DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an air cleaner, and more particularly to a self-cleaning air cleaner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vehicles, be it for transportation of goods or humans, forms the backbone of today’s world. A typical vehicle includes an internal combustion engine wherein fuel is combusted in presence of air and usable power is generated to run the vehicle. The air for the combustion of the fuel is drawn from ambient atmosphere. It is well-known to use one or more filters to remove dust, debris and other undesired elements from the air being drawn into the engine.
[0003] For example, the vehicle engine is fitted with an air intake system, which at its one end draws air from the ambient atmosphere, and at the other end is in fluid communication with an air intake manifold of the engine. The air intake system may sequentially include a snorkel, one or more air cleaners, and an air duct, wherein the snorkel is configured to draw the air from atmosphere, and the air duct is configured to supply the clean and filtered air received from the air cleaners to the air intake manifold.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional cut view of a conventional air cleaner (100). The conventional air cleaner (100) comprises a housing (102). The housing (102) comprising a cylindrical body (102b) defined by wall (102w). An operative top end (102e1) of the cylindrical body (102b) is covered by a top plate (102p1) and an operative bottom end (102e2) of the cylindrical body (102b) is covered by a bottom plate (102p2). An air inlet (102i) is configured on the wall (102w), wherein the air inlet (102i) facilitates entry of dirty air into the housing (102) therethrough. A clean air outlet (102o) is configured on the operative top end (102e1). The clean air outlet (102o) facilitates egress of the clean air therethrough. A filter element (104) is disposed within the housing (102). The filter element (104) typically comprises a pleated type of annular filter media, which surrounds an interior space (104s). The filter element (104) is having dimensions and is disposed such that the filter element (104) fits longitudinally within the housing (102) and divides the space within the housing (102) into a clean side (102c) and a dirty side (102d). The housing (102) may further include an outlet (102r) for removing dust. The outlet (102r) may be configured on the wall (102w) and may be disposed in a direction opposite to the air inlet (102i).
[0005] Further, the filter element (104) may be secured within the housing (102) by employing a yoke (106). The yoke (106) may comprise a longitudinal member with fasteners provided at ends thereof. A first disk (102d1) and a second disk (102d2) may be disposed over a first and second ends of the filter element (104). The first disk (102d1) is provided with a hole or a plurality of holes or apertures to facilitate egress of cleaned air therethrough into the air outlet (102o). The yoke (106) may extend from the second end thereof through the second disk and into the bottom plate (102p2), wherein it is further secured to the bottom plate (102p2) by a fastener. The other end of the yoke may be secured to the clean air outlet (102o) or to the top plate (102p1).
[0006] In a working configuration, the air to be cleaned is drawn into the housing (102) through the air inlet (102i) into the dirty side (102d). The air to be cleaned is then forced through the filter element (104), wherein the filter media (104m) blocks dirt, dust and debris in the air drawn, and the clean air is received within the interior space (104s), which forms the clean side (102c). The clean air is then channeled into the air outlet (102o) from where the air may be routed to the air intake manifold of the vehicle’s engine through the air conduit. The separated dust, debris and dirt may stick to the filter media (104m) or may fall within the housing (102), which may be removed from the housing (102) through the outlet (102r).
[0007] The above-described conventional air cleaner (100) is observed to have one or more drawbacks or disadvantages.
[0008] One disadvantage of the conventional air cleaner is that the filter element (104) may get clogged over a period of time as more dust, debris and dirt may stick to the filter media. This results in increased restriction. When the restriction reaches a certain level, the filter element has to be replaced. The vehicle has to be stationed in a service center or workshop for replacing the filter element, which adds to vehicle’s downtime, and hence the operating cost.
[0009] Further, for replacing the filter element, a spare filter element has to be kept ready, which necessarily means maintaining inventory. Still further, replacing the filter element with a new filter element means additional cost.
[00010] Thus, there existing an immediate need for providing a way out to obviate the above-mentioned one or more drawbacks associated with the conventional air cleaners.
[00011] More specifically, there exists an urgent need to provide an air cleaner, wherein the filter element may not be required to be replaced or at least the life of the filter element is enhanced. Further, the air filter may not be required to be replaced frequently which means that the down time of the vehicle and the associated cost is reduced.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[00012] Some of the objects of the presently disclosed invention, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein, are as follows.
