Easy-lock spin-on filters

Abstract

A filter cartridge includes a housing, a connecting ring, an end cap, and an axially oriented sealing member. The housing defines an inner cavity and an upper lip disposed along an upper edge of the inner cavity. The upper lip defines a passage. The connecting ring is positioned outside the inner cavity and engages with the passage. The connecting ring includes a threaded region extending along a central axis of the housing. The end cap engages with the housing adjacent to the upper lip. The axially oriented sealing member is positioned between the housing and the end cap and extends axially outwardly so as to form an axial seal with the filter head when the filter cartridge is mounted on the filter head.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202041007686 filed on February 24, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to filters for use with internal combustion engine systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to spin-on filters including a threaded interface.

[0004] background

[0005] Internal combustion engine systems require various fluids (e.g., lubricating oil, fuel, etc.) to operate. Fluids are typically passed through filter cartridges to remove water and other contaminants. Filter cartridges may include particle filter cartridges and / or fuel-water separators. Filter cartridges may include threaded interfaces to engage the filter cartridge with the engine system and allow for regular replacement of the filter cartridge.

[0006] Overview

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a housing, a connecting ring, an end cap, and an axially oriented sealing member. The housing defines an inner cavity and an upper lip disposed along an upper edge of the inner cavity. The upper lip defines a channel. The connecting ring is positioned outside the inner cavity and engages with the channel. The connecting ring includes a threaded area extending along the central axis of the housing. The end cap engages with the housing adjacent to the upper lip. The axially oriented sealing member is positioned between the housing and the end cap and extends axially outward so as to form an axial seal with the filter head when the filter cartridge is mounted on the filter head.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing defines a ledge positioned between the upper lip and the lower elongated cylindrical portion of the housing.The axially oriented sealing member may be positioned on the ledge.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter cartridge, comprising: a shell defining an inner cavity and an upper lip, the upper lip being arranged along an upper edge of the inner cavity, the upper lip defining a channel; a connecting ring positioned outside the inner cavity and engaged with the channel, the connecting ring comprising a threaded area extending along a central axis of the shell; an end cap engaged with the shell adjacent to the upper lip; and an axially oriented sealing member positioned between the shell and the end cap, the axially oriented sealing member extending axially outwardly so as to form an axial seal with the filter head when the filter cartridge is mounted on the filter head.

[0010] In some embodiments, the housing further defines a ledge positioned between the upper lip and a lower elongated cylindrical portion of the housing, and wherein the axially-oriented sealing member is positioned on the ledge.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises a cylindrical extension extending axially away from an end of the threaded region and extending into the passage.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises a plurality of extrusion ribs protruding from the cylindrical extension in a radial direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the shell includes a plurality of alignment members arranged along the outer surface of the shell, and the plurality of alignment members extend in an axial direction between the opposite ends of the shell, and the connecting ring is engaged with the plurality of alignment members to prevent the connecting ring from rotating relative to the shell during installation of the filter cartridge.

[0014] In some embodiments, the housing includes an alignment sleeve disposed on the outer surface of the housing, and wherein the plurality of alignment members are disposed on the alignment sleeve.

[0015] In some embodiments, the upper lip includes an upper wall extending radially outward from the upper end of the shell, and a plurality of holes disposed in the upper wall, and the connecting ring includes a plurality of tabs extending axially away from the threaded area and extending through the plurality of holes.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one tab of the plurality of tabs includes a depending lug, and wherein the depending lug engages an upper surface of the upper lip when the connecting ring is installed into the housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the upper lip edge includes: an upper wall, which extends radially outward from the upper end of the shell; an outer wall, which extends axially downward from the outer edge of the upper wall; and a plurality of holes, which are arranged in the outer wall, and the connecting ring also includes a plurality of movable clamps and a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of movable clamps extend axially away from the threaded area, and the plurality of protrusions extend radially outward from the plurality of movable clamps and at least partially pass through the plurality of holes.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connecting ring is overmolded onto the housing.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter housing. The filter housing includes a housing and a connecting ring. The housing defines an inner cavity and an upper lip disposed along an upper edge of the inner cavity. The upper lip defines a channel. The connecting ring is positioned outside the inner cavity and engages with the channel. The connecting ring includes a threaded area extending along a central axis of the housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the housing defines a lug positioned between the upper lip and a lower elongated cylindrical portion of the housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises a cylindrical extension extending axially away from an end of the threaded region and extending into the passage.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises a plurality of extrusion ribs protruding from the cylindrical extension in a radial direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the shell includes a plurality of alignment members, which are arranged along the outer surface of the shell and extend in an axial direction between the opposite ends of the shell. The connecting ring is engaged with the plurality of alignment members to prevent the connecting ring from rotating relative to the shell.

