

[0125] Figure 9A shows an embodiment in which the seal support structure (25) is T-shaped. The base (22) is precisely positioned at the end of the filter media pack (20) and abuts against the plane corresponding to the end face (inlet surface 26 or outlet surface 27). In an alternative embodiment, the base (22) may be located within a distance of 0 to 1 cm or 0 to 5 mm from the plane corresponding to each end face (26, 27).

[0126] Figure 9F shows a further embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 9A, but in which the base (22) is positioned to extend beyond the end faces (26 or 27). For example, the end of the base (22) furthest from the end faces (26 or 27) may be within a range of 0 to 1 cm or 0 to 5 mm from the plane corresponding to each end face (26, 27).

[0127] Figure 9B shows yet another embodiment, similar to that shown in Figure 9A, but with the base (22) positioned around the side wall (28) of the filter media pack (20) at a distance from the inlet and outlet ends (26, 27). In these embodiments as well, the flange is at a distance from both ends of the filter media pack (26, 27), for example, at least 5 cm away from both ends or at least 10 cm away from both ends. A radially extending flange (21) can be positioned, for example, approximately midway between the inlet and outlet surfaces (26, 27) of the filter media pack (20).

[0128] Figure 9D shows an embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 9B, in which the seal support structure (25) is L-shaped.

[0129] Figure 9E shows an embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 9A, wherein the seal support structure (25) is L-shaped. The flange (21) extending radially from the base (22) can be close to or in contact with the end faces (26, 27) of the filter media pack (20). The flange (21) can be located within a range of 0 to 1 cm or 0 to 5 mm from the plane corresponding to each end face (26, 27). The radially extending flange (21) can also be positioned axially beyond the end faces (26 or 27) if the base (22) extends axially beyond each end face. For example, the flange (21) can extend in a plane away from any end face (i.e., the plane does not cross the filter media pack). For example, the distance between the flange and each end face can be within a range of 0 to 1 cm or 0 to 5 mm.

[0130] Figure 9C shows a fifth embodiment of the filter element according to the present disclosure. The filter element (2) comprises a relatively thin filter media pack (20) (for example, having a thickness of less than 10 cm or less than 5 cm), the side wall (28) of the filter media pack comprises a shell extending far beyond the outlet surface (27) to the inlet surface (26), for example, over 10 cm, over 20 cm, or over 30 cm. The far end of the shell may have a T-shaped or L-shaped seal support structure on its outer surface, part of which may be defined by part of the shell itself, comprising a first seal (23) and a second seal (24). The first and second seals (23, 24) may be arranged in any configuration, for example, as described below.

[0131] Figures 10A-1 to 10D-2 and 9 schematically illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure comprising a seal support structure (25) having a radially extending flange (21). Different options for positioning the first and second seals (23, 24) on the seal support structure (25) are shown. Figure 11 shows another embodiment in which the seal support structure has a locally similar shape (T-shaped cross section), but its shape changes along its contour, resulting in non-overlapping regions of each seal in projection.

[0132] There is a strong correlation between the position of the seal and the direction of the seal. In fact, when the seal is located on the outer edge (211) or base (22) of the flange (21), more commonly on a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), it is usually adapted to provide a radial seal. When the seal is located on the side wall of the flange (the upper wall (212) or lower wall (213) of the flange (21)), more commonly on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the seal is usually adapted to provide an axial seal.

[0133] In the preceding drawings relating to the first to fourth embodiments of this disclosure, the first seal (23) is located on the upper wall (212), and the second seal (24) is located on the base (22) on the opposite side of the flange (21) as seen from the side where the first seal (23) is located, but these are illustrative and non-limiting, as shown by the claims and further examples in Figures 10(a) to (d).

[0134] Figures 10A-1 to 10D-2 are paired (e.g., x-1 and x-2; x = A, B, C, D) and show cross-sections of the seal support structure (25) at different angular orientations around the longitudinal axis (A). As can be seen, the radial elongation of the flange (21) can vary along its contour (Figures 10C and 10D). The radial elongation of the flange (21) can even be zero at certain locations along its contour (see Figure 10D-1).

[0135] In all embodiments, the projection includes non-overlapping regions of the first and second seals, i.e., the periphery of each projection on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction includes a non-overlapping region.

[0136] In Figure 10A, the first seal (23) is positioned on the upper wall (212) of the flange (21). The flange has a constant radial spread, but the relative position of the first seal (23) on the upper wall (212) changes along the contour of the flange (21). The second seal (24) is positioned on the base (22) at a constant axial height on the opposite side of the flange (21) from the side of the first seal (23).

[0137] In Figure 10B, the first seal (23) is positioned on the upper wall (212) of the flange (21). The flange has a constant radial spread, and the relative position of the first seal (23) on the upper wall (212) is constant along the contour of the flange (21). The second seal (24) is positioned on the lower wall (213) of the flange (21), and the relative position of the second seal (24) on the lower wall (213) changes along the contour of the flange (21).

