Pulse Jet Air Cleaner Systems; Evacuation Valve Arrangements; Air Cleaner Components; and, Methods

Abstract

Assemblies, features, and techniques for pulse jet air cleaner assemblies and their operation are described. In general, the techniques relate to providing for a dust egress arrangement from the housing, which is not directed downwardly and which is not located in the lowermost portion of the housing, in use. This can be advantageous in field operation.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to air cleaner arrangements. It particularly concerns dust evacuation valve arrangements, for pulse jet air cleaner systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to air cleaner arrangements used for example, in vehicles and other equipment. It particularly concerns air cleaners with pulse jet systems, allowing for selected pulse jet cleaning of serviceable filter cartridges therein. This allows for extended service life of filter cartridges and operating life for the vehicle or other equipment before servicing as needed.

A variety of systems for pulse jet air cleaning are known. Examples described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,401,285; 5,575,826; 5,683,479, are pulse jet air cleaning systems for vehicles such as the M1 tank. Others described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,676,721; 6,872,237; and 6,908,494, are pulse jet air cleaners for a media pack usable in heavy duty equipment such as mining equipment or ore haulers. Each of the previously identified six U.S. patents is incorporated herein by reference.

Further examples of pulse jet arrangements are described in PCT/US2007/014187, filed Jun. 18, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. The PCT application PCT/US2007/014187, published as WO 2007/149388, incorporated herein by reference, on Dec. 27, 2007, was filed with priority claims to each of three previously filed U.S. provisional applications 60/814,744, filed Jun. 19, 2006; 60/848,320, filed Sep. 29, 2006; and 60/921,173, filed Mar. 30, 2007. Each of these three provisional applications is also incorporated herein by reference.

Another example of pulse jet air cleaner systems is depicted in U.S. publication 2009/0308034 incorporated herein by reference. The system depicted in U.S. publication 2009/0308034 includes certain improvements to arrangements of WO 2007/149388 in that a modified form of evacuator valve arrangement is provided.

In general terms, some pulse jet air cleaner arrangements such as those described in PCT/US2007/014187 have an evacuation valve assembly or arrangement thereon. The evacuation valve arrangement allows for evacuation of dust, water and air pressure from an interior of the air cleaner assembly, during a pulse jet cleaning operation. The present application in part relates to improvements in such evacuation valve arrangements and their use.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect to of the present disclosure, an air cleaner assembly is provided. The air cleaner assembly includes an air cleaner housing; an air flow inlet; an air flow outlet; and, an interior. The housing includes an outer sidewall. A dust ejection port arrangement is provided in the housing. The dust ejection port arrangement includes a dust egress aperture arrangement in the outer sidewall on the housing, oriented spaced radially from a lowermost portion of the housing sidewall, in use, for example by a radial arc of at least 30°. A dust receiver is positioned exteriorly of the housing and oriented to receive dust from the dust egress aperture arrangement.

A variety of examples and features are described. Also techniques of operation and use are described.

There is no specific requirement that an assembly or method include all of the features characterized above, or as defined herein, in order to obtain some benefit according to the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pulse jet air cleaner in accord with the present disclosure; FIG. 1 showing selected portions broken away.

FIG. 1A is a schematic depiction of the assembly of FIG. 1, with an inlet duct arrangement and outlet arrangement removed.

FIG. 1B is a schematic side elevational view of the componentry depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a schematic, access cover end elevational view of the componentry depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1D is a schematic outlet end elevational view of the componentry depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of selected portions of the componentry depicted in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 being depicted with: an access cover removed; an inlet duct removed; and, portions of a housing sidewall being shown in phantom, to view internal detail.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, schematic, fragmentary view of a selected portion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, schematic, fragmentary interior view of a selected portion of the assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevational view of a filter cartridge usable in the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Further Background Regarding Pulse Jet Air Cleaners Generally

A. General Features and Operations of a Pulse Jet Air Cleaner Assembly

In general, pulse jet air cleaner assemblies comprise a housing having an unfiltered air flow inlet and a filtered air flow outlet. The housing typically has an access cover thereon, which is openable and/or removable to allow service access to an interior assembly.

Positioned within an interior of the housing, is positioned on air filter cartridge. This filter cartridge is typically configured as a service or serviceable component, and thus is removably mounted within the air cleaner housing. A typical filter cartridge comprises pleated media surrounding an open interior, the media extending between opposite end caps. The cartridge typically includes a seal arrangement, which seals to a selected portion of the air cleaner housing, when the cartridge is installed. Such a cartridge is described for example in WO 2007/149388 in connection with FIG. 2; and, is depicted having inwardly directed radial seal thereon, which seals around an air flow outlet tube. As an alternative, an end (axial) seal on the cartridge can be used; see WO 2007/179388 at FIG. 22.

