Fuel pre-filter module, filter element and filter head with priming pump

Abstract

A fuel pre-filter module for pre-filtering fuel for use in internal combustion engines, including but not limited to internal combustion engines for light trucks, buses, construction and agricultural machinery, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a filter element for use in the fuel pre-filter module.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 724,201, filed August 29, 2018. The entire disclosure of the provisional application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to filtering of fuel delivered to an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel to an internal combustion engine. Background Art

[0004] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] Various systems are known for filtering fuel that is delivered to an internal combustion engine. For example, a fuel-filtration system can be used on various types of vehicles having an internal combustion engine to filter particulates and water from the fuel before it is delivered to the internal combustion engine. One such fuel-filtration system is shown and described in co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,567,610. This system includes a type of fuel filter and water separation device, a water collection chamber with a discharge line, and a controllable drain valve. A cleaning component is arranged in the discharge line behind the drain valve. A suction line connects the fuel tank to the fuel pump. Between the water collection chamber and the cleaning component, a connecting line branches off to a suction line that has a pressure-controlled shut-off check valve.

[0006] While known fuel filter systems function for their intended purpose, there continues to be a need for improvements in the related art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is directed to providing fuel pre-filter modules, filter elements, and filter heads for pre-filtering fuel delivered to internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, including but not limited to internal combustion engines used in light trucks, buses, construction, and agricultural machinery.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel pre-filter module that offers versatility in incorporating optional functionality into the fuel pre-filter module, such as a fuel heater, restriction sensors, and other sensors, such as a water sensor.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel pre-filter module in which the filling pump check valve is integrated into a replaceable filter element and can be replaced with the filter element. In this case, the check valve can be arranged at an end disk or a plastic cover of the filter element.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel pre-filter module in which a priming pump check valve can be arranged in two or more stacked, coupled cage modules, which are arranged in and coupled to a filter head. The check valve can be implemented as an umbrella-shaped valve formed from an elastomeric material (e.g., elastomeric plastic, fluoroelastomer, or a type of rubber material). Preferably, the stacked, coupled cage modules are detachably coupled or removably fixed together and can be removed from the filter head as a whole for repair or replacement of individual valves or cage modules.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel pre-filter module wherein the filter head includes a receptacle which may have axially extending ribs which engage the tubular protrusions of the filter element to enforce proper axial positioning and optionally rotationally secure the filter element in the receptacle of the filter head.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel pre-filter module having two check valves in series that cooperate to enable operation of a manual pump.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel pre-filter module that meets environmental protection requirements by providing a cup assembly and connection system; capturing fuel or oil trapped inside the fuel pre-filter module; and providing a drain valve or drain element for draining the captured fuel or oil before removing the filter element.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel pre-filter module constructed substantially from plastic material that provides reduced production costs and efficient incorporation of optional functionality, including but not limited to the optional functionality discussed herein.

[0015] According to one specific aspect, the present disclosure relates to a filter element comprising a filter medium, an upper end plate and a first check valve. The filter medium is configured as a hollow filter medium body. In addition to the filtering function, the filter medium may also preferably act as a water separator to separate water from the fuel. Optionally, the filter medium may include a water separation layer arranged downstream of the filter medium. The upper end plate is arranged on the upper axial end of the hollow filter medium body and includes a central tubular protrusion arranged on the axial outside of the upper end plate. The first valve seat is arranged within the interior of the tubular protrusion. The first check valve is arranged on the first valve seat within the interior of the central tubular protrusion and is suitable for allowing fluid to flow in a first direction and blocking fluid from flowing in an opposite second direction.

