Vertical air intake system; air cleaner; and filter element

An air filter element includes a filter arrangement, an elbow, and a filter element seal member. The filter arrangement includes a filter media pack having a dirty air inlet and a clean air outlet, wherein air flowing through the clean air outlet flows in a first axial direction and the clean air outlet defines a filter arrangement cross sectional area. The elbow has a first end constructed to extend from the filter arrangement clean air outlet, a second end wherein air flowing through the second end flows in a second axial direction, and an air flow enclosure extending from the elbow first end to the elbow second end. The air flow enclosure includes an air deflector constructed to direct air from the first axial direction to the second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is different from the first axial direction, and an interior volume between the elbow first end and the elbow second end. The filter element seal member is located on the elbow second end, wherein the filter element seal member is constructed to seal to a clean air intake, the filter element seal member located on the elbow second end defining a seal member cross sectional area. The filter element can be characterized as having a ratio of the seal member cross sectional area to the filter arrangement cross sectional area of at least 0.5. The filter element can have a z-filter media pack for a pleated media pack. The air filter element can be arranged in an air cleaner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air cleaner for use with a vertical air intake system, removal and replaceable, i.e., serviceable, filter elements or cartridge components, and an air intake system for a motor vehicle. Although other applications are possible, the invention described is particularly useful in air cleaners for use in filtering air intake for engines (used for example in vehicles, construction, agriculture, mining, and generator systems). The invention also concerns methods of assembly and use.

BACKGROUND

Air streams carry contaminant material therein. In many instances, it is desired to filter some or all of the contaminant material from the air stream. For example, air flow streams to engines for motorized vehicles or for power generation equipment, construction equipment or other equipment, gas streams to gas turbine systems and air streams to various combustion furnaces, carry particulate contaminant therein. It is preferred for such system that the contaminant material be removed from (or have its level reduced in) the air or gas. A variety of air filter arrangements have been developed for contaminant reduction. In general, however, continued improvements are sought.

In certain type of systems, the air intake is arranged generally vertically and requires cleaning prior to using the air. When servicing an air cleaner provided in a vertically arranged air intake system, there is a potential that debris or particulates may fall therein. For example, there is potential that debris or particulates may fall from a primary filter element when replacing the primary filter element, and there is potential that debris or particulates may fall into the vertically arranged air intake system from another source. Accordingly, there is a desire to provide a vertically arranged air intake system that reduces the risk that debris or particulates will damage downstream equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Vertical Air Intake System

InFIGS. 1 and 2, a vertical air intake system is shown at reference number10attached to a motor vehicle12. The motor vehicle12is depicted as a part of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can be any type of a motor vehicle constructed to utilize the vehicle air intake system10. Exemplary vehicles include tractors and trucks. The trucks can be off road trucks and over the highway trucks. The vertical air intake system10is designed for use on a motor vehicle where the air cleaner for the combustion engine is located near or outside of the engine compartment. That is, the air cleaner is not under the hood of the motor vehicle. In such motor vehicles, it is often desirable for the air intake to be located above the cab of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, at least part of the air cleaner can be located inside the engine compartment. The air intake system10can be referred to as a vertical air intake system (VAIS) because it draws air in from a location typically near or above the cab and in a vertically downward direction toward an air cleaner. In the disclosed vertical air intake system10, the intake air is drawn downwardly and then turns about 90 degrees in order to enter the air intake for the motor vehicle.

The vertical air intake system10includes a snorkel14having an air inlet16, and a primary filtration and air diverter region18having an air outlet20. In general, air entering the air inlet16is dirty air in need of filtration, and air exiting the outlet20is filtered air. The air outlet20can extend to a duct21that enters the vehicle engine compartment wherein the engine is enclosed by a hood or bonnet. The primary filtration and air diverter region18can be referred to as the primary filtration and air diverter or more simply as the air cleaner. The air exiting the outlet20can be used as intake air for a motor vehicle combustion system. The vertical air intake system10can additionally include a precleaner region22and a secondary filtration region24. In general, the precleaner region22can be provided within the snorkel14or the primary filtration and air diverter region18. In general, the precleaner region22should be located upstream of the primary filter provided within the primary filtration and air diverter region18. The precleaner region22can include a precleaner although it should be understood that the presence of a precleaner is optional. The secondary filtration region24can be provided in the primary filtration and air diverter region18or in the air outlet20. Preferably, the secondary filtration region is provided downstream of the primary filter provided within the primary filtration and air diverter region18. The secondary filtration region24can include a safety filter element but it should be understood that the presence of a safety filter element is optional.

FIGS. 3aand 3billustrate a primary filtration and air diverter region30combined with a precleaner32and32′, respectively, that can be used in the VAIS10. The precleaner32or32′ includes one or more inertial separator. In general, an inertial separator uses inertial forces to separate liquid (if present) and particulates from the environmental air. Suitable inertial separators are available from Donaldson Company, Inc. under the name Strata™ Tube. Exemplary inertial separators that can be used include those described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,177,872, 4,242,115, 4,746,340, and 7,008,467, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is pointed out that the inertial separators depicted at reference number32are shown as Strata™ Tube inertial separators. The precleaner32′ is depicted as an alternative inertial separator and can be referred to as a vane precleaner. Referring toFIG. 3c, an exemplary precleaner arrangement33representative of an exemplary precleaner32is shown having different size or diameter inertial separators33′ and33″. As shown, there are multiple inertial separators33′ and33″ having different diameters. Providing different diameter inertial separators in a single precleaner can help manage space available for precleaning and flow therethrough.

The vertical air intake system10is constructed so that the air intake for a motor vehicle is not directly below the precleaner or the primary filter element. There is a tendency, when servicing a vehicle, for dust from a precleaner or a primary filter element to fall downwardly. The primary filtration and air diverter region18provides that the air intake for a combustion engine is less vulnerable for dust or debris falling therein when servicing the motor vehicle. For the VAIS10, the flow of air is in a downwardly direction and then, after it has been filtered with a primary filter element, it is turned about 90 degrees so that the air is then available to be received in an air intake (duct21) for a combustion engine. The VAIS10, and the primary filtration and air diverter region18, can be located outside the engine compartment which means that it is exterior to the hood enclosing the engine compartment. It is the clean air that passes into the engine compartment via the duct21shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, and the parts of the air clean that provide cleaning are not located directly above the air intake for the combustion engine. AlthoughFIGS. 1 and 2show the primary filtration and air diverter region18located outside of the engine compartment, it should be understood that the primary filtration and air diverted18can be provided at least partly within the engine compartment. Furthermore, even when at least part of the primary filtration and air diverter region is located within the engine compartment, the primary filter element can still be located outside of the engine compartment, if desired.

In bothFIGS. 3aand 3b, the primary filtration and air diverter region30includes an air cleaner housing34having an access opening36, an access cover38for attaching to the access opening36, a safety element40, and a primary filter element42. The primary filter element42includes a media pack construction (or media pack)44and an elbow46. The media pack44shown is depicted as a coiled z-media filter media pack having an inlet end48and an outlet end49.

The elbow46has a first end52, a second end54, and an air diverter region56. The first end52of the elbow46is constructed to attach to the second end49of the media pack44. In the embodiment shown, the first end52of the elbow46is adhesively attached to the second end49of the media pack44. As discussed in more detail below, a releasable seal member can be provided for attaching the second end49of the media pack44to the first end52of the elbow46. The second end54of the elbow46is constructed to seal to the air cleaner housing34. In the embodiment shown, the second end54of the elbow46includes a seal member60that is provided as a radial seal. A radial seal is a seal that is subject to primarily forces in a radial direction to create a seal. The flow of air at the particular location is generally consistent with the axial direction at that location. The radial direction is generally 90 degrees relative to the axial direction. Another way of characterizing a radial seal is that the compressive forces in the seal member are generally in a radial direction (perpendicular) relative to a central axis about which the seal member is provided. In contrast, an axial seal results when the compressive forces within the seal member are generally aligned with the central axis about which the seal member is provided. Another difference between a radial seal and an axial seal is that a radial seal has a tendency to remain in place once the seal is created thereby maintaining the seal unless moved and without a need to apply a continuous compressive force against the seal member in an axial direction. Often a structure is provided that keeps a filter element subject to a radially directed seal member from backing out of engagement with a radial seal surface on a housing. Such a structure that merely keeps the filter element from backing out is not considered a continuous compressive force in an axial direction. In contrast, an axial seal generally requires a continuous compressive force in an axial direction to pinch the axial seal and to maintain the seal. In the case of an axial seal, once the compressive forces are removed, there is no longer a seal and fluid is typically able to bypass the seal member.

