Filter, filter components, and filter connector system having interlocking tabs and retaining elements

Abstract

Filter, filter components, and filter connector system having interlocking tabs and retaining elements A filter component (141) for a fluid system (10) includes a connector (182) having a circumferential surface (142) including a plurality of retaining elements (144), each of which includes a first tab-stopping surface (146), an end face (148), and a protruding portion (151) including a second tab-stopping surface (152). The plurality of tab channels (154) are defined between adjacent retaining elements of the retaining elements, each including a tapered introduction section (156), an intermediate section (158), and a fixed section (160) extending circumferentially from the intermediate section to the first tab-stopping surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to fluid systems employing filtration, and more specifically to a connector system for removably attaching a filter element to a filter housing.

Background Art

[0002] All manner of mechanical systems employing filters for various purposes are known throughout the world. Most, but not all, internal combustion engines use filters to filter liquids including engine oil, fuel, coolant, and others. A wide variety of filter types and comprehensive filtration systems have been used for over a century.

[0003] As particles are collected within the filter media, the effectiveness of the filter may deteriorate over time, leading to an undesirable pressure drop across the filter, fluid leakage, or other problems. Generally, it is customary to replace the filter at regular service intervals or when diagnostic equipment indicates the need for filter replacement.

[0004] The disassembly, removal, and reinstallation of the filter is preferably simple and straightforward. For various reasons, replacing the filter during engine or other machinery repair can take more time and effort than is theoretically required. Further, in some cases, the attachment and / or removal of filter components can cause fluid spillage and / or contamination of the fluid system.

[0005] Filters and related filter components intended to be replaceable often employ some mechanism for securely and detachably locking or positioning the filter elements in place. Screw interfaces are commonly used. Various other connectors and connector schemes, including bayonet connectors, tab-and-slot connectors, and others, are well known and widely used. An example of a replaceable filter configuration in liquid filtration applications is known from U.S. Patent No. 6,814,243 B2 by Amstutz et al. This art provides ample room for the development of improvement and alternative strategies. [Overview of the project]

[0006] In one embodiment, the filter component includes a circumferential surface containing a plurality of retaining elements distributed circumferentially around an axis. Each of the plurality of retaining elements includes a first tab-fastening surface facing a first circumferential direction, an end surface facing a first axial direction, and a rostrum-like projection that extends from the first tab-fastening surface in the first circumferential direction and includes a second tab-fastening surface facing a second axial direction. The filter component further includes a plurality of tab channels, each containing a tapered introduction section defined between adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements and opening in the first axial direction, an intermediate section, and a fixed section that extends from the intermediate section in the second circumferential direction to the first tab-fastening surface of one of two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements.

[0007] In another embodiment, a connector system for a filter assembly includes a first circumferential surface having a plurality of tabs and a second circumferential surface including a plurality of retaining elements. The first and second circumferential surfaces are coaxially aligned and positionable about an axis to position the plurality of tabs and the plurality of retaining elements in a circumferential distribution offset about an axis, respectively. Each of the plurality of retaining elements includes a first tab-stopping surface facing a first circumferential direction, an end face facing a first axial direction, and a rostrum-like projection extending from the first tab-stopping surface in a first circumferential direction and including a second tab-stopping surface facing a second axial direction. The connector system further includes a plurality of tab channels, each including a tapered introduction section defined between the end faces of two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements and opening in a first axial direction, an intermediate section, and a fixed section extending from the intermediate section in a second circumferential direction to the first tab-stopping surface of one of the two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the filter element includes a filter medium extending about an axis, and a connector for mounting the filter medium within a filter housing, the connector including an outer surface and projecting axially from the filter medium. The connector further includes a plurality of retaining elements distributed circumferentially about an axis on its outer surface. The connector further includes a plurality of tab channels, each defined between two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality, and each including a tapered introduction section opening axially, an intermediate section, and a fixed section extending circumferentially from the intermediate section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter assembly suitable for use in the fluid system shown. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows another schematic diagram of the filter assembly. [Figure 4]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter element suitable for use in the fluid system shown. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a filter housing according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional side view of a part of a filter housing according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the filter housing. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a filter element according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an end view of the filter element. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of a filter element within a filter housing according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing a filter element installed in a filter housing according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, a fluid system 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The fluid system 10 may include a fuel system for an internal combustion engine. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and other fluid systems using fluids such as oil, engine coolant, hydraulic oil, water, or others are also within the scope of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the fluid system 10 includes a first filter assembly 12 and a second filter assembly 14. The first filter assembly 12 and the second filter assembly 14 may be arranged in series to filter a fuel, such as a hydrocarbon fraction of diesel, in a primary filtration stage using the first filter assembly 12 and a secondary filtration stage using the second filter assembly 14. In other examples, only a single filter assembly and a single filtration stage may be used in the fluid system. The fluid system 10 also includes a system housing 16 having a first threaded filter socket 18 for receiving the first filter assembly 12 and a second threaded filter socket 20 for receiving the second filter assembly 14. The first filter assembly 12 may include an inlet pipe 22 for transporting the fluid to be filtered and a fluid collection cavity or bowl 24. The second filter assembly 14 may include an inlet pipe 26 and a collection cavity or bowl 28.