[0016] According to another specific aspect, the present disclosure relates to a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, comprising a filter element and a filter head assembly. The filter head assembly includes a filter head body having at least one fluid inlet port and at least one fluid outlet port. The filter element comprises a cylindrical filter medium and an upper end plate disposed at the upper axial end of the hollow filter medium body, the upper end plate including a central opening. A first valve seat is disposed in the central opening. A first check valve is disposed on the first valve seat and is adapted to allow fluid flow in a first direction and block fluid flow in an opposite, second direction. Preferably, the first check valve is adapted to allow fluid flow from the interior to the exterior of the hollow filter medium body in the first direction and block fluid flow in the opposite, second direction. The upper end plate may have a central tubular protrusion disposed axially outward of the upper end plate providing the central opening. The first valve seat may be disposed within the interior of the tubular protrusion. The first check valve may be disposed within the interior of the central tubular protrusion, on the first valve seat. The filter head body includes a receptacle formed on the interior of the filter head body. The receptacle receives the filter element and is adapted to sealingly engage the central opening to direct filtered fuel from the interior of the filter media body to the filter head assembly. Preferably, a second check valve is provided in the filter head body, the second check valve adapted to allow fluid flow in a first direction and block fluid flow in an opposite, second direction. The second check valve is arranged in series downstream relative to flow from the first check valve of the filter element, the first check valve and the second check valve acting together to allow fluid flow in the first direction and block fluid flow in the opposite, second direction. The first and second check valves cooperate during operation of the manual priming pump assembly to pump fuel from at least one fluid inflow port of the fuel pre-filter module to fill the cup assembly and the filter element with fuel. The filter head assembly includes a manual priming pump. Preferably, the manual priming pump is arranged in the filter head downstream of the first check valve and upstream of the second check valve. Preferably, the manual priming pump includes a variable fluid volume configured to repeatedly change during manual operation of the manual pump.

[0017] According to another specific aspect, the present disclosure relates to a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, comprising a filter element and a filter head assembly. The filter element comprises a cylindrical filter medium and an upper end plate disposed at the upper axial end of a hollow filter medium body. The upper end plate comprises a central tubular protrusion disposed axially outwardly of the upper end plate. The filter head assembly comprises a filter head body having a receptacle formed on an inner side of the filter head body. The receptacle receives the central tubular protrusion of the filter element within the interior of the receptacle. The receptacle comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending protrusion ribs formed on a radially inner surface of the receptacle. The axial ends of the plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending protrusion ribs are engageable with axial grooves formed in the circumferential outer surface of the central tubular protrusion of the filter element to secure the axial position of the filter element relative to the filter head body and to lock the rotational orientation of the filter element to the filter head body. In some aspects of the present invention, an axially extending projection rib may extend in an axial groove of the central tubular projection to contact against a seal ring disposed in a seal groove in a circumferential outer surface of the central tubular projection.

[0018] According to another specific aspect, the present disclosure relates to a fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module having a filter head assembly with a filter head body. The fuel drain system includes a first cage element having a first cylindrical sidewall and a first hollow interior, the first cylindrical sidewall having a first plurality of sidewall openings. The first cage element further includes a first inwardly extending circumferential flange defining a first valve seat within the first hollow interior of the first cage element. The fuel drain system further includes a first check valve for seating on the first valve seat. The first check valve is adapted to allow fluid flow in a first direction and block fluid flow in an opposite, second direction. The fuel drain system includes a preassembled subassembly that is insertable into a bore of the filter head body. The preassembled subassembly includes a first cage module, the first cage module including a first cage element and a first check valve, the first cage module being removable as a unit from the filter head body. The fuel drain system may additionally include an end cap for attaching the fuel drain system to the filter head body. The end cap is preferably detachably coupled or detachably mounted to the upper end of the first cage element by resilient arms which engage into the first cage element.

[0019] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the first and second cage elements are disposed within and mounted to the filter head, and are not disposed on the filter element. The first and second cage elements may be disposed within a tubular member that forms part of a fuel drain assembly of the filter head. The second cage element may protrude inwardly into the interior of the filter element through a central opening in the upper end plate.

[0020] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuel pre-filter module constructed in accordance with the present teachings for pre-filtering fuel.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Longitudinal section of a fuel pre-filter module.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded assembly view of a fuel pre-filter module showing the filter head assembly with two optional configurations of the hand pump, filter element, and cup assembly.

[0025] Figure 4 is an exploded assembly view of the filter head assembly, further showing details of the manual priming pump and fuel drain system used in filter priming.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a fuel pre-filter module further illustrating the arrangement of the filter head assembly hand pump, the fuel drain system, the filter element at the upper end plate, and in particular the check valve providing one-way fuel flow.

[0027] Figure 5B yes Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of a portion of the fuel pre-filter module further illustrating the cooperation of the filter head assembly hand pump, the fuel drain system, the filter element at the upper end plate, and particularly the check valve for operation of the hand pump.

[0028] Figure 6A is a perspective view of the filter head body with the hand pump and fuel drain system removed for illustration purposes.

[0029] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Top view of the filter head body.

[0030] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A Bottom perspective view of the filter head body.