The air diverter region56is constructed to divert the air from flowing in a first axial direction to flow in a second axial direction. The air diverter region56includes a first wall53and a second wall55. The first wall53extends from the first end52, and the second wall55extends from the second end54. The air diverter region56includes an air deflector or scoop57that deflects the air and causes it to change directions. The air deflector57extends from the first wall53to the second wall55. The air deflector57extends from an air deflector first end57ato an air deflector second end57b. The air deflector first end57ajoins the first wall at a discontinuity, and the air deflector second end57bjoins the second wall55at a discontinuity. In general, the “discontinuity” refers to a change in angle. Furthermore, the discontinuity need not be at a precise location, but can be gradual. The air deflector or scoop57can be provided as a ramp59. Air flowing through the media pack44can be considered as air flowing in a first axial direction because the air flows generally from the first end48to the second end49. The air diverter region56causes the air to divert from the first axial direction to a second axial direction different from the first axial direction. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3aand 3b, the mass air flow is directed to turn about 90 degrees. It should be appreciated that the turn can be, for example, about 30 degrees to about 160 degrees. Other exemplary ranges for turning the air include, for example, about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 70 degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 115 degrees, and 80 degrees to about 100 degrees. The direction in which the air flows after being turned by the air deflector or scoop57can be referred to as the second axial direction.

The safety element40is depicted as a pleated filter element having a frame61and radial seal62on the frame61for engaging the housing34. Another way of considering the change in air flow direction is considering the relative directions of the first end52of the elbow46and the second end54of the elbow46. In general, the first end52can be provided in a first plane and the second end54can be provided in a second plane. The first plane can be considered the plane where the first end52engages the outlet end49of the media pack44, and the second plane is where the second end54engages the housing34. The angle of the first plane relative to the second plane can be about 30 degrees to about 160 degrees. In addition, the angle can be about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees. Other exemplary ranges for the angle between the first plane and the second plane include, for example, about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 70 degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 115 degrees, and 80 degrees to about 100 degrees.

The elbow46can also be referred to as a shell having a first end52that includes a lip63extending along at least a portion of the outside of the media pack44at the second end or outlet end49. The first end52is shown engaging an outside of the media pack44and extending along the outside of the media pack at least a part of the distance between the outlet end49and the inlet end48. The elbow or shell46additionally includes an outlet end or second end54. The elbow or shell46additionally includes the open area50therein through which the filtered air flows.

The media pack44is exemplified as a coiled z-media filter pack. In general, a z-filter media pack can also be referred as a z-filter construction. As used herein, the terms z-media filter pack or z-media filter construction are meant to refer to a type of filter construction in which individual ones of corrugated, folded or otherwise formed filter flutes are used to define sets of longitudinal, typically parallel, inlet and outlet filter flutes for fluid flow through the media; the fluid flowing along the length of the flutes between opposite inlet and outlet flow ends (or flow faces) of the media. Some examples of z-filter media are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,820,646; 5,772,883; 5,902,364; 5,792,247; 5,895,574; 6,210,469; 6,190,432; 6,350,296; 6,179,890; 6,235,195; Des. 399,944; Des. 428,128; Des. 396,098; Des. 398,046; and Des. 437,401; each of these references being incorporated herein by reference. Greater detail regarding the z-media filter pack is provided below.

Now referring toFIGS. 4a-4f, the servicing of an air cleaner70, generally consistent with the air cleaner shown inFIG. 3b, is shown. A precleaner72is depicted. Typically, dirty air enters the snorkel of the VAIS and then flows through the precleaner72where large particulates and water, if present, are removed. There is typically a scavenge outlet for removal of the large particulates and water from the precleaner72. The exploded view ofFIG. 4ashows an air cleaner housing74, a safety element76, a filter element78, and an access cover80. As shown inFIGS. 4band 4c, the safety filter element includes a pleated media pack82, a frame84surrounding the pleated media pack82, and a radially directed seal86provided on the frame84. The radially directed seal86can be molded in place or adhered as a gasket to the frame84. Additionally shown on the safety element76is an optional handle88extending from the frame84. The safety element can be rotated into position so that the radially directed seal86engages the safety sealing surface90on the housing74. Once the safety element76is in place, the filter element78can be installed as shown inFIGS. 4dand 4e. As depicted, the radially directed seal92on the filter element78engages the primary seal surface94on the housing74. The filter element78includes an elbow77to assist in redirecting the air from a first axial direction to a second axial direction. The elbow77can include an air deflector or scoop81to cause the air to change direction, and the air deflector or scoop81can be provided as a ramp83. Once the filter element78is in place in the housing74, the access cover80can be applied over the access opening79as shown inFIG. 4e. The access cover80can include a primary filter element support surface96that engages a filter element support surface98on the filter element78in order to help hold the filter element78in place. The access cover80or the access opening79can include a gasket to help prevent moisture from entering into the interior75of the housing.

Now referring toFIGS. 5aand 5b, a more detailed showing of the engagement between the air cleaner housing74, the safety element76, the primary element78, and the access cover80is provided. The safety element76includes a radially directed seal86that engages the safety element sealing surface90on the housing74. The primary filter element78includes a radially directed seal92that engages the primary filter element sealing surface94on the housing74. It is additionally pointed out that the radially directed seal92is supported by a seal support93that is part of the elbow95of the primary filter element78. In general, the elbow77can be considered as a structure that extends from the media pack to the radial seal92and diverts the flow of air therethrough. The elbow77includes an air deflector or scoop97that can be provided as a ramp99to help divert the air flow. The access cover80is shown in place wherein the surface96supports the filter element support surface98and prevents the radially directed seal92from backing out of engagement with the primary filter element sealing surface94when the access cover80is installed. The elbow77can be provided from a plastic material. The primary filter element78can help prevent the safety76from backing out of engagement between the radially directed seal86and the safety element sealing surface90on the housing74.

Now referring toFIG. 5a, the air deflector97is described in more detail. This characterization of the air deflector97should be considered as being applicable to the air deflectors identified in other embodiments of the primary filter element. In general, the air deflector97extends from a first end97ato a second end97b. The first end97ajoins the first wall95aof the elbow95, and the second end97bjoins the second wall95bof the elbow95. The location at which the first end97ajoins the first wall95acan be observed as an area of discontinuity where there is a change in angle. Similarly, the location where the second end97bjoins the second wall95bcan be seen as a discontinuity where there is a change in angle. In general, the deflector97can be considered as extending from the first end97ato the second end97b, at an angle, relative to the first axial direction indicated by arrow A that is at least 10 degrees relative to the first axial direction indicated by arrow A and is preferable at least 15 degrees relative to the first axial direction indicated by arrow A. The angle is shown using the symbol α (alpha). Furthermore, the air deflector97can be considered as extending from the first end97ato the second end97bat an angle greater than 10 degrees relative to the second axial direction indicated by arrow B, and preferably at least 15 degrees relative to the second axial direction indicated by arrow B. The angle is shown using a symbol β (beta). It is this angular extension of the air deflector97that helps provide for a gradual (and non-abrupt) deflection of arrow flow that helps with air flow properties to the engine. The length of the air deflector97is shown as the distance DL from the first end97ato the second end97b. In addition, the largest distance from the first wall95ato the seal member92(the location where the seal member92forms a seal with the housing) is indicated by the distance W1. The air deflector97can be considered as having a length DL that is greater than ⅓ of the length W1. It should be understood that for purposes of this measurement, the deflector DL is measured of the distance between the first end97aand the second end97b. The deflector97can be configured so that parts of it are recessed into the interior volume91of the elbow77. As shown in additional embodiments, the deflector includes a hollow and even in such cases, the deflector length is the straight line distance between the first end97aand the second end97b.

Now referring toFIG. 6, a filter element100is shown in an exploded view, and includes a filter media pack102, a frame or anti-telescoping arrangement104, an elbow106, and a seal member108. The media pack depicted is a z-filter media pack. The frame or anti-telescoping arrangement104is provided below the media pack102and extends across the outlet end103of the media pack102, and opposite the inlet end101of the media pack102. The frame104can also be referred to as a cross-brace arrangement. The frame or anti-telescoping arrangement104helps prevent the media pack102from telescoping. The media pack102can adhere to the lip109at the elbow first end110. The elbow second end112includes a seal support114that supports the seal member108. Preferably, the seal member108is molded to the seal support114. InFIG. 6, the seal member108is shown separate from the seal support114for illustration. When molded onto the seal support114, the seal member108is located on and adhered to the seal support114. It should also be appreciated that the seal member108can be made separate from the seal support114and adhered to or placed on the seal support114. In such a case, the seal member108can be provided as a seal ring or gasket. The elbow second end112includes a support structure113for supporting the seal support114. The support structure113is exemplified as bracing115extending from one side to another side. The elbow106can be provided having an air deflector or scoop107(for example a ramp109) to help divert the air flow.

Now referring toFIG. 7, an air cleaner is shown at reference number120in an exploded view. The air cleaner120includes a housing122, a safety element124, a primary filter element126, and an access cover128. Additionally shown is a pre-cleaner region130. Also shown on the access cover128are fasteners132for holding the access cover128to the housing122. The fasteners132depicted can be referred to over center latches. In addition, the seal member134provided on the primary filter element126and the seal member125provided on the safety element124can be considered radial seal members. The primary filter element126includes an elbow127having an air deflector or scoop129, and the deflector or scoop129can be provided as a ramp131.