[00013] An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art.
[00014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning air cleaner.
[00015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning air cleaner which does not requires frequent replacement of the filter element.
[00016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide self-cleaning air cleaner which does not requires frequent replacement of the filter element and hence reduces the downtime, and cost of replacing the filter element with new one.
[00017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning air cleaner which is easy to use, operate, maintain and is economic.
[00018] Other objects and benefits of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to bind the scope of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00019] Disclosed is a self-cleaning air cleaner comprising a housing having cylindrical body defined by wall, an operative top end, and an operative bottom end, a top plate, and a bottom plate sealably secured to and covering the operative top end and the operative bottom end, an air inlet configured on the wall for facilitating entry of dirty air into the housing therethrough, a clean air outlet configured on the top plate for facilitating egress of the clean air therethrough, an outlet for removing dust therethrough, the outlet configured on the wall, an annular filter element disposed within the housing, the annular filter element comprising pleated filter media defining an interior space, wherein the annular filter element is disposed within the housing such that the annular filter element fits longitudinally within the housing dividing the space within the housing into a clean side and a dirty side, a first disk and a second disk secured to and disposed over an operative top end and an operative bottom end of the annular filter element, wherein the first disk having holes configured thereon to facilitate egress of cleaned air therethrough into the air outlet, a hollow tubular yoke received within the interior space, the hollow tubular yoke having a first end secured to the top plate, having a second end secured to the bottom plate, a first hollow extension extending from and in fluid communication with the first end, wherein the first hollow extension is connected to and is in fluid communication with a source of compressed fluid, to receive the compressed fluid therethrough, a second extension extending from the second end and secured to the bottom plate, holes configured on a wall thereof, the holes configured to eject the compressed fluid into the interior space, a valve operatively disposed on the air inlet, the valve configured to selectively cover and sealably close the air inlet, wherein in a self-cleaning configuration, the compressed fluid is received in the hollow tubular yoke, and ejected through the holes into the interior space, wherein the compressed fluid passes through the annular filter element dislodging contaminants stuck on an operative outer surface of the annular filter element, wherein the valve closes owning to the pressure exerted by the compressed fluid, and wherein the dislodged contaminants are received and removed from the outlet.
[00020] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow tubular yoke is received and positioned at geometric center of the annular filter element.
[00021] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow tubular yoke having a diameter in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, and wherein the holes having a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.
[00022] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow tubular yoke is made of one material selected from a group consisting of metal, non-metal, metal alloy, composite, and combinations thereof.
[00023] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the valve comprising a body being made of a flexible sheet and attached to and covering the air inlet on an inner surface of the wall.
[00024] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the supporting members being disposed in and around the flexible sheet, the supporting members configured to support the flexible sheet.
[00025] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the supporting members being hollow tubes having holes configured thereon, wherein the hollow tubes being connected to and in fluid communication with the compressed fluid source and being configured to eject compress fluid on to the flexible sheet thereby closing and covering the air inlet.
[00026] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible sheet is made of plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof.
[00027] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the compressed fluid is air, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and combinations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
[00028] The present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:
[00029] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of cross-sectional cut view of a conventional air cleaner;
[00030] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of cross-sectional cut view of a self-cleaning air cleaner in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
[00031] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of cross-sectional cut view of a self-cleaning air cleaner wherein the compressed fluid is ejected through the holes configured on the yoke in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
[00032] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of cross-sectional cut view of a self-cleaning air cleaner with the inlet valve in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
[00033] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an inlet valve comprising a flexible sheet with supporting members for supporting the same; and
[00034] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of the inlet valve comprising the flexible sheet supported by the supporting members and a yoke and the supporting members with holes configured thereon.