[0031] Figure 6DA longitudinal cross section of a portion of a filter element is shown illustrating the interface between the upper end plate of the filter element and the socket and internal ribs of the filter head body and a non-return valve provided in the filter element.

[0032] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a filter element, showing the filter media in simplified form to better illustrate the internal details of the filter element.

[0033] Figure 7B Shows Figure 7A Exploded view of the filter element.

[0034] Figure 8 is an exploded side view of a cup assembly of a fuel pre-filter module of the present teachings.

[0035] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the cup assembly of a fuel pre-filter module of the present teachings, particularly showing the transparent bowl and drain screw.

[0036] Figure 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another portion of a fuel pre-filter module constructed in accordance with the present teachings.

[0037] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the end cap of the fuel drain system of the fuel pre-filter module.

[0038] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the cage element of the fuel drain system of the fuel pre-filter module.

[0039] Figure 13A yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the assembled components of a fuel drain system of a fuel pre-filter module, with the components coupled together to define a subassembly.

[0040] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A An exploded perspective view of the components of a fuel drain system.

[0041] Figure 13C yes Figure 13A Another exploded perspective view of the components of the fuel drain system.

[0042] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. Before describing detailed embodiments according to the present invention, it should be noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related to a fuel pre-filter module. Accordingly, where appropriate, apparatus components have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings show only those specific details that are relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the invention so as not to obscure the present disclosure by details that will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0044] In this document, relational terms (e.g., first and second, top and bottom, and the like) may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprise," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, the elements following "comprise" do not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the elements.

[0045] Initially referring to the accompanying drawings Figures 1 to 9 A pre-filter module according to the present teachings is shown and generally designated at reference numeral 10. The fuel pre-filter module 10 may advantageously be part of a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The fuel pre-filter module 10 may be used to clean fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine (i.e., filter particulates and water from the fuel). However, the present invention is not limited to fuel filters of fuel systems of internal combustion engines of motor vehicles. In this regard, it will be understood that the present teachings may be readily adapted to clean other types of liquids. The pre-filter module 10 is shown generally including a filter head assembly 12, a filter element 14, and a cup assembly 16.

[0046] The filter element 14 may be a hollow cylindrical filter element 14 and may generally include a filter medium 18 (which also functions as a water separator, removing water from the fuel) and may include an upper end plate 20 and a lower end plate 22. In addition to its filtering function, the filter medium 18 preferably also functions as a water separator, separating water from the fuel. Optionally, the filter medium 18 may further include a water separation layer disposed on the downstream side of the filter medium 18. The upper end plate 20 is disposed at the upper axial end of the filter medium 18, and the lower end plate 22 is disposed at the lower axial end of the filter medium 18. The filter medium may be disposed directly on the central support tube 32. The filter medium 18 may include filter paper, filter fleece, or some other filter medium suitable for filtering liquids. The filter medium 18 may have a single layer or multiple layers. The filter medium 18 may also be a multi-component filter medium having layers of varying filter media materials, material properties, fiber types, diameters, and / or configurations. Preferably, the filter media 18 is secured to the upper and lower end plates 20, 22 of the hollow cylindrical filter element 14 by adhesive or any other means known in the art. More preferably, the upper and lower end plates 20, 22 are constructed of plastic, and the filter media 18, the plastic upper and lower end plates 20, 22, and the center support tube 32 are adhered or thermally bonded together to form the filter element 14 as a unit.

[0047] The upper end plate 20 is shown as including a central tubular protrusion 24 disposed on the axially outer side of the upper end plate 20. The tubular protrusion 24 defines an opening in fluid communication with the interior of the filter element 14. An O-ring seal 26 is disposed on the outer surface of the central tubular protrusion 24. The central tubular protrusion 24 includes one of a plurality of axially extending grooves and a plurality of axially extending ribs formed into the radially outer surface of the central tubular protrusion 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the radially outer surface of the central tubular protrusion 24 is formed to include a plurality of axially extending grooves 27. As will be further understood below, these grooves 27 cooperate with corresponding structures of the filter head assembly 12 to radially orient the filter element 14 relative to the filter head assembly 12, to secure the axial position of the filter element 18 relative to the filter head assembly 12, and to lock the rotational orientation of the filter element 18 to the filter head body. In this regard, the filter head assembly 12 includes the other of the axially extending ribs and the axially extending grooves.