Now referring toFIGS. 8a-e, servicing of the air cleaner120is shown. The housing122includes a projection140. The projection140includes a safety seal surface142and an opposite, primary filter element seal surface144. The safety element124includes a radially directed seal member125that engages the safety element sealing surface142. The radially directed seal member125can be referred to as an outwardly directed radial seal because the safety seal surface142is located outwardly from the radially directed seal member125. The primary filter element126includes a radial seal member134that engages the primary sealing surface144. The radial seal member134can be referred to an internally directed seal member because the primary sealing surface144is located inwardly from the radial seal member134. In general, the servicing of the air cleaner housing120is similar to the servicing described inFIGS. 4a-f. In particular, the safety element124is introduced into the housing122until it is fully seated so that the seal member125engages the safety sealing surface142. Next, the primary filter element126is introduced so that the radial seal member134engages the primary sealing surface144. Next, the access cover128is applied over the access opening152. The access cover128supports the primary filter element126within the housing interior and prevents the radial seal member134from backing out of engagement with the primary sealing surface144and the primary filter element126can help prevent the radially directed seal member125from backing out of engagement of the safety element seal surface142. In particular, the access cover128includes a support surface129that conforms to and supports the air deflector127on the primary filter element126. As described in more detail later, the access cover support surface may include a projection that engages a hollow on the air deflector.

FIGS. 9aand 9billustrate the orientation of the safety filter element124and the primary filter element126relative to the housing projection140. Space can be saved by providing that the safety element124and the primary filter element126seal to the projection140. As shown, the primary filter element126includes a radial seal member134that engages the primary filter element seal surface144. In addition, the safety element124includes a radial seal member125that engages the safety sealing surface142. The safety element124and the primary element126are engaged in an overlap relationship at the location of the projection140. In addition, it is pointed out that the projection140forms part of the housing.

Now referring toFIG. 10, an exploded view of the primary filter element126is shown. The primary filter element126includes a z-media pack160, an elbow162, and a seal member134. The z-media pack160can be referred to as a filter construction that includes a z-media pack. The elbow162includes a first end170having a lip172and a frame or anti-telescoping arrangement174. The media pack160includes an inlet end176and an outlet end178. The outlet end178rests on the brace or anti-telescoping arrangement174, and the outer periphery of the media pack160adheres to the lip172by an adhesive. The elbow162includes a second end180having a lip or a seal support182. The seal member134is preferably molded to the seal support182but can be provided as a gasket adhered to the seal support182. The elbow additionally can include a plurality of ribs190that help ensure that the safety element remains in place in a sealed relationship with the housing. That is, the plurality of ribs190helps to prevent the safety filter element from backing out so that the radially directed seal member125remains in a radially directed sealing arrangement with the projection140.

Now referring toFIGS. 11aand 11b, an alternative embodiment of a filter element is shown at reference number200. The filter element200includes a media pack construction202that is consistent with the filter element described in International Publication No. WO 2005/063361. The entire disclosure of International Publication No. WO 2005/063361 is incorporated herein by reference. The media pack construction202can also be provided according to the filter element according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,291, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The media pack construction202includes a z-filter media pack203and a radially directed seal member204supported by a preform206. The preform206includes a frame or anti-telescoping arrangement209that helps prevent the media pack203from telescoping and that also helps support the radially directed seal member204. The radially directed seal member204engages the lip210on the elbow212. In this manner, the filter element200seals to the elbow212as a releasable seal. That is, the filter element200is not adhered to the elbow, and the filter element200can be replaced without replacing the elbow212. Furthermore, the elbow212includes an air deflector or scoop213that helps move the flowing air from a first axial direction to a second axial direction while minimize air flow disturbances.

Now referring toFIGS. 12aand 12b, an alternative embodiment of the elbow250is depicted. The elbow250includes a step252. The step252is advantageous because, when molding a seal onto the second end254, pressure can be applied in the direction of the arrow F by application to a flat and level surface253. As a result, molding the seal onto the second end254is simplified and the pressure directed by the elbow250into the mold can be relatively even around the perimeter of the second end254because the application of force onto the flat and level surface253(level relative to the second end254). The step252can be considered an indented or hollow portion of the elbow250that extends into the interior volume255of the elbow250to create a hollow portion260on the exterior of the elbow250. The step252can be provided surrounded by the air deflector or scoop262, and the air deflector or scoop262can be considered a ramp264even though there is a hollow portion260therein. The deflector or scoop262is located between the elbow first end251and the elbow second end254, and helps divert air flow. Furthermore, the step252allows the primary filter element to be supported by an access cover having a corresponding structure for engaging the step252. By providing corresponding structure on the access cover for engaging the step252, the person servicing the air cleaner can be sure that the primary filter cartridge is correctly installed in order for the access cover to correctly fit over the access opening of the air cleaner housing when both the access cover and the primary filter element include the corresponding step structure.

The elbow250can be seen as having a first wall270extending from the elbow first end251, and a second wall272extending from the elbow second end254. The deflector262includes a deflector first end262athat joins the first wall270at a location of angular discontinuity, and a second end262bthat joins the second wall272at a location of angular discontinuity. A location of angular discontinuity can be considered a location where the angle noticeably changes by, for example, at least 2 or 3 degrees.

The primary filter element and the safety element (or secondary filter element) can be provided having various shapes. Exemplary shapes include circular and non-circular. Exemplary non-circular shapes include obround, oval, and racetrack. An exemplary racetrack configuration is one where there are two straight opposite sides connected by two rounded ends. Now referring toFIG. 13a, the primary filter element300includes a circular media pack302and an elbow304having a first end305that is circular shaped to correspond with the circular shaped media pack302, and a second end306that is circular shaped to correspond with the circular shape of the safety element308. Now referring toFIG. 13b, a primary filter element310is shown having a media pack312that has a circular shape, an elbow314having a first end315that is circular shaped to correspond with the circular shape of the media pack312, and a second end316that is non-circular, and a safety element318that is non-circular. The second end316and the safety element318can be referred to as racetrack shaped. Now referring toFIG. 13c, the primary filter element320is shown having a media pack322that is non-circular, an elbow324having a first end325that is non-circular to correspond with the non-circular shape of the media pack322, and having a second end326that is non-circular to correspond with the non-circular shape of the safety element328. The non-circular shapes inFIG. 13ccan be characterized as racetrack shaped. Now referring toFIG. 13d, the main filter element330includes a non-circular media pack332and an elbow334having a first end335having a non-circular shape to correspond with the non-circular shape of the media pack332, and a second end336having a circular shape corresponding to the circular shape of the safety element338. It should be appreciated that the elbow first end305,315,325, and335can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the media pack302,312,322, and332, respectively. The elbow second end306,316,326, and336can have a shape that corresponds to the seal surface of the air cleaner housing. The shape can be circular or non-circular (such as, obround, oval, and racetrack). The elbow first end and the elbow second end can have shapes that are the same or different.

Now referring toFIG. 14, an exploded view of an air cleaner is illustrated. The air cleaner350includes a housing352, a safety element354, a primary element356, and an access cover358. The safety element354includes an externally directed radial seal360that engages the safety sealing surface362on the extension364that is part of the housing352. The primary filter element356includes an internally directed radial seal370that engages the primary filter element sealing surface372on the extension364that forms part of the housing352. A detailed depiction of this is shown inFIGS. 15a-c. As additionally illustrated, the housing352includes an outlet portion380. In the configuration shown, the outlet portion380forms a part of the housing352. In particular, the outlet portion380includes a wall structure382that includes the support364. The air cleaner housing352includes a wall386. The wall382and the wall386join together at a seam388. The wall382and the wall386can join together as a result of a snap-fit arrangement. The wall382and the wall386can be attached by alternative techniques such as by fasteners including screws or bolts, or by adhesive. In addition, the access cover358includes a recess or hollow390that engages a corresponding recess or hollow392in the elbow394.

For the filter element356, the media pack400engages a lip402on the first end404of the elbow394by adhering thereto as a result of an adhesive. Accordingly, the media pack400is shown adhesively bonded to the elbow394at the lip402. It is the exterior of the filter media pack that is adhered to the lip402, as shown. Of course, the face of the media pack400can be adhered to the first end404of the elbow394, but adhering the face of the media400, even along a periphery of the face, can result in blockage of media. If the media pack400is adhered to the first end404of the elbow394along the outlet face of the media pack400, the lip402can be omitted.

An alternative embodiment is depicted inFIGS. 16a-c. InFIG. 16a, a media pack arrangement is shown at reference number450. The media pack arrangement450includes a media pack452which is illustrated as a coiled z-filter media pack. The media pack arrangement450additionally includes a preform454and an externally directed radial seal member456molded to the preform454. The externally directed radial seal456can engage the lip458at the first end460of the elbow462. The media pack arrangement450is described, for example, in International Publication No. WO 2005/063361, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Now referring toFIGS. 17a-c, an alternative primary filter element is shown at reference number500. The primary filter element500includes a filter arrangement501and an elbow504. The filter arrangement501includes a pleated media pack502. The filter arrangement501can be adhered to the elbow504at the elbow first end506. In the embodiment depicted, the filter arrangement501includes a preform508that includes a seal member510provided thereon. The seal member510can engage the lip512of the first end506. In addition, the preform508can include a flange514that can act as a stop. The elbow support515can also be used as a stop to prevent the filter arrangement501from descending too far into the elbow504. In addition, the media pack arrangement502can include a cylindrical or conical pleated media pack520. The media pack shown can be considered conical shaped because one end526has a greater cross section area than the other end524. The cylindrical or conical media pack520can be supported by a support structure523. The seal member510depicted is an externally directed radial seal member. The seal arrangement can be provided as an axial seal arrangement consistent with, for example, the axial seal arrangement described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,642. The entire disclosure of a pleated cylindrical filter element according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,642 and how the filter element can form a seal with a housing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, the entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,791 is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the entire disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/662,022, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,866, is incorporated herein by reference.