In a typical air cleaner, air to be filtered is brought into the housing, through the air flow inlet. The air is then directed through the media of the filter cartridge, typically with an out-to-in flow pattern, with the filtered air reaching the open interior of the cartridge. The filtered air is then directed into an outlet tube, by which it is removed from the housing.

In use, periodically the cartridge becomes occluded with dust or other particulate material collected thereon. In a pulse jet air cleaner, dust is periodically (i.e. when selected) pulsed off the cartridge and out of the housing. Typically, this is done by providing an arrangement for directing a pulse jet of air into the cartridge interior, against the direction of outlet flow. This will pulse collected dust material on the exterior of the cartridge off the cartridge and typically out an evacuator arrangement provided for this purpose. Descriptions of such features are found in each of WO 2007/149388 and US 2009/0308034, incorporated herein by reference.

It is noted that the source of pulse air can be a compressed air tank or charge tank configured as part of the air cleaner or separately. Features related to this are described in the examples of WO 2007/149388 and US 2009/0308034. A variety of arrangements can be used to control when the pulsing occurs. Approaches to this are described in WO 2007/149388 and US 2009/0308034, incorporated herein by reference.

In part the present disclosure concerns methods and features for evacuation of the dust from the housing. Example prior evacuator arrangements are described in WO 2007/149388 and U.S. 2007/0308034. These arrangements can be advantageous in certain applications for use. However, modifications are desirable, in certain circumstances as discussed herein below. The present disclosure, then, relates, in part, to provision of modifications to the evacuator valve arrangement to a pulse jet air cleaner assembly.

B. Some Issues with Prior Pulse Jet Air Cleaner Arrangements

As indicated above, the arrangements of WO 2007/149388 and U.S. 2009/0308034 referenced above are functional and applicable in many instances. However, in some applications it may not be practical to position an egress for the dust from the housing through an evacuator valve arrangement at the bottom of the air cleaner. For example, in some vehicles this may not be a practical location due to other structure on the vehicle. Also, in some instances it may be desirable to have an evacuator egress from the housing be above the bottom of a air cleaner housing because is expected the air cleaner may be partly submerged, during a water fording operation, when dust ejection is desired.

The present disclosure relates to methods and techniques for providing dust egress, from a dust evacuator valve arrangement, at a location above a lower most portion of the air cleaner.

II. An Example Pulse Jet Air Cleaner Assembly

The reference numeral 1, FIG. 1, indicates a pulse jet air cleaner assembly in accord with the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the pulse jet air cleaner assembly 1 comprises an air cleaner housing 2. The air cleaner housing 2 is positioned secured by mounting band 5 to support bracket 6. The support bracket 6 can, for example, be a portion of a frame, or structure mounted on the frame, of equipment with which the air cleaner assembly 1 is to be used. Typically, the equipment is a vehicle and the air cleaner assembly is used to filter intake air for an internal combustion engine.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the air cleaner housing 2 generally comprises a cartridge receiving chamber or portion 10, defined by a housing sidewall 10a having an open end 11 over which is received an openable access cover 14. Typically, the access cover 14 is configured to be removable, for service access to an interior 2i of the air cleaner housing 2.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the air cleaner assembly 1 is provided with an inlet arrangement 18 by which air to be filtered is directed into an interior of the air cleaner housing 2. In the example depicted, an inlet duct 18x is shown at the inlet arrangement 18. The air cleaner assembly 1 is also provided with an outlet arrangement 20 by which filtered air is removed from the air cleaner housing 2. In this example, the outlet arrangement 20 comprises an outlet tube 21 positioned in an end 22 of housing 10 opposite open end 11. The outlet tube 21 is depicted positioned with duct arrangement 25 secured thereto, by which filtered air can be directed, for example, to an engine air intake.