[0048] Pre-filter module 10 includes a valving system for controlling fuel flow. A first check valve 28 is disposed within the interior of the central tubular protrusion on a first valve seat 30 disposed within the interior of tubular protrusion 24. In this manner, first check valve 28 is incorporated into filter element 14 and is replaceable with filter element 14. First check valve 28 may be a mushroom-type check valve (or umbrella-type valve) and is adapted to allow fluid flow in a first direction A and block fluid flow in an opposite, second direction B.

[0049] Cup assembly 16 may include a first or upper portion 16A and a second or lower portion 16B. First portion 16A may be configured as a hollow cylinder defining an interior chamber in which hollow cylindrical filter element 14 is received. Cup assembly 16 is removably mounted to filter head assembly 12 and is removable to replace or exchange hollow cylindrical filter element 14. First portion 16A may be threadably coupled to second portion 16B or otherwise releasably attached thereto. Second portion 16B may be in the form of a bowl. Second portion or bowl 16B may be transparent. A drain valve or drain screw 33 may be provided at the bottom of second portion 16B for draining accumulated water from second portion 16B. A gasket 35 may provide a fluid-tight connection between drain screw 33 and second portion 16B. Cup assembly 16 captures water separated from the fuel and can also be used to drain captured fuel or oil through drain valve 33 before filter element 18 is removed.

[0050] The cup assembly 16 is removably attachable to the filter head assembly 12 for replacing the filter element 14. As shown in the figures, the upper portion 16A of the cup assembly 16 is threadably connectable to the filter head body 36 of the filter head assembly 12. The upper end of the upper portion 16A may include external threads for engaging the internal threads of the filter head body 36. An O-ring seal 39 is positioned between the upper portion 16A and the filter head body 36 to provide a fluid-tight connection therebetween.

[0051] In particular, Figure 3 As shown in the exploded view of FIG, the cup assembly 16 may optionally include a water in fuel sensor 34. Figure 3 The cup assembly 16 shown in is provided with a water in fuel sensor 34 and may be provided with or without the electrical leads shown. The cup assembly 16' is substantially identical to the cup assembly 16 but is not provided for containing the water in fuel sensor 34.

[0052] The filter head assembly 12 may generally include a filter head body 36, a manual priming pump assembly 38, and a fuel drain system 40 for use in filter priming. The filter head body 36 incorporates components of the manual priming pump assembly 38 and the fuel drain system 40. The filter head assembly 12 may be formed entirely of a plastic material and may include at least one fluid inlet port 41, at least one fluid outlet port 42, and a receptacle 44 formed on the inside of the filter head body 36. The receptacle 44 receives the central tubular protrusion 24 of the filter element 14 within the interior of the receptacle 44.

[0053] Receptacle 44 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending projection ribs 46 formed on the radially inner surface of receptacle 44. Axial ends of the plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending projection ribs 46 contact central tubular projection 24 of filter element 14 to secure the axial position of filter element 14 relative to filter head body 36. O-ring seal 26 of tubular projection 24 provides a fluid-tight seal between central tubular projection 24 and receptacle 44. In some aspects of the present invention, axially extending projection ribs 46 may extend radially into axial grooves 27 formed into the circumferential outer surface of central tubular projection 24. The ribs may additionally contact and abut O-ring seal 26 disposed in a sealing groove in the circumferential outer surface of central tubular projection 24 to seal between central tubular projection 24 and receptacle 44.

[0054] The manual priming pump assembly 38 includes a manually depressible or manually operated button 48, a diaphragm 50, a diaphragm seat 52, a compression spring 54, and an end cap or plastic retaining ring 56. The manually operated button 48 is pressed inward against the bias of the compression spring 54 to deflect the diaphragm 50. As will be discussed below, this deflection of the diaphragm 50 creates pressure to prime the fuel. The manual priming pump assembly is secured to the filter head body 36 by the end cap 56. A plurality of screws 58 may be used to engage the filter head body 36.

[0055] The fuel drain system 40 generally includes a drain screw 59 and a second check valve 60. Similar to the first check valve 28, the second check valve 60 can be a mushroom or umbrella-type valve. However, it will be appreciated that any type of check valve can alternatively be used in place of the first check valve 28 or the second check valve 60. In its closed position, the second check valve 60 rests on a second valve seat 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel drain system 40 further includes a cage member 63 that defines the second valve seat 62. The cage member 63 can be a hollow cylindrical member having a plurality of openings in its cylindrical sidewall. At its lower end, the cage member 63 includes an inwardly extending flange that defines the second valve seat 62. The cage member 63 and the check valve 60 cooperate to define a cage module that can be removed as a whole from the filter head body for repair or replacement of the cage member 63, the check valve 60, or both.