[0024] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a connecting ring for a spin-on filter cartridge. The connecting ring includes a threaded region, a cylindrical extension, and a connecting member. The threaded region extends circumferentially around a central axis. The cylindrical extension is coupled to the threaded region and extends axially away from the threaded region. The connecting member is disposed on the cylindrical extension and is configured to engage a housing of the spin-on filter cartridge to couple the connecting ring to the housing.

[0025] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises a plurality of alignment members disposed along an inner surface of at least one of the threaded region or the cylindrical extension, the plurality of alignment members being configured to engage with the housing to prevent the connecting ring from rotating relative to the housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises a plurality of extrusion ribs protruding from the cylindrical extension in a radial direction.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises a plurality of tabs disposed on an end of the cylindrical extension opposite the threaded region and extending axially away from the cylindrical extension.

[0028] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises: a plurality of slots disposed in the connecting ring, the plurality of slots defining a plurality of movable clips; and a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the plurality of movable clips.

[0029] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a housing, a filter element, and an axially oriented sealing member. The housing includes a main body and a connecting ring. The main body defines an inner cavity and an upper lip. The upper lip is arranged along the upper edge of the inner cavity and defines a channel. The connecting ring is positioned outside the inner cavity and engages with the channel. The connecting ring includes a threaded area extending along the central axis of the housing. The filter element is removably disposed in the housing and includes an end cap engaged with the housing. The axially oriented sealing member is positioned between the main body and the end cap and extends axially outward so as to form an axial seal with the filter head when the filter assembly is mounted on the filter head.

[0030] In some embodiments, the body further defines a lug positioned between the upper lip and a lower elongated cylindrical portion of the body, the axially-oriented sealing member being positioned on the lug.

[0031] In some embodiments, the connecting ring further comprises a cylindrical extension extending axially away from an end of the threaded region and extending into the passage.

[0032] In some embodiments, the body includes a plurality of alignment members disposed along an outer surface of the body, the plurality of alignment members extending in an axial direction between opposite ends of the body, the connecting ring being engaged with the plurality of alignment members so as to prevent the connecting ring from rotating relative to the body during installation of the filter assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only several embodiments according to the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the filter housing of the filter assembly.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the connection ring of the filter housing.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of a connecting ring.

[0040] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0041] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial perspective view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0042] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a housing portion of a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A partial perspective view of the lip portion of the filter assembly.

[0044] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of the connection ring of the filter assembly.

[0045] Fig.11 is a partial perspective view of a housing portion of a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0046] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A perspective view of the connection ring of the filter assembly.

[0047] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a portion of a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0048] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A perspective view of the connection ring of the filter assembly.

[0049] Fig.15 yes Fig.13 A perspective view of the housing portion of the filter assembly.

[0050] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of the lip portion of the housing.

[0051] Fig.17 is a perspective view of a housing portion of a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0052] Fig.18 It is engaged with the connecting ring of the filter assembly Fig.17 A perspective view of the lip portion of the housing.

[0053] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A perspective view of a connecting ring.

[0054] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of a filter assembly according to an embodiment.

[0055] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly portion.

[0056] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 20 A perspective view of the housing portion of the filter assembly.

[0057] Fig.23 yes Fig. 20 A perspective view of the connection ring of the filter assembly.

[0058] Fig.24 is a perspective view of a portion of a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0059] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 A partial perspective view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0060] Fig.26 yes Fig.24 A perspective view of the housing portion of the filter assembly.

[0061] Fig. 27 yes Fig.24 A perspective view of the connection ring of the filter assembly.