[0138] In Figure 10C, the first seal (23) is positioned on the outer edge (211) of the flange (21). The flange's radial elongation changes along its contour. The second seal (24) is positioned on the base (22) at a constant axial height. Figure 10D is similar to Figure 10C, except that the radial elongation of the flange (21) along the contour becomes zero at a specific position along the contour.

[0139] Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the present disclosure in which the shape of the seal support structure (25) changes along its contour. In the first position shown in Figure 11A, the cross section of the seal support structure (25) is T-shaped. Both the first seal (23) and the second seal (24) are positioned on the base (22) opposite the flange (21) and are adapted for radial sealing. In another position along the contour of the seal support structure (25), as depicted in Figure 11B, the seal support structure has a different cross-sectional shape, which still includes surfaces supporting the first seal and the second seal, respectively. For example, the "upper leg" of the "T" gradually moves from the initial position in Figure 11A towards the end of the "base" of the "T" in Figure 11B. Such a configuration also includes non-overlapping regions of the first and second seals in projection.

[0140] In yet another embodiment, the cross-section of the seal support structure may have yet another shape, for example, a shape different from a T-shape or an L-shape.

[0141] A second aspect of the present disclosure is disclosed, a filter assembly (1, 2) comprising a housing (1) having a main housing portion (1b) and a complementary housing portion (1a), and a filter element (2) according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0142] The first seal (23) forms a seal between the filter element (2) and the complementary housing portion (1a), and the second seal (24) forms a seal between the filter element (2) and the main housing portion (1b).

[0143] If the seal support structure (25) of the filter element (2) has at least one through-hole (29) for gaseous fluid in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to a non-overlapping region, the assembly preferably further comprises a pre-cleaner scavenging pipe (1a1) connected to at least one through-hole (29) of the seal support structure (25).

[0144] In a preferred embodiment, the side wall of the main housing portion (1b) follows the side wall (28) of the filter element (2) or filter media pack (20), and also follows, for example, the concave section (30) of the filter element (2). The volume formed by the concave section (130) of the main filter housing portion (1b) can be used, for example, to position a scavenging pipe for scavenging dust from the complementary housing portion (1a) / pre-cleaner device. Such a scavenging pipe can be connected, for example, to a suitable location in an exhaust system to produce suction. The volume formed by the concave section (130) of the main filter housing portion (1b) can be advantageously used, for example, to position a fixing means or structure (111) for mounting the filter assembly (1, 2) to a vehicle (not shown).

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element (2) or seal support structure (25) functions airtight as an adapter between the main housing portion (1b) and the complementary housing portion (1a). In a preferred embodiment, the filter element (2) or seal support structure (25) includes a radially extending flange (21) that airtightly bridges the gap between the main housing portion (1b) and the complementary housing portion (1a).

[0146] For example, the following items can be claimed as patents.

[0147] 1. A filter element for filtering a gaseous fluid, comprising a filter media pack having a longitudinal axis, and a circumferential seal support structure sealedly coupled to the side wall of the filter media pack, wherein the seal support structure further comprises a first seal and a second seal. A filter element in which the axial projections of the first seal and the second seal along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define first and second closed peripheries, and the regions corresponding to the first and second closed peripheries include non-overlapping regions.

[0148] 2. The filter element described in item 1, wherein the region defined by the closed periphery also includes the overlapping region.

[0149] 3. The filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the non-overlapping region has a surface that constitutes at least 10% of the minimum area of ​​the region defined by the closed periphery.

[0150] 4. A filter element described in any of the preceding items, wherein the non-overlapping region does not have rotational symmetry.

[0151] 5. The filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the non-overlapping region is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first periphery and / or the second periphery.

[0152] 6. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first closed periphery and the second closed periphery surround the projection of the filter media pack along the longitudinal axis on the plane.

[0153] 7. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the region defined by the peripheral portion has a different shape.

[0154] 8. A filter element according to any of the preceding items 1 to 6, wherein the region defined by the peripheral portion has a similar shape but a different size.

[0155] 9. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the peripheral portion has a common center of gravity.

[0156] 10. A filter element according to any of the preceding items 1 to 8, wherein the peripheral portion has a different center of gravity.

[0157] 11. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the region defined by the closed periphery differs by at least 10% in surface area.

[0158] 12. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein one of the first or second peripheral edges completely surrounds the other.

[0159] 13. The filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the seal support structure comprises at least one through-opening for a gaseous fluid in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping region.

[0160] 14. The filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the seal support structure comprises one or more electronic devices in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping region.

[0161] 15. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first seal and the second seal are positioned around the filter media pack.

[0162] 16. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the filter media pack comprises a wrap and / or a shell.

[0163] 17. A filter element as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the first seal and the second seal are separate seals.

[0164] 18. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first seal and the second seal include TPE material.

[0165] 19. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first seal and the second seal are each positioned in a single plane, on the first plane and the second plane, respectively.