[0011] The first filter assembly 12 includes a first filter housing 30. The first filter element 31 includes a first filter medium 32 that is received within the first filter housing 30 and extends circumferentially around a flow path 34. The first filter element 31 may also include a scaffold 36 and a tube assembly 38, each at least partially positioned within the flow path 34. The second filter assembly 14 includes a second filter housing 40 that has a second filter element 41 received therein and includes a second filter medium 22 that extends circumferentially around a flow path 44. The scaffold 46 and the tube assembly 48 may be at least partially positioned within the filter medium 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid to be filtered may flow upward through each respective filter assembly and then downward and inward through each filter medium, at least partially under the force of gravity.

[0012] It will be understood that this disclosure is not limited with respect to the direction or manner of fluid flow through or between filter assemblies, nor is it limited with respect to the internal structure or absence thereof of the filter elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the first filter assembly 12 and the second filter assembly 14 are oriented vertically and supported vertically above the system housing 16. During maintenance of the fluid system 10 to replace one or both of the filter elements 31 or 41, it has been found that it may be desirable to temporarily maintain a connection between each filter element and the filter housing when the filter assemblies 12 and 14 are removed from the system housing 16.

[0013] For this purpose, filter assembly 12 includes a connector system 50, and filter assembly 14 includes a connector system 52. The first filter assembly 12 can be removed from the system housing 16 by rotating the first filter housing 30 around an axis 56 to disengage the screw connection between the filter housing 30 and the filter socket 18. The second filter assembly 14 can be removed in a similar manner by rotating it around an axis 56. The user can lift and remove the filter assembly with the filter elements still attached, replace the used filter elements with new ones, and then reattach the filter assembly to the fluid system 10. As will become further apparent from the following description, the connector systems 50 and 52, as well as other similar connector systems contemplated herein, are uniquely configured to engage or disengage quickly and easily to allow for the replacement of filter elements.

[0014] Furthermore, referring generally to Figures 2, 3, and 4, additional features and details of the filter assemblies 12 and 14 are shown. Focusing on Figure 2, the first filter assembly 12 and the first filter housing 30 may include an axially extending end projection 58. The end projection 58 provides a hand-grip portion or a tool-holding portion and may have, for example, a hexagonal tool engagement surface, so that the user can rotate the first filter assembly 12 to remove the threaded portion 62 from the system housing 16, as suggested above. The second filter assembly 14 may similarly include an end projection 60, which may be similarly configured to allow the user to remove the threaded portion 64 on the second filter housing 40 or to engage the threaded portion 64 with the system housing 16. In the illustrated embodiments, the threaded portions 62 and 64 include external threads. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows that when installed, filter elements 31 and 41 extend somewhat outside their respective filter housings 30 and 40. Figure 3 shows alternative diagrams of filter assemblies 12 and 14.

[0015] Focusing on Figure 4, the first filter element 31 may include an end plate 66, and the second filter element 41 may include an end plate 68. The end plates 66 and 68 can be attached to their respective filter media. The filter element 31 may further include a connector projection 70 attached to the end plate 66 and projecting axially, and the filter element 41 may include a connector projection 70 attached to the end plate 68 and projecting axially. The filter element 31 may further include an opposite end plate 74, and the filter element 41 may include an opposite end plate 76, each attached to its respective filter media. The filter element 31 may further include a rotatable bracket 78 coupled to the opposite end plate 74, and the filter element 41 may include a rotatable bracket 80 coupled to the opposite end plate 76. Each bracket 78 and 80 may be rotatable relative to their respective opposite end plates 74 and 76. Each bracket 78 and 80 may also be axially movable relative to their respective opposite end plates 74 and 76. The filter element 31 may include a first seal 82 mounted on a bracket 78 and a second seal 84 axially spaced from the seal 82 and also mounted on the bracket 78. The filter element 41 may include a seal 86 mounted on a bracket 80. Each of the seals 78, 82, and 84 may include a non-metallic gasket, one or more O-rings, or yet another type of seal. When installed for repair within each filter assembly in the system housing 16, the seals 82, 84, and 86 can provide a suitable fluid seal for sealing fluid within the fluid system 10 and potentially providing a suitable fluid connection for defining the path of fluid flow. The rotatable and axially movable features of the brackets 78 and 80 allow the filter housings 30 and 40 to be rotated to disengage the threaded connection to the system housing 16 while the fluid seal is maintained.

