Filter valve, filter element cover and cover assembly

Description

[001] The present invention is part of the technical field of fluid filters, in particular fuel filters for motor vehicles, focusing specifically on a filter element cover and valve assembly. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[002] Fuel filters play a fundamental role in fuel supply systems, being responsible for purifying the fuel before it reaches the engine. This process is carried out by means of a filter element, consisting of a cover and a filter medium, usually made of materials such as paper, synthetic or metallic fibers, which act as barriers against impurities such as solid particles, water, dirt and other contaminants. The filter element allows the fuel to flow through it, retaining impurities and ensuring that the fuel reaching the engine is as clean as possible. In addition to protecting sensitive engine components, this filtration process helps maintain engine performance efficiency, preventing failures caused by contamination.

[003] However, there are deficiencies in state-of-the-art filters that compromise their effectiveness and the overall operation of fuel systems. One of the most critical problems involves the improper installation of the filter element, or even, in some cases, the installation of filters without the filter element, which completely compromises the function of the device. This can occur due to errors during assembly or the lack of an effective verification mechanism, resulting in ineffective filtration systems and, in many cases, damage to engine components. The absence of the filter element can allow contaminant particles to enter the engine directly, accelerating the wear of its parts and reducing its lifespan. Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 8 / 31 2 / 13

[004] Another significant challenge is related to the use of incompatible components, such as the use of filter elements of different models or unsuitable for the filter in question. Replacing the filter element with an incompatible model can result in sealing failures, allowing the fuel to not be completely filtered or the system to suffer leaks. In some cases, installing the wrong parts can lead to obstruction of fuel flow or the creation of spaces where fuel can pass through without being properly filtered, which negatively affects engine performance and increases the risk of catastrophic system failures.

[005] Regarding the seal between the filter element and the filter body, this is another critical area in traditional fuel filter systems. While a high-quality seal is essential to ensure that fuel flows exclusively through the filter medium, in many cases it is inadequate, compromising filtration efficiency and system safety. Insufficient sealing can cause leaks, leading to system contamination and compromised fuel pressure, which directly affects engine performance, resulting in damage to fuel injection systems or other sensitive components. Furthermore, inefficient sealing can allow impurities to go unfiltered, impairing engine operation and reducing overall efficiency.

[006] These common technical problems in conventional fuel filter systems not only affect engine durability and performance, but also result in additional maintenance costs and premature component replacement. The need for a safer, more efficient and reliable filtration system is evident, especially considering that modern vehicle fuel systems demand ever greater precision and performance. The search for solutions that guarantee filter integrity and prevent improper use of Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 9 / 31 3 / 13 components and improve system sealing, without compromising fuel efficiency, is fundamental to the development of more advanced and effective fuel filters.

[007] In this context, PI0015564 offers a technical solution that combats improper installation of the filter element and the use of incompatible parts, proposing a fuel filter system with mechanisms that ensure the correct fitting of the filter element, avoiding the use of filters without the filter medium or incompatible models. However, the mechanism proposed by PI0015564 is not completely foolproof, as it depends on the user's active participation in assembling the cylinder head and the filter element, since the user must correctly position the valve in the fitting position. Furthermore, for modern applications, filters capable of providing an even tighter seal are necessary, thus requiring an absolutely precise fit of the components.

[008] In view of all this, it is clear that, although the state of the art presents solutions for some of the problems related to the improper use of filter elements and sealing, it still lacks a solution that can effectively and error-proof solve all these challenges. Although there are devices that seek to avoid the use of unsuitable filter elements and improve the fit in the cylinder head, existing solutions do not guarantee the necessary precision and simplicity in the installation process, nor are they completely foolproof. The proposed invention aims to fill this gap, offering a filter element cover assembly for a fuel filter that combines efficiency, safety and precision in the fitting of the filter element, minimizing the risk of errors during installation and ensuring the proper functioning of the fuel system. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 10 / 31 4 / 13

[009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter element cover assembly capable of ensuring that the valve can only be fitted in the correct position, ensuring the safety of the filter and avoiding assembly and operating errors.

[010] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a fuel filter cover assembly that prevents an unsuitable filter element (i.e., one not specifically designed for the filter model in question) from being used.

[011] It is also an objective of the present invention to prevent the fuel filter from being used without a filter element being properly inserted, thus avoiding misuse that compromises the integrity of the engine associated with the filter.

[012] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a lid assembly that ensures a better fit between the filter components, making filtration more efficient and increasing sealing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[013] The aforementioned objectives are achieved by means of a filter valve comprising a valve lock, a pin, a spring and a valve body with a diameter dv which may vary between 43.0 mm and 42.8 mm. The valve body has an upper portion extending outward from one end of the valve body, wherein the upper portion comprises at least one slot and two tabs.