LIST OF NUMERALS
100 – Conventional air cleaner
102 – Housing
102b – Cylindrical body
102c – Clean side
102d – Dirty side
102d1 – First disk
102d2 – Second disk
102e1 – Operative top end
102e2 – Operative bottom end
102i – Air inlet
102o – Air outlet
102p1 – Top plate
102p2 – Bottom plate
102r – Outlet
102w – Wall
104 – Filter element
104m – Filter media
104s – Interior space
106 – Yoke
200 – Self-cleaning air cleaner
202 – Housing
202b – Cylindrical body
202c – Clean side
202d – Dirty side
202d1 – First disk
202d2 – Second disk
202e1 – Operative top end
202e2 – Operative bottom end
202i – Air inlet
202m – Supporting members
202mh – Holes
202o – Air outlet
202p1 – Top plate
202p2 – Bottom plate
202r – Outlet
204 – Annular air filter
204m – Pleated filter media
204s – Interior space
206 – Hollow tubular yoke
206e1 – First end
206h – Holes
206x1 – First hollow extension
206x2 – Second extension
206w – Wall
208 – Valve
208b – Body
208s – Flexible sheet
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00035] All technical terms and scientific expressions used in the present invention have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless and otherwise specified.
[00036] As used in the present specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00037] The term "comprising” as used in the present specification will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable things, for instance one or more additional feature(s), part(s), component(s), process step(s), sub-step(s), and /or constituent(s) as applicable.
[00038] Further, the terms “about” and “approximately" used in combination with ranges of sizes of parts, particles, compositions of mixtures, and/or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges.
[00039] To overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention provides a suitable alternative. More specifically, the present invention provides a self-cleaning air cleaner which overcomes the drawbacks or disadvantages of the prior art or the conventional air cleaners.
[00040] In accordance with the present invention, the self-cleaning air cleaner obviates the need for frequent replacement of the filter element. The self-cleaning air cleaner of the present invention also facilitates in enhancing the life of the filter element, which in turn leads to reduced down time of the vehicle and associated cost.
[00041] The present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of cross-sectional cut view of a self-cleaning air cleaner in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of cross-sectional cut view of a self-cleaning air cleaner wherein the compressed fluid is ejected through the holes configured on the yoke in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of cross-sectional cut view of a self-cleaning air cleaner with the inlet valve in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an inlet valve comprising a flexible sheet with supporting members for supporting the same, and FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of the inlet valve comprising the flexible sheet supported by the supporting members and a yoke and the supporting members with holes configured thereon.
[00042] In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a self-cleaning air cleaner (200) is disclosed. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) comprises a housing (202). The housing (202) may have any shape. In one embodiment, the housing (202) is having cylindrical body (202b) defined by wall (202w), an operative top end (202e1), and an operative bottom end (202e2).
[00043] Further, a top plate (202p1), and a bottom plate (202p2) are sealably secured to and covering the operative top end (202e1) and the operative bottom end (202e2) respectively. The top plate and the bottom plate may be integral with the cylindrical body (202b) or may be non-integral with the cylindrical body (202b). The wall (202w), the top plate and the bottom plate defines an interior space within the housing.
[00044] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the housing, the top plate, and the bottom plate each may be made of any suitable material. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the housing, the top plate, and the bottom plate are each independently made from at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal, metalloid, alloy, non-metal, polymer/plastic composite and combinations thereof.
[00045] In one embodiment, the housing, the top plate, and the bottom plate are each independently made of plastic. In yet another embodiment, the housing, the top plate, and the bottom plate are each independently made of stainless steel. The housing, the top plate, and the bottom plate may be made of any other material and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples.
[00046] The housing is further provided with an air inlet (202i), wherein the inlet is configured on the wall (202w) for facilitating entry of dirty air into the housing (202) therethrough. The air inlet (202i) may have any shape and size. For example, the shape of the air inlet as depicted in the FIG. 2 is cylindrical. The size of the air inlet is dedicated by the restriction presented. The size and shape both are chosen so are to have minimum restriction. In one embodiment, the air inlet is configured on the wall (202w) such that the dirty air enters the housing tangentially or substantially tangentially.
[00047] A clean air outlet (202o) is configured on the top plate (202p1) for facilitating egress of the clean air therethrough. The air outlet may have any shape and size. Again, the shape and size of the air outlet is dictated by the restriction and is chosen so as to minimize the same. As in case of the present invention, the air outlet is having cylindrical shape and a circular cross section. The air outlet is positioned so that the clean air exits the housing in an axial direction.