[0062] Fig.28 is a perspective view of a portion of a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0063] Fig.29 yes Fig.28 A partial exploded view of the filter housing portion of the filter assembly.

[0064] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 A perspective view of a portion of a filter housing near the upper end of the housing casing.

[0065] Fig.31 yes Fig.29 A perspective view of the housing portion of a filter housing.

[0066] Fig.32 yes Fig.31 Reproduction of a part of something.

[0067] Fig.33 yes Fig.28 A perspective view of the connection ring of the filter housing.

[0068] Fig.34 is a perspective view of a portion of a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

[0069] Fig.35 yes Fig.34 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0070] Fig.36 yes Fig.34 A perspective view of the housing portion of the filter assembly.

[0071] Fig.37 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0072] Throughout the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar parts unless the context indicates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the various aspects of the disclosure generally described herein and shown in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and constitute a part of the present disclosure.

[0073] Detailed description

[0074] The embodiments described herein generally relate to spin-on filter cartridges for internal combustion engine systems. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, as the concepts described are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0075] I. Overview

[0076] A spin-on filter cartridge (i.e., a spin-on filter) for an internal combustion engine system may include a filter element inserted into an external housing. The spin-on filter cartridge may also include a threaded fitting (e.g., a nut plate) with a sealing groove, which must be glued or otherwise fixed to the housing to keep the filter element in place within the housing and facilitate sealing between the clean side and the dirty side of the filter cartridge. The threaded fitting is also used to connect the filter cartridge to a filter head (e.g., threadedly engaging the filter cartridge with the filter head). However, the seam operation for embedding the threaded fitting into the housing is usually complicated and may introduce contaminants into the filter cartridge. In addition, the threaded fitting may prevent the filter element from being removed from the housing, so the housing must be disposed of during the replacement of the filter cartridge. In addition, since the threaded fitting is permanently fixed to the housing, any damage to the threaded fitting requires replacement of the entire spin-on filter cartridge (including the housing shell).

[0077] The disclosed spin-on filter cartridge provides a threaded connection ring that is manufactured separately from the housing and that engages the housing to form a threaded interface of the spin-on filter cartridge. Among other advantages, the design of the spin-on filter cartridge reduces the number of parts required for conventional spin-on filters. The connection ring can also be manually applied to the housing (e.g., by one's hand under their own force or using a simple press), rather than using a more complicated seaming operation traditionally used to embed a threaded interface into the housing.

[0078] In at least one embodiment, the housing defines an inner cavity and an upper lip disposed along the upper edge of the inner cavity. The upper lip may define a channel sized to receive a connecting ring therein. The connecting ring may be connected to the channel, for example, via one or more deformable ribs disposed along the perimeter of the connecting ring. In another embodiment, the connecting ring includes an interlocking element (e.g., a tab, a connecting lip) that engages with the upper lip via a hole disposed along the perimeter of the upper lip. In at least one embodiment, the connecting ring may be removed from the housing. For example, the connecting ring may include a twist lock, a snap and / or a locking tab that engages with an interface feature on the housing (e.g., a hole in the upper lip, etc.) to connect the connecting ring to the housing. In the event that the connecting ring is damaged, it may be removed from the housing and replaced with a new connecting ring without causing damage to the housing or the filter element end cap. The housing and / or the connecting ring may also include an anti-rotation feature to rotationally couple the connecting ring to the housing and ensure that the housing rotates with the connecting ring during installation and removal of the spin-on filter cartridge.

[0079] In at least one embodiment, the connecting ring is overmolded on the housing. For example, the housing can be placed in a molding tool, and plastic can be injection molded around the housing (for example, through a hole in the upper lip, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the upper lip of the housing can form a part of the sealing interface between the clean side and the dirty side of the filter element. For example, the housing can also define a lug positioned between the upper lip of the housing and the lower elongated cylindrical portion. The lug can abut the external protrusion of the filter element end cap, and form a channel between the filter element end cap and the upper lip. An axially oriented sealing member can be positioned in the channel between the housing and the end cap, and can extend axially outward from the lug to form an axial seal with the filter head.

