Seal arrangement for filter element; filter element assembly; and, methods
A filter cartridge arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and a housing seal member. Improvements in the preform and seal member are described which include: a single beveled surface of the seal member to facilitate installation; and, an inside region of the seal member having a tip adjacent in inwardly directed lip of the preform, to control flash during molding. A variety of media pack configurations and features are described.
1. An air filter cartridge comprising:
(a) a media pack including opposite inlet and outlet ends:
(i) the media pack comprising filter media defining a set of inlet flutes and a set of outlet flutes extending between the inlet and outlet ends; and
(ii) the media pack being closed to flow of unfiltered air therethrough without passage through filter media of the media pack;
(b) a preform positioned adjacent a first one of the inlet and outlet ends of the media pack;
(i) the preform including a radial seal support and,
(ii) the radial seal support having an outside surface;
(c) a seal member positioned on the preform; the seal member including:
(i) a radial seal region positioned adjacent the radial support outside surface; and
(ii) a single, beveled, outer axial surface including a straight section at least 4 mm long extending at an angle, HE, of 30° to 60°, inclusive, relative to a plane perpendicular to a direction between the media pack opposite inlet and outlet ends;
(iii) the beveled outer surface being positioned in extension between a portion of the radial seal region and the outer tip of the seal member.
2. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) The single, beveled, outer axial surface of the seal member has a length within the range of 6 to 16 mm, inclusive, and extends at an angle, HE, within the range of 35° to 55°.
3. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the seal member is a molded-in-place seal member; and,
(b) the preform is secured to the media pack with an adhesive separate from the seal member.
4. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the seal member is integral with a molded-in-place overmold securing the preform to the media pack.
5. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the media pack comprises a coiled arrangement of a fluted sheet secured to a facing sheet.
6. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the media pack has a circular outer periphery.
7. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the media pack has an oval outer periphery.
8. An air filter cartridge according to claim 7 wherein:
(a) the media pack has a racetrack outer periphery, with opposite curved ends and opposite straight sides.
9. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the radial seal support has an inside surface opposite the outside surface;
(b) the seal member is part of a molded-in-place arrangement including an inside region adjacent the preform inside surface;
(i) the inside region having a tip; and
(c) the preform including a radially, inwardly, directed lip extending across the tip of the inside region.
10. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 including:
(a) a second preform mounted on an end of the media pack opposite the seal member.
11. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the second pre-form includes a plurality of scallop-shaped fingertip receiving regions thereon.
12. An air filter cartridge comprising:
(a) a media pack including opposite inlet and outlet ends;
(i) the media pack comprising filter media defining a set of inlet flutes and a set of outlet flutes extending between the inlet and outlet ends; and,
(ii) the media pack being closed to flow of unfiltered air therethrough without passage through filter media of the media pack;
(b) a preform positioned adjacent a first one of the inlet and outlet ends of the media pack;
(i) the perform including a radial seal support; and,
(ii) the radial seal support having an outside surface
(c) a seal member positioned on the preform;
(i) the seal member including: a radial seal region positioned adjacent the radial support outside surface; and
(d) a second preform mounted on an end of the media pack opposite the seal member;
(i) the second preform including a plurality of scallop-shaped fingertip receiving regions thereon.