Filter assembly for filtering a liquid and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

This invention describes a filter assembly for filtering liquids and a method of manufacturing the same. The filter assembly for filtering liquids includes a filter housing and a filter cartridge disposed within an enclosed space of the filter housing. The filter housing includes a cover attached to a bowl-shaped object to form the enclosed space. The cover includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and an exhaust port for the enclosed space. The filter cartridge includes a radially projecting portion disposed within a groove in the bowl-shaped object to prevent rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl-shaped object. A method of manufacturing the filter assembly includes inserting the filter cartridge into the bowl-shaped object and attaching the cover to the bowl-shaped object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to filters. More specifically, this disclosure relates to removable filter cartridges in filter cartridge assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] In semiconductor manufacturing, filters can be used to remove contaminants from fluids. Fluids (such as liquids, water, or the like) are guided through a filter housed within a housing. The filter can be configured to remove contaminants, such as (for example) solids and other particles, as the fluid / liquid passes through it. Specifically, a filter can be used to remove solid contaminants from a liquid as it passes through it. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a filter assembly for filtering liquids includes a filter housing and a filter cartridge. The filter housing includes a cover, a bowl-shaped part, and an enclosed space. The lower circumferential surface of the cover is attached to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl-shaped part to form the enclosed space. The cover includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and an exhaust port for the enclosed space. The bowl-shaped part includes a groove disposed on the inner side of the bowl-shaped part. The filter cartridge is disposed in the enclosed space of the filter housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port in the cover. The filter cartridge includes a radial protrusion. The radial protrusion is disposed in the groove of the bowl-shaped part to prevent the filter cartridge from rotating relative to the bowl-shaped part and to prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl-shaped part.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a filter assembly for filtering liquids includes inserting a filter cartridge into a bowl-shaped object. The filter cartridge includes radial protrusions, and the bowl-shaped object includes grooves disposed on the inner side of the bowl-shaped object. The insertion of the filter cartridge into the bowl-shaped object includes inserting each of the radial protrusions into a corresponding one of the grooves in the bowl-shaped object. The radial protrusions inserted into the grooves prevent the filter cartridge from rotating relative to the bowl-shaped object and prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl-shaped object. The method further includes attaching a cap to the bowl-shaped object to form an enclosed space for receiving the filter cartridge. The cap includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and an exhaust port. The attachment of the cap to the bowl-shaped object includes attaching the lower circumferential surface of the cap to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl-shaped object. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the filter assembly.

[0006] Figure 2 According to the embodiments Figure 1 An exploded view of the filter assembly.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of the filter cartridge of the filter assembly according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the cover of the filter assembly according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of the bowl-shaped part of the filter assembly according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a top view of the filter cartridge in the bowl-shaped part of the filter assembly according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 According to the embodiments Figure 1 Vertical cross-sectional view of the filter assembly.

[0012] Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view of the filter bowl according to an embodiment.

[0013] Similar numbers indicate similar characteristics. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of filter assembly 1. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of filter assembly 1. Filter assembly 1 includes a filter housing 10 and a filter cartridge 60 disposed within an enclosed space of the filter housing 10 (e.g., in...). Figure 2 (As shown in the image). The filter housing 10 includes a cover 20 and a bowl-shaped part 40. A filter cartridge 60 is disposed within the filter housing 10. The filter assembly 1 is configured to filter liquids. For example, the filter assembly 1 is configured to filter liquids used in semiconductor manufacturing, such as (but not limited to) photolithography and wet etching and cleaning processes in semiconductor manufacturing. The filter cartridge 60 is configured to filter contaminants (e.g., particulate solids, metal ions, etc.) found in the liquids of such semiconductor manufacturing processes. For example, the liquid may be (but is not limited to) water. In an embodiment, the fluid comprises liquid water.

[0015] Fluid enters and exits the filter housing 10 through ports 22A, 22B, and 22C in cover 20. Cover 20 includes a pair of fluid ports 22A and 22B and an exhaust port 22C. Fluid ports 22A and 22B are configured to guide fluid in and out of the filter housing 10. For example, fluid enters the filter assembly 1 through inlet fluid port 22A, and fluid (after being filtered by the filter assembly 1) exits the filter assembly 1 through fluid outlet port 22B.