[0080] II. Example of a spin-on filter cartridge

[0081] Figure 1-Figure 5 A spin-on filter cartridge 10 (e.g., a filter assembly) according to an embodiment is shown. The filter cartridge 10 is configured to remove particulate contaminants from a working fluid and / or a lubricating fluid (e.g., lubricating engine oil, hydraulic oil, etc.) of an internal combustion engine system. The filter cartridge 10 includes a filter housing 100, a connecting ring 104, and a filter element 200. The filter element 200 is removably connected to the filter housing 100. In other words, the filter housing 100 is reusable. The connecting ring 104 is configured to removably connect the filter cartridge 10 to an engine body and / or a filter head of an engine system. Specifically, the connecting ring 104 includes (e.g., defines) a threaded area 106 (e.g., an external thread) extending along a central axis 108 of the connecting ring 104 (and housing 102), and is configured to threadably engage with a threaded area on an engine body or a filter mounting head.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, the filter housing 100 includes a shell 102. The shell 102 is a generally cylindrical body that defines an interior cavity 110, and the interior cavity 110 is configured to receive the filter element 200 therein. The shell 102 can be stamped or otherwise formed from aluminum, steel, or another suitable formable material. The shell 102 also defines an upper lip 112 positioned along an upper edge 114 of the shell 102 proximate to the opening of the interior cavity 110. The upper lip 112 extends along the perimeter of the upper edge 114. The upper lip 112 defines a generally "U"-shaped channel 116 that extends circumferentially around the shell 102. As shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the upper lip 112 includes an inner sidewall 117 (e.g., a first axial sidewall), an upper wall 119 extending radially outward from an upper end of the inner sidewall 117 (e.g., an upper end of the housing 102), and an outer sidewall 121 (e.g., a second axial sidewall) radially spaced from the inner sidewall 117 and extending axially downward from an outer edge of the upper wall 119. The open end of the channel 116 faces a lower end 118 (e.g., a closed end) of the housing 102.

[0083] The upper lip 112 is sized to receive a portion of the connecting ring 104 therein to secure the connecting ring 104 in position relative to the housing 102 (e.g., to prevent the connecting ring 104 from rotating relative to the housing 102, etc.). More specifically, the upper lip 112 is sized to receive a cylindrical extension 120 of the connecting ring 104 that protrudes in an axial direction above the threaded region 106 (e.g., extends axially away from the end of the threaded region). Figure 3 As shown, the cylindrical extension 120 can be inserted from the lower end 118 of the housing 102 into the channel 116 of the housing 102. The connecting ring 104 includes at least one connecting member disposed on the cylindrical extension 120 and configured to engage the housing 102 (e.g., the channel 116) to couple the connecting ring 104 to the housing 102. Figure 3 In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one connecting member is a plurality of crush ribs 128 that protrude radially from the inner surface of the cylindrical extension 120 toward the central axis of the connecting ring 104. The thickness of the cylindrical extension 120 at the location of each crush rib 128 is greater than the width of the channel 116, so that the crush rib 128 is bent, deformed, or otherwise compressed during assembly. The compression of the cylindrical extension 120 at the crush rib 128 secures the connecting ring 104 to the housing 102. Figure 4 As shown, the connecting ring 104 is a cylindrical ring extending circumferentially around a central axis. The connecting ring 104 can be molded from plastic or otherwise formed as a single integral body. In other embodiments, the connecting ring 104 is machined from aluminum or another suitable material or otherwise formed.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 102 also includes a first plurality of alignment members 123 (eg, ribs, protrusions, etc.) disposed at equal intervals along the outer surface of the housing 102. Figure 3As shown, the first plurality of alignment members 123 extend from the passage 116 to a position midway between the upper end and the lower end 118 in an axial direction parallel to the central axis 108 of the housing 102 (e.g., between the opposite ends of the housing 102). The first plurality of alignment members 123 are configured to engage with the second plurality of alignment members 125 to prevent the connection ring 104 from rotating relative to the housing 102 during installation of the filter cartridge 10 to an engine or a filter head. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first plurality of alignment members 123 include ribs having an approximately "C" shaped cross section. Figure 5 As shown, the second plurality of alignment members 125 include grooves (e.g., slots, channels, recessed areas, etc.) formed into the inner surface 127 of the connecting ring 104. The grooves are shaped to complement the ribs (e.g., "C" shaped grooves extending axially along the inner surface of the threaded portion of the connecting ring 104) and are sized to receive the ribs of the housing 102 therein.

