Gas separation: apparatus – With sound damping means
Reexamination Certificate
2001-05-02
2003-03-11
Hopkins, Robert A. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation: apparatus
With sound damping means
C220S300000, C123S184570
Reexamination Certificate
active
06530984
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an air cleaner resonator mounting system and cover.
An air cleaner purifies and directs air into an internal combustion engine. Noise is produced by the engine which travels back through the induction system. A resonator, such as a Helmholtz resonator, is commonly employed to reduce noise. As noise passes the tuning tube positioned in the resonator and an opposition noise wave is produced, the noise generated is reduced. The resonator and the tuning tube cooperate to resonate with and absorb acoustical noise at a predetermined frequency, thereby eliminating or diminishing these noises. In prior air cleaner assemblies, the resonator is commonly located outside the air cleaner box.
A cover is positioned over the air cleaner box to protect the interior contents of the box. Currently, metal or plastic fasteners such as spring clips, bolts or screws are employed to secure the cover to the air cleaner box. A hinge mechanism is often employed in connection with the fasteners.
There are several drawbacks to utilizing the air cleaner of the prior art. For one, as the resonator is located on the exterior of the air cleaner, additional space is occupied and exterior tubing is needed. An additional bracket or fastener is also needed to secure the resonator to the air cleaner. Additionally, the fasteners employed in the prior art to secure the cover to the box produce excess loads on the cover and the lower shell, which can result in leakage or over-design. Finally, the prior art fasteners are bulky, also occupying additional space.
Hence, there is a need in the art for an air cleaner resonator mounting system and cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an air cleaner resonator mounting system and cover.
A slide retention structure is molded into an air cleaner box of an air cleaner. A recess molded into a resonator volume is engaged by the slide retention structure. The resonator volume slides along the slide retention structure and into an assembled position.
In the assembled position, a tuning tube is inserted into an aperture located on the lower surface of the volume. A flexible seal positioned around the aperture acoustically seals the resonator volume to the tuning tube.
In a second feature of the present invention, an air cleaner cover is secured to the air cleaner box by a lock plate. When the cover is placed on the box, a plurality of hooks on the box are positioned in a plurality of holes on the cover. The lock plate is then placed on the cover over the hooks and slid so that a plurality of wedges on the lock plate are forced under the hooks, securing the cover to the box. A side opening located proximate to the wedges allow the lock plate slide so that the hooks do not hinder the movement of the lock plate. Once locked, an end clip secures the lock plate.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an air cleaner resonator mounting system and cover.
These and other features of the present invention will be best understood from the following specification and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4333580 (1982-06-01), Sweigart, Jr.
patent: 5900595 (1999-05-01), Akima et al.
patent: 6349690 (2002-02-01), Utsumi et al.
patent: 3429633 (1986-02-01), None
patent: 4332559 (1995-03-01), None
patent: 0896148 (1999-02-01), None
patent: 02019644 (1990-01-01), None
Partial European Search Report for EP 01 20 1887 dated Jun. 27, 2002.
Hopkins Robert A.
Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
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