Similar toFIGS. 13a-d, the media pack520can be provided having a circular or non-circular cross sectional shape (i.e., oval, obround, race track) and the elbow504can have a first end506having a shape corresponding to the shape of the media pack520. In addition, the elbow second end507can have a circular or non-circular shape (i.e., oval, obround, race track). If a safety element is present in the elbow second end507, the safety element can have a shape corresponding to the elbow second end507. The various shapes can be selected so that the air cleaner can fit within a specified volume.

In addition to z-media filter constructions and conical or cylindrical, pleated media packs, alternate types of media packs that involve flutes extending between opposite ends can be used with selected principles according to the present disclosure. An example of such alternate media pack is depicted inFIGS. 18a-18c. The media pack ofFIGS. 18a-18cis analogous to one depicted and described in DE 20 2008 017 059 U1; and as found in arrangements available under the mark “IQORON” from Mann & Hummel.

Referring toFIG. 18a, the media pack is indicated generally at540. The media pack540comprises a first outer pleated media loop541and a second, inner, pleated media loop542. The view ofFIG. 18ais toward a media pack (flow) end545. The end545depicted, can be an inlet end or an outlet end, depending on selected flow direction. For many arrangements using principles characterized having the media pack540would be configured in a filter cartridge such that end545is an inlet flow end.

The outer pleated media loop541is configured in an oval shape, though alternatives are possible. At550, a pleat end closure, for example molded in place, is depicted closing ends of the pleats541at media pack end545.

Pleats542are positioned surrounded by and spaced from loop541, and thus pleated media loop542is also depicted in a somewhat oval configuration. In this instance, ends542eof individual pleats542pin a loop542are sealed closed. Also, loop542surrounds the center542cthat is closed by a center strip543of material, typically molded in place.

During filtering, when end545is an inlet flow end, air enters gap555between the two loops of media541,542. The air then flows either through loop541or loop542, as it moves through the media pack540, with filtering.

In the example depicted, loop541is configured slanting inwardly toward loop542, in extension away from end545. Also spacers556are shown supporting a centering ring557that surrounds an end of the loop542, for structural integrity.

InFIG. 18b, an end546of the cartridge250, opposite end255is viewable. Here, an interior of loop542can be seen, surrounding an open gas flow region560. When air is directed through cartridge540in a general direction toward end546and away from end545, the portion of the air that passes through loop542will enter central region560and exit therefrom at end546. Of course air that has entered media loop541,FIG. 18a, during filtering would generally pass around (over) an outer perimeter546pof end546.

InFIG. 18ca schematic cross sectional view of cartridge540is provided. Selected identified and described features are indicated by like reference numerals.

It will be understood from a review ofFIGS. 18a-18c, the above description, that the cartridge540described, is generally a cartridge which has flutes extending in a longitudinal direction between opposite flow ends545,546.

In the arrangement ofFIGS. 18a-18c, the media pack540is depicted with an oval, in particular racetrack, shaped perimeter. It is depicted in this manner, since the air filter cartridges in many examples below also have an oval or racetrack shaped configuration.

Now referring toFIGS. 19-20, an alternative primary filtration and air diverter is shown at reference number600. The primary filtration and air diverter600can be provided as a part of a region of the vertical air intake system10shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The primary filtration and air diverter600includes an air inlet602, an air outlet604, a housing606, an access cover608, a precleaner610, a primary filter element612, and a secondary filter element614. The housing606includes a precleaner region620, a primary filter region622, and an outlet region624. The precleaner610can be provided within the precleaner region620. It should be understood that the precleaner region620can be provided without a precleaner or the precleaner region can be omitted. In addition, a precleaner can be provided further upsteam, for example, in the vertical air intake system10. The precleaner610can be provided with one or more inertial separators626, and can be provided with a scavenge628for the removal of particulates from the precleaner610. The housing606includes an access opening630for servicing the primary filter element612and the secondary filter element614. The access opening630receives the access cover608that closes the access opening630and also holds the primary filter element612and the secondary filter element614in place. The housing606is shown with fastener elements631for holding the housing606in place. The fastener elements are shown as bolts. Of course, alternative fastening elements are available such as over center latches.

The primary filter element612includes a media arrangement613and an elbow634. The media arrangement613includes a filtration media pack632. The filtration media pack632includes a first end636for receiving dirty air, and a second end638for discharging clean air. The first end636includes an optional ring member633provided therearound to help protect the media pack. The filtration media pack632is provided as a z-filter media pack, but could be any other media pack that provides for an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. For example, cylindrical or conical pleated media can be used as discussed in context ofFIGS. 17a-17c, double pleated media as described in the context ofFIGS. 18a-18c, and pleated panel media as described in the context ofFIGS. 22a-22cand 23aand 23b. The elbow634includes a first end640that attaches to the media pack second end638, a second end642that attaches to the housing606, and an air flow enclosure644that diverts air flowing from the elbow first end640to the elbow second end642. The elbow634can be referred as a shell, and the first end640can be provided so that it extends up along a portion of an exterior side of the media pack632. It is not necessary for the first end640to extend all the way to the media pack first end636although that is certainly possible. The second end642includes a seal member669for sealing to the housing606.

The air flow enclosure644includes an interior volume645that is constructed to receive the secondary filter element614. The air flow enclosure644includes a first wall644aand a second wall644b. The first wall644aextends from the first end640, and the second wall644bextends from the second end642. The first wall644aand the second wall644bcome together at the seam644cand, in combination with the air deflector644dform the interior volume645that is an enclosed structure so that air flowing from the first end640in a first axial direction is changed to a second axial direction when flowing through the second end642. In addition, the air flow enclosure644includes a receiver end648that is constructed to fit between the secondary filter element614and a portion of the access cover608. The receiver end648includes the air deflector644das a part thereof. The receiver end648includes a flat portion650, a recessed portion652, and a projection portion654. The flat portion650is provided recessed from an outer portion656of the diverter portion644that is located closest to the exterior surface609of the access cover608. In general, the flat portion650is provided recessed from the outer portion656and provides a surface against which pressure can be applied when molding the seal member669onto the elbow second end642. The outer portion656can be considered the air deflector644dbecause it provides for a gradual change in the direction of air flow from the first axial direction to the second axial direction. The recessed portion652is located between the flat portion650and the projection portion654, and can be provided with an outer surface653that can be characterized as having a serpentine surface shape that includes alternating outwardly curved, concave sections653aand inwardly projecting convex portions653b. The serpentine surface shape can also be referred to as a petal arrangement. The recessed portion652can additionally include an interior surface655that forms part of the projection portion654. The inner surface655can be provided as relatively smooth and cylindrical or conical. The petal arrangement can be considered a flower shape, and alternative shapes are possible such as polygonal, circle, and oval. In addition, the polygonal shape can be a regular polygon where each side has an equal length and the angles between each side are equal, or an irregular polygon shape where either the lengths of the size are different or the angles between sides are different. It should also be appreciated that the corresponding shape can be provided on the portion of the access cover608that engages the receiver end648.

The seal member669is shown disposed on the seal support671of the elbow second end642. When in place on the housing606, the seal member669forms an internally directed radial seal with the projection673that forms part of the housing606. The seal member669is provided as an internally directed radial seal, and the shape of the seal member can be considered non-round such as oval. The seal member669can be provided having a round shape or another non-round shape such as race track shaped or rectangular. In general, the shape is meant to refer to the overall seal configuration as opposed to the cross section along a part of the seal member.

The secondary filter element614includes a conical filter element658arranged covering a tower support660that is provided extending from the housing606. The tower support660includes support members662that extend from a tower first end664to a tower second end666. The tower first end664is provided near the air outlet624. The tower second end666includes an exterior continuous surface668for allowing the secondary filter element614to seal thereto, and an interior surface670configured to receive the recessed portion652of the receiver end648of the primary filter element612. The interior surface670can be characterized as having a serpentine surface shape671having alternating outwardly curved concave sections671aand inwardly projecting convex portions671b. As a result, the tower serpentine surface671can engage the elbow or shell serpentine surface653. It should be appreciated that the internal surface of the elbow634at the recessed portions652can have a shape corresponding to the surface653. For example, the recessed portion652can include alternating outwardly curved concave sections652aand inwardly projecting convex portions652b. Accordingly, the internal surface of the recessed portion652can have a shape corresponding to and that engages the shape of the interior surface670of the tower support660. The shape can be considered a petal shape or a flower shape, but can be provided as a regular polygon shape, an irregular polygon shape, a circle, or an oval.

