Fender-accessible air filter

• US 20060046634A1
• Filed: 08/26/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Spangler, John C. Jr., Laffan, Patrick W., Stough, Andrew J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,376,820 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 454/158
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00378 for tractor or load vehicle cabins
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 2003/065 Details for holding filter elements in position
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 3/0641 near ventilating openings in the vehicle exterior

Abstract

An air induction system is provided for a work machine having at least one fender. The air induction system has an air inlet flow member and an air filter. The air filter is disposed within the at least one fender and accessible from outside of the work machine. The air filter is fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the air inlet flow member. The air induction system also includes a conduit fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the air filter.

Claims

1. An air induction system for a work machine having at least one fender, the air induction system comprising:

an air inlet flow member;

an air filter disposed within the at least one fender and accessible from outside of the work machine, the air filter being fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the air inlet flow member; and

a conduit fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the air filter.

2. The air induction system of claim 1, wherein the air filter is disposed within a recess of the at least one fender.

3. The air induction system of claim 2, wherein the at least one fender includes an outer shell forming an internal cavity and the recess is disposed within an internal wall of the outer shell.

4. The air induction system of claim 1, wherein the work machine includes an operator cabin having a ceiling portion, and the air inlet flow member extends from the at least one fender to a point generally midway between the at least one fender and the ceiling portion.

5. The air induction system of claim 1, wherein the work machine includes an operator cabin having a frame, and the air inlet flow member is disposed within a portion of the frame.

6. A method of servicing an air induction system for a work machine, the method including:

moving a cover away from an outer surface of a work machine fender to an open position;

accessing an air filter through the work machine fender; and

returning the cover to a closed position on the outer surface of the work machine fender.

7. The method of claim 6, further including removing the air filter.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the fender includes an outer shell forming an internal cavity, and removing includes withdrawing the air filter from a recess disposed within an internal wall of the outer shell.

9. The method of claim 6, further including inserting a replacement air filter.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the fender includes an outer shell forming an internal cavity, and inserting includes inserting the replacement air filter into a recess disposed within an internal wall of the outer shell.

11. The method of claim 6, further including cleaning the air filter.

12. A fender for a work machine having an air induction system, the fender comprising:

an outer shell forming an internal cavity;

a recess disposed within an internal wall of the outer shell, the recess being configured to receive an air filter of the air induction system;

an opening through the outer shell providing access to the internal cavity and the recess from outside of the work machine; and

a cover hinged to the outer shell and configured to close off the opening.

13. The fender of claim 12, further including a means for sealing the internal cavity from the atmosphere.

14. The fender of claim 12, further including an opening extending from the recess through the outer shell.

15. The fender of claim 14, wherein the opening is a first opening and the fender further includes a second opening extending from the recess through the outer shell.

16. The fender of claim 14, further including a means for retaining the air filter within the recess.

17. A work machine, comprising:

an operator cabin;

at least one fender having;

an outer shell forming an internal cavity;

a recess disposed within an internal wall of the outer shell;

an opening through the outer shell providing access to the internal cavity and the recess from outside of the work machine; and

a cover hinged to the outer shell and configured to close off the opening; and

an air induction system having;

an air inlet flow member;

an air filter disposed within the recess of the fender and accessible from outside of the work machine, the air filter being fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the air inlet flow member; and

a conduit fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the air filter.

18. The work machine of claim 17, wherein the fender further includes a means for sealing the internal cavity from the atmosphere.

19. The work machine of claim 17, wherein the fender further includes an opening extending from the recess through the outer shell to the air inlet flow member.

20. The work machine of claim 19, wherein the opening is a first opening and the fender further includes a second opening extending from the recess through the outer shell to the conduit.

21. The work machine system of claim 17, wherein the air inlet flow member extends from the at least one fender to point generally midway between the at least one fender and a ceiling portion of the operator cabin.

22. The air induction system of claim 17, wherein the air inlet flow member is disposed within a portion of a frame of the operator cabin.

23. The work machine of claim 17, wherein the fender further includes a means for retaining the filter within the recess.