As indicated previously, air cleaner assembly 1 is a pulse jet air cleaner assembly, and includes componentry for selectively providing for a pulse jet of air thereto, in use. Referring to FIG. 1, at 30 is provided a pulse jet assembly. The pulse jet assembly 30 for the depicted arrangement includes a charge (or accumulator) tank 31 for containment of compressed gas, for example air, used for operating a pulse jet system. The pulse jet system further includes appropriate valve and flow direction arrangements, along with a control arrangements as selected, for directing a pulse of gas from charge tank 31 through an internally received filter cartridge, as desired. As thus far characterized, the pulse jet air cleaner assembly 1, and the pulse jet assembly, can be generally in accord with the arrangements of WO 2007/149388 and/or U.S. 2009/0308034, incorporated herein by reference.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the housing 2 includes a dust evacuator arrangement 40 thereon; arrangement 40, FIG. 1, being depicted with portions broken away to view internal detail. The dust evacuator 40 comprises a dust egress arrangement 41 in the sidewall 10a of the housing 2, by which air and dust can evaluate an interior 2i of the housing 2. The evacuator valve arrangement 40 further includes a dust receiver (or receiver housing) 42 positioned exteriorly of the air cleaner housing 2, to receive air and dust from dust egress arrangement 41. The dust receiver 42 includes a dust outlet aperture or port arrangement 43 therein, positioned so that dust can be evacuated exteriorly from the receiver or receiver housing 42. In the example depicted the aperture 43 is covered by an evacuator valve member 44. Alternatives are possible, discussed below.

In FIG. 1A, a drawing of selected portions of FIG. 1 is depicted. It is noted that in FIG. 1A, the assembly 1 is depicted with: the inlet duct 18x of inlet arrangement 18, FIG. 1, removed. In FIG. 1A, inlet arrangement 48 in sidewall 10a can thus be seen. The inlet arrangement 48 is shown surrounded by gasket arrangement 49 and including mounts 18a for the inlet duct 18x. The mounts 18a comprise posts 18p and fasteners 18f, in the example depicted. The mounting arrangement can, for example, comprise a threaded post/nut arrangement, if desired. For the example depicted, four mounting posts 18p are provided, two being fully viewable in FIG. 1A.

Also referring to FIG. 1A, outlet duct 25 is shown removed from outlet tube 21. Here, a mounting flange 20f with mounting posts 20p thereon, including fasteners 20f is shown, for use in securing duct 25 in position. Again, a threaded post/nut arrangement can be used, as depicted. In FIG. 1A a gasket 20g is shown on flange 20f, to facilitate sealing to duct 25, FIG. 1.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, housing 2 can be characterized as having a central longitudinal axis X passing therethrough. The axis X is generally surrounded by the sidewall 10a. Thus, in a typical assembly, the sidewall 10a will be tubular with a generally circular cross-section, although variations are possible.

In FIG. 1B, a side elevational view of the componentry depicted in FIG. 1A is shown. Referring to FIG. 1B, retainer 14r for securing access cover 14 in place is depicted. The example retainer 14r shown is a wing nut, threadably mounted on a central yoke post 56, extending through an interior of housing 2.

In a typical assembly configured as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, an internally received cartridge, not depicted in these figures, will be cylindrical with opposite end caps; with the end cap adjacent access cover 14 having a central aperture therethrough, through which the threaded post 56 extends. A nut or fastener on the threaded post can be used to secure the cartridge in position, typically with cartridge sealing occurring through a seal gasket compressed in an axial direction, i.e. in a direction corresponding to longitudinal axis X, again at an end of the housing 2 opposite opening 11. Alternate seals are possible.

In FIG. 1C, an end view of the componentry depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B is depicted, the view be taken toward access cover 14.

In FIG. 1D, an end elevational view of the componentry depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C is depicted, the view be taken toward outlet tube 20.

It is noted that in FIGS. 1B-1D, some example dimensions, for a example unit are depicted. These are intended to be examples only, with the techniques being applicable in a wide variety of units. The indicated dimensions are generally as follows: in FIG. 1B, an assembly length A indicated as =525.2 mm; an access cover diameter B being indicated as 315.2 mm; a housing internal diameter C being indicated as 300 mm; with other dimension indicated as follows: D=160 mm; E=80.1 mm; F=76.8 mm; G=341.1 mm; H=429.9 mm; I=95.2 mm; J=58.0 mm; and, K=43.9 mm.

In FIG. 1C some example dimensions and angles are indicated as follows: dimension L=220.1 mm; dimension M=150.9 mm; dimension N=245.5 mm; angle O=75°; angle P=65°; and, angle Q being 3°. In FIG. 1D, example dimensions are as follows: dimension R=86.3 mm; dimension S=48.5 mm; dimension T=50.3 mm; dimension U=21.1 mm; dimension V=73.2 mm; and, dimension W=21.4 mm

Attention is now directed to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 is provided a schematic depiction of the pulse jet air cleaner assembly 1, modified from FIG. 1 in that: the access cover 14 is removed; and, the inlet arrangement 18 is removed. Further, selected portions of the sidewall 10a are depicted in phantom, so that selected internal detail can be viewed. Also, in FIG. 2, the perspective view is toward the access cover end of the housing.