[0016] The fluid flowing into housing 10 may also contain gas mixed with the liquid. The gas may be one or more of the types of gases present in the semiconductor manufacturing processes discussed above (e.g., bubbles, (some) gaseous byproducts, etc.). The fluid is predominantly liquid (e.g., at least 50% by volume of the fluid is liquid, or at least 90% by volume of the fluid is liquid). Housing 10 is configured to discharge the gas contained within housing 10 (e.g., within the enclosed space 12) through exhaust port 22C. For example, housing 10 is configured such that the gas within enclosed space 12 is directed to exhaust port 22C. The gas is then discharged through exhaust port 22C, preventing gas accumulation within housing 10.

[0017] The filter cartridge 60 is disposed within the bowl-shaped object 40, and the bottom 24 of the cover 20 is attached to the top of the bowl-shaped object 40 and the top of the filter cartridge 60. In embodiments, as described herein, "attached" and "attached" refer to two parts / surfaces being directly attached to each other. In embodiments, the attachment of two surfaces / parts is the joining (e.g., thermal bonding) of two parts / surfaces to each other. For example, the surfaces of one or two parts are heated, and then the surfaces are brought into contact with each other to thermally fuse the materials of the parts (e.g., polymers, etc.) together. The cover 20 is attached to the bowl-shaped object 40 to form an enclosed space 12 for housing the filter cartridge 60 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 1 and 7 Specifically, the lower circumferential surface 26 of the bottom 24 of the cover 20 is attached to the upper circumferential surface 42 of the bowl-shaped object 40. The bottom 24 of the cover 20 is also attached to the top 62 of the filter cartridge 60. Specifically, the (first) connecting ridge 30 of the bottom 24 of the cover 20 is attached to the (second) connecting ridge 70 of the top 62 of the filter cartridge 60. It should be understood that the circumferential surface is not limited to having a circular shape, and in the embodiments may be any shape surrounding the circumference (e.g., circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc.).

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of filter cartridge 60. Filter cartridge 60 has a top 62, a bottom 64 opposite to the top 62, and a side 66. The side 66 extends between the top 62 and the bottom 64 of filter cartridge 60 (e.g., from the top 62 to the bottom 64 of the cap). Filter cartridge 60 includes a cartridge inlet 68A and a cartridge outlet 68B in the top 62. In an embodiment, the side 66 of filter cartridge 60 includes filter material 67. In an embodiment, fluid / liquid is filtered by filter cartridge 60 by entering the filter cartridge 60 through the filter material 67. The filtered fluid / liquid then flows out of filter cartridge 60 through cartridge outlet 68B. The cartridge inlet 68A and cartridge outlet 68B are discussed in more detail below. Figure 3 As shown, the filter cartridge 60 has a cylindrical shape with a vertical axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge inlet 68A is positioned along the vertical axis A of the filter cartridge 60.

[0019] The top 62 of the filter cartridge 60 also includes a connecting ridge 70 extending from the top 62 of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., extending upward from the top surface). The connecting ridge 70 individually surrounds each of the cartridge inlet 68A and the cartridge outlet 68B (e.g., surrounding the opening of the cartridge inlet 68A disposed in the top 62 and surrounding the opening of the cartridge outlet 68B disposed in the top 62). In the filter cartridge assembly (e.g., as in...) Figure 1 and Figure 7 In the illustration, the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60 is attached (e.g., engaged) to the bottom 24 of the cover 20. For example, the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60 may be attached (e.g., engaged) to the connecting ridge 30 on the bottom 24 of the cover 20, as discussed below.

[0020] The connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60 includes a first portion 70-1 and a second portion 70-2. The second portion 70-2 may extend from the first portion 70-1, as shown in... Figure 3 The diagram shows that the first part 70-1 surrounds the tube inlet 68A and the second part 70-2 surrounds the tube outlet 68B. For example, the first part 70-1 surrounds the tube inlet 68A but not the tube outlet 68B, and the second part 70-2 surrounds the tube outlet 68B but not the tube inlet 68A.

[0021] The connecting ridge 70 may further include a third portion 70-3 and a fourth portion 70-4, each extending from the first portion 70-1. Each of the second portion 70-2, the third portion 70-3, and the fourth portion 70-4 extends from the first portion 70-1 in different directions (e.g., in different radial directions). The corresponding angle (e.g., angle α, angle β, etc.) between each pair of adjacent portions 70-2, 70-3, 70-4 extending from the first portion 70-1 is at least 30 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle between each pair of adjacent portions 70-2, 70-3, 70-4 extending from the first portion 70-1 may be at least 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle between each pair of adjacent portions 70-2, 70-3, 70-4 extending from the first portion 70-1 may be at least 100 degrees. The two additional sections 70-3 and 70-3 help to ensure that the contact of the cover 20 on the connecting ridge 70 is more centered (e.g., helps to make the downward force on the top 62 of the cross cylinder 60 more balanced and helps to minimize the horizontal force on the cover 20 when the cover 20 is pushed down onto the cylinder).