The conical filter element658includes a conical media674and a seal member676. The media674can be provided from any filtration media suitable for filtering air that can be arranged around the tower support660. An exemplary filtration media that can be used as the media674can be characterized as a multilayer laminate media construction including a filtration media layer arranged in a waved configuration providing at least two waves per inch, wherein the filtration media has a first side and a second side, a first fibrous support layer adjacent the first side of the filtration media layer arranged in the waved configuration, and wherein the multilayer laminate media construction has a Frazier air permeability in a range of about 75 ft/min to about 200 ft/min when measured clean and non-oiled at 0.5 inch water column restriction according to ASTM D737. The exemplary filtration media is described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/856,467, filed on Jul. 19, 2013, wherein the entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/856,467 is incorporated herein by reference. Alternative filtration media that can be used for the media674includes any type of woven or non-woven filtration media that can be formed into a conical construction to fit over the tower support660. In general, the air flow through the secondary filter element614will keep the conical media pack674against the tower support660.

The access cover608includes fasteners631that hold the access cover608onto the housing606in order to close the access opening630. In addition, the access cover608includes a projection arrangement672that, when the access cover608is provided covering the access opening630, supports the primary filter element612and engages the recess portion652. In turn, the recessed portion652of the primary filter element612can engage the recessed portion671cof the tower support660. The recessed portion671cincludes the interior surface670. The projection arrangement672can include a first projection portion674and a second projection portion676. The first projection portion674includes a support surface680that supports the flat portion650on the receiver end648. The second projection portion676includes a projection member682that is received within the recessed portion652of the receiver end648. As shown inFIG. 20, the outside surface684can have a shape corresponding to the serpentine shape of the outer surface653. The second projection portion676can also include a receiver686for receiving the projection654. The second projection portion676can be referred to as a ring projection because of the presence of the receiver686. The receiver686can be provided with a smooth surface687, if desired.

Now referring toFIGS. 21a-21d, a primary filtration and air diverter700is shown that has features similar to the primary filtration and air diverter600. One difference relates to the tower second end766where a projection790is provided to be received within the projection754in the receiver end748of the primary filter element712. The tower second end766includes an exterior continuous surface768for allowing the secondary filter element714to seal thereto via the secondary element seal member715. The tower second end766additionally includes an interior surface770configured to receive the recessed portion752of the receive end748of the primary filter element712. The interior surface770and the corresponding interior surface752of the projection754can be provided having a serpentine shape as discussed in the context ofFIGS. 19 and 20.

The projection790is shown extending beyond the interior surface770and is received within the projection754to help provide additional support to the tower second end766.FIGS. 21aand 21bshow the placement of the secondary filter element714on the tower support760so that the seal member778engages the tower exterior continuous surface768. As shown inFIGS. 21band 21c, the primary filter element712is then placed within the housing706so that the projection790is received within the projection754in the receiver end748, and the recessed portion752of the receiver end748is received within the recessed region769. As shown inFIGS. 21cand 21d, the access cover708is then placed over the housing access opening730. The access cover708includes a projection780that engages the recessed portion752, and includes a recessed portion782that engages the projection754. In addition, the projection780can have a shape corresponding to the recessed portion752, and the shape can be provided as a serpentine shape. In addition, the recessed portion782can have a shape corresponding to the projection754, and that shape can be provided as a smooth cylindrical or conical shape. As shown inFIG. 21d, the tower closed end792nests within the primary filter element closed end794, and the primary filter element closed end794nests within the access cover support796. This arrangement helps maintain the stability of the main filter element712and the secondary filter element714.

The primary filtration and air diverter700can be characterized as having a primary filter media pack and second filter media pack offset. This primary filter media pack and secondary filter media pack offset can be characterized by a secondary filter media pack not being present entirely within a projection of the perimeter of the primary filter media pack. In the case ofFIGS. 4f, 5a, 9a, and 15a, the secondary filter media pack is exemplified as a pleated panel filter, and the secondary filter media pack is located outside the projection of the perimeter of the primary filter media pack. In other words, the secondary filter element media pack is not located directly beneath the primary filter element media pack when installed for use in a primary filtration and air diverter. Another example of this offset is exemplified inFIG. 21d. InFIG. 21d, the secondary filter element media pack730is not located entirely within a projection of the perimeter of the primary filter element media pack732. The perimeter of the primary filter media pack can be depicted by lines P1and P2. The distance depicted by lines P1and P2can be referred to as the primary filter element media pack distance PD. The perimeter of the secondary filter element media pack can be depicted by lines S1and S2. The distance from S1and S2can be referred to as the secondary filter element media pack distance SD. As can be seen inFIG. 21d, the secondary filter element media pack distance (SD) is offset from the primary filter element media pack distance (PD). This offset is indicated as the distance OS. The offset (OS) can be at least 40 mm, can be at least 45 mm, and can be at least 50 mm. The offset can be viewed as being in the second axial direction shown by arrow AA. It can be appreciated that while the offset can be shown in the context of the sectional side view ofFIG. 21d, no offset would be seen when viewed from a front view the direction of the arrow AA. The reason for this is that the offset is in the direction of the arrow AA, and not in a direction 90 degrees to the arrow AA. In addition, the ratio of the secondary filter element media pack length SD to the offset OS can be characterized as at least 6. The presence of the offset OS is desirable to help cause the air to change direction without undo disturbances. The offset can provide for ramping or turning of air flow while minimizing air flow disturbance. In addition, it can be appreciated that the airflow disturbance is reduced by providing a larger clean air outlet740to accommodate the secondary filter element offset. This increase in cross sectional area can be explained as partly the result of shifting the conical or cylindrical secondary filter element toward the outlet740.

The filter element according to the various described embodiments can provide a ratio of the filter element seal member cross sectional area to the filter arrangement cross sectional area that is sufficiently high to help air flow through the air cleaner. By providing a relatively large cross sectional area at the location of the filter element seal member relative to the filter arrangement cross sectional area, enhanced air flow properties are achieved. Preferably, the ratio of at least 0.5, and can be at least 0.6, and can be at least 0.7. In the context ofFIG. 21d, the filter element seal member is indicated at reference number716, and the cross sectional area refers to the flow area within the perimeter of the filter element seal member716. The filter media pack includes a cross sectional area indicated at718where the air flows from the media pack into the elbow second end. This area is considered the filter arrangement cross sectional area.

Now referring toFIGS. 22aand 22b, an alternative primary filter element or cartridge is shown at reference number800. The primary filter element800includes a media pack receiver802, an elbow804extending from the media pack receive802and provided for turning the air flow from a first direction to a second direction, a seal member806for creating a seal between the primary filter element800and a housing, and a pleated media pack808provided within the media pack receiver802. The elbow804includes an interior region830wherein a safety or secondary filter element can be received.

The pleated media pack808is shown as a first media pack810and a second media pack812. The first media pack810and the second media pack812are provided as pleated media containing a varying pleat height. In general, a varying pleat height means that the pleat height, which is the distance between the media pack inlet face814and the media pack outlet face816, changes by at least 5 percent of the length across the media pack. Preferably, the pleat height changes by at least 10%. As shown, the first media pack810and the second media pack812are constructed to provide an increase in pleat height from a center818of the pleated media pack808toward the outsides820and822of the pleated media pack808. As a result, the outlet face816creates a perimeter that fits around a safety element such as, for example, the safety element shown inFIG. 19. The outlet face816can be provided having a curvature or it can be provided as relatively straight or angles. If the outlet face816is provided as angled, it should be understood that the pleat height varies in a consistent linear arrangement. If the outlet face816is non-linear, then the pleat varies in a non-linear manner. For example, the outlet face816can form a curvature to more efficiently fit around the safety element that may be provided within the interior region830. Furthermore, the first media pack810and the second media pack812each include a seal member832arranged there around for sealing to each other and to the media pack receiver802. The first media pack810and the second media pack812can both fit within the media pack receiver, and it is desirable that dirty air not bypass the seal members832and, as a result, bypass the pleated media pack808. The pleated media pack808can be removed from the media pack receiver802at any time for servicing.

Now referring toFIG. 22c, a sectional view of the primary filter element800ofFIG. 22ais depicted. Sectional views of the first media pack810and the second media pack812are provided. In addition, the primary filter element800includes an elbow804having a design consistent with the elbow634having a recessed portion852and a projection portion854.

Now referring toFIGS. 23aand 23ban alternative primary filter element or cartridge is shown at reference number900. The primary filter element900includes a pleated media pack910arranged in a panel configuration with a flat inlet912and a curved outlet914. The curved outlet914is provided as a result of a varying pleat height. The pleated media pack910is enclosed within a media pack housing916that fits between an elbow first part918and an elbow second part920to thereby form the primary filter element900.

One type of z-filter media, utilizes two specific media components joined together, to form the media construction. The two components are: (1) a fluted (typically corrugated) media sheet; and, (2) a facing media sheet. The facing media sheet is typically non-corrugated, however it can be corrugated, for example perpendicularly to the flute direction as described in U.S. provisional 60/543,804, filed Feb. 11, 2004, and published as PCT WO 05/077487 on Aug. 25, 2005, incorporated herein by reference.