[0056] A first O-ring seal 68 of the fuel drain system 40 is carried at the lower end of the cage member 63 and provides a fluid seal between the cage member 63 and the filter head body 36. A second retaining ring or end cap 64 can be used to secure the fuel drain system 40 to the filter head body 36 using a plurality of fasteners 66. A second O-ring seal 70 of the fuel drain system 40 is carried at the underside of the second plastic ring 64 and provides a fluid seal between the second plastic ring 64 and the cage member 63. A third O-ring 72 of the fuel drain system 40 provides a fluid seal between the drain screw 59 and the second plastic ring 64.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap 64 of the fuel drain system 40 can be coupled to the cage member 63. For example, the end cap 64 can be removably coupled or removably mounted to the cage member 63. Preferably, the end cap 64 can be snap-fitted to the cage member 63. In this regard, the end cap 64 can include a retaining element in the form of an axially extending arm 74. The axially extending arm 74 can be a resilient arm that is resiliently deflected in a radial direction to engage the cage member 63 in a snap-fit ​​relationship. Further describing this feature, the cage member 63 includes an upper ring 65. The arms 74 of the end cap 64 extend axially into the central opening of the cage member 63. When the arms 74 are advanced into the opening, the distal ends of the arms 74 deflect inward. The distal ends are hook-shaped. When these distal ends axially pass through the upper ring 65 of the cage member 63, they are biased to snap radially outward and extend into the opening in the sidewall of the cage member 63. The hooked distal ends of the arms 74 prevent unintentional separation of the end cap 64 from the cage member 63 .

[0058] In this manner, the fuel drain system 40 defines a subassembly that can be preassembled as a whole and inserted as a whole into the bore defined by the fuel head body 36. The fuel drain subassembly can include a drain screw 59, an end cap 64, a cage member 63 defining a valve seat 62, a check valve 60, and O-rings 68, 70, and 72.

[0059] As will be further described below, the second check valve 60 is adapted to allow fluid to flow in a first direction A (e.g., see Figure 6D ), and blocks fluid flow in an opposite, second direction B. A second check valve 60 is arranged in series downstream with respect to flow from the first check valve 28 of the filter element 14, the first check valve 28 and the second check valve 60 cooperating with each other to allow fluid flow in the first direction A and to block fluid flow in the opposite, second direction B.

[0060] The drain screw 59 may be opened during initial priming of the fuel pre-filter module 10 using the manual priming pump assembly 38. The filter head assembly 12 may also include a mounting flange 76 having a mounting hole 78 in which a compression limiter 80 is mounted.

[0061] By manual operation of the manual priming pump assembly 38, the fuel available in the supply line is delivered to the interior of the fuel pre-filter module 10. Manual operation of the pump is repeated until the interior of the filter element 14 is completely filled with fuel. Completion can be determined when fuel is seen flowing from the drain screw 59. The drain screw is then closed in preparation for normal operation. Figure 5B , the normal flow path and cooperation of check valves 28 and 60 for operation of manual priming pump assembly 38 are perhaps best seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. First check valve 28 and second check valve 60 cooperate during operation of manual priming pump assembly 38 to pump fuel from at least one fluid inflow port 41 to fill cup assembly 16 and filter element 14 with fuel.

[0062] Before filling the filter element 14, turn open the drain screw 59. Figure 5BAs shown in FIG, to initially fill the filter element 14 with fuel, the manually operated button 48 of the manual priming pump assembly 38 can be pressed inwardly into the filter head body 36. Depressing the manually operated button 48 reduces the size of the pump chamber 82 by deflecting the diaphragm 50 inward, causing a pressure increase in the pump chamber 82. This increased pressure opens the second check valve 60 of the filter head assembly 12. The compression spring 54 then urges the manually operated button 48 outward to its rest position, thereby expanding the pump chamber 82 by deflecting the diaphragm 50 outward, creating a vacuum pressure in the pump chamber 82. The vacuum pressure is transferred from the pump chamber 82 to the area between the check valves 28 and 60 through the pump passage 86. The vacuum closes the second check valve 60 and opens the first check valve 28. The vacuum within the interior chamber of filter element 14 is transferred through filter media 18 and to fluid inflow port 41, drawing fuel or oil from the fuel supply into fuel pre-filter module 10 to fill the interior chamber and filter element 14. Manual pump operation is repeated, filling filter element 14 and cup assembly 16, until fuel flow is observed exiting drain screw 59, indicating priming is complete. During manual pump priming, fuel enters along inlet flow path 90, flows through filter media 18, along filter flow path 92, and upward through filter element first check valve 28 into chamber 94 between check valves 28 and 60. The vacuum draws fuel into pump chamber 82. Pressing manually operated button 48 inward creates pressure within pump chamber 82, forcing fuel out of pump chamber 82 and into chamber 94 between check valves 28 and 60. The pressure causes the filter head check valve 60 to open so that fuel can flow along the drain flow path 96 to the drain screw 59 and is visible at the drain screw 59. The drain screw 59 is then closed.