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, connecting ridges 30, 70 have four portions extending from the first portion. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of portions included in connecting ridges 30, 70 may be different from four. In embodiments, connecting ridges 30, 70 may have only the first and second portions. In embodiments, connecting ridges may include the first and second portions and one or more additional portions extending from the first or second portion. In embodiments, connecting ridges may include more than four portions (e.g., the first portion, the second portion, and two or more portions extending from the first and / or second portion).

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting ridge 70 has a flat upper surface (e.g., along a single horizontal plane). In embodiments, the upper surface of the connecting ridge 70 may consist of multiple flat upper surfaces. For example, in an embodiment, the upper surface of the first portion 70-1 may be a flat surface along a horizontal plane different from the flat upper surface of the second portion 70-2.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the cover 20 of the filter assembly 1. The cover 20 has a bottom 24 that is attached (e.g., engaged) to the bowl 40 and the filter cartridge 60. Ports 22A, 22B, and 22C extend through the cover 20 to the bottom 24 of the cover 20. The bottom 24 of the cover 20 includes a lower circumferential surface 26 and a connecting ridge 30. The lower circumferential surface 26 integrally connects the cover 20 to the bowl 40. The connecting ridge 30 integrally connects the cover 20 to the filter cartridge 60.

[0025] A connecting ridge 30 extends from the bottom 24 of the cover 20 (e.g., downward from the bottom surface of the cover 20). The connecting ridge 30 individually surrounds each of the fluid inlet port 22A and the fluid outlet port 22B. The connecting ridge 30 surrounds the opening of the fluid inlet port 22A in the bottom 24 and surrounds the opening of the fluid outlet port 22B in the top 24.

[0026] The connecting ridge 30 of the cover 20 includes a first portion 30-1 and a second portion 30-2. The second portion 30-2 may extend from the first portion 30-1 (e.g., extending away from the first portion 30-1 on the bottom 24 of the cover 20, extending radially away from the first portion 30-1, such as...). Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). The first portion 30-1 surrounds the fluid inlet port 22A and the second portion 30-2 surrounds the fluid outlet port 22B. For example, the first portion 30-1 surrounds the fluid inlet port 22A but not the fluid outlet port 22B, and the second portion 30-2 surrounds the fluid outlet port 22A but not the fluid inlet port 22A. The connecting ridge 30 is configured not to surround the exhaust port 22C (e.g., not to surround the opening in the bottom 24 of the cover 20 for the exhaust port 22C).

[0027] The connecting ridge 30 may further include a third portion 30-3 and a fourth portion 30-4, each extending from the first portion 30-1. Each of the second portion 30-2, the third portion 30-3, and the fourth portion 30-4 extends from the first portion 30-1 in different directions (e.g., in different radial directions). The corresponding angles (e.g., angle α2, angle β2, etc.) between each pair of adjacent portions 30-2, 30-3, 30-4 extending from the first portion 30-1 are at least 30 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle between each pair of adjacent portions 30-2, 30-3, 30-4 extending from the first portion 30-1 may be at least 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle between each pair of adjacent portions 30-2, 30-3, and 30-4 extending from the first portion 30-1 may be at least 100 degrees. The two additional sections 30-3, 30-3 can help center the contact of the cover 20 on the top 62 of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., help to make the downward force across the top 62 of the cartridge 60 more balanced, and help to minimize the horizontal force on the cover 20 when the cover 20 is pushed down onto the cartridge).

[0028] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lower circumferential surface 26 of the cover 20 is spaced apart from the connecting ridge 30 of the cover 20. Specifically, the lower circumferential surface 26 is radially spaced from the connecting ridge 30. For example, a circumferential groove 32 is provided in the bottom 24 of the cover 20, which separates the connecting ridge 30 from the lower circumferential surface 26 of the cover 20. The bottom 24 of the cover and the groove 32 are shaped to guide gas from the fluid to the exhaust port 22C.