[014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the valve lock has a truncated cone shape, having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface forming an angle α which can vary between 0.5° and 1.5°. Said inner surface is provided with a plurality of locking elements 221 arranged along its length.

[015] According to the present invention, the valve comprises the spring that Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 11 / 31 5 / 13 has a preferably helical shape, with a maximum diameter dM_max of 36.4 mm to 35.4 mm and dM_min of 23.9 mm to 23.3 mm.

[016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower part of the valve body is provided with at least one radially arranged fin.

[017] The present invention also relates to a filter element cover comprising a cover body comprising a top part, an outer face and an inner face, the inner face comprising guides extending radially downwards from the top part, housings and a plurality of radially arranged keys.

[018] In one embodiment of the lid of the present invention, the lid body has a cylindrical shape and the guides have a semi-elliptical shape with the housings arranged at the end.

[019] Finally, the present invention also relates to a cover assembly consisting of a filter element cover and a valve. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[020] Preferred, but not limiting, embodiments of the present invention are represented in the accompanying figures, as briefly described below.

[021] Figure 1a illustrates a filter element cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, represented in a cross-sectional front view.

[022] Figure 1b illustrates a head coupled to a filter element by means of the filter element cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, represented in a cross-sectional front view.

[023] Figure 2a shows a front view of a fuel filter fitted with a filter element cover assembly according to the present invention, the assembly being highlighted in red in the figure.

[024] Figures 2b and 2c illustrate, respectively, a perspective view. Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 12 / 31 6 / 13 of a filter head to which the valve of the present invention is attached, and a front view of the valve itself.

[025] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate front, perspective and top views of a valve body according to the present invention.

[026] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate cross-sectional views of a filter element cover according to the present invention, the views being oriented 90° apart from each other.

[027] Figure 4c illustrates a perspective view of the filter element cover according to the present invention.

[028] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional front view of a valve lock according to the present invention, illustrating the locking elements present on its inner surface.

[029] Figure 5b illustrates a perspective view of the valve lock of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[030] According to the general concept of the present invention, a filter element cover assembly, a filter valve and a filter element cover are disclosed, having features that ensure a precise and proper fit between the components, increasing the sealing efficiency and safety of the filtering operation.

[031] As seen in Figure 1, the filter element cover assembly 4 consists of a filter element cover 30 to which a valve 20 fitted with a valve lock 22 is attached. As illustrated in Figure 2a, said assembly 4 is part of a fuel filter 1 generally, but not exclusively, used in motor vehicles, and allows a filter head 2 and a filter element 3 to be joined. The main function of the head 2 is to direct the flow of the fluid to be filtered between an inlet and an outlet. However, the head 2 also performs Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 13 / 31 7 / 13 structural function of properly positioning and securing the filter element 3 by coupling the valve 20 to the cover 30, ensuring a correct fit in the appropriate position.

[032] One embodiment of the valve 20 of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 2C, in which the elements that compose it can be clearly seen. Said valve 20 comprises a hollow valve body 21, having an upper portion 210 extending from an upper end of the body 21. In one embodiment of the present invention, the body 21 has a cylindrical shape, with its upper portion 210 extending radially from its end, so as to obtain a surface of preferably circumferential or substantially circumferential shape having a central orifice 214.

[033] To assist in the correct positioning of the valve, the present invention has slots arranged along the upper portion 210 of the valve body 21. These slots are arranged radially and, in a preferred embodiment, there are two larger slots 211a and four smaller slots 211b.

[034] According to the present invention, as can be seen in figure 3a, the upper portion 210 of said valve body 21 has at least one radially arranged fin 213, and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, four fins 213 are arranged. Said fins 213 have a fastening function and fit between locking elements 221 present in a valve lock 22. Thus, it is possible to prevent the valve lock 22 from performing a lateral movement during the operation of the filter, which could compromise the filtration process, thereby increasing the safety and efficiency of the filter.

[035] Figures 3a and 3b further illustrate that the upper portion is provided with tabs 212, which play a fundamental role in the correct positioning of the valve 20. Specifically, the present invention has two diametrically opposed tabs 212, and preferably these tabs 212 are Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, p. 14 / 31 8 / 13 designed as “L”-shaped structures extending from the valve body 21 to the end of the upper portion 210. However, it should be borne in mind that this shape is not limiting to the implementation of this invention, and any flange shape capable of positioning the valve in the manner proposed herein is within the intended scope.

[036] Also an object of the present invention is a valve lock 22, as illustrated in figures 5a and 5b, which is fitted into the upper portion 210 of the valve body 21 by means of said fins 213. The valve lock 22 is designed with an outer surface 223 and an inner surface 222, and is provided with a plurality of locking elements 221 that facilitate its attachment to the valve body 21. In one embodiment of the present invention, said valve lock 22 has a truncated conical shape that forms an angle α on its outer surface 223 which varies between 0.5° and 1.5°, this angle preferably being 1°.