[0166] 20. The filter element described in item 19, wherein the first plane and the second plane are offset.

[0167] 21. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein one of the first seal or the second seal follows the side wall of the filter media pack.

[0168] 22. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein one of the first seal and the second seal follows the filter media pack over an angular range of at least 180° but not perfectly.

[0169] 23. The filter element according to item 22, wherein the non-overlapping region corresponds to an angular range in which one of the first or second seals does not follow the filter media pack.

[0170] 24. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first and second seals follow each other along the circumference of the filter pack, except for the portions corresponding to the non-overlapping areas.

[0171] 25. The filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the cross-section of the filter media pack comprises a convex curve and a concave curve.

[0172] 26. The filter according to any of the preceding items, wherein the filter media pack does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0173] 27. The filter according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least one of the first seal and the second seal does not have rotational symmetry along the longitudinal axis.

[0174] 28. The filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the filter element has a first axial end and a second axial end, and the circumferential seal support structure is disposed near one of the axial ends of the filter element or on one of the axial ends.

[0175] 29. The filter element according to any of the preceding items 1 to 27, wherein the filter element has a first axial end and a second axial end, and the circumferential seal support structure is disposed between the first axial end and the second axial end of the filter element, away from them.

[0176] 30. The filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the seal support structure comprises a base sealedly coupled to the side wall of the filter media pack and a flange extending radially from the base, the flange having an outer edge, defining a first side and a second opposite side of the flange with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter media pack, and the first and second seals are disposed on or adjacent to the flange.

[0177] 31. The filter element according to item 30, wherein the first and second seals are positioned at different locations selected from the set (on the first side of the flange, on the second side of the flange, on the outer edge, on the base on the first side of the flange, on the base on the second side of the flange).

[0178] 32. The filter element according to item 30 or 31, wherein at least one of the seals is positioned on the flange.

[0179] 33. The filter element according to item 30 or 31, wherein both the first and second seals are positioned on the flange.

[0180] 34. The filter element according to item 32 or 33, wherein at least one of the seals is positioned on the outer edge of the flange.

[0181] 35. The filter element according to item 30, wherein at least one of the seals is positioned on the base.

[0182] 36. The filter element according to item 35, wherein both the first and second seals are positioned on the base.

[0183] 37. A filter element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first and second seals are adapted to form a seal in the radial direction.

[0184] 38. A filter element according to any of the preceding items 1 to 36, wherein the first and second seals are adapted to form a seal in the axial direction.

[0185] 39. A filter element according to any of the preceding items 1 to 36, wherein the first seal is adapted to form a seal in the radial direction and the second seal is adapted to form a seal in the axial direction.

[0186] 40. A filter assembly comprising a housing having a main housing portion and a complementary housing portion, and a filter element according to any one of items 1 to 39, wherein the first seal forms a seal between the filter element and the complementary housing portion, and the second seal forms a seal between the filter element and the main housing portion.

[0187] 41. The filter assembly according to item 40, wherein the complementary housing portion comprises a pre-cleaning device or a housing cover.

[0188] 42. A filter assembly according to any one of items 40 to 41, wherein the seal support structure comprises a filter element having at least one through-hole for a gaseous fluid in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping region, and further comprises a pre-cleaner scavenging pipe connected to the at least one through-hole of the seal support structure.

[0189] In this specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, but this is for the purpose of clarifying the invention, not limiting it, and its scope is determined by referring to the appended claims. In particular, modifications and elements described only in the context of specific embodiments can be combined with features of other embodiments to obtain the same technical effect.

Claims

1. A filter element for filtering gaseous fluids, comprising a filter media pack having a longitudinal axis, and a circumferential seal support structure sealedly coupled to the side wall of the filter media pack, wherein the seal support structure further comprises a first seal and a second seal. A filter element in which the first and second seals have different centers of gravity in the plane, such that the axial projections of the first and second seals along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define a first closing periphery and a second closing periphery, and the region enclosed by the first and second closing periphery includes a non-overlapping region, and the non-overlapping region is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first and / or second closing periphery.

2. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the region defined by the first and second closed periphery portions also includes an overlapping region.

3. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the non-overlapping region does not have rotational symmetry.

4. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein one of the first closed peripheral portion or the second closed peripheral portion completely surrounds the other of the first closed peripheral portion or the second closed peripheral portion.

5. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the seal support structure is provided with at least one through-opening for a gaseous fluid in the region of the seal support structure corresponding to the non-overlapping region.

6. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the seal support structure comprises a base sealedly coupled to the side wall of the filter media pack and a flange extending radially from the base, the flange having an outer edge, and the first and second seals are disposed on the flange or the base.

7. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the first seal and the second seal include a TPE material.

8. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein one of the first or second seals is positioned along the side wall of the filter media pack.

9. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the first seal is adapted to form a seal in the radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second seal is adapted to form a seal in the axial direction.

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