[0029] In filter cartridge assemblies (e.g., as in...) Figure 1 and Figure 7 In the illustration, the connecting ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached (e.g., engaged) to the connecting ridge 70 on the top 62 of the filter cartridge 60. Each portion 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, 30-4 of the ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached (e.g., engaged) to the corresponding portion 70-1, 70-2, 70-3, 70-4 of the ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. For example, the first portion 30-1 of the ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached (e.g., engaged) to the first portion 70-1 of the ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60, and the second portion 30-2 of the ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached (e.g., engaged) to the second portion 70-2 of the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. For example, the third portion 30-3 of the ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached (e.g., joined) to the third portion 70-3 of the ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60, and the fourth portion 30-4 of the ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached (e.g., joined) to the fourth portion 70-4 of the ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60.

[0030] like Figure 4As shown, the connecting ridge 30 has a flat lower surface (e.g., flat along a horizontal plane). In embodiments, the connecting ridge 30 may have multiple flat upper surfaces. For example, in an embodiment, the flat lower surface of the first portion 30-1 may be along a different horizontal surface than the horizontal plane of the flat lower surface of the second portion 30-2.

[0031] Figure 5 A top perspective view showing a bowl-shaped part 40 of the filter assembly 1. The bowl-shaped part 40 includes sidewalls 44 and a bottom 46. The sidewalls 44 include an upper circumferential surface 42 to which a cover 20 is attached (e.g., engaged). The bowl-shaped part 40 includes a groove 48 disposed on the inner side 50 of the bowl-shaped part 40. One of the grooves 48 is in Figure 5 The dashed line indicates that the groove is in Figure 5 The view is obscured. The bowl-shaped member 40 includes a groove 48 for each of the radial protrusions 61 of the filter cartridge 60. Each groove 48 extends in the vertical direction. Each of the grooves 48 has a corresponding width W. S1 W S2 W S3 The width of each groove 48 is measured in the circumferential direction of the bowl-shaped object 40. In an embodiment, one of the grooves 48A has a width W smaller than that of the other grooves 48. S2 This ensures that only the corresponding radial protrusions fit precisely into the groove 48A. For example, this ensures that only the correct radial protrusions 61 fit precisely into the groove 48A and that the filter cartridge 60 is inserted into the bowl 40 in the correct orientation (e.g., the filter cartridge 60 is not rotating).

[0032] Figure 6 This is a top view of the filter cartridge 60 disposed in the bowl-shaped object 40 according to an embodiment. For example, Figure 5 The illustration shows a top view of the filter assembly 1, excluding the cover 20. The filter cartridge 60 is positioned within the bowl 40 by inserting each of the radial protrusions 61 into a corresponding one of the slots 48 in the bowl 40. Each radial protrusion 61 is positioned in a different one of the slots 48. For example, the filter cartridge 60 can be configured to be suspended within the bowl 40 by the radial protrusions 61 (see, for example, see...). Figure 7 For each radial protrusion 61, the radial protrusion 61 and its corresponding groove 48 have a corresponding width W. S1 W S2 W S3 This prevents the radial protrusion 61 from moving circumferentially within its corresponding groove 48 (e.g., in the circumferential direction D). C For example, each radial protrusion 61 and its corresponding groove 48 have the same or approximately the same width W. S1 W S2 W S3(For example, the same width within a small tolerance that allows the radial protrusion 61 to be withdrawn from the groove 48 while preventing radial movement of the radial protrusion within its groove 48). The radial protrusion 61 is positioned in the groove 48 such that the filter cartridge 60 is prevented from rotating relative to the bowl 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cartridge 60 is configured to be inserted into the bowl 40 without requiring rotation in the circumferential direction D. C Rotate upwards.

[0033] As in Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, one of the slots 48A has a width W smaller than the other slots 48. S2 The corresponding radial protrusion 61A of groove 48A also has a width smaller than that of the other radial protrusions 61A. The smaller width W of groove 48A S2 This prevents non-corresponding radial protrusions 61 (e.g., protrusions 61 other than the corresponding protrusion 61A) from being inserted into the groove 48A. For example, this ensures that only the correct radial protrusions 61 fit precisely into the groove 48A and that the filter cartridge 60 is inserted into the bowl 40 in a predetermined orientation (e.g., the filter cartridge 60 is inserted in the desired orientation).