[037] Angle α is designed to prevent a filter element not suitable for use with the cover assembly 4 of the present invention from accessing and lifting the valve 20 internally, as there will be no space to lift the lock 22. This occurs because, according to the present invention, the valve body 21 has a diameter dv larger than the diameter of analogous components in the prior art. Due to this increase in the diameter dv of the valve body 21, when the valve and cover are coupled, the entire internal space of said cover is radially filled, not allowing any lateral opening for access to the valve and the lock, which control the flow.

[038] Valve lock 22 acts as a sealing mechanism, further inhibiting the return of contaminants to the system. Additionally, it has the function of creating a barrier that prevents the passage of flow and provides a secure fit for the cap 30 of element 3. When element 3 is fitted, it Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 15 / 31 9 / 13 pushes all components vertically, opening the way for flow. Furthermore, the latch 22 ensures that the valve 20 is in an open position only when properly fitted to the filter element, which pushes it upwards and allows fluid passage. Therefore, if a filter element is installed that is not suitable for use with the filter assembly of the present invention, it will not be possible to access the valve latch to establish the open position of the filter, preventing the system from operating under improper conditions.

[039] According to an embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 3c, a vertical pin 23 is disposed through the interior of the valve body 21 and the lock 22, this pin 23 extending from the lower end of the valve to a threaded fixing hole in the head 2, to which it is fixed by means of threads 231 located at the upper end of said pin 23. In this way, the vertical pin 23 guides the valve body 21, the valve lock 22 and a spring 24, ensuring that they remain in the correct operating position.

[040] As illustrated in Figure 2c, in one embodiment of the present invention, a spring 24 is disposed on the vertical pin 23, situated between the valve retainer 22 and the cylinder head 2. Preferably, said spring 24 has a helical shape with a maximum diameter dM_max that can vary between 36.4 mm and 35.4 mm, a minimum diameter dM_min that can vary between 23.9 mm and 23.3 mm, and a curvature β of 0.0672 cm-1 that allows it to return to the proper fitting position when the valve is forced at an angle. It should be noted that the diameters with which the spring 24 of the present invention is designed are smaller than the diameters of the springs of the prior art, obtaining greater resistance and stability in the actuation of the valve 20, since a proper fit is guaranteed considering the changes proposed by the present invention in the dimensions of the valve retainer 22.

[041] When compared with conventional state valves Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 16 / 31 10 / 13 technically, the valve of the present invention is designed with a valve body 21 having a larger diameter. As illustrated in the embodiment of the present invention in Figure 3c, the valve body 21 has a diameter dv that varies between 43.0 mm and 42.8 mm, while conventional valves generally have diameters that vary between 39.63 mm and 39.87 mm. This increase in diameter dv prevents access to the valve and the valve lock that control the flow, as the entire internal space of the cover is radially filled, making it impossible to lift them.

[042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a filter element cover 30 is also provided, as illustrated in figures 4a, 4b and 4c. The filter element cover 30, in addition to ensuring the sealing of the filter, performs a structural function, allowing the connection of the head 2 to the filter element 3. It should be borne in mind that the fixing of the cover 30 to a filter medium of the filter element can be done by conventional methods of the prior art, such as, for example, the application of glue between the cover 30 and the filter medium.

[043] Still with regard to figures 4a and 4b, it is possible to see that the cover 30 is formed by a cover body 31 and a top part 35. The said top part 35 is a surface that extends from one end of the cylindrical body 31, and, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top part 35 is a surface that extends radially so as to form a circumferential or substantially circumferential surface. The top part 35 has an opening 351 disposed in its central portion, this opening being designed to receive the valve 20 when the assembly 4 is mounted.

[044] In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figures 4a to 4c, the lid body 31 is a cylindrical element extending from the top part 35 to a base 313, being formed with an inner face 311 and an outer face 312. Said base is an annular base 313 extending radially into the lid body 31. Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, p. 17 / 31 11 / 13

[045] As illustrated in figures 4a and 4b, the inner face 311 has at least one guide 32 that extends radially along its length, with a housing 33 provided that receives the tab at the end of said guide 32. In a preferred embodiment, the inner face 311 of the cover body 31 of the present invention has two guides situated in diametrically opposite positions, such guides 32 terminating in housings 32 that receive the tabs 212.