[0016] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the filter housing 230, which has similarities to the filter housings 30 and 40 described above, but has a different configuration including external ribs or flutes 232.

[0017] Focusing here on Figures 6 and 7, additional features of the filter housing 30 are shown. It will be understood that the filter housings according to this disclosure may have a variety of sizes, shapes, and applications. Furthermore, it will be understood that the connector systems of filter components may generally be configured similarly across different housing sizes, shapes, and applications. Thus, any description and explanation of any one embodiment herein should be understood figuratively to refer to any other embodiment unless otherwise indicated or evident from the context. It will be recalled that a filter housing or a filter component including a filter element may include part of a connector system. It is intended that the connector system 50 or any other connector system contemplated herein may include parts on the filter housing and parts on the filter element. It will also be understood that embodiments may be contemplated in which the arrangement of parts on the filter element and parts on the filter component may be reversed from those illustrated and described herein.

[0018] The filter housing 30 includes a first circumferential surface 88 that extends circumferentially around an axis 54 and includes a plurality of protruding tabs 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 92 includes the first circumferential surface 88 and extends downward into a cavity 94 that receives the corresponding filter element. The tabs 90 typically include at least three tabs distributed circumferentially around the axis 54. In other embodiments, three or more tabs, or potentially fewer tabs, may be used. Each tab 90 may include a plurality of angled faces 95 that facilitate engagement with the receiving structure on the filter element, as further described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the first circumferential surface 88 is an inner circumferential surface on which the tabs 90 protrude radially inward. In alternative embodiments, the first circumferential surface 88 may include an outer circumferential surface on which the tabs 90 protrude radially outward.

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a filter element 141 having similarities to the above-described embodiments and suitable for attachment to the filter housing 30. The filter element 141 includes a second peripheral surface 142 that includes a plurality of retaining elements 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the second peripheral surface 142 is an outer peripheral surface with the retaining elements 144 projecting radially outward. In an alternative configuration, the second peripheral surface 142 would be an inner peripheral surface with the retaining elements 144 projecting radially inward.

[0020] The first peripheral surface 88 and the second peripheral surface 142 may be coaxially aligned and positioned about the axes 54, 155 to position the tabs 90 and the retaining elements 144 in a circumferential distribution offset about the axes 54, 155, respectively. It will be further understood that the filter housing and filter element, and the connector projections and / or their features, all define axes as contemplated herein. When components within the filter assembly are assembled for repair, some of the axes may all be collinear. Accordingly, references herein to any particular axis are intended in a non-limiting manner.

[0021] Each retaining element 144 may include a first tab stop surface 146 facing in a first circumferential direction about the axis 155, and an end face 148 facing in a first axial direction, i.e., upward in the view of FIG. 8. Each retaining element 144 may further include a lip-like projection 151 extending from the retaining element 144 and in a first circumferential direction from the first tab stop surface 146. Each lip-like projection 151 includes a second tab stop surface 152 facing in a second axial direction. The first tab stop surface 146 and the second tab stop surface 152 may be oriented perpendicular to each other. The lip-like projections described herein have a lip shape or a shape similar to a lip and project over a portion of a tab channel as further described herein.

[0022] The filter component 141 may further include a plurality of tab channels 154, each defined between two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements 144. Each tab channel 154 includes a tapered introduction section opening in a first axial direction, an intermediate section 158, and a fixed section 160 extending in a second circumferential direction from each intermediate section 158 to a first tab-stopping surface 146 of one of the two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements 144.

[0023] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the tapered introduction section 156 is defined between the end faces 148 of each of the two adjacent retaining elements 144. Referring again to Figures 10 and 11, each end face 148 may form a vertex 170. The rostrum-shaped projection 151 may include a forward-sloping introduction surface 166. The introduction surface 166 partially forms a first adjacent introduction section of the introduction section 156. Each end face 148 may further include a backward-sloping introduction surface 168 that partially forms a second adjacent introduction section of the introduction section 156. In other words, the forward-sloping introduction surface 166 and the backward-sloping introduction surface 168 define portions of two different tab channels 154.

