Abstract:
An improved emission control device as disclosed which is modular in construction and which includes unique and improved mechanical joint connections which obviate the need for costly welding which has been needed in the past. The filter preferably is constructed as a mono-directional unit to avoid the possibility of the filter itself being turned around during supposed maintenance which would result in blowing ash back out into the environment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present application is directed to a new and improved diesel particular filter which is modular in construction and with unique and improved mechanical joint connections which obviate the need for costly welding which has been used in the past. Importantly, the filter preferably is constructed as a mono-directional unit so as to avoid maintenance of the filter by just turning the filter around and blowing the ash back out into the environment. The filter includes inlet and outlet modules which allow for additional mounting support if needed. Other unique features will become apparent through a consideration of the following description and drawings. 
         [0002]    It thus is a principal feature of the present invention to provide an improved modular canning emission control device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the present emission control device. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view thereof. 
           [0005]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate clamps for the inlet and out modules. 
           [0006]      FIGS. 5 through 8  illustrate further details of the mono-directional filtration unit and the unique flow sleeve encompassing an optional bayonet twist lock. 
           [0007]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show a mounting support and strap location arrangement. 
           [0008]      FIG. 11  illustrates further detail of the mounting tie bar. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  illustrate the use of a horizontal pin. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0010]    Turning now to the drawings, and first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a plan and a perspective view of the present emission control device and optional mounting system are shown. The filter  20  is shown in cut-away in these Figures, and end straps  16  and strap locators  18  are provided which ensure that installers always use the correct location so as not to jeopardize the mounting of the filter and thereby reducing the risk of the unit dismounting from the vehicle on which it is disposed. These Figures also illustrate clamp  12  design for mounting the inlet module  24  and outlet module  26 . 
         [0011]    These Figures illustrate an optional mounting system  28  comprising hanging brackets  30 , slip rings  32  adjacent the inlet module  24  and outlet module  26 . Tie bars  34  appropriately space the end units of the mounting system. 
         [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates the filter housing  20   a  and further details of the inlet module  24  and outlet module  26  which are conical in shape but could be a different shape. An exhaust feed pipe connector  38  is shown connected to the inlet module  24 . A diffuser  40  is disposed within the inlet module  24  to provide mixing and swirling of air. The clamp  12  at the inlet end is shown adjacent the inlet module  24  for securely connecting the inlet module  24  and the inlet of the filter module  20   a  and which will be described further in connection with  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Also shown is an anti-vibration strap  16 . 
         [0013]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , further details of the clamps  12  for securing the end modules  24 ,  26  to the filter module  20   a  are shown in further detail. This assembly can be referred to as a coupling assembly  40 . Preferably the clamp design includes a thread stripping nut  42  such that when the clamp is removed, the operator is prevented from reusing the clamp. Importantly, this assembly includes a color sleeve  14  which indicates whether it is the first fit or a subsequent one and what stage of cleaning/maintenance the assembly is in. This protects the manufacture/supplier from warranty issues and ensures that the units are maintained because if they are not, premature failure of the filter unit can occur and possibly may cause damage to the vehicle&#39;s engine to which the filter is fitted. 
         [0014]    The clamp  12  is widened for greater support and for securely holding end beads discussed below. The clamp includes an inner tongue  12   a  ( FIG. 4 ) designed to aid the fitting of the adjoining modules, and all corners are radiused to reduce the risk of individuals cutting themselves when fitting. Importantly, the inlet module  24  includes an end bead  24   a  within a outer bead  25  forming a first end bead or connection, and the inlet end of the filter housing  20   b  includes a similar bead  20   b  within an encompassing bead  27 . These beads encompass a flow sleeve  46  providing a single or mono directional exhaust flowing device whereby the inlet module  24  can only be connected to the filter housing  20   a  in one direction. The inlet clamp  12  discussed above securely holds these beads together. Additionally, a gasket  12   b  can be provided to ensure a tighter and leak proof joint. 
         [0015]    The flow sleeve  46  is provided within the mechanical joint and connection as seen in  FIGS. 4-8  and which is keyed by a pin  48  for a bayonet connection. The pin  48  ensures proper placement and securing of the inlet module. The flow sleeve  46  minimizes the risk of any leak and provides the ability of making the filter a mono-directional unit thus ensuring that operators cannot avoid maintenance by just turning the filter  20  around and blowing the ash back out into the environment. The other end of the filter housing  20   a  and the outlet module  26  have like beads to similarly provide a tight or leakproof joint, although a flow sleeve is not used in that end. 
         [0016]    Alternative to the use of the flow sleeve  46 , a horizontal longitudinal pin  47  as seen in  FIGS. 12   a - 12   b  can be disposed between the inlet module  24  and the inlet of the filter module  20   a  to likewise prevent the filter from being installed backward. 
         [0017]    Further details of the end bead joints are illustrated in  FIGS. 6 through 8 . An L-seal  50 —at the face of the filter  20  can be an additional axial support and reduces the risk of degradation of the mating. 
         [0018]      FIGS. 4-8  illustrate more details of the clamp  12  showing mechanical end connections  60  and  61 , the locking and locating pin  48  which locks the flow sleeve  46  in place. A sealing gasket  64  may be provided, and a further gasket (not shown) can be disposed around the end connections  60 - 61 . 
         [0019]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate further details of the locators  18  and straps  16  around the filter body. The locators  18  can double as a wiring harness, support or heat shield mount if desired. They ensure correct fixture location for reducing vibration, wear and misalignment of the modules. 
         [0020]      FIG. 11  shows further details of the tie bar  28  and slip ring  32  components of an optional mounting system. 
         [0021]    While an embodiment of the present invention as been shown and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and equivalents are intended to be covered.