[0085] To install the connecting ring 104 to the housing 102, the connecting ring is positioned on the closed end of the housing 102 and moved in an axial direction toward the upper lip 112. Next, the cylindrical ring 104 is rotated to align the grooves in the cylindrical ring 104 with the ribs in the housing 102 (to rotationally align the first plurality of alignment members 123 with the second plurality of alignment members 125). The cylindrical ring 104 is then pressed toward the open end of the housing 102, forcing the cylindrical extension 120 into the channel 116 and deforming the squeeze ribs 128 to secure the cylindrical extension 120 within the channel 116. In at least one embodiment, the squeeze ribs 128 deform under normal hand pressure from a technician to snap the connecting ring 104 into the channel 116. In another embodiment, a press (e.g., a hydraulic press, a pneumatic press, etc.) can be used to install the connecting ring 104 and increase the retention force between the connecting ring 104 and the housing 102.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 102 further defines a lug 122 at a location where the upper lip meets the lower elongated cylindrical portion of the housing 102 that defines the interior cavity 110. The lug 122 extends radially inward from the upper lip 112 in a vertical orientation relative to the central axis 108 of the housing 102. Figure 2 As shown, the lug 122 is sized to receive an axially oriented sealing member 124 (e.g., a gasket, an O-ring, etc.) configured to form an axial seal with a filter head (not shown) and isolate the interior cavity 110 from the surrounding environment of the housing 102. Figure 1As shown, the end cap 202 of the filter element 200 is configured to engage the inner surface of the housing 102 just below the lug 122. The end cap 202 is coupled to (e.g., glued or otherwise bonded to) the upper end of the media pack 204 of the filter element 200 and couples the media pack 204 to the filter housing 100. An axially oriented sealing member 124 is positioned between a surface of the end cap 202 (e.g., an axially extending sidewall 206 of the end cap 202) and the housing 102 (e.g., the upper lip 112) and is spaced from the connecting ring by the lug 122 and the inner sidewall 117 of the upper lip 112.

[0087] Figure 1-Figure 5 The design of the connecting ring 104 and the housing 102 should not be considered limiting. It should be understood that various substitutions and / or combinations are possible without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, Figure 6-Figure 7 Shows something like Figure 1-Figure 5 1, but the filter cartridge 12 includes a slightly different end cap geometry for the filter cartridge. In particular, the end cap 302 includes a center tube 304 that defines a central opening 306 for the end cap 302. The center tube 304 extends axially upward and toward the filter head from a base 307 (e.g., a planar wall) of the end cap 302. The end cap 302 also includes a groove (e.g., a channel, a notch, etc.) located in the outer surface of the center tube 304 and extending circumferentially around the center tube 304, and a sealing member 308 disposed in the groove and protruding radially outward from the groove. The sealing member 308 is configured to form a radial seal with a portion of the filter head.