Referring to FIG. 2, with the access cover 14 removed, cartridge 50 is viewable. Cartridge 50 comprises a media pack 51 positioned in extension between first and second opposite end caps 52, 53. A typical cartridge 50 will comprise pleated media positioned surrounding an open filter interior. In the example depicted, a coil 55 is depicted surrounding the media pack 51, for strength and pleat spacing.

The cartridge 50 is a service part. That is, it is generally removable from an interior 2i of housing 2, for servicing as appropriate. During servicing, the cartridge 50 may be removed and be replaced with a new replacement cartridge or may be refurbished and be reinstalled.

In FIG. 2, central post 56 is shown, for mounting access cover 14, FIGS. 1-1D and cartridge 50. Retainer 57 is depicted securing cartridge 50 in place.

Referring to FIG. 2, at 48 an inlet aperture arrangement is depicted, as part of inlet arrangement 18, in (i.e. through) the housing sidewall 10a. For the particular example depicted, the inlet aperture arrangement 48 generally defines an arcuate, rectangular, perimeter 48p, although alternatives are possible. At 18p the mounting posts are depicted. The inlet aperture arrangement 48 depicted is a single aperture, although alternatives are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 2, air cleaner assembly 1 includes, positioned in interior 2i, in extension over inlet aperture arrangement 48, an inlet valve/director arrangement 60. For the example depicted, the inlet valve/director arrangement 60 comprises a flap 61 hingedly secured along edge 62 by fastener arrangement 63 to interior 10i of sidewall 10a. Thus, the flap 61 can deflect inwardly from the housing sidewall 10a, or can be pressed radially outwardly against the sidewall 10a depending in the flow/pressure condition within interior 2i.

In general terms, the valve/director arrangement 60 can be characterized as having first and second orientations or positions. In the first orientation or position, the inlet valve/director arrangement is open, i.e. flap 60 is biased away from sidewall 10i, allowing air to enter interior 2i through aperture arrangement 48. In the second position or orientation, the valve/director arrangement 60 is oriented closed, i.e. with flap 61 biased against sidewall 10i closing aperture 48.

The inlet valve/director 60, i.e. flap 61, can be (in general) in accord with arrangements described in WO 2007/149388 and U.S. 2009/0308034, incorporated herein by reference. It is noted that a support, interior of inlet valve/director 60, analogous to support or bracket 2026 of WO 2007/149388, can be used.

In general terms, the inlet arrangement 18, in combination with the inlet valve/director 60, are, when generally as depicted herein, characterized as a tangential inlet flow arrangement or assembly. By the term “tangential” in this context, it is meant that air flow into interior 2i is generally not directed toward a central axis X, FIG. 1A, of the housing sidewall 10a and cartridge 50, but rather is directed into a circular pattern around the outside of the cartridge 50, against interior surface 10i of sidewall 10a. This tangential direction, is facilitated by the inlet valve/director 60, because as air enters through inlet 18, FIG. 1, the flap 61, FIG. 2, will deflect downwardly toward the cartridge 50. This will cause air flow into interior 2i to adopt a spiral pattern, in this instance, counter clockwise when viewed toward end cap 53 of cartridge 50, although an opposite flow direction is possible.

In general terms, then, the tangential end flow arrangement is configured to direct air flow passing into an interior 2i of the housing 2, into annulus 10x surrounding the cartridge 50 interiorly of sidewall 10a, in a pattern that is generally circular around central axis X, FIG. 1A, rather than being directed toward central axis X, FIG. 1A.

It is noted that when the pulse jet assembly 30 is operated, the inlet valve/director 60, i.e. flap 61, under pressure provided interiorly of housing 2 by the pulse jet, will deflect back closing apertures arrangement 88 briefly. This will help inhibit ejection of dust from interior 2i out inlet aperture arrangement 48.

When the pulse jet air cleaner assembly 30 is operated to pulse a cleaning jet of air through cartridge 50, and the inlet valve/director 60 is closed, the dust is generally directed exteriorly of the housing 2, via dust egress arrangement 41, and into dust receiver 42. The dust egress arrangement 41, FIG. 1 in typical application of principles of the present disclosure, is provided with no portion thereof in radial overlap with a lowermost portion 10b of the housing 10a and sidewall 10a; i.e. with no portion thereof directed straight downwardly. Typically, the lowermost portion 41b of the dust egress arrangement 41, FIG. 1 is positioned radially offset from a lowermost portion 10b of the housing sidewall 10a, around axis X, FIG. 1A, by at least 30°, typically at least 45°; and usually at least 75°. Indeed, in typical applications, the lowermost portion of the dust egress arrangement 41 is positioned at least 90° rotationally around the housing sidewall 10a (and axis X) from a lowermost portion 10b, so that the entire aperture 41 is positioned in the upper half of the housing, when the housing is positioned with central axis X thereof directed generally horizontally, and with lower port 10b directed downwardly.

