Filter assembly

Abstract

A filter assembly comprising a filter body comprising filter media and a channel for accommodating a wire. The channel extends between first and second ends of the filter body. The filter assembly also comprises an end cap provided at the first end of the filter body. The end cap comprises an opening aligned with the channel for passage of the wire through the end cap.

Description

[0001] 1 P005030-W001

[0002] FILTER ASSEMBLY

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Filters are used to remove material from air. For example, filters can be used in apparatuses to remove unwanted material (e.g., solid particles) in air entering the apparatus and / or air being discharged from the apparatus. Removing unwanted material from air entering the apparatus may ensure that the unwanted material does not interfere with normal operation of the apparatus. Removing unwanted material from air that is subsequently discharged from the apparatus ensures that the material is not discharged into the environment in which the apparatus is located. An example of an apparatus that may include a filter is an air treatment apparatus, such as an air purifier.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] In a first aspect, there is disclosed a filter assembly comprising: a filter body comprising filter media and a channel for accommodating a wire, the channel extending between first and second ends of the filter body; and an end cap provided at the first end of the filter body, the end cap comprising an opening aligned with the channel for passage of the wire through the end cap.

[0007] The provision of a channel for accommodating a wire can provide a more compact apparatus (i.e., when the filter assembly forms part of the apparatus). In general, it can be desirable to reduce the size of an apparatus. For example, this can be desirable from the perspective of a user because the apparatus will take up less space (and if handheld, may be more easily handled). Likewise, it may be less complex and more cost effective to transport an apparatus of smaller size.

[0008] The provision of a channel through the filter body allows a wire to pass through space occupied by the filter body. This avoids the need to provide additional volume to accommodate a wire externally of the filter body. Such additional volume could otherwise result in a need to increase the size of an apparatus in which the filter assembly may be disposed. 2 P005030-W001

[0009] The end cap of the filter assembly of the first aspect provides support to the filter media, while also accommodating passage of a wire received in the channel. The end cap may provide a structure (e.g., non-porous structure) against which portions of an apparatus may seal (i.e., such that air is unable to pass around the filter media).

[0010] Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

[0011] The filter body may be a hollow three-dimensional structure defining a central void. The filter body may be tubular (i.e., cylindrical), ellipsoidal, prismatic, conical, or frustumshaped. In some examples, the filter assembly may be referred to as a barrel filter. The filter media may extend (e.g., circumferentially, or peripherally) around the central void. Thus, the channel may be disposed outside of the central void (e.g., at a periphery of the central void).

[0012] A transverse cross-section through the filter body may be circular or elliptical in shape. In some examples, the transverse cross-section through the filter body may be polygonal in shape, for example, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal.

[0013] The central void may define a central axis of the filter body. The first and second ends of the filter body may be arranged in parallel. The first and second ends of the filter body may be spaced along the central axis. In this respect, the first and second ends may be first and second axial ends of the filter body.

[0014] The central axis of the filter body may be perpendicular to the first and second ends. In some examples, the central axis of the filter body may be oblique to the first and / or second ends, that is the central axis may not be perpendicular to the first and / or second ends.

[0015] The first end of the filter body may have a first width and / or cross-sectional area, and the second end of the filter body may have a second width and / or cross-sectional area. The first and second width and / or cross-sectional area may be the same. The first and second 3 P005030-W001 width and / or cross-sectional area may be different (e.g., the first width and / or cross- sectional area may be greater or smaller than the second width and / or cross-sectional area).

[0016] The filter body may have a constant width and / or cross-sectional area along the central axis from the first end to the second end of the filter body. In other examples, the filter body may have a variable width and / or cross-sectional area along the central axis from the first end to the second end of the filter body.

[0017] When the filter body is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the filter media may comprise opposite first and second circumferential or peripheral ends (i.e., the filter media may extend circumferentially or peripherally from the first circumferential or peripheral end to the second circumferential or peripheral end).

[0018] The channel may extend from the first end of the filter body to the second end of the filter body. The channel may be located within a gap formed between the first and second circumferential or peripheral ends. In some examples, the filter media may be pleated. In such examples, the channel may be located within a gap formed between first and second pleats of the filter media.

[0019] When the filter body is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the end cap may comprise an aperture aligned with the central void (i.e., such that air may flow from the central void and through the aperture). In some examples, the aperture may be aligned on the central axis of the filter body.