[00048] Further, the housing may also include an outlet (202r) for removing dust therethrough, the outlet (202r) is configured on the wall (202w). Typically, the outlet (202r) is configured such that the outlet extends from the operative lower portion of wall (202w), which aids in removal of dust by action of gravity.
[00049] The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) includes an annular filter element (204) disposed within the housing (102). The annular filter element (204) may include a pleated annular filter media (204m) defining an interior space (204s) therewithin. The annular filter element (204) may be the primary filter in some examples. An additional secondary filter may also be provided which is disposed within the interior space (204s). The secondary filter (not shown in the figures) may act as a fallback filter in case the primary filter is damaged.
[00050] In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the annular filter element (204) may be disposed within the housing (202) such that the annular filter element fits longitudinally within the housing (202) dividing the space within the housing (202) into a clean side (202c) and a dirty side (202d). The dirty side (202d) is in fluid communication with the air inlet (202i) and the clean side (202c) is in fluid communication with the air outlet (202o). In one embodiment, the space between the wall (202w) and the outer periphery of the annular filter element (204) defines the dirty side (202d), and the interior space (204s) defines the clean side (202c).
[00051] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the annular filter element includes a first disk (202d1) and a second disk (202d2), which are secured to and disposed over an operative top end and an operative bottom end of the annular filter element (204).
[00052] In an embodiment, the first disk (202d1) may have a plurality of holes configured thereon to facilitate egress of cleaned air therethrough into the air outlet (202o).
[00053] The annular filter element and in case there is a secondary filter are fixed or secured within the housing by employing a suitable mechanism. One such mechanism for securing the annular filter element is described herein below.
[00054] The mechanism includes a hollow tubular yoke (206) received within the interior space (204s), wherein the hollow tubular yoke (206) is having a first end secured to one of top plate (202p1) or outlet (202o), and a second end secured to the bottom plate (202p2). The hollow tubular yoke (206) may have suitable engaging formations configured on either ends thereof to engage or couple with the first and the second disk suitably. For example, the hollow tubular yoke (206) may have threads configured on an outer surface thereof at and around the ends. Suitable bolts may be used for coupling the top and bottom plates with the ends having threads. In an embodiment, the ends of the yoke may be welded to the plates. In another embodiment, the ends of the yoke may be integral with the plates.
[00055] The hollow tubular yoke (206) further has a plurality of holes (206h) configured on a wall (206w) thereof, the holes (206h) configured to eject the compressed fluid into the interior space (204s). The plurality of holes is distributed uniformly along the length and periphery of the yoke.
[00056] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow tubular yoke (206) may have a diameter in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm.
[00057] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the holes (206h) may have a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.
[00058] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow tubular yoke (206) is made of one material selected from a group consisting of metal, non-metal, metal alloy, composite, and combinations thereof.
[00059] The first end of the yoke is connected to and in fluid communication with a source of compressed fluid. For example, the first end of the yoke may be connected to a source of compressed gas such as compressed air. It is to be noted that the compressed fluid or gas or air as the case may be is filtered before it is received in the yoke to avoid any contamination of the inner surface of the annular filter element (which faces the clean side of the air cleaner). The word compressed used herein is meant to indicate that the fluid being pumped into the yoke is at pressure higher than ambient pressure. For example, in atmospheric conditions, a fluid pressurized to a value higher than one atmosphere may be used. In some other example, the fluid may have same pressure as that of the ambient pressure, and only a flow is established by pumping fluid through the yoke.
[00060] Further, a valve (208) is operatively disposed on the air inlet (202i), the valve (208) is configured to selectively cover and sealably close the air inlet (202i) during the cleaning operation of the annular filter element. In one embodiment, the valve (208) may close owning to the pressure exerted by the compressed fluid.
