MXPA97005425A - Cleaner or purifier of a - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for housing a filter element, comprising: (a) a generally cylindrical housing including a first housing member and a second housing member, which removably attaches to the first housing member; b) an inlet, (c) an outlet, (d) a mounting bracket, characterized in that the mounting bracket comprises a part band and an intergral mounting portion adjustably attached around the periphery of the housing and including an array of index fixation to indexally fix the mounting bracket against the housing and increase the orientation of the housing

Description

CLEANER OR AIR PURIFIER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an air cleaner or purifier and in particular to an air cleaner having a housing that can be aligned in many configurations and a mounting bracket that can be rotated relative to the housing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Cleaners or air purifiers are used for a wide variety of applications. Air cleaners typically use a filter element within a housing having an inlet and outlet such that the air passes through the outside of a cylindrical filter element and exits through the interior after passing to through the filter material, thus trapping the particulate material. In addition, air cleaners that use cyclonic air flow to improve filtration have also been developed. An example of such air cleaner with a tube of REF: 25245 deflection admission is shown in U.S. Patent 4,491,460 issued to Donaldson Company, the assignee of the present invention. The cleaner or air purifier produces a helical air flow that results in a centrifugal separation of the heavier particulate matter. The air cleaner also includes a removal outlet that receives the heavier particulate matter that falls under the action of gravity to reach the outlet. This provides an improved separation in the filtration and extends the life of the filter. The mounting bands for mounting the air cleaner housing are known. A prior art mounting strip is shown in U.S. Patent 5,013,182 assigned to Donaldson Company. The mounting band fits around the housing and includes a spring to seal the clamping action around the housing. Although this may retain the air cleaner in an appropriate position under most conditions, it can not prevent or prevent slippage of the housing under other conditions. In addition, the band can be placed under tension around the housing under certain operating conditions. Other common bands used are bands of the metallic clam shell type having two pieces hinged together at one end and screwed at a second end. This type of bands can also be placed under undue stress in the air cleaner and can corrode and oxidize giving rise to failures. It can be seen that in order for an air cleaner to have a helical air flow and an eliminator to operate efficiently, the eliminator could be placed in a lower portion of the air cleaner housing. This provides a help by severity in the separation. To solve this problem, the mounting brackets need to be adjustable to provide orientation of the eliminator in a downward direction. However, because the exits and entrances need to be rearranged for different uses of the air cleaner, this is not always possible with prior art devices. The German patent DE-A-4241586 shows an air cleaner and cleaner and housing having an inlet and an outlet and the mounting bracket that can be locked or immobilized. The housing elements may be rotationally aligned and the air flow helically from the inlet to the outlet. The mounting bracket includes a number of elements 33, 36 and 37 for mounting the housing to a mounting surface. It can be seen then, that an improved air cleaner or purifier is needed that provides a two-part sealed housing to orient the outlet of the eliminator in the lowermost portion of the housing. In addition, such an air cleaner should be able to provide positioning or placement of the inlet and outlet in numerous orientations while keeping the eliminator in a lower portion that extends downward. further, a mounting bracket is needed that does not allow sliding or rotation of the housing and that is mounted to several surfaces while maintaining proper orientation of the inlet, outlet and outlet of the eliminator. The mounting bracket should be easy to install and remove, preferably without requiring tools. The present invention addresses these as well as other problems associated with helical flow cleaners or air purifiers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an air cleaner or purifier and in particular to an air cleaner having a two-part housing with the two housing sections that are adjustable to each other. The present invention also includes a mounting bracket for the housing, which is rotatably adjustable relative to the housing for mounting the air cleaner in various configurations. This air cleaner housing is generally cylindrical and includes two sections. The first section includes the inlet that extends tangentially to the cylindrical portion and an extreme outlet. The helical flow is imparted by a ramp that absorbs the air that is received through the inlet tube. A filter element extends along the central axis of the housing and has air flow from an exterior to an interior of the filter and exits through the outlet tube. The air cleaner includes a scavenger that receives the heavier particulate material before the air flows through the filter element. The scavenger includes a threaded coupler or sleeve portion that can be periodically opened to allow the particulate material to empty from the air cleaner. To work optimally, the eliminator must be placed in the lower portion of the housing to use gravity as a separation aid. The bracket or mounting bracket for the housing has a somewhat flexible member having a band that extends around the circumference of the housing. Concentric bands align the bracket with the housing. A bolt or plug portion having recesses formed therein is placed on the outer surface of the housing between the concentric bands. The mounting bracket includes portions of raised blocks that extend radially inward, which align with the recesses of the plug when they are joined. The band flexes outwards to uncouple and relocate the mounting bracket in relation to the housing. In addition to having the mounting bracket adjustable in relation to the housing, the two housing sections are also rotationally adjustable in relation to each other. According to a preferred embodiment, the first housing section includes an end portion having a grooved or serrated type ring, having a plurality of teeth extending axially outwardly. The second section includes at least two teeth that are placed so that they align and engage with the teeth of the first section. The clamp-type buckle engages a closely knurled surface with the serrated or grooved portion of the first section to provide a cam-shifting action to close the two sections together and provide a sealed connection. It can be appreciated that with the present invention, multiple mounting configurations are provided. In addition, with each of the configurations, the eliminator can be aligned so that it is directed in a downward manner, thus maintaining optimum performance. These and many other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims to the same and forming part thereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained through its use, reference should be made to the drawings forming an additional part thereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter in which it is illustrated and illustrated. describes a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, where as letters and reference numbers the corresponding elements are designated through several views: Figure 1 shows a side elevational view of a cleaner or air purifier according to the principles of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a left end view of the air cleaner shown in Figure 1 in a mounted position; Figure 3 shows a partially exploded view of the upper part of the air cleaner shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the air cleaner shown in Figure 1; and Figure 5 shows a view of the left end of the air cleaner shown in Figure 1 in an unmounted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring now to the drawings, wherein as reference numerals the corresponding structures are designated through the views, and with particular reference to FIG. 1, an air cleaner, generally designated as 10, is shown. air 10 includes a housing and a housing filter element 100, shown more clearly in Figure 2. The housing 12 includes a first section 14 and a second section 16 and is preferably constructed of a durable plastic or other non-corrosive material. The first housing section 14 includes a main cylindrical portion having an intake pipe 20 formed therein as well as an outlet pipe 26, shown in Figure 2, and an inner cylindrical section (not shown) locating and holding the filter element. 