[0020] The filter body may comprise opposite upstream and downstream sides. The terms “downstream” and “upstream” are used with reference to the direction of air passing through the filter media in normal use. For the avoidance of doubt, for a pleated filter the term “side” is intended to refer to a reference plane extending across the apices of the pleats.

[0021] The filter assembly may comprise a channel member defining the channel. The channel member may comprise first and second side walls that are spaced apart to define the 4 P005030-W001 channel therebetween. When the filter body is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the first and second side walls may be spaced from one another in a circumferential or peripheral direction around the central axis.

[0022] The filter media may abut the first and / or second side walls of the channel member. The filter media may abut an outer surface (or outer surfaces) of the first and / or second side walls, facing away from the channel. When the filter body is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the first and / or second circumferential or peripheral ends of the filter media may abut the respective first or second side walls of the channel member. When the filter body is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the first and / or second pleats of the filter media may abut the respective first or second side walls of the channel member.

[0023] The filter media may be attached to (e.g., adhered to) the first and / or second side walls of the channel member. The filter media may be attached to an outer surface (or outer surfaces) of the first and / or second side walls, facing away from the channel. When the filter body is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the first and / or second circumferential or peripheral ends of the filter media may be attached to the respective first or second side walls of the channel member. When the filter body is a hollow three- dimensional structure, such as tubular, the first and / or second pleats of the filter media may be attached to the respective first or second side walls of the channel member.

[0024] By attaching the filter media to the channel member, the channel member may provide axial support to the filter media (i.e., may resist collapse of the filter media in the axial direction). In this respect, the channel member may provide dual functionality (i.e., providing a channel for accommodating a wire and providing axial support).

[0025] The first side wall may extend at an angle with respect to the second side wall. That is, the first and second side walls may not be parallel. The first and second side walls may diverge from one another in an outward direction, such as a radially outward direction (e.g., when the filter body is tubular). The outward direction may be in a direction away from the central axis. 5 P005030-W001

[0026] A side of the channel may be open. An outward side of the channel may be open, for example a radially outward side of the channel (e.g., when the filter body is tubular) may be open. That is, the channel may be open in a radially outward direction. The channel may be open on an upstream side of the filter body.

[0027] The channel member may comprise a base wall connecting the first and second side walls. The base wall may be at an inward side of the channel member, such as a radially inward side (e.g., when the filter body is tubular). The inward direction may be in a direction towards the central axis. The base wall may be at or proximate to a downstream side of the filter body. The base wall may prevent air from flowing through the channel from an upstream side of the filter body to a downstream side of the filter body (e.g., air may be forced to pass through the filter media).

[0028] A side of the channel member that is opposite to the base wall may be open (i.e., the open side of the channel member may be opposite to the base wall). In general, the channel member may have a U-shaped profile.

[0029] The channel member may not extend (e.g., radially) outwardly beyond a boundary (e.g., inner or outer boundary) of the filter media. The channel member may not extend beyond the upstream and / or downstream side of the filter media. When the filter body is tubular, the channel member may not extend radially inwardly beyond an inner boundary of the filter media and / or may not extend radially outwardly beyond an outer boundary of the filter media.

[0030] The channel may be linear (i.e., may extend along a substantially straight path). The channel may extend axially (i.e., parallel to the central axis of the void). In other examples, the channel may extend non-axially (i.e., at an oblique angle to the central axis of the void). 6 P005030-W001

[0031] The channel may extend along a continuous path (i.e., an unbroken or uninterrupted path). The first side wall, the second side wall, and the base wall of the channel member may each extend along a substantially straight and uninterrupted path.

[0032] The channel may have a minimum width of from 10 mm to 40 mm, or e.g., 15 mm to 25 mm. The width may be taken in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction between the first and second ends of the filter body (e.g., in a direction extending between the first and second side walls of the channel member, or between the first and second circumferential or peripheral ends of the filter media, or between the first and second pleats of the filter media). When the filter body is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the width may be taken in the circumferential or peripheral direction.

[0033] The channel may have a depth of from 5 mm to 40 mm. The channel depth may be taken in a direction of airflow through the filter body (e.g., when the filter body is tubular, the depth may be in the radial direction).