[0063] In normal operation, fuel enters fluid inlet port 41, flows along inlet flow path 90, through filter media 18 in the interior of the filter element. Flow then continues through upper end plate 20 and tubular protrusion 24 of upper end plate 20, through filter element check valve 28, into chamber 94 between check valves 28 and 60, continues through filter head check valve 60, and exits fuel pre-filter module 10 through fluid outflow port 42 along filter fluid outflow path 98.

[0064] like Figure 5 、 Figure 5B and 6DAs can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG, for example, the internal ribs 46 of the receptacle 44 enforce a fixed axial spacing of the filter element 14 relative to the filter head body 36. The fixed axial spacing ensures correct, unobstructed positioning of the tubular protrusion 24 in the receptacle 44 so that the pump passage 86 has a clear path to the chamber 94 between the check valves 28 and 60. The tubular protrusion 24 of the filter element end plate 28 has an elastomeric O-ring seal 26. The O-ring seal 26 is disposed on the outer surface of the tubular protrusion 24 and is optionally retained in a circumferential groove. The internal ribs 46 may contact the upper axial end of the tubular protrusion 24, optionally may contact against the O-ring seal 26, or contact the axial end of the tubular protrusion 24 to fix the axial position.

[0065] like Figure 5 and Figure 6D As can be seen in the drawings, for example, the plurality of axially extending grooves 27 of the tubular protrusion 24 are aligned to receive and engage portions of the internal ribs 46 of the receptacle 44. In this case, the internal ribs 46 can be received in corresponding axial grooves 27 formed on the outer surface of the tubular protrusion 24. The internal ribs 46 engage downwardly into the axial grooves 27 until they meet the axial bottom of the grooves 27. The internal ribs 46 can preferably contact and engage against the O-ring 26. The internal ribs 46 in the axial grooves 27 advantageously fix the rotational position of the filter element 14 relative to the filter head body 36 and fix the fixed axially spaced axial position discussed for pump operation.

[0066] Figure 6A A perspective view of the filter head body 36 is shown with components of the manual priming pump assembly 38 and the fuel drain system 40 removed. Figure 6B Shows Figure 6A 1. A top view of the filter head body 36. Figure 6C Shows Figure 6A 1 and 2. A bottom view of the filter head body 36 is shown. Figure 6D A longitudinal section is shown of the interface between the upper end plate 20 of the filter element 14 and the receptacle 44 and the axially elongated, radially inwardly projecting internal rib 46, as well as the filter element mushroom valve (check valve) 28 provided within the interior of the tubular projection 24 at the upper end plate 20 of the filter element 14. The tubular projection 24 is received into the receptacle 44 until it engages against the axial end of the internal rib 46, ensuring the correct installed position of the filter element relative to the components of the filter head assembly 12.

[0067] Turning to the attached figure Figures 10 to 13C, a variation of a pre-filter module according to the present teachings is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 100. In view of the similarities between various elements of pre-filter module 10 and pre-filter module 100, similar reference numerals have been used to identify substantially identical elements. The description with respect to pre-filter module 100 will primarily relate to additional and / or different features. Details not specifically described with respect to pre-filter module 100 will be understood to be identical to corresponding details of pre-filter module 10 to the extent such details are inconsistent.

[0068] The pre-filter module 100 differs primarily from the pre-filter module 10 by incorporating an optional fuel drain system 102. The fuel drain system 102 includes an end cap 104, a first cage member 106, a second cage member 108, a first check valve 110, and a second check valve 112. The first check valve 110 will be understood to be similar in construction and function to the second check valve 60 of the module 10, and the second check valve 112 will be understood to be similar to the first check valve 28 of the module 10.