100. A portion 24 in the form of an angled ramp directs the air in a helical shape to impart helical flow. As shown in Figure 3, at an open end of the section 14 of the first housing, a number of concentric outer strips 28 around the periphery of the section 14. A lock portion 30 having recesses formed therein is form between two or more of the bands 28. The first housing section 14 may also include a pressure detector connection 32 for receiving an air pressure detector. At the open end of the first housing section 14 a serrated or grooved ring 40 is formed, as shown in Fig. 3. A groove or grooved surface 44 extends around the periphery of the toothed ring 40 to be sealed against the second housing 16. In addition, the spline 44 provides a closure surface for engaging with the retaining buckles, as explained below. Toothed ring 40 includes a plurality of teeth 42 that extend around it in an annular shape. The teeth 42 are separated around the ring 40 and have peaks and valleys for receiving complementary teeth formed in the second housing section 16, as will be explained later. The second housing section 16 includes a cylindrical portion 50 extending to a closed end section 52. As shown in Figure 4, an inner cylinder 54 extends outwardly from the end portion 52 to adjust and align with the filter element 100. At the edge of the open end of the cylindrical portion 50, a pair of clamp-type buckles 56 are mounted in the center. The buckles 56 have a cam-like locking arrangement that engages with the spline 44 in the first section. The buckles 56 are closely spaced, axially to the extending teeth 60, formed just inside the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 50. The teeth 60 engage the teeth 42 of the first section 14, as will be explained later. An alignment ring 62 is spaced just inside the teeth 60 to form a seal with the ring 40 when the buckles 56 engage. As shown more clearly in Figures 1 and 2, at the lower end of the second section 16 of the housing is a scavenger 70 that collects and empties the dust and other heavier particles from the air cleaner 10. The eliminator 70 includes a coupler 74 that has two flexible halves that form an opening 72. When the ends of the flat portion of the coupler 74 are pushed together, the opening becomes wider and the eliminator opens, thereby allowing the collected material is emptied.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the filter element 100 includes an open end 102 and a closed end 104. The filter material 106 is generally folded material which can take various configurations depending on the use. A mesh portion 108 of steel or other suitable material can be spread around the outside of the filtration material 106. It can be appreciated that other types of filter and other configurations can also be used with the present invention., without affecting the utility of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, a mounting bracket 80 supports and joins the housing 12 of the air cleaner. The bracket 80 includes a flexible band portion 82 configured to extend substantially around the cylindrical housing 12. The bracket or clamp 80 is a single piece that is preferably constructed of a molded plastic material that does not corrode or corrode and that provides durability, while also allowing sufficient flexure of the band portion 82 to mount or remove the clamp. Clamp 80 also includes surface mounting portions 84 having holes 86 mounted therein. The mounting portions 84 provide support for attaching screwdrivers, bolts or other mounting tool to attach the bracket 80 to a suitable mounting surface as shown mounted in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the mounting portions 84 they include central members that couple the mounting surface while the outer edges of the mounting portions 84 are normally spaced away from the mounting surface so that a slight gap is formed. However, when mounting the bracket or bracket 80, the mounting portions 84 are sealed against the mounting surface, pulling the outer edges of the mounting portions 84 against the mounting surface, pulling the outer edges of the mounting portions 84. against the mounting surface, thereby eliminating the gap, as shown in Figure 2. This also seals the band portion 82 against the housing 12 to prevent slipping. Within the interior of the band portion 82, a plurality of raised block portions 88 radially extend inwardly. The raised block portions 88 are spaced around the interior of the band portion 82 in an equally spaced configuration to align with the recesses of the sealing or closing portion 30. It can be appreciated that the mounting bracket 80 can be placed in the housing 12 and properly positioned without the need for any tool. In operation, air enters the intake tube 20 and is directed along the interior of the housing 12 until it projects or strikes against the angled ramp portion 24. This imparts a helical cyclonic airflow around the exterior of the filter element 100. The air is forced to flow through the filter material 106 into the interior of the filter 100. The filtered air then passes out of the open end 102 of the filter element 100 and through the outlet 26. The heavier particulate material falls with the gravity help towards the bottom of the housing 12 and is collected in the eliminator 70 where it is automatically evacuated through the coupler 74 and the opening 72. It can be seen that the eliminator 70 must be in the lowermost portion of the housing 12 for that gravity helps in the separation of the heavier particulate material from the main air flow. In order to facilitate this arrangement, it can be appreciated that the use of a simple air cleaner in different applications may require configurations. different for the intake tube 20 and the outlet tube 26. In addition, the air cleaner 10 may require to be mounted on either one side, the bottom or on the top surface. This may require a number of different configurations to facilitate proper operation of the filter 100 and the eliminator 70. In addition, the housing 12 may be mounted so that the cylindrical portion extends vertically. To accommodate different mounting configurations, the mounting bracket or bracket 80 can be adjustably attached to the housing 12. To attach the mounting bracket 80 to the housing 12, the first and second sections 14 and 16 are separated. The clamp band portion 82 flexes outwards, as it is shown in dashed lines in Figure 4 so that it slides on the raised concentric rings 28. When the mounting brackets are aligned so that the raised block portions 88 are between the bands 28 having the lock 30. The band 82 can then be released to a non-flexed position to place the bracket 80 relative to the housing 12. raised portions 88 will be aligned with the recesses of the lock or lock 30 to place the bracket 80 relative to the housing 12. If rotational adjustment is required, the band 82 flexes so that the housing 12 can be rotated in relation to the bracket 80 to incrementally vary the orientation of the housing 12. When the desired position has been reached, a bracket 80 can be mounted to a suitable surface. When the clamp 80 is not bent and mounted, it self-adjusts as the mounting portions 84 are held in place so that the band portion 82 can not flex outwardly and the housing 12 is retained in the proper position.