The fluted (typically corrugated) media sheet and the facing media sheet together, are used to define media having parallel inlet and outlet flutes. In some instances, the fluted sheet and facing sheet are secured together and are then coiled to form a z-filter media construction. Such arrangements are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,235,195 and 6,179,890, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain other arrangements, some non-coiled sections or strips of fluted (typically corrugated) media secured to facing media, are stacked on one another, to create a filter construction. An example of this is described in FIG. 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,646, incorporated herein by reference.

Herein, strips of material comprising fluted sheet secured to corrugated sheet, which are then assembled into stacks to form media packs, are sometimes referred to as “single facer strips,” “single faced strips,” or as “single facer” or “single faced” media. The terms and variants thereof, are meant to refer to a fact that one face, i.e., a single face, of the fluted (typically corrugated) sheet, is faced by the facing sheet, in each strip.

Typically, coiling of a strip of the fluted sheet/facing sheet (i.e., single facer) combination around itself, to create a coiled media pack, is conducted with the facing sheet directed outwardly. Some techniques for coiling are described in U.S. provisional application 60/467,521, filed May 2, 2003 and PCT Application US 04/07927, filed Mar. 17, 2004, now published as WO 04/082795, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The resulting coiled arrangement generally has, as the outer surface of the media pack, a portion of the facing sheet, as a result.

The term “corrugated” used herein to refer to structure in media, is meant to refer to a flute structure resulting from passing the media between two corrugation rollers, i.e., into a nip or bite between two rollers, each of which has surface features appropriate to cause a corrugation affect in the resulting media. The term “corrugation” is not meant to refer to flutes that are formed by techniques not involving passage of media into a bite between corrugation rollers. However, the term “corrugated” is meant to apply even if the media is further modified or deformed after corrugation, for example by the folding techniques described in PCT WO 04/007054, published Jan. 22, 2004, incorporated herein by reference.

Corrugated media is a specific form of fluted media. Fluted media is media which has individual flutes (for example formed by corrugating or folding) extending thereacross.

Serviceable filter element or filter cartridge configurations utilizing z-filter media are sometimes referred to as “straight through flow configurations” or by variants thereof. In general, in this context what is meant is that the serviceable filter elements or cartridges generally have an inlet flow end (or face) and an opposite exit flow end (or face), with flow entering and exiting the filter cartridge in generally the same straight through direction. The term “serviceable” in this context is meant to refer to a media containing filter cartridge that is periodically removed and replaced from a corresponding fluid (e.g. air) cleaner. In some instances, each of the inlet flow end (or face) and outlet flow end (or face) will be generally flat or planar, with the two parallel to one another. However, variations from this, for example non-planar faces, are possible.

A straight through flow configuration (especially for a coiled or stacked media pack) is, for example, in contrast to serviceable filter cartridges such as cylindrical pleated filter cartridges of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,778, incorporated herein by reference, in which the flow generally makes a substantial turn as its passes into and out of the media. That is, in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,778 filter, the flow enters the cylindrical filter cartridge through a cylindrical side, and then turns to exit through an open end of the media (in forward-flow systems). In a typical reverse-flow system, the flow enters the serviceable cylindrical cartridge through an open end of the media and then turns to exit through a side of the cylindrical filter media. An example of such a reverse-flow system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,992, incorporated by reference herein.

The term “z-filter media construction” and variants thereof as used herein, without more, is meant to refer to any or all of: a web of corrugated or otherwise fluted media secured to (facing) media with appropriate sealing to allow for definition of inlet and outlet flutes; and/or a media pack constructed or formed from such media into a three dimensional network of inlet and outlet flutes; and/or, a filter cartridge or construction including such a media pack.

In general, the filter media is a relatively flexible material, typically a non-woven fibrous material (of cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers or both) often including a resin therein, sometimes treated with additional materials. Thus, it can be conformed or configured into the various corrugated patterns, without unacceptable media damage. Also, it can be readily coiled or otherwise configured for use, again without unacceptable media damage. Of course, it must be of a nature such that it will maintain the required corrugated configuration, during use.

Typically, in the corrugation process, an inelastic deformation is caused to the media. This prevents the media from returning to its original shape. However, once the tension is released the flute or corrugations will tend to spring back, recovering only a portion of the stretch and bending that has occurred. The facing media sheet is sometimes tacked to the fluted media sheet, to inhibit this spring back in the corrugated sheet.

Also, typically, the media contains a resin. During the corrugation process, the media can be heated to above the glass transition point of the resin. When the resin then cools, it will help to maintain the fluted shapes.

The media of the corrugated sheet facing sheet or both, can be provided with a fine fiber material on one or both sides thereof, for example in accord with U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,136, incorporated herein by reference. In some instances, when such fine fiber material is used, it may be desirable to provide the fine fiber on the upstream side of the material and inside the flutes. When this occurs, air flow, during filtering, will typically be into the edge comprising the stacking bead.

An issue with respect to z-filter constructions relates to closing of the individual flute ends. Although alternatives are possible, typically a sealant or adhesive is provided, to accomplish the closure. As is apparent from the discussion above, in typical z-filter media, especially that which uses straight flutes as opposed to tapered flutes and sealant for flute seals, large sealant surface areas (and volume) at both the upstream end and the downstream end are needed. High quality seals at these locations allow for proper operation of the media structure that results.

It is noted that alternative flute definitions such as those characterized in U.S. Ser. No. 12/215,718, filed Jun. 26, 2008; and published as US 2009/0127211; U.S. Ser. No. 12/012,785, filed Feb. 4, 2008 and published as US 2008/0282890 and/or U.S. Ser. No. 12/537,069 published as US 2010/0032365 can be used, with air cleaner features as characterized herein below. The complete disclosures of each of US 2009/0127211, US 2008/0282890 and US 2010/0032365 are incorporated herein by reference.

Techniques for conducting a process for making a media strip (single facer) is described in PCT WO 04/007054, published Jan. 22, 2004 incorporated herein by reference.

Techniques for closing flutes by darting are described in PCT WO 04/007054, incorporated herein by reference. Techniques for coiling the media, with application of the winding bead, are described in PCT application US 04/07927, filed Mar. 17, 2004 and published as WO 04/082795 and incorporated herein by reference.

Alternate approaches to darting the fluted ends closed are possible. Such approaches can involve, for example, darting which is not centered in each flute, and rolling or folding over the various flutes. In general, darting involves folding or otherwise manipulating media adjacent to fluted end, to accomplish a compressed, closed, state.

Techniques described herein are particularly well adapted for use in media packs that result from a step of coiling a single sheet comprising a corrugated sheet/facing sheet combination, i.e., a “single facer” strip. However, they can also be made into stacked arrangements.

Coiled media pack arrangements can be provided with a variety of peripheral perimeter definitions. In this context the term “peripheral, perimeter definition” and variants thereof, is meant to refer to the outside perimeter shape defined, looking at either the inlet end or the outlet end of the media pack. Typical shapes are circular as described in PCT WO 04/007054. Other useable shapes are obround, some examples of obround being oval shape. In general oval shapes have opposite curved ends attached by a pair of opposite sides. In some oval shapes, the opposite sides are also curved. In other oval shapes, sometimes called racetrack shapes, the opposite sides are generally straight. Racetrack shapes are described for example in PCT WO 04/007054, and PCT application US 04/07927, published as WO 04/082795, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Another way of describing the peripheral or perimeter shape is by defining the perimeter resulting from taking a cross-section through the media pack in a direction orthogonal to the winding access of the coil.

Opposite flow ends or flow faces of the media pack can be provided with a variety of different definitions. In many arrangements, the ends or end faces are generally flat (planer) and perpendicular to one another. In other arrangements, one or both of the end faces include tapered, for example, stepped, portions which can either be defined to project axially outwardly from an axial end of the side wall of the media pack; or, to project axially inwardly from an end of the side wall of the media pack.

The flute seals (for example from the single facer bead, winding bead or stacking bead) can be formed from a variety of materials. In various ones of the cited and incorporated references, hot melt or polyurethane seals are described as possible for various applications.

It is noted that a blocked, stacked arrangement described in the prior art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,646, incorporated herein by reference. It is also noted that stacked arrangements are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,772,883; 5,792,247; U.S. Provisional 60/457,255 filed Mar. 25, 2003; and U.S. Ser. No. 10/731,564 filed Dec. 8, 2003 and published as 2004/0187689. Each of these latter references is incorporated herein by reference. It is noted that a stacked arrangement shown in U.S. Ser. No. 10/731,504, published as 2005/0130508 is a slanted stacked arrangement.

It is also noted that, in some instances, more than one stack can be incorporated into a single media pack. Also, in some instances, the stack can be generated with one or more flow faces that have a recess therein, for example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,419 incorporated herein by reference.