[0034] The channel may have a length of from 40 mm to 600 mm. The length of the channel may be taken in the direction of elongation of the channel. The length of the channel may be taken in a direction extending between the first and second ends of the filter body. The length may be in the axial direction (i.e., parallel to the central axis of the void). In other examples, the length may be in a non-axial direction (i.e., at an oblique angle to the central axis of the void).

[0035] The channel may have a constant width and / or depth along the length of the channel. In some examples, the channel may have a variable width and / or depth along the length of the channel.

[0036] The end cap may comprise a locating portion for engaging an end of the channel member. The locating portion may comprise a protrusion (e.g., lip or rib). The shape of the locating portion may be complementary to the shape of the end of the channel member. The locating portion may be receivable in the channel. 7 P005030-W001

[0037] The end cap may comprise a substantially planar sealing surface facing away from the filter body. The sealing surface may extend substantially fully around the central aperture of the end cap. Providing such a sealing surface may allow the end cap to seal against a structure of an apparatus when the filter assembly forms part of the apparatus. This may ensure that air passes through the filter media.

[0038] The opening of the end cap may be in the form of a slot extending into the end cap. The slot may extend inwardly into the cap (e.g., towards the central axis) from an outer periphery of the cap. The slot may extend radially inwardly into the end cap (e.g., when the filter body is tubular).

[0039] The end cap may comprise first and second lips spaced apart so as to define a recess therebetween for receipt of the first end of the filter body. When the filter body is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the first lip may be an outer lip and the second lip may be an inner lip.

[0040] The filter media may comprise a pleated filter having fold lines extending in the axial direction. The pleats of the pleated filter may extend perpendicular to the axial direction, such as radially (e.g., when the filter body is tubular). The filter media may be porous. The filter media may be formed of a fibrous material.

[0041] The filter media may extend peripherally or circumferentially around the void for at least 80%, or e.g., at least 90% of the periphery or circumference of the void.

[0042] The filter media may comprise a single filter element. In other embodiments, the filter media may comprise a plurality of filter elements. The term “element” is used here to describe a single body (such as a single sheet, pad, etc.).

[0043] The end cap may be a first end cap and the filter assembly may further comprise a second end cap provided at the second end of the filter body. The second end cap may include one or more of the features of the above-described end cap. The second end cap may be 8 P005030-W001 substantially the same as the first end cap. The second end cap may, for example, comprise an opening aligned with the channel for passage of the wire through the second end cap.

[0044] The channel may extend from the first end cap to the second end cap (e.g., may extend from the opening of the first end cap to the opening of the second end cap).

[0045] The first and second ends of the filter body may be spaced apart in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of airflow through the filter in normal use (e.g., the axial direction).

[0046] In a second aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising the filter assembly of the first aspect.

[0047] The apparatus may comprise an airflow inlet and may comprise an airflow outlet. The filter assembly may be downstream of the airflow inlet. The filter assembly may be upstream of the airflow outlet.

[0048] A sealing surface of the or each end cap of the filter assembly may seal against (e.g., may seat against) a respective structure of the apparatus (e.g., a planar surface of the structure). The or each end cap may be removably attachable to the respective structure of the apparatus. In some examples, the or each end cap may be formed integrally with the respective structure of the apparatus. For example, a structure of the apparatus may be provided by a removable base of the apparatus. The end cap may be integrally formed with the base of the apparatus, such that separating the base from the apparatus may cause the filter assembly to be simultaneously removed from the housing.

[0049] The apparatus may comprise an air mover (e.g., a compressor, fan, or blower) for moving air through the filter media of the filter assembly. When the filter body is a hollow three- dimensional structure, such as tubular, the air mover may be at least partly located within the central void. 9 P005030-W001

[0050] The apparatus may comprise a housing configured to receive and surround the filter assembly. As such, the housing may be a hollow three-dimensional structure which may complement the shape of the filter assembly (e.g., the housing may be tubular to complement a tubular filter assembly).

[0051] The housing may define a central void which may be configured to receive the filter assembly. The central void may define a central axis of the housing. The central axis of the housing may be coincident with the central axis of the filter body (i.e., when the filter assembly is installed within the housing).

[0052] The housing may comprise an aperture configured to receive a wire. The housing may also comprise a channel extending at least partially along a surface of the housing. The channel may be configured to accommodate the wire and engage with the channel of the filter apparatus.