[0069] Similar to the cage element 63 of the module 10, the first cage element 106 can be a hollow cylindrical member having a plurality of openings in its sidewall. At its lower end, the first cage element 106 includes an inwardly extending flange 113 that defines a first valve seat for a first check valve 110. The first cage element 106 and the first check valve 110 cooperate to define a first cage module. The second cage element 108 can similarly be a hollow cylindrical member having a plurality of openings in its sidewall. At its lower end, the second cage element 108 includes an inwardly extending flange that defines a second valve seat for a second check valve 112. The second cage element 108 and the second check valve 112 cooperate to define a second cage module. The first and second cage modules are preferably stackable and removably coupled or removably secured together, and can be removed as a unit for repair or replacement of individual check valves or cage modules.

[0070] The end cap 104 may be secured to the filter head body 36 (e.g., Figure 4 ). End cap 104 is coupled to first cage element 106, and first cage element 106 is coupled to second cage element 108. Preferably, end cap 104 snap-fits onto the upper end of first cage element 106, and the lower end of first cage element 106 snap-fits onto the upper end of second cage element 108. End cap 104 may include a first plurality of axially extending arms 114 that are substantially identical in construction and function to arms 74 and end cap 64. These arms 114 engage the underside of an upper ring 115 of cage element 106. The lower end of first cage element 106 includes a second, substantially identical plurality of arms that engage the upper ring of second cage element 108.

[0071] Similar to fuel drain system 40, fuel drain system 102 defines a preassembled subassembly that can be inserted as a whole into the bore of a filter head body. In fuel drain system 102, the preassembled subassembly includes first and second cage elements 106, 108, first and second check valves 110, 112, end cap 104, and drain valve 59. The subassembly may also include an O-ring (shown in conjunction with fuel drain system 40). As shown, first and second cage elements 106, 108 are disposed within a tubular member that forms the pump portion of fuel drain system 102. Cage elements 106 and 108 are not disposed on filter element 18. However, second cage element 108 protrudes inwardly into the interior of filter element 18 through the central opening of upper end plate 20 of filter element 18.

[0072] Although various embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications or variations may be made without departing from the present disclosure. The examples illustrate various embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with such limitations only where necessary in light of the relevant prior art.

Claims

1. Filter element, including: a filter media configured as a hollow filter media body; an upper end plate disposed on an upper axial end of the hollow filter media body, the upper end plate having a central tubular protrusion disposed on an axially outer side of the upper end plate; a first valve seat disposed within an interior of the central tubular protrusion; as well as a first check valve disposed within the interior of the central tubular protrusion on the first valve seat and adapted to allow fluid flow in a first direction and block fluid flow in an opposite second direction, wherein the central tubular protrusion further comprises a circumferentially extending seal retaining groove formed on a radially outer surface of the central tubular protrusion, An O-ring seal is disposed in the circumferentially extending seal retaining groove.

2. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein The central tubular protrusion includes a plurality of axially extending grooves formed into a radially outer surface of the central tubular protrusion.

3. The filter element according to claim 1 , in combination with a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, the fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel further comprising: A filter head assembly having: Filter head body, having: at least one fluid inflow port; at least one fluid outlet port; and a receptacle formed on the inside of the filter head body, the receptacle receiving the central tubular protrusion of the filter element within an interior of the receptacle, the receptacle having: A plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending projection ribs are formed on the radially inner surface of the receptacle, with axial ends of the plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending projection ribs contacting the central tubular projection of the filter element to fix the axial position of the filter element relative to the filter head body.

4. The filter element of claim 3 in combination with a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, the fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel further comprising a manual priming pump assembly carried by the filter head body.

5. The filter element according to claim 3, in combination with a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, the fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel further comprising a fuel drain system, the fuel drain system comprising: drain screw; Second valve seat; as well as a second check valve adapted to allow fluid flow in a first direction and to block fluid flow in an opposite, second direction, wherein the second check valve is arranged downstream in series with respect to flow from the first check valve of the filter element, the first and second check valves acting together to allow fluid flow in the first direction and to block fluid flow in an opposite, second direction, and wherein the first and second check valves cooperate during operation of the manual priming pump assembly to pump fuel from at least one fluid inflow port of the fuel pre-filter module to fill the cup assembly and the filter element with fuel.