[0034] The side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 is radially spaced from the inner side 50 of the bowl-shaped structure 40 by radial protrusions 61. This radial spacing forms one or more exhaust passages 80. The exhaust passages 80 are defined by the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60, the inner side 50 of the bowl-shaped structure 40, and the radial protrusions 61. Each exhaust passage 80 is positioned between a pair of corresponding circumferentially adjacent radial protrusions 61. The exhaust passages 80 are configured to guide gas within the filter assembly 1 to an exhaust port 22C in the cover 20.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cartridge 60 includes three radial protrusions 62, and the bowl-shaped member 40 includes three grooves 48. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the filter assembly 1 may include a different number of radial protrusions 62 and / or grooves 48. In one embodiment, the filter cartridge 60 may include two or more radial protrusions 62. In another embodiment, the bowl-shaped member 40 may include two or more grooves 48. In yet another embodiment, the filter cartridge may include at least three radial protrusions 62, and the bowl-shaped member may include at least three grooves 48.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of filter assembly 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, a sealed space 12 is formed within the housing 10 containing the filter cartridge 60 by means of a cover 20 and a bowl-shaped object 40. The cover 20 includes a fluid inlet port 22A, an inlet outlet port 22B, and an exhaust port 22C for the sealed space 12. For example, the sealed space 12 is enclosed except for ports 22A, 22B, and 22C in the cover 20.

[0037] The filter cartridge 60 is disposed within the enclosed space 12 of the housing 10. Each radial protrusion 61 of the filter cartridge 60 is disposed in a corresponding groove 48 of the bowl 40. For example, the radial protrusion 61 is disposed in the groove 48 such that the filter cartridge 60 is suspended within the bowl 40. The radial protrusion 61 is disposed in the groove 48 such that the sides 66 and bottom 64 of the filter cartridge 60 are prevented from contacting the bowl 40 (e.g., not contacting the bottom 46 and / or inner side 50 of the bowl 40, the sides 66 of the filter cartridge being spaced apart from the sidewalls 44 of the bowl 40, and the bottom 64 of the filter cartridge 60 being spaced apart from the bottom 46 of the bowl 40). For example, in an embodiment, the filter assembly 1 is configured to limit all contact between the filter cartridge 60 and the bowl 40 to be via the radial protrusions 61 and the groove 48 (e.g., all contact is radial protrusion 61 contacting groove 48). In embodiments, "contact" as described herein is "direct contact".

[0038] The fluid flows through the filter assembly 1 and the housing via a general flow path F. Figure 7 The image is shown with a dashed arrow. Specifically, it illustrates the flow path F of the liquid flowing through the filter assembly 1. Fluid F enters the housing 10 through the fluid inlet port 22A in the cover 20, passes through the filter cartridge 60, and then exits the housing 10 (e.g., filtered fluid) through the fluid outlet port 22B. The connecting ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached to the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. In this embodiment, all contact between the filter cartridge 60 and the cover 20 is via its connecting ridge 70. For example, all contact between the filter cartridge 60 and the cover 20 is via connecting ridges 30 and 70 (e.g., all contact is the connecting ridge 30 of the cover 20 contacting the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60). The first portion 30-1 of the connecting ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached to the first portion 70-1 of the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. The second portion 30-2 of the connecting ridge 30 of the cover 20 is attached to the second portion 30-2 of the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, ports 22A, 22B, and 22C each extend through cover 20 to the bottom 24 of cover 20.

[0039] like Figure 7As shown, connecting ridges 30 and 70 form an intermediate inlet passage 14A and an intermediate outlet passage 14B, which fluidly connect the fluid inlet port 22A and the fluid outlet port 22B in the cover 20 to the filter cartridge 60. The attached first portions 30-1 and 70-1 of the cover 20 and the filter cartridge 60 form the intermediate inlet passage 14A. The intermediate inlet passage 14A fluidly connects the fluid inlet port 22A of the cover 20 to the cartridge inlet 68A of the filter cartridge 60. The intermediate inlet passage 14A guides the fluid supplied to the filter assembly 1 through the fluid inlet port 22A (e.g., the fluid to be filtered) from the fluid inlet port 22A to the cartridge inlet 68A. The intermediate inlet passage 14A is a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet port 22A to the cartridge inlet 68A (e.g., the intermediate inlet passage 14A directly connects the opening in the bottom 24 of the cover 20 for the fluid inlet port 22A to the opening in the top 61 of the filter cartridge 60 for the cartridge inlet 68A).