The dust egress arrangement 41 can comprise a single aperture (as depicted in FIG. 1) or plurality of apertures. It can be provided with framework extending thereover, if desired. When the dust egress aperture arrangement 41 comprises a plurality of apertures, when reference is made herein to a lowermost portion, reference is meant to the radially lowermost portion of the lowermost aperture, around central axis X.

Referring to FIG. 1, a typical egress arrangement 41 can be seen. The typical aperture 41 extends, in housing sidewall 10a, over a radial arc around central axis X, FIG. 1A, of at least 20°, typically at least 30°, usually at least 45° and often within the range of 45°-90°.

When the dust egress arrangement 41 comprises a plurality of apertures, reference to the arcuate extension is meant from a radially lowest portion of the lowest aperture, to the radially highest or opposite portion of the highest aperture.

The positioning of the aperture 41 differs substantially for the arrangements of WO 2007/149388. With the arrangements of WO 2007/149388, the evacuator aperture in the housing sidewall was generally directed downwardly in use.

The arrangement of FIG. 1 also differs substantially from the arrangements of U.S. 2009/0308034. There, although in some instances apertures in the upper half of the housing are depicted, in no example depicted therein are the apertures exclusively positioned where described above, i.e. not directed downwardly or in the lower most portion of the housing.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the dust evacuator arrangement 40 includes a receiver housing 42 positioned to receive dust from interior 2i, as the dust passes outwardly from housing interior 2i through sidewall 10a, i.e. through dust egress arrangement 41. Referring to FIG. 1, the receiver housing 42 comprises a top 42t, a bottom 42b, and an end 42c. The end 42c is remote from sidewall 10a and is depicted with a port arrangement 43 therethrough, for dust ejection from dust receiver or housing 42.

For the particular dust evacuator arrangement 40 depicted, inner flange 65 is provided, directed upwardly from the lowermost portion 42b of the housing 40, at egress arrangement 41; the flange 65 ensuring that the bottom 42b is positioned below a lowermost portion 41b of egress arrangement 41. Typically, flange 65 will project upwardly at least 0.5 inch above bottom 41b, usually at least 0.6 inch, and often 0.7-1.25 inch, although alternatives are possible. The flange 65 helps inhibit dust in receiver 42 from reentering interior 2i. (Alternately stated, bottom 41b is typically at least 0.5 inch below egress 41, usually at least 0.6 inch below, often 0.6-1.25 inch below).

From a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, general operation assembly 1 with respect to dust egress will be understood. When the air enters the housing in a cyclonic pattern as described, and swirls around the outside of the cartridge 50, a portion of the dust contained with air will swirl around annulus 10x between the cartridge 50 and interior surface 10i of sidewall 10a. Under this cyclonic movement, a portion of the dust will, in due course, be ejected through egress arrangement 41 into dust receiver 42.

When the pulse jet is operated, dust is blown off the cartridge 50 by the pulse jet into annulus 10x, (and valve/director 60 will close as a result of the pressure). The pulse will force dust from interior 2i, outwardly through egress arrangement 41.

In the example assembly 1 depicted, FIG. 1, aperture 43 of dust receiver 42, is covered by a flat valve arrangement 75. The example valve arrangement 75 depicted comprises a valve member 76 secured along edge 77 by fastener arrangement 78. When the pulse jet occurs, valve member 76 will be biased away from aperture 43, allowing dust ejection from housing 40. When the pulse jet is not operated, typically a receiver interior pressure due to air flow through assembly 1, will pull valve member closed 76 over aperture 43.

It is noted that in some systems, it may be desirable to attach dust ejector port aperture 43 to a scavenger system, rather than rely on a valve arrangement.

In FIG. 3, an enlarged fragmentary view of selected portion of FIG. 1 is depicted, the portion viewed showing, in enlarged view, a portion including the dust ejection arrangement 40, and in particular dust egress aperture arrangement 41 and receiver 42.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 4, a fragmentary view of a selected interior portion of housing 2. At 80, an outlet tube for dust flow from an interior of cartridge 50 (not shown in FIG. 4) is depicted. Typically, the cartridge 50 will be positioned with an aperture or end cap 52 positioned thereover, when the cartridge is installed. At 81 a portion of a yoke mount for post 56, FIG. 2, is shown. At 82, an end wall, against which a seal on cartridge 50 will axially seal when mounted, is depicted.

