FILTER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter assembly (1) for a windshield washer fluid reservoir (10). The assembly comprises a tubular part (2) for connection to a pump and a hollow filter element (3) with an inlet fixed to the tubular part (2) and in fluid communication therewith. The hollow filter element (3) is configured, upon insertion through a hole in the windshield washer fluid reservoir (10), to assume an insertion configuration (3a), in which it is bent to at least partially surround the tubular part (2). The hollow filter element (3) is configured to elastically return to an operating configuration, in which it protrudes radially relative to the tubular part (2). Figure for abstract: FIG. 8.

Description

Title of the invention: FILTER ASSEMBLY Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to filter assemblies. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to filter assemblies for windshield washer fluid reservoirs. Technical background

[0002] Filter assemblies for liquid tanks are known and normally comprise a hollow filter element located inside the tank, which is connected to a pump for drawing liquid from the tank into the pump via the filter element. This hollow filter element normally comprises a rigid support structure which prevents the collapse of the filter element when subjected to a negative differential pressure. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a filter assembly that is easier to install.

[0004] The invention relates to a filter assembly, for example for a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the assembly comprising a hollow filter element configured, upon insertion through a hole in the windshield washer fluid reservoir, to adopt an insertion configuration, in which it is bent, and to resiliently return to an operating configuration, in which it protrudes radially.

[0005] The filter assembly may include a tubular member for connection to a pump. The hollow filter element may include an inlet. The inlet may be attached to the tubular member and / or may be in fluid communication with the tubular member.

[0006] The hollow filter element may be bent to at least partially surround the tubular member in the insertion configuration. The hollow filter element may protrude radially relative to the tubular member in the operating configuration.

[0007] The invention also relates to a filter assembly for a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the assembly comprising: a tubular part for connection to a pump; and a hollow filter element with an inlet attached to the tubular part and in fluid communication therewith; the hollow filter element being configured, upon insertion through a hole in the windshield washer fluid reservoir, to adopt an insertion configuration, in which it is bent to at least partially surround the tubular part, and to elastically return to an operating configuration, in which it projects radially relative to the tubular part.

[0008] The hollow filter element may be formed from at least one sheet, for example a pair of sheets. One or more portions or regions of the sheet(s), for example a or more peripheral parts or regions, may be attached to each other. The sheets may be attached to each other along their periphery.

[0009] More specifically, the hollow filter element may be formed from a pair of sheets secured to each other along their periphery.

[0010] The tubular member may include a spacer. The spacer may extend into or within the hollow filter element, for example to prevent it from collapsing or otherwise sagging.

[0011] More specifically, the tubular part may include a spacer extending into the hollow filter element to prevent it from collapsing or otherwise sagging.

[0012] The spacer may be provided or otherwise made by an extension of the tubular part. The extension may include one or more, for example a plurality, of projections or ridges which may be circumferentially spaced. The extension may include one or more, for example a plurality, of valleys or interruptions which may be circumferentially spaced. The extension may include a series of alternating projections or ridges and valleys or interruptions, for example on its circumference or periphery.

[0013] The extension may include a series of spacer fins, which may be circumferentially spaced around the tubular part. The spacer fins may be radially oriented or radiate around the tubular part. The spacer fins may be radially connected to each other. The extension may provide or define flow channels between the spacer fins. The extension may be castellated.

[0014] More specifically, the spacer may be provided by a crenellated extension of the tubular part.

[0015] The assembly may include a dip tube. The dip tube may include an end, for example a first end, that may be connected to the tubular part. The dip tube may be nested or seated within the tubular part. The dip tube may also be welded to the tubular part. In some examples, the dip tube may be removably connected to the tubular part, for example by a bayonet fitting, a threaded fitting, or other suitable fitting. The connection between the dip tube and the tubular part may include a sealing means, such as an O-ring.

[0016] The dip tube may include an end, for example a second end, which may have sealing means, for example for sealing engagement with the hole in the washer fluid reservoir. Alternatively, the sealing means may be located between the ends of the dip tube, for example along at least a portion of its length. Those skilled in the art will understand that several other arrangements are also possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0017] The dip tube may have a length that may be configured to position the hollow filter element adjacent a bottom of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

[0018] More specifically, the assembly may include a dip tube with a first end that is connected to the tubular member and a second end with sealing means for sealing engagement with the hole in the washer fluid reservoir, wherein the dip tube has a length configured to position the hollow filter element adjacent a bottom of the washer fluid reservoir.

[0019] The sealing means may comprise a gasket or a sealing washer. The dip tube may comprise a head, which may be enlarged. The sealing means may be located between the head and the tubular part. The sealing means may be configured to be captured and / or compressed, in use, between the reservoir and the head of the dip tube, for example to seal the assembly to the reservoir. The head may be configured to be connected to a pump.

[0020] For the avoidance of doubt, all features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0021] Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way, unless such features are incompatible.

[0022] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", and any other similar terms used herein are to be construed as non-limiting, such that any feature so described need not necessarily be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not expressly claimed. Applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend upon and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim not originally claimed in that manner. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] illustrates a perspective view of a filter assembly for a windshield washer fluid reservoir seen from above;

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective view of a filter assembly for a windshield washer fluid reservoir seen from below;

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a perspective sectional view of the filter assembly of the figures 1 and 2;

[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a perspective view of the filter section of the assembly of filter of figures 1 to 3;

[0028] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates a perspective view of the filter section of [Fig.4], the lowest part of the lower sheet being omitted to show the crenellated strut of the tubular piece;

[0029] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a perspective view of the filter assembly of Figures 1 a 3 just before it is inserted into the tank hole;

[0030] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a sectional view of the arrangement illustrated in [Fig.6];

[0031] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates a view similar to that of [Fig.7] showing the assembly filter when inserted into the tank opening;

[0032] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates a view similar to those of Figures 7 and 8 showing the filter assembly fully installed in the tank. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] Referring now to Figures 1 to 6, there can be seen a filter assembly 1 for a windshield washer fluid reservoir 10. The assembly comprises a tubular member 2, a hollow filter element 3 with an inlet attached to, and in fluid communication with, the tubular member 2 and a dip tube 4 with a first end 40 which is fitted or housed in the tubular member 2 and a second end 41 for connection to a pump (not shown).