[0053] The housing may comprise a channel structure defining the channel. The channel structure may comprise first and second side walls that are spaced apart to define the channel therebetween. The channel structure may also comprise a first end and a second end, such as an upper end and a lower end. The channel structure may extend axially (e.g., parallel to the central axis of the void). In some examples, the channel structure may extend non- axially (i.e., at an oblique angle to the central axis of the void). The channel structure may be linear (i.e., may extend along a substantially straight path).

[0054] In some embodiments, the channel structure may be defined by a recess in an outer surface of the housing. The recess may extend from an outer circumference or periphery of the housing towards the central axis (e.g., a radially extending recess).

[0055] In other embodiments, the channel structure may be defined by first and second ribs extending along an inner surface of the housing.

[0056] In some further embodiments, the channel structure may be removably attachable to the internal surface of the housing. A side of the channel structure may be open such that the 10 P005030-W001 channel can receive the wire. In some examples, the side of the channel structure may be closable by the inner surface of the housing when the channel structure is attached to the housing.

[0057] In embodiments, the first side wall of the channel structure may extend at an angle with respect to the second side wall of the channel structure. When the channel structure is attached to the housing, and when the housing is a hollow three-dimensional structure, such as tubular, the first and second side walls of the channel structure may be arranged to converge towards one another in a direction towards the central axis of the housing.

[0058] In some embodiments, the channel structure may comprise one or more fixing portions configured such that the channel structure can be removably attached to the housing (e.g., an inner surface of the housing). When the channel structure is attached to the housing, the channel may be in communication with the aperture.

[0059] In some examples, during assembly the wire may extend through the aperture in the housing, where it may then be received by and extend along the channel. The channel structure may then be attached via the one or more fixing portions to the inner surface of the housing. The filter assembly may then be received within the central void of the housing by aligning the channel member with the channel structure and sliding them relative to each other. That is, the channel structure may be configured to be received by, and slide relative to, the channel member.

[0060] Such an arrangement may facilitate alignment of the housing and the filter assembly during assembly of the apparatus. Such an arrangement may also prevent the housing rotating relative to the filter assembly during assembly and during use.

[0061] The apparatus may be an air treatment apparatus. The apparatus may be a fan, an air purifier, an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, or a heater. The apparatus may be a hair care appliance, or a vacuum cleaner.

[0062] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 11 P005030-W001

[0063] Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a filter assembly.

[0064] Figure IB is an exploded view of the filter assembly of Figure 1 A.

[0065] Figure 1C is a front section view of the filter assembly of Figure 1 A.

[0066] Figure ID is a detail top section view of a portion of the filter assembly of Figure 1A. Figure IE is a detail front section view of an end cap of the filter assembly of Figure 1 A. Figure IF is a further detail front section view of the end cap of Figure IE.

[0067] Figure 2 is a schematic view showing the filter assembly of Figure 1A as part of an apparatus.

[0068] Figure 3 is a detail top section view of the filter assembly of Figure 1 A within a housing. Figure 4 is a detailed side view of the lower part of the housing.

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figures 1A, IB, 1C, ID, IE and IF illustrate a filter assembly 10. The filter assembly 10 includes a filter body 11 in the form of a hollow three-dimensional structure, which in this example is tubular in shape. The tubular filter body 11 defines a central (cylindrical) void 12 having a central axis 14. In this example, a transverse cross-section through the filter body 11 is circular in shape, but it will be appreciated that other cross-sectional shapes are possible. The filter body 11 includes filter media 13 in the form of a porous sheet wrapped around the central void 12 (such that the filter media 13 forms a generally tubular shape). The filter media 13 is pleated and includes a plurality of pleats 19 (see Figure ID) formed by axially extending folds 20 (i.e., each fold extending parallel to the central axis 14). In this way, each pleat 19 extends radially with respect to the central axis 14.