[00061] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the valve (208) may comprise a body (208b), which is made of a flexible sheet, and is attached to and covering the air inlet (202i) on an inner surface of the wall (202w) (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). In certain embodiments, the flexible sheet may be attached using glue or fasteners or the like. Only one end of the flexible sheet is fixed, while the other end of the sheet is free to move in an operative upward direction or an operative downward direction with respect to the inner surface of the wall (202w). An operative upward movement may be caused due to pressure of the compressed fluid being injected through the yoke holes, whereas a downward movement may be caused due to injection of dirty fluid or air through the air inlet (202i). Thus, the movement of the flexible sheet and hence of the valve may be controlled. In certain embodiments, instead of relying on fluid pressure, electric or magnetic fields may be employed for opening or closing the valve.
[00062] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, flexible sheet may be supported by a plurality of supporting members (202m) which being disposed in and around the flexible sheet.
[00063] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the supporting members (202m) are in form of hollow tubes having holes (202mh) configured thereon, wherein the hollow tubes being connected to and in fluid communication with the compressed fluid source and are configured to eject compressed fluid on to the flexible sheet thereby closing and covering the air inlet (202i).
[00064] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible sheet may be made of plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof.
[00065] In a self-cleaning configuration of the self-cleaning air cleaner, a compressed fluid is received in the hollow tubular yoke (206) through the first end thereof and the received compressed fluid is ejected through the holes (206h) into the interior space ( 204s). The compressed fluid is allowed to pass through the annular filter element, more specifically, the annular pleated filter media (202m). The compressed fluid while passing through the annular pleated filter media (202m) dislodges contaminants stuck on an operative outer surface of the annular filter element (204). It may be the case that not all the contaminants are removed or dislodged. In certain cases, only a partial dislodgment may take place. However, whatever may be the amount of contaminant removal or dislodgment, at least a workable portion of the filter media may be cleaned which may result in reduction in restriction.
[00066] The dislodged contaminants are received in the dirty side and are removed from the outlet (202r) manually or otherwise.
[00067] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the contaminants herein may include dust, dirt, debris, moisture, splinters, etc., which are generally present in atmospheric air or in environments such as the mining environment or the like.
[00068] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a first hollow extension (206x1) is provided which extends from and in fluid communication with the first end, wherein the first hollow extension (206x1) is connected to and is in fluid communication with a source of compressed fluid, to receive the compressed fluid therethrough.
[00069] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a second extension (206x2) is provided which extends from the second end and secured to the bottom plate (202p2).
[00070] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the hollow tubular yoke (206) is received and positioned at geometric center of the annular filter element (204). In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the hollow tubular yoke (206) is received and positioned at a position other than geometric center of the annular filter element (204).
[00071] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the compressed fluid may be one fluid selected from the group consisting of air, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and combinations thereof.
[00072] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the valve (208) may be selectively actuated by an electromagnetic mechanism which being selectively actuated by passage of electric current, wherein the electromagnetic mechanism comprises pairs of electromagnets, one of which being fixed to the flexible sheet (208s) and other being fixed to the wall (202w).
[00073] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the valve (208) may be selectively actuated by a mechanical actuator comprising a rack secured to the flexible sheet (208s), and a pinion rotatably secured to the wall (202w), wherein the pinion is driven by an electric motor, which sets the rack in linear motion pulling flexible sheet (208) towards the wall (202w) closing the opening, and driving the electric motor in opposite direction setting the rack in linear motion pushing the flexible sheet (208) away from the wall (202w) uncovering the opening.
[00074] Though, the valve (208) herein is actuated by pressure, electromagnet, and mechanical means, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and the valve may be actuated by any other suitable means, which are also well within the scope of the present invention.
TECHNICAL AND ECONOMICAL ADVANTAGES AND ADVANCES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[00075] The self-cleaning air cleaner of the present invention provides several technical and economical advantages and advances some of which are listed herein below:
[00076] The self-cleaning air cleaner of the present invention is simple and easy to manufacture, operate, and maintain. The life of the filter of the self-cleaning air cleaner is enhanced due to self-cleaning attribute, and the restriction of the filter can be maintained to a low value during the life-time of the filter. The self-cleaning air cleaner reduces the vehicle down time and associated cost.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A self-cleaning air cleaner (200) characterized by having:
- a housing (202) having:
o a cylindrical body (202b) defined by wall (202w);
o an operative top end (202e1), and an operative bottom end (202e2);
o a top plate (202p1), and a bottom plate (202p2) sealably secured to and covering the operative top end (202e1) and the operative bottom end (202e2), respectively;
o an air inlet (202i) configured on the wall (202w) for facilitating entry of dirty air into the housing (202) therethrough;
o a clean air outlet (202o) configured on the top plate (202p1) for facilitating egress of the clean air therethrough;
o an outlet (202r) for removing dust therethrough, the outlet (202r) configured on the wall (202w);
- an annular filter element (204) disposed within the housing (102), the annular filter element (204) comprising a pleated filter media (204m) defining an interior space (204s);
wherein the annular filter element (204) being disposed within the housing (202) such that the annular filter element fits longitudinally within the housing (202) dividing the space within the housing (202) into a clean side (202c) and a dirty side (202d).