[0034] However, in some examples, the plunger tube 4 may be integrated or connected to the tubular part 2 in another way, for example by welding, bayonet or threaded connection and / or may include a sealing means, such as an O-ring. In fact, those skilled in the art will understand that the piston tube 4 may be omitted, the pump being connected to the tubular part 2 in another way.

[0035] The hollow filter element 3 is formed from a pair of sheets 30, 31 fixed to each other along their periphery 30a, 31a. The sheets 30, 31 are formed from a filter material and comprise a substantially planar upper sheet 30 and a sheet lower 31 describing a recess 32 to create a space between the sheets 30, 31 so that the hollow filter element 3 describes an envelope.

[0036] The tubular part 2 comprises a radial flange 20 which captures the upper sheet 30 of the hollow filter element 3 in a sealed manner, thus describing an inlet of the hollow filter element 3. In this example, the tubular part 2 comprises a spacer 21 which extends into the hollow filter element 3 to prevent it from collapsing.

[0037] The spacer 21 of the tubular part 2 is provided by a crenellated extension 22, which extends from the radial flange 20 into the hollow filter element 3. More specifically and as shown in [Fig. 5], the crenellated extension 22 is formed of a series of spacer fins 23 spaced circumferentially around the tubular part 2 to define flow channels 24 therebetween. The spacer fins 23 keep the sheets 30, 31 separated from each other while allowing fluid to flow through the flow channels 24.

[0038] In this example, the dip tube 4 comprises a sealing means 42 and an enlarged head 43 and the sealing means 42 is in the form of a sealing washer which is located between the enlarged head 43 and the tubular part 2. Alternatively, the sealing means 42 may be located over at least part of its length. Those skilled in the art will understand that several other arrangements are also possible.

[0039] Referring now to Figures 7 to 9, it can be seen that the hollow filter element 3 is configured, upon insertion through a hole 11 in the washer fluid reservoir 10, to adopt an insertion configuration 3a (illustrated in [Fig.8]), in which it is bent to at least partially surround the tubular part 2. As shown in [Fig.9], the hollow filter element 3 is further configured to spring back to an operating configuration 3b, in which it projects radially relative to the tubular part 2.

[0040] As shown in [Fig.9], the dip tube 4 has a length L configured to position the hollow filter element 3 next to a bottom 12 of the windshield washer fluid reservoir 10. In addition, the sealing means 42 is captured and crushed between the reservoir 10 and the enlarged head 43 of the dip tube 4 to seal the assembly 1 to the reservoir 10. The enlarged head 43 is configured to be connected to a pump (not shown).

[0041] Throughout the specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and their variations mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, or whole or partial components. Throughout the specification, the singular includes the plural, unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context otherwise requires.

[0042] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention should be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent therewith. List of reference signs

[0043] 1 set of filter

[0044] 10 windshield washer fluid reservoir

[0045] 2 tubular pieces

[0046] 20 radial flange

[0047] 21 spacer

[0048] 22 crenellated extension

[0049] 23 spacer fin

[0050] 24 flow channel

[0051] 3 hollow filter element

[0052] 30 top sheet

[0053] 30a periphery of the upper sheet

[0054] 31 lower sheet

[0055] 31a periphery of the lower sheet

[0056] 32 recess

[0057] 4 dip tube

[0058] 40 first end

[0059] 41 second end

[0060] 42 sealing means

[0061] 43 enlarged head

Claims

Claims

1. A filter assembly (1) for a windshield washer fluid reservoir (10), the assembly comprising: a tubular part (2) for connection to a pump; and a hollow filter element (3) with an inlet attached to the tubular part (2) and in fluid communication therewith; the hollow filter element (3) being configured, upon insertion through a hole (11) in the windshield washer fluid reservoir (10), to assume an insertion configuration (3a), in which it is bent to at least partially surround the tubular part (2), and to elastically return to an operating configuration (3b), in which it projects radially relative to the tubular part (2).

2. A filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hollow filter element (3) is formed from a pair of sheets (30, 31) fixed to each other along their periphery (30a, 31a).

3. A filter assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tubular member (2) comprises a spacer (21) extending into the hollow filter element (3) to prevent it from collapsing.

4. Filter assembly (1) according to claim 3 wherein the spacer (21) is provided by a crenellated extension (22) of the tubular part (2).

5. A filter assembly (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein one or the extension (22) provided by the spacer (21) comprises a series of spacer fins (23) spaced circumferentially around the tubular member (2) to define flow channels between said spacer fins (23).

6. A filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a dip tube (4) with a first end (40) which is connected to the tubular part (2) and a second end (41) with sealing means (42) for sealing engagement with the hole (11) in the washer fluid reservoir (10), wherein the dip tube (4) has a length (L) configured to position the hollow filter element (3) next to a bottom (12) of the washer fluid reservoir (10).

7. A filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein the dip tube (4) comprises a head (43), wherein the sealing means (42) is located between the head (43) and the tubular part (2), and wherein the sealing means (42) is configured to be captured and / or squashed between the washer fluid reservoir (10) and the head (43) of the dip tube (4), in use, to seal said filter assembly (1) to said washer fluid reservoir (10).

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