[0071] The filter body 11 also includes a continuous elongate channel 15 for accommodating a wire. The channel 15 is defined by an elongate channel member 16. The channel member

[0072] 16 (and consequently the channel 15) extends from a first end 17 (the upper end as illustrated) of the filter body 11 to a second end 18 of the filter body 11 (the lower end as illustrated). The first 17 and second 18 ends are spaced in a direction along the central axis 14 of the void 12 (and can thus be considered to be axial ends of the filter body 11). The channel member 16 extends axially (i.e., parallel to the central axis 14) from the first end

[0073] 17 to the second end 18, but in other examples the channel member 16 may extend non- axially (i.e., obliquely to the central axis 14). 12 P005030-W001

[0074] In this example, the width and cross-sectional area of the first end 17 of the filter body 11 are substantially the same as the width and cross-sectional area of the second end 18 of the filter body 11. The filter body 11 has a substantially constant width and cross-sectional area along the central axis from the first end 17 to the second end 18.

[0075] As is most apparent from Figure ID, the channel member 16 has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape (i.e., taken in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis 14). The channel member 16 comprises first 21 and second 22 side walls that are spaced apart in a circumferential direction around the central axis 14. The first 21 and second 22 side walls are connected by a base wall 23 (which extends in a circumferential direction between the first 21 and second 22 side walls).

[0076] The first side wall 21 extends at an angle with respect to the second side wall 22. That is, the first 21 and second 22 side walls are not parallel to one another. In particular, the first 21 and second 22 side walls are arranged to diverge from one another in a direction away from the base wall 23. In this way, a width of the channel 15 (taken in the circumferential direction) increases in a radially outward direction away from the base wall 23. Accordingly, a cross-sectional shape of the channel 15 is substantially trapezoidal.

[0077] The base wall 23 provides a radially inward side of the channel member 16. A radially outward side of the channel member 16, opposite to the base wall 23, is open, which may aid in insertion of a wire into the channel 15. The base wall 23 of the channel member 16 is located at an inner periphery 31 of the filter body 11, and each of the first 21 and second 22 side walls extend to an outer periphery 32 of the filter body 11. In this way, the channel member 16 has a depth (taken in the radial direction) that is substantially the same as a thickness of the filter body 11 (and a thickness of the filter media 13). In this way, the channel member 16 does not extend outwardly beyond an outer boundary 33 of the filter media 13, or inwardly beyond an inner boundary 34 of the filter media 13. That is, the channel member 16 is substantially fully contained within a tubular envelope defined by the filter media 13 (i.e., the tubular envelope being the volume / space that would be taken up by the filter media 13 if the filter media 13 extended fully about the central void 12). In 13 P005030-W001 this example, the channel member 16 (and therefore channel 15) has a constant width and a constant depth along the length of the channel member 16.

[0078] The filter media 13 is attached to the channel member 16. In particular, the filter media 13 has first 24 and second 25 circumferential ends (provided by end pleats) that respectively abut (and are attached to) the first 21 and second 22 side walls of the channel member 16. It will be appreciated that the channel member 16 may instead be inserted between first and second (non-end) pleats, such that each of the two pleats abut (and may be attached to) the first 21 and second 22 side walls of the channel member 16. For example, one or more pleats may be at least partially deformed (e.g., folded) to create a channel into which the channel member 16 may be inserted. Either way, the channel member 16 may provide support to the filter media 13 (e.g., support in the axial direction, so as to help prevent the filter media 13 from collapsing in an axial direction). Further support is provided by an outer porous layer 52, which extends circumferentially around the filter media 13.

[0079] The filter assembly 10 further comprises first 26 and second 27 end caps that are respectively provided at the first 17 and second 18 ends of the filter body 11. Each end cap 26, 27 has an annular shape so as to have a central aperture 28 that is aligned with the central void 12 of the filter body 11. In this way, air can pass from the central void 12 and through the central apertures 28.

[0080] Each end cap 26, 27 also comprises an opening 29 that is aligned with the channel 15 for passage of a wire through the end cap 26, 27. In particular, each opening 29 is in the form a slot extending radially inwardly partway into the respective end cap 26, 27 from an outer periphery 30 of the end cap 26, 27. In other examples only one of the end caps 26, 27 may include an opening 29 (or only one end cap may be provided).

[0081] Figures IE and IF provide detailed views of the first end cap 26. It should be appreciated that the second end cap 27 is the same as the first end cap 26 (except that, of course, the second end cap 27 is inverted relative to the first end cap 26 when assembled). As is apparent from Figures IE and IF, each end cap 26, 27 includes an outer lip 35 (at the outer periphery 30 of the end cap 26, 27) and an inner lip 36 (at an inner periphery 37 of the end 14 P005030-W001 cap 26, 27). Each of the outer 35 and inner 36 lips projects from a planar portion 38, an external surface of which provides a planar sealing surface 39. As may be appreciated, providing the planar sealing surfaces 39 allows for a better seal between the filter assembly 10 and surfaces of an apparatus in which the filter assembly 10 may be received.