- a first disk (202d1) and a second disk (202d2) secured to and disposed over an operative top end and an operative bottom end of the annular filter element (204), wherein the first disk (202d1) having one or more holes configured thereon to facilitate egress of cleaned air therethrough into the air outlet (202o);
- a hollow tubular yoke (206) received within the interior space (204s), the hollow tubular yoke (206):
o having a first end secured to one of outlet pipe (102o) and end plate (102p1);
o having a second end secured to the bottom plate (202p2);
o a first hollow extension (206x1) extending from and in fluid communication with the first end (206e1), wherein the first hollow extension (206x1) is connected to and is in fluid communication with a source of compressed fluid, to receive the compressed fluid therethrough;
o a second extension (206x2) extending from the second end and secured to the bottom plate (202p2);
o holes (206h) configured on a wall (206w) thereof, the holes (206h) configured to eject the compressed fluid into the interior space ( 204s);
- a valve (208) operatively disposed on the air inlet (202i), the valve (208) configured to selectively cover and sealably close the air inlet (202i);
wherein in a self-cleaning configuration, the compressed fluid is received in the hollow tubular yoke (206), and ejected through the holes (206h) into the interior space ( 204s),
wherein the compressed fluid passes through the annular filter element (204) dislodging contaminants stuck on an operative outer surface of the annular filter element (204);
wherein the dislodged contaminants are received and removed from the outlet (202r).
2. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular yoke (206) is received and positioned at geometric center of the annular filter element (204).
3. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular yoke (206) having a diameter in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, and wherein the holes (206h) having a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.
4. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular yoke (206) is made of one material selected from a group consisting of metal, non-metal, metal alloy, composite, and combinations thereof.
5. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve (208) comprising a body (208b)
- being made of a flexible sheet (208s); and
- attached to and covering the air inlet (202i) on an inner surface of the wall (202w).
6. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein supporting members (202m) being disposed in and around the flexible sheet, the supporting members (202m) configured to support the flexible sheet.
7. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the supporting members (202m) being hollow tubes having holes (202mh) configured thereon, wherein the hollow tubes being connected to and in fluid communication with the compressed fluid source and being configured to eject compress fluid on to the flexible sheet thereby closing and covering the air inlet (202i), and wherein the valve (208) closes owning to the pressure exerted by the compressed fluid ejected to the holes (202mh), and opens owning to the turning of compressed fluid flow through the holes (202mh).
8. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the valve (208) is selectively actuated by an electromagnetic mechanism which being selectively actuated by passage of electric current, wherein the electromagnetic mechanism comprises pairs of electromagnets, one of which being fixed to the flexible sheet (208s) and other being fixed to the wall (202w).
9. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the valve (208) is selectively actuated by a mechanical actuator comprising a rack secured to the flexible sheet (208s), and a pinion rotatably secured to the wall (202w), wherein the pinion is driven by an electric motor, which sets the rack in linear motion pulling flexible sheet (208) towards the wall (202w) closing the opening, and driving the electric motor in opposite direction setting the rack in linear motion pushing the flexible sheet (208) away from the wall (202w) uncovering the opening.
10. The self-cleaning air cleaner (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flexible sheet being made of plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof, and wherein the compressed fluid is air, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and combinations thereof.
Dated this 26th day of October 2021
For the Applicant

Deepak Pradeep Thakur
The Applicant’s Patent Agent
IN/PA – 3687
To,
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office,
At Mumbai