[046] Specifically, when the valve is inserted into the opening 351 of the cover 30, the tabs 212 touch the guides 32 and interact with them in such a way as to slide along their length, causing a rotational movement of the valve, until said tabs 212 reach the ends of the guides 32 and rest in the housings 33, so that the tabs are inside the housings 33 and the smaller slots 211 b are fitted into the walls that form the housings 33. By positioning the tabs 212 in this way, it is possible to ensure that the valve 20 is located in the correct position so that the filter has the necessary seal for the proper filtration of contaminants in the fluid, contributing to safety and preventing possible assembly and operation errors.

[047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the annular base 313 of the cover body 31 is constructed with a plurality of keys 34 that assist in positioning the valve 20 and maintaining it in the proper position. In particular, after the tabs 212 run along the length of the guides 32 and rest in the housings 33, the valve 20 will be positioned in such a way that the keys 34 engage in the larger slots 211a and prevent the valve from rotating. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the annular base 313 has four keys 34 arranged radially.

[048] By using this fitting system based on the cooperation between guides 234 and tabs 212, the present invention provides equipment capable of simplifying assembly, ensuring that the valve 20 is positioned correctly and smoothly, Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, pp. 18 / 31 12 / 13 eliminating the need for active user intervention, as the guides 32 cause the valve 20 to rotate and position itself correctly. This prevents the user from having to actively search for the correct valve position, as is necessary in prior art filters. In addition to simplifying assembly, the mechanism proposed by the present invention makes assembly foolproof, following the principles of Poka Yoke, as it can only be completed when the valve 20 is positioned with the tabs 212 inside the housings 33. This feature contributes to the filter's safety.

[049] Furthermore, it is observed that, for the components to fit together, both need to be designed to operate together. That is, for proper fitting to occur, both components, the cover and the valve, must possess the characteristics of the present invention. For the valve to be correctly positioned within the cover body 31, it needs to have two tabs: a larger number of tabs would interfere with sliding through the guides 32, since, during rotation, the additional tabs would collide with the guides and impede movement; and a smaller number of tabs (i.e., a single tab) would make the movement unstable, subject to unwanted rotations on other axes of rotation that could remove the tab from the guides 32. This prevents filter elements that are not specifically designed for the filter in question and that would severely compromise its operation from being inadvertently used by the user.Furthermore, the precise fit allows for a much more effective seal, increasing filtration efficiency.

[050] Finally, it is also important to emphasize that the description above is intended solely to exemplify a particular embodiment of the invention in question. Therefore, it is clear that modifications, variations, and constructive combinations of the elements that perform the same function substantially in the same way to achieve the same results remain. Petition 870250007544, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 19 / 31 13 / 13 within the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Filter valve (20) comprising: a valve lock (22); a pin (23); a spring (24); and a valve body (21) CHARACTERIZED in that the valve body (21) has an upper portion (210) extending outward from one end of the valve body (21), wherein the upper portion (210) comprises: at least one slot (211); and two tabs (212).

2. Filter valve (20), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the valve lock (22) has a truncated cone shape, having an inner surface (222) and an outer surface (223).

3. Filter valve (20), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the outer surface of the valve lock (22) forms an angle α, which varies between 0.5° and 1.5°.

4. Filter valve (20), according to claim 2 or 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the inner surface (222) of the lock (22) is provided with a plurality of locking elements (221) arranged along its length.

5. Filter valve (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the upper portion (210) has at least one fin (213).

6. Filter valve (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the spring has a helical shape, with a maximum diameter dM_max of 36.4 mm to 35.4 mm and a minimum diameter dM_min of 23.9 mm to 23.3 mm. Petition 870250007544, dated 29 / 01 / 2025, page 21 / 31 2 / 3 7. Filter valve (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the spring has a curvature β of 0.0672 cm / 1.

8. Filter valve (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the valve body has a diameter dv of 21.4 mm to 21.2 mm.

9. Filter element cover (30) comprising: a cover body (31) comprising an inner face (311) and an outer face (312); and a top part (35); CHARACTERIZED in that the inner face (311) comprises: guides (32) extending radially downwards from the top part (35); and housings (33).

10. Cover (30), according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the cover body (31) has a cylindrical shape; and the guides (32) have a semi-elliptical shape.

11. Cover (30), according to claim 9 or 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the housings (33) are arranged at the ends of the guides (32).

12. Cover (30), according to any one of claims 9 to 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a plurality of keys (34) arranged radially.

13. Cover assembly (4) comprising a valve (20) and a filter element cover (30) CHARACTERIZED in that: the valve (20) comprises a valve body (21) having an upper portion (210) extending outward from one end of the valve body (21), wherein the upper portion (210) comprises: Petition 870250007544, dated 29 / 01 / 2025, p. 22 / 31 3 / 3 at least one slot (211a, 211b); and two fins (213); and wherein the cover (30) has a cover body (31) having an inner face (311) comprising: guides (32) extending radially downward from a top part (35); and housings (33).

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