[0082] The outer 35 and inner 36 lips of each end cap 26, 27 define a recess 40 therebetween, in which a respective axial end 17, 18 of the filter body 11 (in particular, the filter media 13) is received. This helps to locate the end caps 26, 27 on the axial ends 17, 18 of the filter body 11.

[0083] As can be seen in Figures IB and IF, at the location of the opening 29 in each end cap 26, 27, the inner lip 36 extends around the respective opening 29 in the end cap 26, 27. This portion of the inner lip 36 provides a locating portion 41 that aids in locating the channel member 16 with respect to the respective end cap 26, 27. The locating portion 41 of each end cap 26, 27 extends along a path that is complementary in shape to the cross-sectional shape of the channel 15. In other words, when the end cap 26, 27 is assembled with the channel member 16, the respective locating portion 41 (see Figure IB) extends along inner surfaces of the base wall 23 and side walls 21, 22 of the channel member 16 (i.e., so as to fit snugly within the channel 15).

[0084] Figure 2 shows the filter assembly 10 assembled within an apparatus, which in this case is a fan 42. The fan 42 comprises a tubular housing 43 having a perforated wall 44 providing an air inlet into the housing 43.

[0085] The filter assembly 10 is located so as to extend around an internal surface of the housing 43, such that air passing through the perforated wall 44 passes through the filter media 13 of the filter assembly 10. The filter assembly 10 is contained axially between a lower structure 45 of the fan 42 and an upper structure 46 of the fan 42. In particular, the sealing surfaces 39 of the end caps 26, 27 seal against the lower 45 and upper 46 structures to ensure that air entering the fan 42 passes through the filter media 13 (rather than around the filter assembly 10). 15 P005030-W001

[0086] In some examples, the lower structure may be a base of the apparatus that is removable to provide access to the filter assembly 10. The end cap 27 may be removably attached to or integrally formed with the lower structure, such that the filter assembly 10 is removed from the housing 43 when the lower structure is separated from the apparatus.

[0087] A compressor 50 is located within the central void 12 of the filter assembly 10. In operation, the compressor 50 draws air into the fan 42 (through the perforated wall 44) and moves the air along an airflow path 51 so as to be subsequently discharged from the fan 42 (i.e., in a filtered state).

[0088] In this example, a primary electronics unit 47 (which may include, e.g., a controller, power source, motor, etc.) is accommodated by the lower structure 45, and a secondary electronics unit 48 is accommodated by the upper structure 46. The primary 47 and secondary 48 electronics units are operatively connected via wires 49 which extend from the primary electronics unit 47 to the secondary electronics unit 48. In particular, a wire 49 (or cable) extends along the channel 15 of the filter assembly 10. As may be appreciated, this means that the housing 43 does not have to be increased in size in order to accommodate the wire 49.

[0089] Figure 3 shows a section view of the filter assembly 10 surrounded by housing 43. The housing 43 comprises a removably attachable elongate channel structure 61 extending along an inner surface of the housing 43. The channel structure 61 defines a channel 62 configured to accommodate the wire 49. The channel structure 61 is linear and extends axially (i.e., parallel to the central axis 14).

[0090] The channel structure 61 comprises a first side wall 63 and a second side wall 64 that are spaced apart in a circumferential direction around the central axis 14 to define the channel 62 therebetween. The channel structure 61 comprises a base wall 65 extending between the first and second side walls 63, 64 formed by the inner surface of the housing 43 when the channel structure 61 and housing 43 are assembled, such that the radially outward side of the channel structure 61 is closed by the inner surface of the housing 43. 16 P005030-W001

[0091] The first side wall 63 extends at an angle with respect to the second side wall 64. That is, the first 63 and second 64 side walls are not parallel to one another. In particular, the first 63 and second 64 side walls are arranged to converge towards one another in a radially inwards direction away from the base wall 65 towards a tip 66. In this way, a width of the channel 62 (taken in the circumferential direction) decreases in a radially inward direction away from base wall 65.