[0024] The forward-sloping approach surface 166 can advance from the apex 170 in a first circumferential direction, approximately clockwise in Figure 10, and in a second axial direction, approximately downward in Figures 10 and 11. The rearward-sloping approach surface 168 can advance from the apex 170 in a second circumferential direction, approximately counterclockwise in Figure 10, and in a second axial direction. The first and second circumferential directions are opposite to each other. In Figure 10, the first axial direction is roughly indicated by arrow 172. The first circumferential direction is indicated by arrow 174, and the second circumferential direction is indicated by arrow 176. Arrow 178 generally indicates the second axial direction.

[0025] Returning to Figure 8, it is noted that the circumferential surface 142 includes the circumferential surface on the connector projection 182. The connector projection 182 is shown having a center that is open in the first axial direction. In other embodiments, the connector projection can be closed. It should also be noted that the connector projection 182 is radially spaced inward from the circumferential surface 185 of the end plate 167 of the filter element 141. In other embodiments, tabs or retaining elements within the connector system may not be located on the projection at all, but instead may be located on the circumferential surface of the filter element or potentially on the inner circumferential surface of the filter housing. In such embodiments, the connector as contemplated herein may not be the connector projection.

[0026] Figure 8 also shows a plurality of base surfaces 184 of a connector projection 182 extending between two adjacent retaining elements of the retaining element 144. The base surfaces 184 can be understood to face in a first axial direction, as described herein. A seal 186 may be mounted on the connector projection 182 adjacent to the base surfaces 184 and sealed within a seal groove 188. The seal 186 may include an O-ring, a gasket, or another type of sealing element to fluidize the filter housing. Industrial applicability

[0027] While referring broadly to the drawings, returning our focus to Figure 10, the tab 90 may appear to engage with the tab channel 154 between the two retaining elements 144, and is therefore indicated by dashed lines at two locations. It is recalled that the tab and retaining elements can be positioned at offset circumferential positions, respectively. To remove the filter element from the filter housing as described herein, when the filter housing and filter element are removed from the system housing, the user can grasp the filter element, rotate the filter element, and displace the filter element axially relative to the filter housing to release the tab and retaining elements, and then remove the filter element from the filter housing. When installing the filter element in the filter housing, the user positions the filter element in the cavity within the filter housing and typically rotates the filter element relative to the filter housing to allow the tab to settle into the tapered entry section of the tab channel formed between the retaining elements. The angled surface of each tab can work in cooperation with the inclined surfaces of two adjacent retaining elements, for example, as shown in Figure 7, to properly position the tab to enter the intermediate section of each tab channel. With the tab entering the intermediate section of the tab channel and passing along the axial direction, the filter element can be rotated relative to the filter housing to rotate the tab directly below the rostral projection, ultimately abutting against one or both of the first and second tab-retaining surfaces, as described herein. The rostral projections 151 themselves may taper toward the tip or nose 162, as labeled in Figure 10. In the embodiment of Figure 10, each rostral projection 151 may include a tab-retaining projection 164 on the second tab-retaining surface 152 adjacent to the tip 162, the tip 162 assisting in preventing each tab 90, once engaged, from rotating and becoming disengaged.

[0028] Furthermore, as described above in several examples, it is sometimes desirable to maintain engagement between the filter element and the filter housing. The user can lift the filter housing with the filter element attached from within the system housing without dropping the used filter element or needing to hold both the filter housing and the filter element with both hands. Thus, the filter housing and the attached filter element can be moved to separate locations, thus avoiding leakage and scattering and facilitating the entire filter replacement process.

[0029] This description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed in any way to narrow the scope of the Disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to embodiments of the Disclosure without departing from the full and fair scope and spirit of the Disclosure. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the accompanying drawings and claims. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used synonymously with “one or more.” If only one item is intended, the term “one” or a similar term is used. Furthermore, as used herein, terms such as “has,” “have,” and “having” are intended to be unrestrictive. Additionally, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based” unless expressly otherwise stated.

Claims

1. A filter component (141), A circumferential surface (142) including multiple retaining elements (144) distributed in the circumferential direction around an axis, Each of the plurality of retaining elements includes a first tab-fastening surface (146) facing the first circumferential direction, an end face (148) facing the first axial direction, and a protruding lip-shaped portion (151) extending from the first tab-fastening surface in the first circumferential direction and including a second tab-fastening surface (152) facing the second axial direction. The filter component (141) comprises a plurality of tab channels (154), each including a tapered introduction section (156) defined between two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements and opening in the first axial direction, an intermediate section (158), and a fixing section (160) extending in the second circumferential direction from the intermediate section to the first tab-stopping surface of one of the two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements.