Summary Observations

In this summary, some selected, summary characterizations of teachings herein are provided. Among what is taught are:

1. A filter element comprising: (a) a filter arrangement comprising a filter media pack having a dirty air inlet and a clean air outlet, wherein: (i) air flowing through the clean air outlet flows in a first axial direction; and (ii) the clean air outlet defines a filter arrangement cross sectional area; (b) an elbow having a first end constructed to extend from the filter arrangement clean air outlet, a second end wherein air flowing through the second end flows in a second axial direction, and an air flow enclosure extending from the elbow first end to the elbow second end, the air flow enclosure comprising: (i) an air deflector constructed to direct air from the first axial direction to the second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is different from the first axial direction; (ii) an interior volume between the elbow first end and the elbow second end; (c) a filter element seal member located on the elbow second end, wherein the filter element seal member is constructed to seal to a clean air intake, the filter element seal member located on the elbow second end defining a seal member cross sectional area; and (d) ratio of the seal member cross sectional area to the filter arrangement cross sectional area is at least 0.5.
2. A filter element according to characterization 1, wherein the filter media pack comprises a fluted media pack comprising inlet flutes and outlet flutes, wherein the media pack is closed to flow of unfiltered air into the inlet flutes and then outward from the outlet flutes without filtering.
3. A filter element according to characterization 2, wherein the filter media pack is arranged in a coiled construction.
4. A filter element according to characterization 1, wherein the filter media pack comprises a pleated media pack.
5. A filter element according to characterization 4, wherein the pleated media pack comprises a cylindrically arranged pleated media pack.
6. A filter element according to characterization 4, wherein the pleated media pack comprises a conically arranged pleated media pack.
7. A filter element according to characterization 4, wherein the pleated media pack is arranged in a panel construction.
8. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-7, wherein the ratio of the seal member cross sectional area to the filter arrangement cross sectional area is at least 0.6.
9. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-8, wherein the air flow enclosure comprises a first wall extending from the elbow first end and a second wall extending from the elbow second end, and wherein the air deflector has an air deflector first end extending at an angle from the first wall and an air deflector second end extending at an angle from the second wall.
10. A filter element according to characterization 9, wherein a plane extending from the air deflector first end to the air diverter second end extends at an angle of at least 10 degrees relative to the first axial direction.
11. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-10, wherein the air deflector comprises a ramp.
12. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-11, wherein the air deflector comprises a hollow extending from the air deflector into the interior volume.
13. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-12, wherein the filter media pack is adhered to the elbow first end.
14. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-12, wherein the filter arrangement comprises the filter media pack, a seal support arranged on the filter media pack, and a media pack seal member arranged on the seal support, and wherein the media pack seal member seals to the elbow first end.
15. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-14, wherein the filter element seal member is molded to the elbow second end.
16. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-14, wherein the filter element seal member comprises a gasket adhered to the elbow second end.
17. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-16, wherein the filter element seal member comprises an internally directed radial seal.
18. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-16, wherein the filter element seal member comprises an externally directed radial seal.
19. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-18, further comprising an anti-telescoping arrangement extending across the media pack clean air outlet.
20. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-19, wherein the first end of the elbow and the second end of the elbow are arranged at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 160 degrees to each other.
21. An air cleaner comprising: (a) an air cleaner housing comprising an air inlet, a primary filtration and air deflector region, an access opening, and an air outlet; (b) an access cover for closing the access opening of the air cleaner housing; and

(c) a filter element according to any one of characterizations 1-20 and located within the air cleaner housing.

22. An air cleaner according to characterization 21, further comprising a precleaner located between the air inlet and the primary filtration and air deflector region.

23. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 21-22, wherein the access cover includes a surface that supports the air deflector.

24. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 21-23, further comprising a secondary filter element.

25. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 21-24, wherein the air deflector includes a projection surrounded by a recess, the access cover includes a recess that receives the air deflector projection, and the access cover includes a projection that is received within the air deflector recess.
26. An air cleaner according to characterization 25, wherein the secondary filter element includes a recess for receiving the air deflector recess.
27. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 25-26, wherein the secondary filter element includes a projection that projects into the air deflector projection.
28. A filter element comprising: (a) a filter arrangement comprising a z-filter media pack arranged in a coiled construction and having a dirty air inlet and an opposite clean air outlet, wherein: (i) air flowing through the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet flows in a first axial direction; (ii) and clean air outlet defining a filter arrangement cross sectional area; and (b) an elbow having a first end constructed to extend from the filter arrangement clean air outlet, a second end wherein air flowing through the second end flows in a second axial direction, and an air flow enclosure extending from the elbow first end to the elbow second end, the air flow enclosure comprising: (i) an air deflector constructed to direct air from the first axial direction to the second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is different from the first axial direction; (ii) an interior volume between the elbow first end and the elbow second end; (c) a filter element seal member located on the elbow second end, wherein the filter element seal member is constructed to seal to a clean air intake, the filter element seal member located on the elbow second end defining a seal member cross sectional area.
29. A filter element comprising: (a) a filter arrangement comprising a pleated media pack having a dirty air inlet and a clean air outlet, wherein: (i) air flowing through the clean air outlet flows in a first axial direction; (ii) the clean air outlet defining a filter arrangement; and (b) an elbow having a first end constructed to extend from the filter arrangement clean air outlet, a second end wherein air flowing through the second end flows in a second axial direction, and an air flow enclosure extending from the elbow first end to the elbow second end, the air flow enclosure comprising: (i) an air deflector constructed to direct air from the first axial direction to the second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is different from the first axial direction; (ii) an interior volume between the elbow first end and the elbow second end; (c) a filter element seal member located on the second end of the elbow, wherein the filter element seal member is constructed to seal to a clean air intake, the filter element seal member located on the elbow second end defining a seal member cross sectional area.
30. A filter element according to characterization 29, wherein the pleated media pack comprises a cylindrically arranged pleated media pack.
31. A filter element according to characterization 29, wherein the pleated media pack comprises a conically arranged pleated media pack.
32. A filter element according to characterization 29, wherein the pleated media pack is arranged in a panel construction.
33. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-32, wherein the ratio of the seal member cross sectional area to the filter arrangement cross sectional area is at least 0.6.
34. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-33, wherein the air flow enclosure comprises a first wall extending from the elbow first end and a second wall extending from the elbow second end, and wherein the air deflector has an air deflector first end extending at an angle from the first wall and an air deflector second end extending at an angle from the second wall.
35. A filter element according to characterization 34, wherein a plane extending from the air deflector first end to the air deflector second end extends at an angle of at least 10 degrees relative to the first axial direction.
36. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-35, wherein the air deflector comprises a ramp.
37. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-35, wherein the air deflector comprises a hollow extending from the air deflector into the interior volume.
38. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-37, wherein the filter media pack is adhered to the elbow first end.
39. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-38, wherein the filter arrangement comprises the filter media pack, a seal support arranged on the filter media pack, and a media pack seal member arranged on the seal support, and wherein the media pack seal member seals to the elbow first end.
40. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-39, wherein the filter element seal member is molded to the elbow second end.
41. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-39, wherein the filter element seal member comprises a gasket adhered to the elbow second end.
42. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-41, wherein the filter element seal member comprises an internally directed radial seal.
43. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-42, wherein the filter element seal member comprises an externally directed radial seal.
44. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-43, further comprising an anti-telescoping arrangement extending across the media pack clean air outlet.
45. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-44, wherein the first end of the elbow and the second end of the elbow are arranged at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 160 degrees to each other.
46. An air cleaner comprising: (a) an air cleaner housing comprising an air inlet, a primary filtration and air deflector region, an access opening, and an air outlet; (b) an access cover for closing the access opening of the air cleaner housing; and

(c) a filter element according to any one of characterizations 28-45 and located within the air cleaner housing.

47. An air cleaner according to characterization 46, further comprising a precleaner located between the air inlet and the primary filtration and air deflector region.

48. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 46-47, wherein the access cover includes a surface that supports the air deflector.

49. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 46-48, further comprising a secondary filter element.

50. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 46-49, wherein the air deflector includes a projection surrounded by a recess, the access cover includes a recess that receives the air deflector projection, and the access cover includes a projection that is received within the air deflector recess.
51. An air cleaner according to characterization 50, wherein the secondary filter element includes a recess for receiving the air deflector recess.
52. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 50-51, wherein the secondary filter element includes a projection that projects into the air deflector projection.
53. A filter element comprising: (a) a filter arrangement comprising a filter media pack having a dirty air inlet and a clean air outlet, wherein air flowing through the clean air outlet flows in a first axial direction; (b) an elbow having a first end constructed to extend from the filter arrangement clean air outlet, a second end wherein air flowing through the second end flows in a second axial direction, and an air flow enclosure extending from the elbow first end to the elbow second end, the air flow enclosure comprising: (i) an interior volume between the elbow first end and the elbow second end; (ii) a first wall extending from the elbow first end, and a second wall extending from the elbow second end; (iii) an air deflector constructed to direct air from the first axial direction to the second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is different from the first axial direction; (iv) the air deflector has an air deflector first end extending at an angle from the first wall, and an air deflector second end extending at an angle from the second wall so that a plane extending from the air deflector first end to the air deflector second end extends at an angle of at least 10 degrees relative to the first axial direction; and (c) a filter element seal member provided on the second end of the elbow, wherein the seal member is constructed to seal to a clean air intake.
54. A filter element according to characterization 53, wherein the filter media pack comprises a fluted media pack comprising inlet flutes and outlet flutes, wherein the media pack is closed to flow of unfiltered air into the inlet flutes and then outward from the outlet flutes without filtering.
55. A filter element according to characterization 54, wherein the filter media pack is arranged in a coiled construction.
56. A filter element according to characterization 53, wherein the filter media pack comprises a pleated media pack.
57. A filter element according to characterization 56, wherein the pleated media pack comprises a cylindrically arranged pleated media pack.
58. A filter element according to characterization 56, wherein the pleated media pack comprises a conically arranged pleated media pack.
59. A filter element according to characterization 56, wherein the pleated media pack is arranged in a panel construction.
60. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-59, wherein the ratio of the seal member cross sectional area to the filter arrangement cross sectional area is at least 0.6.
61. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-60, wherein the air deflector comprises a ramp.
62. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-61, wherein the air deflector has a length from the air deflector first end to the air deflector second end that is ⅓ of the farthest distance from the first wall to the filter element seal member.
63. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-62, wherein the air deflector comprises a hollow extending from the air deflector into the interior volume.
64. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-63, wherein the filter media pack is adhered to the elbow first end.
65. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-63, wherein the filter arrangement comprises the filter media pack, a seal support arranged on the filter media pack, and a media pack seal member arranged on the seal support, and wherein the media pack seal member seals to the elbow first end.
66. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-65, wherein the filter element seal member is molded to the elbow second end.
67. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-65, wherein the filter element seal member comprises a gasket adhered to the elbow second end.
68. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-67, wherein the filter element seal member comprises an internally directed radial seal.
69. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-68, wherein the filter element seal member comprises an externally directed radial seal.
70. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-69, further comprising an anti-telescoping arrangement extending across the media pack clean air outlet.
71. A filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-70, wherein the first end of the elbow and the second end of the elbow are arranged at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 160 degrees to each other.
72. An air cleaner comprising: (a) an air cleaner housing comprising an air inlet, a primary filtration and air deflector region, an access opening, and an air outlet; (b) an access cover for closing the access opening of the air cleaner housing; and

(c) a filter element according to any one of characterizations 53-71 and located within the air cleaner housing.

73. An air cleaner according to characterization 72, further comprising a precleaner located between the air inlet and the primary filtration and air deflector region.

74. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 72-73, wherein the access cover includes a surface that supports the air deflector.

75. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 72-74, further comprising a secondary filter element.

76. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 72-75, wherein the air deflector includes a projection surrounded by a recess, the access cover includes a recess that receives the air deflector projection, and the access cover includes a projection that is received within the air deflector recess.
77. An air cleaner according to characterization 76, wherein the secondary filter element includes a recess for receiving the air deflector recess.
78. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 76-77, wherein the secondary filter element includes a projection that projects into the air deflector projection.
79. An air cleaner system constructed for use on a motor vehicle having an engine compartment enclosed by an engine hood and a clean air intake, the air cleaner system being constructed to extend at least partly outside the engine compartment enclosed by the hood and provide clean air to the engine compartment enclosed by the engine hood, and comprising: (a) a vertically extending snorkel comprising an air inlet and an air outlet; (b) an air cleaner housing constructed to receive air from the snorkel air outlet, the air cleaner comprising: (i) a primary filtration and air deflector region; and (ii) an access opening for accessing the primary filtration and air deflector region; (c) an access cover for closing the access opening of the air cleaner housing; (d) a filter element located within the air cleaner housing, the filter element comprising: (i) a filter media pack construction having a clean air outlet wherein air flowing through the clean air outlet flows in a first axial direction; and (ii) an elbow having a first end constructed to extend from the filter media pack clean air outlet of the filter media pack construction, a second end wherein air flowing through the second end flows in a second axial direction, and an air flow enclosure extending from the elbow first end to the elbow second end, the air flow enclosure comprising: (A) an interior volume between the elbow first end and the elbow second end; (B) an air deflector constructed to direct air from the first axial direction to the second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is different from the first axial direction; (iii) a seal member located at the second end of the elbow, wherein the seal member is sealed to the air cleaner housing; and (e) the air cleaner housing having a clean air outlet constructed to provide clean air to the engine compartment enclosed by the hood.
80. An air intake system according to characterization 79, further comprising a precleaner located upstream of the primary filtration and air deflector region.
81. An air intake system according to any of characterizations 79-80, further comprising a secondary filter element located downstream of the primary filtration and air deflector region.
82. An air intake system according to any of characterization 81, wherein the safety comprises a pleated panel filter located at the elbow second end.
83. An air intake system according to characterization 81, wherein the secondary filter element comprises depth media supported by a tower construction extending from the air cleaner housing air outlet and toward the air deflector.
84. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 79-83, wherein the air deflector includes a projection surrounded by a recess, the access cover includes a recess that receives the air deflector projection, and the access cover includes a projection that is received within the air deflector recess.
85. An air cleaner according to characterization 84, wherein the secondary filter element includes a recess for receiving the air deflector recess.
86. An air cleaner according to any one of characterizations 84-85, wherein the secondary filter element includes a projection that projects into the air deflector projection.
87. An air intake system according to any one of characterizations 84-86, wherein the air deflector recess includes a first recess forming a flat surface and a second recess extending away from the flat surface and toward the second end of the elbow.
88. An air intake system according to characterization 87, wherein the second recess comprises a wall forming a flower pattern configuration.
89. An air intake system according to any one of characterizations 83-88, wherein secondary filter element located within the air cleaner housing comprises a secondary filter element media pack, the filter media pack construction comprises a primary filtration media pack, and the secondary filter element media pack and the primary filter media pack are offset by at least 40 mm in the second axial direction.
90. An air cleaner system comprising: (a) an air cleaner housing comprising an air inlet, a primary filtration and air deflector region, an access opening, an access cover, and an air outlet; (b) an access cover for closing the access opening of the air cleaner housing; and (c) a primary filter element located within the air cleaner housing, the primary filter element comprising: (i) a filter arrangement comprising a primary media pack having a clean air outlet wherein air flowing through the clean air outlet flows in a first axial direction; and (ii) an elbow having a first end constructed to extend from the clean air outlet of the filter media pack construction, a second end wherein air flowing through the second end flows in a second axial direction, and an air flow enclosure extending from the elbow first end to the elbow second end, the air flow enclosure comprising: an air deflector constructed to direct air from the first axial direction to the second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is different from the first axial direction; an interior volume between the elbow first end and the elbow second end; (iii) a filter element seal member attached to the second end of the elbow, wherein the seal member is sealed to the air cleaner housing; and (d) a secondary filter element located within the air cleaner housing and comprising a secondary media pack, and wherein the secondary filter media pack and the primary media pack are offset by at least 40 mm in the second axial direction.
91. An air cleaner system according to characterization 90, wherein the primary media pack comprises a z-filter media pack.
92. An air cleaner system according to characterization 90, wherein the primary media pack comprises a cylindrically arranged pleated media pack.
93. An air cleaner system according to characterization 90, wherein the primary media pack comprises a conically arranged pleated media pack.
94. An air cleaner system according to characterization 90, wherein the primary media pack is arranged in a panel construction.
95. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-94, wherein the seal member defines a seal member cross sectional area and the filter arrangement defines a filter arrangement cross sectional area, and the ratio of the seal member cross sectional area to the filter arrangement cross sectional area is at least 0.6.
96. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-95, wherein the air flow enclosure comprises a first wall extending from the elbow first end and a second wall extending from the elbow second end, and wherein the air deflector has an air deflector first end extending at an angle from the first wall and an air deflector second end extending at an angle from the second wall.
97. An air cleaner system according to characterization 96, wherein a plane extending from the air deflector first end to the air deflector second end extends at an angle of at least 10 degrees relative to the first axial direction.
98. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-97, wherein the air deflector comprises a ramp.
99. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-98, wherein the air deflector comprises a hollow extending from the air deflector into the interior volume.
100. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-99, wherein the filter media pack is adhered to the elbow first end.
101. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-99, wherein the filter arrangement comprises the filter media pack, a seal support arranged on the filter media pack, and a media pack seal member arranged on the seal support, and wherein the media pack seal member seals to the elbow first end.
102. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-101, wherein the filter element seal member is molded to the elbow second end.
103. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-101, wherein the filter element seal member comprises a gasket adhered to the elbow second end.
104. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-103, wherein the filter element seal member comprises an internally directed radial seal.
105. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-103, wherein the filter element seal member comprises an externally directed radial seal.
106. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-105, further comprising an anti-telescoping arrangement extending across the media pack clean air outlet.
107. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-106, wherein the first end of the elbow and the second end of the elbow are arranged at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 160 degrees to each other.
108. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 90-107, wherein the air deflector includes a projection surrounded by a recess, the access cover includes a recess that receives the air deflector projection, and the access cover includes a projection that is received within the air deflector recess.
109. An air cleaner system according to characterization 108, wherein the secondary filter element includes a recess for receiving the air deflector recess.
110. An air cleaner system according to any one of characterizations 108-109, wherein the secondary filter element includes a projection that projects into the air deflector projection.