[0040] Intermediate outlet passage 14B fluidly connects the cartridge outlet 68B of filter cartridge 60 to the fluid outlet port 22B in cover 20. Intermediate outlet passage 14B guides the filtered fluid (e.g., fluid that has passed through and been filtered by filter cartridge 60) exiting from cartridge inlet 68A of filter cartridge 60 to the fluid outlet port 22B of cover 20. Intermediate outlet passage 14B is a sealed fluid connection from cartridge outlet 68B to fluid outlet port 22B (e.g., intermediate outlet passage 14B directly connects the opening in the top 61 of filter cartridge 60 for cartridge outlet 68B to the opening in the bottom of cover 20 for fluid outlet port 22B). Filtered fluid exits from filter assembly 1 through fluid outlet port 22B.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, the cartridge inlet 68A and fluid inlet port 14A are positioned along the vertical axis A of the filter cartridge 60. The cartridge inlet 68A and fluid inlet port 14A each extend along the vertical axis A (e.g., extend parallel to and overlap with the vertical axis A). It should be understood that the positions of the fluid inlet port 14A and fluid outlet port 14B in the cover 20 may differ in other embodiments based on the configuration of the filter cartridge 60. In one embodiment, the positions of the fluid inlet port 14A and fluid outlet port 14B in the cover 20 may be reversed (e.g., the fluid outlet port 14B is along the vertical axis A of the filter cartridge 60). For example, in this embodiment, the filter cartridge 60 may not include the cartridge inlet 68A. For example, the filter inlet port 14A may be configured to supply fluid directly to the space therebetween along the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 without penetrating the filter cartridge 60. The fluid in the space is then filtered by flowing through the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 into the cartridge.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 68A is an open passage extending through the filter cartridge 60. Fluid flows through the inlet 68A and exits through an opening in the bottom 64 of the filter cartridge 60. The fluid flows from the inlet 68A into the space between the bottom 64 of the filter cartridge 60 and the bottom 46 of the bowl-shaped member 40, flows radially outward to the inner side 50 of the bowl-shaped member, and then flows upward into the space along the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., between the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 and the inner side 50 of the sidewall 44 of the bowl-shaped member 40). The fluid flows radially inward through the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., the filter material forming the side of the filter cartridge 60). The fluid is filtered as it passes through the material of the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60. The filtered fluid then flows upward within the filter cartridge 60 to the inlet 68B.

[0043] exist Figure 7 In this structure, the lower circumferential surface 26 of the cover 20 is attached to the upper circumferential surface 42 of the bowl-shaped object 40. The lower circumferential surface 26 and the connecting ridge 30 are spaced apart from each other on the bottom 24 of the cover 20. For example, the lower circumferential surface 26 and the connecting ridge 30 are spaced apart in the radial direction by a groove 32. The lower circumferential surface 22 is spaced apart in the radial direction from the first portion 30-1 and the second portion 30-2 of the connecting ridge 30 by the open space of the groove 32.

[0044] One or more exhaust passages 80 are formed between the inner side 50 of the bowl-shaped member 40 and the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60. Each exhaust passage 80 extends vertically upward (e.g., in direction D1) between a pair of corresponding adjacent radial protrusions 62 (e.g., in...). Figure 6 (As shown in the diagram). Several vent passages 80 are configured to guide gas (e.g., bubbles from liquid supplied to filter assembly 1) within the enclosed space 12 to vent ports 22C in the cover 20. For example, several vent passages 80 are configured to guide gas in a fluid flowing vertically upward along the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., in the space between the inner side 50 of the bowl 40 and the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60) toward the bottom 24 of the cover 20. For example, several vent passages 80 guide gas into a recess 32 that enters in a funnel shape into an opening in the cover 20 for the vent port 22C.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the bowl-shaped part 40 of filter assembly 1. (See image below.) Figure 8 As shown, the bowl-shaped object 40 includes an outer surface 52 having a plurality of protrusions 54. In an embodiment, the bowl-shaped object 40 may include one or more of the protrusions 54. The protrusions 54 are configured to provide external keying features indicating the orientation of the filter assembly 1. In an embodiment, the bowl-shaped object 40 may include one or more of the protrusions 54.

[0046] In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a filter assembly (e.g., filter assembly 1) includes inserting a filter cartridge (e.g., filter cartridge 60) into a bowl (e.g., bowl 40) and attaching a cap (e.g., cap 20) to the bowl to form an enclosed space (e.g., enclosed space 12) for receiving the filter cartridge. Inserting the filter cartridge into the bowl may include inserting each radial protrusion (e.g., radial protrusion 61) into a corresponding slot (e.g., slot 48).

[0047] Attaching the cap to the bowl may include attaching the cap to the lower circumferential surface (e.g., lower circumferential surface 22) of the upper circumferential surface 42 of the bowl. In an embodiment, attaching the cap to the bowl may include attaching (e.g., engaging) a connecting ridge (e.g., 30) on the bottom of the cap to a connecting ridge (e.g., connecting ridge 70) on the top of the filter cartridge.