[0088] Figure 8-Figure 10 Filter housing 400 is shown, which includes an alignment sleeve 403 that is rotationally coupled to a connection ring 404 of filter housing 400 relative to housing 402 (e.g., prevents connection ring 404 of filter housing 400 from rotating). Alignment sleeve 403 is formed separately from housing 402 (e.g., is a separate piece from housing 402), and alignment sleeve 403 is welded or otherwise coupled to an outer surface of housing 402 and / or upper lip 406. Figure 8-Figure 9 As shown, the alignment sleeve 403 is a cylindrical ring that is inserted over the housing 402 and abuts an upper lip 406 of the housing 402 . Figure 8 Alignment sleeve 403 is shown after being installed on housing 402 . Fig. 9The alignment sleeve 403 is shown pressed against the upper lip 406 in a fully installed position. The alignment sleeve 403 includes a flange 410 at the upper end of the alignment sleeve 403, and the flange 410 extends radially outward from the housing 402. The upper surface of the flange 410 engages the lower surface of the upper lip 406 to axially position the alignment sleeve 403 along the housing 402. In at least one embodiment, the flange 410 is welded to the upper lip 406. The alignment sleeve 403 includes a first plurality of alignment members 412 arranged along the circumference of the alignment sleeve 403. As shown in FIG. Figure 8-Figure 9 As shown, the first plurality of alignment members 412 include protrusions stamped or otherwise formed into the alignment sleeve 403 and extending radially outward from the alignment sleeve 403. The protrusions engage with the second plurality of alignment members 413 (e.g., notches extending axially along the inner surface of the connecting ring 404). Fig.10 As shown, the notch extends to a mid-position between the opposite ends of the inner surface, which advantageously prevents debris from penetrating the lower end of the connecting ring 404 and improves the overall aesthetics of the filter housing 400. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the shapes and positions of the first plurality of alignment members 412 and the second plurality of alignment members 413 may be different. For example, Figure 11-Figure 12 Another embodiment of an alignment sleeve 503 for a filter assembly is shown, wherein a first plurality of alignment members 512 include "C" shaped notches disposed in a radially extending flange 514 of the alignment sleeve 503. These notches engage a second plurality of alignment members 513, such as ribs extending radially inward from an inner surface 515 of a connecting ring 504 (e.g., an inner surface of a cylindrical extension 516 of the connecting ring 504). In other embodiments, the location of the ribs may be different (e.g., the ribs may be disposed along an inner surface of a threaded portion of the connecting ring, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the notches engage the ribs in a friction fit arrangement to substantially prevent the connecting ring 504 from being removed from the alignment sleeve 503. In other embodiments, the connecting ring 504 is slidingly engaged with the alignment sleeve 503 and may be removed from the alignment sleeve 503 (and the housing 502) during a maintenance event.

[0089] Figure 13-Figure 16 Filter housing 600 is shown, which includes interlocking elements on a connecting ring 604 and a housing 602. Specifically, the connecting ring 604 includes a plurality of tabs 628 (e.g., clips, etc.) extending in an axial direction from a cylindrical extension 620 of the connecting ring 604, which extends axially away from the outer end of the threaded region 606. Fig.16As shown, each tab 628 engages with a corresponding one of a plurality of holes 630 (e.g., windows, openings, etc.) disposed in the upper wall 619 of the upper lip 612 of the housing 602. The circumferential end 632 of each tab 628 is tapered so that the circumferential width of the tab 628 at the outer axial end of the tab 628 is greater than the circumferential width of the tab 628 near the cylindrical extension 620 to prevent the connection ring 604 from being separated from the housing 602 once the tab 628 is fully engaged with the hole 630. The interlocking arrangement of the tab 628 and the hole 630 also prevents the connection ring 604 from rotating relative to the housing 602.

[0090] Figure 17-Figure 19 Shows Figure 13-Figure 16 A variation of the design of the filter housing 600 of FIG. 7 is provided in which the end of each tab 728 includes a connecting lip 732 (e.g., a latch, a clip, etc.) that engages and latches to an upper surface 733 of the upper wall 719 above the aperture 730. Fig.18 As shown, the connecting lip 732 is formed as a triangular wedge-shaped portion extending outwardly from any circumferential end of each tab 728. The upper wall 719 of the housing 702 may also include a cutout 735 on any circumferential end of each hole 730 to facilitate engagement between the connecting lip 732 and the upper wall 719.

[0091] Figure 20-23 Shows Figure 13-Figure 16 In another variation of the filter housing 600, a hole 830 (eg, an opening, a window, a slot, etc.) is provided in the outer side wall 821 of the upper lip 812 of the filter housing 800. Fig.23 As shown, the connecting ring 804 includes a plurality of slots 834 disposed in the cylindrical extension 820. The slots 834 extend axially through the cylindrical extension 820 and define a plurality of movable clips 836 in the cylindrical extension. Each of the movable clips 836 includes a protrusion 838 disposed at a central position on the outer surface of each of the movable clips 836. Fig.23 In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , each protrusion 838 is a rib extending in a substantially circumferential direction across an outer face (eg, surface) of a corresponding one of the movable clips 836 . Fig.21 As shown, during installation, the movable clip 836 is configured to bend radially inward when the connecting ring 804 is inserted into the channel 816, and bend radially outward to engage with the lower edge of the corresponding one of the holes 830 when the connecting ring 804 is fully engaged with the channel 816. In various embodiments, the size, shape and position of the movable clip 836 and each protrusion 838 may be different.

