Liquid filter construction and methods

Abstract

Liquid filter constructions include a baffle plate secured to a can, by way of laser welding. A filter element is operably oriented within the interior of the can. The filter element includes a first end cap and a media pack secured to the first end cap. In some embodiments, the first end cap radially abuts an outer, annular surface of a tubular member of the baffle plate to form a radially directed seal between the first end cap and the tubular member. Liquid filter constructions of this type have a burst strength between 500-800 psi (about 3.4-5.5 MPa), along a longitudinal section of the can wall. Constructions of this type eliminate a roll or lock seam, an inner gasket, an inner compressive spring, and a gasket retainer. Systems for using liquid filters are described herein. Methods of constructing and using these types of filter arrangements are also described.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to fluid filters including their construction and use. In particular, this disclosure concerns liquid filters to clean contaminants from fluid systems such as engine and transmission lubrication systems, engine fuel systems, and hydraulic systems.[0002] Certain types of fluid filters, for example oil or lube filters, fuel filters, or hydraulic fluid filters, operate to remove substantial amounts of particulate material from liquid flow, typically in a circulating environment.[0003] Such filters generally include a filter element within a drawn, relatively thin, cylindrical metal housing and a stamped metal baffle or cover plate at the open end of the housing. Typically, there is a gasket retainer projection welded to the cover plate, and the gasket retainer is secured to the housing by a roll or lock seam. A central threaded opening is provided in the cover plate for spinning the filter onto a threaded stud of a mounting base or filter head.[0004] Flui...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0041] The baffle plate 58 also preferably includes a seat 90 for holding or containing a seal member 92. In the preferred constructions, the seat 90 is defined by a groove, or indent, or channel 94 in the cover region 72. In the particular arrangement depicted in FIG. 3, the channel 94 is U-shaped. In preferred constructions, the seal member 92 is wedged into the channel 94 to form a tight, interference fit between the seal member 92 and the baffle plate 58. It can be seen in FIG. 3, that the channel 94 is in the cover region 72 between the outer rim 70 and the region 88 of the baffle plate 58 defining the apertures 86. An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, the seal member 92' is an O-ring 93'. The channel 94' permits the O-ring 93' to rotate with respect to the baffle plate 58' and with respect to the can 56'. A plurality of projecting tabs 95' aid in retaining the O-ring 93' in the channel 94'. In another embodiment, the gasket is arranged with respect to the baffle plate as an "outboard" gasket. This means that the gasket is arranged close to the outer periphery of the baffle plate (about 2-8 mm from the periphery of the baffle plate). Outboard gaskets are typically used for small filter cartridges, i.e., on the order of 3 inches (about 76 mm) or smaller.

[0089] In the embodiment of FIG. 9, a plurality of tacks or stitches between the can 56 and baffle plate 58 are initially applied. Preferably, the tacks are spaced apart from each other sufficient to hold the baffle plate 58 to the can 56 and prevent a gap from forming between the can 56 and baffle plate 58.

Problems solved by technology

If, under a burst test, the system fails at some point other than along a longitudinal seam, this means that, theoretically, the system has not been optimized for strength.

In previous existing filters having a rolled lock joint connection between the gasket retainer and the housing, as pressure is increased to the point of mechanical failure, the failure typically occurs at the rolled lock joint.

In addition, in previous existing filters having a rolled lock joint connection between the gasket retainer and the housing, there are other problems as well.

When the projection welds break, the filter cannot be spun off from the filter head.

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