When the first housing section 14 is correctly aligned, the second section 16 must be connected to the first section 14 and suitably aligned so that the eliminator 70 is directed downwards. The second section 16 is positioned adjacent the first section 14 so that the teeth 60 of the second section 16 align and engage with the teeth 42 of the first section. When adequate alignment has been achieved, it can be seen that the alignment ring 60 and the serrated or grooved ring 40 as well as the spline 44 and the cylindrical portion 50 form a sealed surface between the two sections 14 and 16. The clamps 56 on the center are positioned there so that the hook portions engage the spline 44. The actuation portions of the clamps 56 are then bent against the second section 16 and the cam-like action closes the two sections 14 and 16 together. It can be appreciated that for the alignment to change, the sections 14 and 16 are rotated or rotated relative to each other so that the teeth 60 move relative to the teeth 42. The separation of the sections 14 and 16 is completed easily lifting the drive portions of the clamps 56 and allowing the hook portions to disengage from the spline. The buckle-type clamps 56 can be aligned with any portion of the spline 44 so that the second section 16 can be rotated relative to the first section 14 for different alignments having the eliminator 70 directed downwards regardless of the tube position 20 of entrance or mounting bracket 80. The present invention provides an air cleaner 10 having a number of configurations to suit different conditions of use and assembly. It will be understood, however, that although numerous features and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of the invention, the description is illustrative only, and changes can be made in details, especially in relation to the shape, size and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which refers to the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (8)