[0092] Figure 24-Figure 27 Shows Figure 20-23 Another variation of the design of the filter housing 800 is shown in which a tab 930 in the connecting ring 904 of the filter housing 900 engages with, for example, locks to, a receiving latch 940 (e.g., a receiving tab, etc.) formed in the upper lip 912. Fig.26 As shown, the receiving latch 940 is formed by folding a portion of the outer sidewall 921 of the upper lip 912 into the channel 916 and toward the inner sidewall 917 (e.g., curling two circumferentially extending flaps back toward the inner sidewall 917). Fig. 27 As shown, the tab 930 of the connecting ring 904 is formed by a "W" shaped cutout in the cylindrical extension 920. Fig.25 As shown, when the connecting ring 904 is fully installed on the housing 902, the tabs 930 extend in a circumferential direction over the receiving latches 940. In various embodiments, the size, location, and number of the tabs 930 and receiving latches 940 may vary.

[0093] Figure 28-Figure 33 Still another variation of a filter housing design is shown, shown as filter housing 1000, which includes an interlocking connection ring 1004. Fig.33 As shown, the connecting ring 1004 includes a plurality of tabs 1028 disposed on the outer end of the cylindrical extension 1016 and extending axially away from the cylindrical extension 1016. Each tab 1028 on the connecting ring 1004 includes one or more depending lugs 1042 extending in a circumferential direction along the perimeter of the connecting ring 1004. The depending lugs 1042 are configured to engage with the upper surface 1033 of the upper lip 1012. Figure 28-Figure 33 In the embodiment of the present invention, the overhanging lug 1042 is configured to be aligned with a plurality of dimples 1044 (see FIG. Fig.32 ) or similar protrusions. Fig.29 As shown, the connecting ring 1004 is connected to the housing 1002 by sliding the tabs 1028 into corresponding holes in the upper lip 1012 and then rotating the connecting ring 1004 (e.g., clockwise when viewed from the upper end of the housing 1002) to engage each depending lug 1042 with a corresponding one of the dimples 1044. Fig.28 As shown, the connecting ring 1004 also includes a drive element 1046 (lug, step, etc.) disposed at a lower axial end 1048 of the connecting ring 1004 opposite the cylindrical extension 1016. Figure 28-Figure 33In an embodiment, the drive element 1046 is configured to engage with a tool or fixture to facilitate rotation of the connecting ring 1004 relative to the housing 1002 (e.g., to engage each depending lug 1042 with a corresponding one of the recesses 1044 on the upper lip 1012).

[0094] Figure 34-Figure 36 1 shows a filter housing 1100 according to an embodiment that includes a connection ring 1104 that is overmolded to the housing 1102 adjacent to an opening 1103 of the housing 1102 (e.g., overmolded to a portion of an upper lip 1112 of the housing 1102). Fig.35 As shown, the housing 1102 can be placed in a jig and / or injection molding tool, and plastic material can be dispensed onto the outer surface 1105 of the housing 1102 and through the holes 1030 in the upper lip 1112 (e.g., holes 1030 in the upper wall 1119 of the upper lip 1112). The mold can be formed so that the plastic forms a latch 1113 that engages with the upper surface 1142 of the upper lip 1112. In another embodiment, the connecting ring 1104 can be overmolded through a hole provided on the outer side wall 1121 of the upper lip 1112 or a combination of holes on the outer side wall 1121 and the upper wall 1119.

[0095] In any of the above embodiments, the filter element can be removed from the filter housing so that the filter housing can be reused. For example, according to an embodiment, Fig.37 shows at least in part Figure 1-Figure 5 The filter housing 100 is separated from the filter element 200. The housing 102 has sufficient thickness to allow repeated use. Fig.37 In the embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the housing 102 in the radial direction is about 1 mm. The thickness of the housing 102 may vary depending on the application (eg, depending on the maximum fluid pressure passing through the filtration system, etc.).