2. A filter medium (22, 42), end plates (66, 68) attached to the filter medium, and connector protrusions (70, 72, 182) including the circumferential surface and protruding from the end plates, The filter component according to claim 1, further comprising: an opposite end plate (74, 76) attached to the filter medium; a rotatable bracket (78, 80) coupled to the opposite end plate; and a seal (82, 84, 86) mounted on the rotatable bracket.

3. The filter component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circumferential surface includes the outer circumferential surface, and the tapered introduction section is defined between the end faces of each of the two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements.

4. The filter component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proboscis-shaped projection tapers toward the tip (162) in the first circumferential direction and includes a tab-holding projection (164) on the second tab-stopping surface.

5. The protruding snout portion includes a forward-sloping introduction surface (166) that partially forms a first adjacent introduction section of the introduction section, and the end surface includes a rearward-sloping introduction surface (168) that partially forms a second adjacent introduction section of the introduction section. The filter component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the end face forms a vertex (170), the forward-sloping introduction surface advances from the vertex in the first circumferential direction and the second axial direction, and the rearward-sloping introduction surface advances from the vertex in the second circumferential direction and the second axial direction.

6. A connector system (50, 52) for a filter assembly (12, 14), A first circumferential surface (88) including multiple tabs (92), A second circumferential surface (142) including a plurality of retaining elements (144), The first and second circumferential surfaces are capable of positioning the plurality of tabs and the plurality of retaining elements in a circumferential distribution offset from the axis, respectively, by aligning them coaxially with respect to the axis. Each of the plurality of retaining elements includes a first tab-fastening surface (146) facing a first circumferential direction, an end face (148) facing a first axial direction, and a protruding lip-shaped portion (151) extending from the first tab-fastening surface in the first circumferential direction and including a second tab-fastening surface (152) facing a second axial direction. The connector system (50, 52) comprises a plurality of tab channels (154), each including a tapered introduction section (156) defined between the end faces of two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements and opening in the first axial direction, an intermediate section (158), and a fixing section (160) extending in the second circumferential direction from the intermediate section to the first tab-stopping face of one of the two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements.

7. The first circumferential surface includes the inner circumferential surface, and the second circumferential surface includes the outer circumferential surface. The aforementioned connector system further, Each extends between two adjacent retaining elements among the plurality of retaining elements and has a plurality of base surfaces (184) facing in the first axial direction, The connector protrusions (70, 72) including the second circumferential surface, The connector system according to claim 6, comprising: a seal (186) attached to the connector protrusion adjacent to the plurality of base surfaces.

8. The protruding snout portion includes a forward-sloping introduction surface (166) that partially forms the first adjacent introduction section of the introduction section, and a rearward-sloping introduction surface (168) that partially forms the second adjacent introduction section of the introduction section. The connector system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the end face forms a vertex (170), the forward-sloping introduction surface advances from the vertex in the first circumferential direction and the second axial direction, and the rearward-sloping introduction surface advances from the vertex in the second circumferential direction and the second axial direction.

9. The filter elements are (31, 41, 141), A filter medium (31, 41) extending around the axis, A connector (70, 72, 182) for attaching the filter medium to the filter housing (30, 40), comprising the connector (70, 72, 182) including an outer peripheral surface (142) and protruding axially from the filter medium, The connector further includes a plurality of retaining elements (144) distributed circumferentially around the axis on the outer surface, The connector further comprises a plurality of tab channels (154), each defined between two adjacent retaining elements of the plurality of retaining elements, and each having a tapered introduction section (156) opening in the axial direction, an intermediate section (158), and a fixed section (160) extending circumferentially from the intermediate section, and the filter elements (31, 41, 141).

10. The filter element according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of retaining elements includes an overhang (151) having an inclined surface (166) extending in opposite circumferential directions and partially defining one of the introduction sections, and a tab-fastening surface (152) facing in the opposite axial direction and partially defining one of the fixed sections.

11. The filter element according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the plurality of retaining elements includes another tab-fastening surface (146) facing the opposite circumferential direction.

12. The filter element according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the tab-fastening surface and the other tab-fastening surface are oriented perpendicular to each other.

13. The filter element according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the protruding portion tapers toward a tip (162) that partially defines one of the intermediate sections.

14. The filter element according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising end plates (66, 68) attached to the filter medium and opposite end plates (74, 76) attached to the filter medium, wherein the connector is located radially inward from the outer circumference of the end plates.

15. The filter element according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising a bracket (78, 80) coupled to the opposite end plate, and a seal (82, 84, 86) mounted on the bracket, wherein the bracket is rotatable and axially movable with respect to the filter medium.

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