[0092] The channel structure 61 is arranged to have a thickness or depth (taken in the radial direction) that is less than the thickness or depth of the filter body 11, and in particular less than the radial thickness or depth of the openings 29. In this way, the channel structure 61 can be fully accommodated by (i.e., fully contained within) the channel member 16.

[0093] During assembly, the wire 49 is first fed through an aperture 69 in the lower part of the housing 43, as shown in Figure 4 (although it will be appreciated that the aperture could instead be located in a mid or upper part of the housing). The wire 49 is then inserted into the channel 62 defined by the channel structure 61, and then the channel structure 61 (accommodating the wire 49 therein) is attached to the housing 43 such that the aperture 69 is in communication with the channel 62.

[0094] In this example, the channel member 61 comprises a fixing portion 68 which hooks over a bottom end of the housing 43 to (at least partially) attach or secure the channel structure 61 to the housing 43. The filter assembly 10 is then received into the housing 43 by aligning the channel member 16 with the channel structure 61 and sliding them relative to each other.

[0095] Providing a housing 43 and a filter assembly 10 with cooperating mateable features (i.e., channel member 16 and channel structure 61) can help the user to correctly align the filter assembly 10 and the housing 43, and also help to prevent rotation of the filter assembly 10 relative to the housing 43.

[0096] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for 17 P005030-W001 performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

18 P005030-W001CLAIMS1. A filter assembly comprising: a filter body comprising filter media and a channel for accommodating a wire, the channel extending between first and second ends of the filter body; and, an end cap provided at the first end of the filter body, the end cap comprising an opening aligned with the channel for passage of the wire through the end cap.

2. The filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter body is a hollow three- dimensional structure defining a central void, and wherein the filter media extends around the central void.

3. The filter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the end cap comprises a central aperture aligned with the central void.

4. The filter assembly according to claim 3, wherein the channel is disposed outside of, or at a periphery of, the central void; and wherein the channel is open on an upstream side of the filter body.

5. The filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel extends from the first end of the filter body to the second end of the filter body.

6. The filter assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a channel member; the channel member comprising first and second side walls that are spaced apart to define the channel therebetween.

7. The filter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the filter media abuts the first and / or second side walls of the channel member.

8. The filter assembly according to either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the filter media is attached or adhered to the first and / or second side walls of the channel member.19 P005030-W0019. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first side wall extends at an angle with respect to the second side wall.

10. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first and second sides of the channel member diverge from one another in an outward direction, the outward direction being away from a central axis of the filter body.

11. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the channel member comprises a base wall connecting the first and second side walls, and wherein a side of the channel member that is opposite to the base wall is open.

12. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the filter media comprises an upstream side and an opposite downstream side, and wherein the channel member does not extend beyond the upstream and / or downstream side of the filter media.

13. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the channel member extends along a substantially straight and uninterrupted path.

14. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the end cap comprises a locating portion for engaging an end of the channel member.

15. The filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap comprises a substantially planar sealing surface facing away from the filter body.

16. The filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening of the end cap is in the form of a slot extending into the end cap from an outer periphery of the cap.

17. The filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap comprises first and second lips spaced apart so as to define a recess therebetween for receipt of the first end of the filter body.20 P005030-W00118. The filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap is a first end cap, and the filter assembly further comprises a second end cap provided at the second end of the filter body.

19. The filter assembly according to claim 18, wherein the second end cap comprises an opening aligned with the channel for passage of the wire through the second end cap.

20. An apparatus comprising the filter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, further comprising a housing configured to surround the filter assembly; and wherein the housing comprises a channel extending at least partially along a surface of the housing and configured to engage with the channel of the filter apparatus.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the end cap is integrally formed with a base of the apparatus, such that separating the base from the apparatus causes the filter assembly to be simultaneously removed from the housing.

23. The apparatus as claimed in either of claims 21 or 22, further comprising a channel structure defining the channel; wherein the channel structure comprises first and second side walls that are spaced apart to define the channel therebetween.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the channel structure comprises one or more fixing portions configured such that the channel structure is removably attachable to the housing.

25. The apparatus as claimed in either of claims 23 or 24, wherein the channel structure is configured to be received by, and slide relative to, the channel member.

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