6. The filter element of claim 3 in combination with a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, the fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel further comprising a cup assembly threadably connected to the filter head assembly, the cup assembly comprising: A tubular outer wall has a first end threadably connected to the filter head assembly and circumferentially encloses a chamber that receives the filter element.

7. The filter element of claim 3, in combination with a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, wherein: an O-ring seal disposed in a circumferential groove formed in the radially outer surface of the central tubular projection; and The axially extending projection rib extends to and contacts the O-ring seal.

8. The filter element according to claim 5, in combination with a fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, wherein The fuel drain system further includes a cage member having a hollow cylindrical shape, the second valve seat defined by the cage member being adjacent to a lower end thereof.

9. A fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel, the fuel pre-filter module comprising: The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, having a cylindrical filter medium and an upper end plate arranged on an upper axial end of the cylindrical filter medium, the upper end plate having a central tubular protrusion arranged on an axially outer side of the upper end plate; as well as The filter assembly comprises a filter head body, wherein the filter head body has a receptacle formed on the inner side of the filter head body, the receptacle receiving the central tubular protrusion of the filter element within the interior of the receptacle, the receptacle having a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending protrusion ribs formed on the radial inner surface of the receptacle, the axial ends of the plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending protrusion ribs contacting the central tubular protrusion of the filter element to fix the axial position of the filter element relative to the filter head body and to lock the rotational orientation of the filter element to the filter head body.

10. The fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel according to claim 9, further comprising: an O-ring seal disposed on the radially outer surface of the central tubular protrusion, Wherein, the O-ring seal is configured to provide a fluid seal between the central tubular protrusion and the receptacle.

11. The fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel according to claim 10, wherein: The axially extending projection rib extends to and contacts the O-ring seal.

12. The fuel pre-filter module for filtering fuel according to claim 11, wherein: The axially extending projection rib extends within the axial groove of the central tubular projection.

13. A fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module according to any one of claims 9 to 12, the fuel pre-filter module having a filter head assembly, the filter head assembly having a filter head body, the fuel drain system comprising: a first cage member having a first cylindrical sidewall and a first hollow interior, the first cylindrical sidewall having a first plurality of sidewall openings, the first cage member further comprising a first inwardly extending circumferential flange defining a first valve seat within the first hollow interior of the first cage member; as well as a first check valve for seating on the first valve seat, the first check valve being adapted to allow fluid to flow in a first direction and to block fluid from flowing in an opposite second direction; The fuel drain system defines a preassembled subassembly insertable into the bore of the filter head body, the preassembled subassembly including a first cage module including the first cage element and the first check valve, the first cage module being removable from the filter head body as a whole.

14. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module of claim 13, further comprising an end cap for attaching the fuel drain system to the filter head body, the end cap coupled to the upper end of the first cage element.

15. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module according to claim 14, wherein: The end cap is snap-fit ​​to the first cage element.

16. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module according to claim 14, wherein: The end cap includes a plurality of axially extending arms that are resiliently deflectable in a radial direction to engage the first cage member in a snap-fit ​​relationship.

17. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module according to claim 16, wherein: The first cage member includes an upper ring, and the distal ends of the axially extending arms of the end cap extend axially into the central opening of the first cage member, axially beyond the upper ring, and engage an underside of the upper ring to prevent inadvertent separation of the end cap from the cage member.

18. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module of claim 14, further comprising a drain screw in the central opening of the end cap.

19. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module of claim 13, further comprising a second cage module, the second cage module comprising: a second cage member having a second cylindrical sidewall and a second hollow interior, the second cylindrical sidewall having a second plurality of sidewall openings, the second cage member further comprising a second inwardly extending circumferential flange defining a second valve seat within the second hollow interior of the second cage member; as well as a second check valve for placement on the second valve seat, the second check valve being adapted to allow fluid to flow in a second direction and to block fluid from flowing in an opposite second direction; The first cage module is detachably coupled to the second cage module.

20. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module according to claim 19, wherein: The first check valve and the second check valve are connected in series.

21. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module of claim 19, in combination with the filter head assembly.

22. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module according to claim 21, wherein: The first and second cage elements are disposed in a tubular member that forms part of a fuel drain assembly of the filter head assembly.

23. The fuel drain system for a fuel pre-filter module according to claim 21, wherein: The second cage element protrudes inwardly into the interior of the filter element through a central opening in the upper end plate of the filter element.

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