[0048] In embodiments, attachment as discussed herein refers to thermal bonding. Thermal bonding fuses the lid to the bowl-shaped object. Bonding thermally fuses the polymer material of the lid to the polymer material of the bowl-shaped object and / or the polymer material of the filter cartridge. Thermal bonding may also be referred to as fusion bonding. In embodiments, the lower circumferential surface of the lid is thermally bonded to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl-shaped object. In embodiments, thermal bonding can be performed by heating one or more of the upper and lower circumferential surfaces and then placing the surfaces abutting each other. In embodiments, bonding can be performed via ultrasonic bonding.

[0049] aspect:

[0050] Any of aspects 1 to 15 may be combined with any of aspects 16 to 18.

[0051] Aspect 1. A filter assembly for filtering liquids, comprising: a filter housing including a cover, a bowl-shaped part, and an enclosed space, wherein a lower circumferential surface of the cover is attached to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl-shaped part to form the enclosed space, the cover including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and an exhaust port for the enclosed space, and the bowl-shaped part including a groove disposed on an inner side of the bowl-shaped part; and a filter cartridge disposed in the enclosed space of the filter housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port in the cover, and the filter cartridge including a part disposed in the groove of the bowl-shaped part to prevent rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl-shaped part and to prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting radial protrusions of the bowl-shaped part.

[0052] Aspect 2. The filter assembly according to aspect 1, wherein all contacts between the cover and the bowl and between the cover and the filter cartridge are via the flat surfaces of the cover, the bowl and the filter cartridge.

[0053] Aspect 3. The filter assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 and 2, wherein the bottom of the cover is pressed against the top of the filter cartridge to prevent vertical movement of the filter cartridge in the enclosed space, and each of the radial protrusions is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves, each of the radial protrusions and the corresponding one of the grooves having the same width to prevent circumferential movement of each of the radial protrusions within each of the grooves.

[0054] Aspect 4. The filter assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein all contact between the filter cartridge and the bowl is via the radial protrusion and the groove.

[0055] Aspect 5. The filter assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the cover includes a first connecting ridge extending from the bottom of the cover and surrounding each of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port in the cover, and the filter cartridge includes a top having a cartridge inlet, a cartridge outlet and a second connecting ridge extending from the top of the filter cartridge and surrounding each of the cartridge inlet and the cartridge outlet in the filter cartridge, and the first connecting ridge of the cover is attached to the second connecting ridge of the filter cartridge.

[0056] Aspect 6. The filter assembly according to aspect 5, wherein all contact between the filter cartridge and the cover is via the first connecting ridge and the second connecting ridge.

[0057] Aspect 7. The filter assembly according to any one of Aspects 5 or 6, wherein the first connecting ridge is attached to the second connecting ridge to form each of the following: an intermediate inlet passage, which is a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet port of the cover to the cylinder inlet of the filter cartridge, and an intermediate outlet passage, which is a sealed fluid connection from the cylinder outlet of the filter cartridge to the fluid outlet port of the cover.

[0058] Aspect 8. The filter assembly according to any one of aspects 5 to 7, wherein the second connecting ridge comprises: a first ridge surrounding the cylinder inlet and a second ridge extending from the first ridge and surrounding the cylinder outlet.

[0059] Aspect 9. The filter assembly according to aspect 8, wherein the second connecting ridge includes a third ridge and a fourth ridge, and each of the second ridge, the third ridge and the fourth ridge extends outward from the first portion in different radial directions.

[0060] Aspect 10. A filter assembly according to any one of aspects 5 to 9, wherein the filter cartridge has a cylindrical shape, and the cartridge inlet and the fluid inlet port are arranged along the vertical axis of the cylindrical shape of the filter cartridge.

[0061] Aspect 11. The filter cartridge according to any one of aspects 5 to 10, wherein the first connecting ridge and the second connecting ridge have the same shape.

[0062] Aspect 12. The filter cartridge according to any one of aspects 5 to 11, wherein the lower circumferential surface is spaced apart from the first connecting ridge of the cover.

[0063] Aspect 13. The filter cartridge according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the side of the filter cartridge is radially spaced from the inner side of the bowl-shaped object by the radial protrusion to form one or more exhaust passages, the exhaust passages being configured to guide gas within the enclosed space to the exhaust port in the cover.