1. A filter housing apparatus, comprising: a generally cylindrical housing, including a first housing member or member, and a second housing member or member removably attached to the first housing member or member; an entry; an exit; a mounting bracket or bracket: characterized in that the bracket or mounting bracket comprises a piece band and an integral mounting portion attached or adjustably fixed around a periphery of the housing that includes means for indexed immobilization of the mounting bracket against the bracket. accommodation.

2. A filter housing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising alignment means for aligning the first housing member or member relative to the second housing member including a plurality of inventions mounted on one of the housing elements and a complementary tooth mounted on the other of the elements or housing members that mesh with the indentations.

3. A filter housing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting bracket or clamp comprises a band including a plurality of extension blocks extending radially inwardly, and wherein the housing comprises a holding portion or Rotational interlock having notches formed therein for engaging the blocks of the mounting bracket.

4. A filter housing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the mounting bracket or bracket comprises a flexible band that flexes from a fixed or locked non-flexed position to a flexed or bent position where the uncoupled and uncoupled portions of relief the housing rotates freely in relation to the mounting bracket.

5. A filter housing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the second housing member includes a scavenger.

6. A filter housing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the other of the elements or housing members comprises an internal annular ridge defining a channel against its interior, and wherein the complementary tooth is located in the channel , and where the indentation extends to the channel and engages or engages the complementary tooth when assembled or assembled.

7. A filter housing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing bracket comprises a pair of mounting portions, each mounting portion includes a center member or member and an edge member or member, wherein, when the center element engages or engages a mounting surface, in a non-mounted position, at least one of the edge elements is retracted or removed from the mounting surface.

8. A filter housing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the second element or housing member includes a eliminator. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An air cleaner or purifier (10) includes a housing (12) having a first section (14) and a second section (16). The first and second sections (14) and (16) are rotationally adjusted to each other. The alignment teeth (42) and (60) are coupled together to place the two sections (14) and (16) in relation to each other. Buckle type clamps (60) are attached to a groove (44) to join in a cam shape to sections (14) and (16) and secure them in a sealed coupling. A bracket or mounting bracket (80) includes a somewhat flexible band (82) that extends around the housing (12). The band (82) includes raised block portions (88) that extend radially inwardly and are spaced around the inner surface of the band (82). The housing includes a lock portion (30) having recesses formed therein that are spaced apart and aligned to receive the raised block portions (88) of the mounting band (82). When the clamp (80) is placed around the housing (12), the raised block portions (88) engage the recesses of the lock portion (30) and the bracket (80) is held in place. If rotational adjustments are needed between the clamp (80) and the housing (12), the band portion (82) flexes outwards so that the raised block portions can be decoupled. The band (82) then flexes to retain the clamp (80) in its new position.