In FIG. 4, attention is directed to dust collection flange or scoop arrangement 85. The scoop arrangement 85 is a flange positioned on the interior 10i of sidewall 10a at a location radially adjacent, a lowermost edge of dust egress arrangement 41. The scoop arrangement 85 then comprises a radially inwardly turned flange adjacent a lower portion 41b of egress aperture arrangement 41. The flange helps ensure that dust moving in a cyclonic pattern around axis X, and adjacent end wall 82, will exit through egress arrangement 41.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 5, in which cartridge 50 is depicted. The cartridge 50 is depicted is shown with an expanded metal outer liner 90 extending between the end caps 52 and 53. This expanded metal outer liner 90 provides support against damage to the media pack, during the pulse jet operation and also during handling. It is noted that a margin or sleeve 95 is depicted adjacent end cap 52. Such a sleeve would typically have a width (extension axially) of at least about 2 inches and typically 2.5 to 4 inches. It would typically be impermeable, and provides protection to the media pack in the region of dust egress arrangement 41. It is noted that in some instances, a similar sleeve or margin might be positioned adjacent end cap 53, for purposes of protecting media against inlet damage. Also, a protector barrier 50b can be positioned where ever extra media damage would otherwise be expected.

III. Additional Comments and Characterizations

A. Media for the Media Pack

Selection of media for the media pack of the filter cartridge is a matter of choice. The selection will depend on the desired performance with respect to filtering and filter lifetime. It has been observed that arrangements generally in accord with the features characterized above, when implemented in the dimensions indicated in FIGS. 1B-1D as example dimensions, are subject to relatively high flow velocity through the housing and cartridge. When the dust is substantial, media erosion and premature damage can occur. Therefore, it is sometimes desirable to use a relatively robust media.

In a typical application, it will be desirable to implement the media with a fine fiber material thereon, for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,270,693 and 6,994,742, incorporated herein by reference. Such a media will help ensure surface loading and high efficiency, which also facilitate cleaning the dust thereoff during pulsing.

In general, the selection of media, again, is meant to be a matter of choice. It is not specifically related to basic operating principles of the overall features of the air cleaner assembly as described, but rather relates to performance variables concerning filtration efficiency, lifetime of use and cleaning efficiency.

B. Other Features

It is noted that in WO 2007/149388, some preferred relative characteristics and relative dimensions for the outlet tube and the media pack (i.e. cartridge) are described. Analogous ones can be used for the arrangement of FIGS. 1-5 herein.

Further, in WO 2007/149388 and U.S. 2009/0308034, some selected usable materials for valve arrangements are described. Analogous materials can be used for the valve arrangements described herein.

A variety of types of equipment can be fitted with an air cleaner assembly according to the present disclosure. A typical use would be on a military vehicle that is expected to traverse a wide variety of terrains, including with water fording, and which is expected to be used under circumstances in which it is undesirable for occluded air cleaners to inhibit performance.

A variety of parameters can be used for a selection of the time of pulse jet cleaning of the filter cartridge. Some example variations are described in association with WO 2007/149388 and U.S. 2009/0308034. These can be used. It is noted however, there a variety of alternatives possible, and the particular methodology of pulsing is a matter of choice for desired affect.

The principles described herein can be used with a variety of equipment and a variety of rated air flows. Typical sizes will be with air cleaner diameter of 10 inches to 17 inches, and rated air flows of 400 cfm to 1400 cfm, although alternatives are possible.

IV. Some General Comments

According to the present disclosure, features, assemblies, and techniques of operation, for an air cleaner assembly are provided. In an aspect of the present disclosure, an air cleaner assembly is provided which comprises an air cleaner housing having: an air flow inlet; an air flow outlet; and, an interior. The interior is generally sized and configured to operably receive therein a serviceable filter cartridge. The typical serviceable filter cartridge would be removable from the air cleaner housing, and would comprise a media pack surrounding the open filter interior. A typical media pack would comprise pleated media positioned in extension between first and second, opposite, end caps.

The housing includes an outer sidewall which surrounds a central longitudinal axis of the air cleaner housing. In use, the air cleaner housing is typically oriented with the central axis extending generally horizontally.

Typically, the housing has an outer sidewall which extends around the central longitudinal axis, and is tubular in configuration. The outer sidewall in a typical application will have a generally circular cross-section.

The housing includes a dust ejection port arrangement therein. The dust ejection port arrangement includes a dust egress aperture arrangement in, i.e. through, the outer sidewall. The dust egress aperture arrangement can comprise a single aperture or plurality of apertures. Typically, the dust egress aperture arrangement is oriented spaced, radially, upwardly from a lowermost portion of the housing sidewall, in use, by a radial arc of at least 30°. By this it is meant that the dust egress aperture arrangement has a lowermost portion thereof, when the central axis is oriented substantially horizontally, positioned spaced radially around the central axis at least 30° from a lowermost portion of the housing. Typically the spacing is at least 45° from the lowermost portion of the housing, and usually it is at least 75°. Indeed, in typical applications it would be spaced at least 90° from a lowermost portion of the housing, leaving the dust egress aperture in the uppermost portion, i.e. the upper half, of the housing.