[0064] Aspect 14. The filter cartridge according to aspect 13, wherein the one or more exhaust passages are a plurality of said exhaust passages, each of said exhaust passages extending between a pair of corresponding radial protrusions.

[0065] Aspect 15. The filter cartridge according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the filter cartridge includes at least three of the radial protrusions and the bowl-shaped object includes at least three of the grooves.

[0066] Aspect 16. A method of manufacturing a filter assembly for filtering liquids, comprising: inserting a filter cartridge into a bowl-shaped object, the filter cartridge including radial protrusions and the bowl-shaped object including a groove disposed on an inner side of the bowl-shaped object, wherein the insertion of the filter cartridge into the bowl-shaped object comprises: inserting each of the radial protrusions into a corresponding one of the grooves in the bowl-shaped object, the radial protrusions being inserted into the grooves to prevent the filter cartridge from rotating relative to the bowl-shaped object and to prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl-shaped object; and attaching a cover to the bowl-shaped object to form an enclosed space for receiving the filter cartridge, the cover including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port and an exhaust port, wherein the attachment of the cover to the bowl-shaped object comprises: attaching a lower circumferential surface of the cover to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl-shaped object.

[0067] Aspect 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the insertion of the radial protrusion into the groove of the bowl causes the filter cartridge to be suspended by the radial protrusion within the bowl.

[0068] Aspect 18. The method according to any one of aspects 16 and 17, wherein the lower circumferential surface of the cover and the upper circumferential surface of the bowl are attached by being thermally fused together.

[0069] The examples disclosed in this application should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, not by the foregoing description; and all variations within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A filter assembly for filtering liquids, comprising: A filter housing includes a cover, a bowl-shaped part, and an enclosed space, wherein the lower circumferential surface of the cover is attached to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl-shaped part to form the enclosed space, the cover includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and an exhaust port for the enclosed space, and the bowl-shaped part includes a groove disposed on the inner side of the bowl-shaped part. as well as A filter cartridge, disposed within the enclosed space of the filter housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port in the cover, and the filter cartridge comprising a groove disposed within the bowl-shaped structure to prevent rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl-shaped structure and to prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the radial protrusions of the bowl-shaped structure, wherein The cover includes a first connecting ridge that extends from the bottom of the cover and surrounds each of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port in the cover. The filter cartridge includes a top having a cartridge inlet, a cartridge outlet, and a second connecting ridge extending from the top of the filter cartridge and surrounding each of the cartridge inlet and the cartridge outlet, and the first connecting ridge of the cover is attached to the second connecting ridge of the filter cartridge. The second connecting ridge includes: The first ridge surrounding the cylinder inlet A second ridge extending from the first ridge and surrounding the cylinder outlet, and The third ridge and the fourth ridge, and each of the second ridge, the third ridge and the fourth ridge extends outward from the first ridge in different radial directions.

2. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein all contacts between the cover and the bowl-shaped object and between the cover and the filter cartridge are via corresponding mating surfaces of the cover, the bowl-shaped object, and the filter cartridge.

3. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein The bottom of the cover is pressed against the top of the filter cartridge, thereby preventing the filter cartridge from moving vertically within the enclosed space. Each of the radial protrusions is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves, and each of the radial protrusions and the corresponding one of the grooves have the same width to prevent each of the radial protrusions from moving circumferentially within each of the grooves.

4. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein all contact between the filter cartridge and the bowl-shaped object is via the radial protrusion and the groove.

5. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein all contact between the filter cartridge and the cover is via the first connecting ridge and the second connecting ridge.

6. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connecting ridge is attached to the second connecting ridge to form each of the following: An intermediate inlet passage is a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet port of the cover to the cylinder inlet of the filter cartridge, and An intermediate outlet passage is a sealed fluid connection from the cartridge outlet of the filter cartridge to the fluid outlet port of the cover.

7. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter cartridge has a cylindrical shape, and the cartridge inlet and the fluid inlet port are arranged along the vertical axis of the cylindrical shape of the filter cartridge.

8. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the side of the filter cartridge is radially spaced from the inner side of the bowl-shaped object by the radial protrusion to form one or more exhaust passages, the exhaust passages being configured to guide gas within the enclosed space to the exhaust port in the cover.

9. A method for manufacturing a filter assembly according to claim 1, comprising: Inserting the filter cartridge into the bowl-shaped object includes: Each of the radial protrusions is inserted into the corresponding one in the groove of the bowl-shaped object; and The lid is attached to the bowl-shaped object, comprising: The lower circumferential surface of the lid is attached to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl-shaped object.

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