[0096] The filter housing designs of various embodiments described herein provide several advantages over conventional spin-on filter housings. Among other advantages, the two-piece design of various embodiments minimizes the number of components required to form the threaded area on the housing and simplifies manufacturing operations by eliminating the need for complex embedding and / or seaming operations. In addition, because the threads are formed on the exterior of the housing (e.g., the dirty side of the filter element assembly), the risk of introducing contaminants into the clean side of the filter element during manufacturing and assembly is greatly reduced.

[0097] It should be noted that the term "example" used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to mean that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily the particular or best example).

[0098] As used herein, the term "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or changes (e.g., within plus or minus five percent of a given angle or other value) of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

[0099] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like mean that two components are joined directly or indirectly to one another. Such a joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a joining may be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being attached to one another.

[0100] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, values ​​of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0101] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of any embodiment or the content that can be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features peculiar to the specific embodiments of specific embodiments. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments in this specification may also be implemented in a single embodiment in combination. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may involve a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

Claims

1. A filter cartridge, comprising: A housing, the housing defining: Inner cavity, an upper lip disposed along an upper edge of the housing, the upper lip defining a channel, and a lug positioned between the upper lip and a lower elongated cylindrical portion of the housing; A connecting ring, the connecting ring is positioned outside the inner cavity and engaged with the channel, the connecting ring comprising: a threaded region extending along a central axis of the housing, and a cylindrical extension extending axially away from an end of the threaded region and extending into the passage; an end cap engaged with the housing adjacent the upper lip; and An axially oriented sealing member is positioned on the lug between the housing and the end cap, the axially oriented sealing member extending axially outwardly to form an axial seal with the filter head when the filter cartridge is installed on the filter head.

2. The filter cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting ring further includes a plurality of extrusion ribs protruding from the cylindrical extension in a radial direction.

3. The filter cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing includes a plurality of alignment members disposed along an outer surface of the housing and extending in an axial direction between opposite ends of the housing, the connecting ring being engaged with the plurality of alignment members to prevent the connecting ring from rotating relative to the housing during installation of the filter cartridge.

4. The filter cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The housing includes an alignment sleeve disposed on the outer surface of the housing, and wherein the plurality of alignment members are disposed on the alignment sleeve.

5. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein: The upper lip includes an upper wall extending radially outward from an upper end of the housing, and a plurality of holes disposed in the upper wall, and the connecting ring includes a plurality of tabs extending axially away from the threaded region and extending through the plurality of holes.

6. The filter cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: At least one tab of the plurality of tabs includes a depending lug, and wherein the depending lug engages an upper surface of the upper lip when the connecting ring is installed into the housing.

7. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein: The upper lip comprises: an upper wall extending radially outward from an upper end of the housing; an outer side wall extending axially downward from an outer edge of the upper wall; and A plurality of holes are disposed in the outer side wall, the connecting ring further comprising a plurality of movable clips extending axially away from the threaded region and a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the plurality of movable clips and at least partially passing through the plurality of holes.

8. The filter cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting ring is overmolded onto the housing.

9. The filter cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The lug extends radially inwardly from the upper lip.

10. The filter cartridge according to claim 9, wherein: The connecting ring further includes a plurality of extrusion ribs protruding from the cylindrical extension in a radial direction.

11. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein: The housing includes a plurality of alignment members disposed along an outer surface of the housing and extending in an axial direction between opposite ends of the housing, and the connecting ring is engaged with the plurality of alignment members to prevent the connecting ring from rotating relative to the housing.

12. The filter cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting ring also includes: a plurality of crush ribs projecting radially from the cylindrical extension and configured to engage the housing of the filter cartridge to couple the connecting ring to the housing; and A plurality of alignment members are disposed along an inner surface of at least one of the threaded region or the cylindrical extension, the plurality of alignment members being configured to engage the housing to prevent the connection ring from rotating relative to the housing.

13. The filter cartridge of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of tabs disposed on an end of the cylindrical extension opposite the threaded region and extending axially away from the cylindrical extension.

14. The filter cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: a plurality of slots disposed in the connecting ring, the plurality of slots defining a plurality of movable clips; as well as A plurality of protrusions extend radially outward from the plurality of movable clips.

15. The filter cartridge of claim 1, further comprising: A filter element is removably disposed within the housing, the filter element including the end cap.

16. The filter cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: The connecting ring is overmolded onto the housing.

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