When the dust egress aperture arrangement comprises a plurality of apertures, herein when reference is made to the radial positioning, it is meant to refer to the radially lowermost portion of a lowermost extending aperture thereof.

The air cleaner assembly includes a dust receiver positioned exteriorly of the housing and oriented to receive dust from the dust egress aperture arrangement. The dust receiver typically includes an ejection port therein, for dust ejection from the dust receiver. The dust ejector port may be provided with a valve arrangement, to facilitate dust ejection therefrom. The dust ejector port may be provided attached to a dust scavenger arrangement, if desired.

In a typical assembly, the air flow inlet is provided as a tangential air flow inlet. By the term “tangential” in this context, it is meant that the air flow inlet is oriented so that air direction in to the interior of the housing is directed in a cyclonic pattern around an internally received cartridge, as opposed to being directed (initially) toward the central longitudinal axis in the housing. To facilitate this, the housing sidewall is typically provided in a tubular configuration, with a generally circular cross-section.

In the example assembly depicted, the air cleaner assembly includes an inlet valve/director arrangement comprising a valve member oriented to bias between a first open position and the second closed position. When in the first open position, the inlet valve/director arrangement allows inlet flow through the air flow inlet into the housing, and generally helps direct that flow into the cyclonic pattern. When in the second position, the inlet valve arrangement is positioned to inhibit a pulse flow out the air flow inlet, typically by being biased to close the air flow inlet.

In an example depicted, the inlet valve arrangement comprises a valve member mounted inside the housing and positioned for pivoting of the valve member between the first position and the second position. An example member is depicted, which has a side hingedly connected to an interior of the housing, to provide for this movement. The housing may include a support arrangement to help maintain the inlet valve arrangement in a desired orientation.

The dust receiver can be included with a dust ejector valve arrangement positioned over the dust exit aperture; the dust ejector valve arrangement having first and second orientations. The dust ejector valve arrangement, when in the first orientation, closes the dust exit aperture in the dust receiver; and, when in the second orientation opens the dust exit aperture to dust passage therethrough. The dust ejector valve arrangement can include a valve member hingedly mounted on the dust receiver housing.

In a typical assembly, a pulse jet arrangement is provided configured to direct a pulse of compressed gas into the open central interior of the filter cartridge, and through the cartridge in an in-to-out flow pattern. This pulse jet arrangement, then, provides for cleaning of the cartridge, at selected points of time.

In a typical assembly, the pulse jet arrangement includes an accumulator tank in the air cleaner housing. Alternatives are possible.

In an example assembly depicted, the egress aperture arrangement in the sidewall of the housing extends over a radial arc of at least 20°; typically at least 30°; usually at least 45°; and, often within the range of 45-90°, inclusive. When the egress aperture arrangement on the sidewall comprises multiple apertures, the reference to the radial arc extension is meant to refer, radially, to a radial arc between the lowermost edge of the aperture arrangement to the an edge radially remote from the lowermost edge of the aperture arrangement.

Typically, the egress aperture arrangement has a total open area of at least 4 sq. in, typically at least 6 sq. in. and often within the range of 6-14 sq. in., although alternatives are possible.

Typically, the exit port arrangement in the dust receiver has an overall open area of at least 3 sq. in. typically at least 4 sq. in. and often within the range of 4-8 sq. in., although alternatives are possible.

Also according to the present disclosure, a method of operating a pulse jet air cleaner assembly, including cleaning a filter cartridge positioned within a housing thereof is provided. In general terms, the method includes steps of:

(a) directing inlet flow of air to be filtered into a housing of the air cleaner assembly in a cyclonic pattern around a filter cartridge positioned therein;

(b) filtering the air by passage of the air through the cartridge in a direction from out-to-in and into an open filter interior;

(c) at a selected time (or condition) directing the pulse jet of air into the open filter interior and through the cartridge from in-to-out; and,

(d) directing dust in an interior of the housing through a dust egress arrangement positioned radially at least 30°, typically at least 45°, and often at least 90° above a lowermost portion of the housing.

Directing dust through the dust egress arrangement can be conducted, in part, while the initial entry of air to be filtered is directed into the housing. This is done by causing a portion of the dust to be directed cyclonically around the cartridge, and to be directed through the egress arrangement, for example by an outlet scoop or flange positioned adjacent the egress. This can help dust to pass through the egress arrangement and to settle into a dust receiver positioned exteriorly of the housing. Dust is also directed into the dust receiver, when the pulse jet operation occurs, which also serves to force dust received in the receiver outwardly through an exit port arrangement therein.

There is no requirement that an assembly or method include all of the features and techniques described herein, in order to obtain some benefit according to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air cleaner assembly comprising: (a) an air cleaner housing having an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet and an interior; (i) the housing including an outer sidewall;(b) a dust ejection port arrangement in the housing; (i) the dust ejection port arrangement including a dust egress aperture arrangement in the outer sidewall oriented spaced radially from a lowermost portion of the housing sidewall, in use, by a radial arc of at least 30°; and,(c) a dust receiver positioned exteriorly of the housing and oriented to receive dust from the dust egress aperture arrangement.

2. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the dust egress aperture arrangement is positioned oriented spaced radially, from a lowermost portion of the housing sidewall, by a radial arc of at least 45°.

3. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the dust egress aperture arrangement is positioned oriented spaced, radially, from a lowermost portion of the housing outer wall, by a radial arc of at least 75°.

4. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the dust egress aperture arrangement is positioned oriented spaced, radially, from a lowermost portion of the housing outer wall, by a radial arc of at least 90°.

5. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1-4 wherein: (a) the air flow inlet is a tangential air flow inlet arrangement.

6. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, including: (a) an inlet valve/director arrangement oriented to bias between a first open position and a second closed position; (i) when in the first open position, the inlet valve/director arrangement directing inlet flow from the air flow inlet into the housing; and,(ii) when in the second, closed, position, the inlet valve/director arrangement being positioned to inhibit a pulse flow out the air flow inlet.

7. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 6 wherein: (a) the inlet valve arrangement comprises a valve member mounted inside the housing in a position permitting pivoting of the valve member between: a second position biased over the air flow aperture arrangement; and, a first position biased away from the air flow aperture arrangement.

8. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1-7 wherein: (a) the dust receiver comprises a receiver housing having a dust exit aperture thereon; and,(b) the dust receiver includes a dust ejector valve arrangement positioned over the dust exit aperture; the dust ejector valve arrangement having first and second orientations; (i) the dust ejector valve arrangement, when in the first orientation, closing the dust exit aperture in the dust receiver; and,(ii) the ejection valve arrangement, when in the second orientation, opening the dust exit aperture to dust passage therethrough.

9. An air cleaner assembly according to any of claims 1-8 including: (a) a serviceable filter cartridge positioned within the housing interior; (i) the filter cartridge being removably from the air cleaner housing.

10. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1-9 wherein: (a) the serviceable filter cartridge comprises filter media surrounding an open central interior.

11. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 10 including: (a) a pulse jet arrangement configured to direct a pulse of compressed gas into the open central interior of the filter cartridge.

12. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 11 wherein: (a) the pulse jet arrangement includes an accumulator tank in the air cleaner housing.

13. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1-12 wherein: (a) the egress aperture arrangement extends over a radial arc of at least 30°.

14. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 13 wherein: (a) the egress aperture arrangement extends over a radial arc of at least 45°.

15. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 14 wherein: (a) the egress aperture arrangement extends over a radial arc within the range of 45°-90°, inclusive.

16. An air cleaner assembly according to any of claims 1-15 wherein: (a) the egress aperture arrangement has a total open area of at least 4 sq. in.

17. An air cleaner assembly according to any of claims 1-16 wherein: (a) the egress aperture arrangement has a total open area of at least 6 sq. in.

18. An air cleaner assembly according to any of claims 1-17 wherein: (a) the egress aperture arrangement has a total open area within the range of 6-14 sq. in., inclusive.

19. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1-18 wherein: (a) the dust receiver has an exit port arrangement with an over all open area of at least 3 sq. in.

20. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of claims 1-19 wherein: (a) the dust receiver has a bottom located lower than a lowermost portion of the dust egress arrangement.

21. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 20 wherein: (a) the dust receiver bottom is at least 0.5 inch lower than a lowermost portion of the dust egress arrangement.

22. A method of operating a pulse jet air cleaner assembly including cleaning a filter cartridge positioned within a housing thereof; the method including steps of: (a) directing inlet flow of air to be filtered into a hosing of the air cleaner assembly in a cyclonic pattern around a filter cartridge therein;(b) filtering the air by passage of the air through the cartridge in direction from out-to-in and into an open filter interior;(c) directing a pulse jet of air into the open filter interior of the filter cartridge and then through the filter cartridge from in-to-out; and,(d) directing dust in an interior of the housing through a dust egress arrangement positioned radially at least 30° above a lowermost portion of the housing.