Filter element and mounting mechanism

Abstract

A filter cartridge is provided that includes a filter body having a first end and a second end, and an end plug having a neck disposed within the first end of the filter body. The end plug includes a peripheral seal disposed on a neck thereof and is configured to move axially relative to the filter body in response to a force generated by fluid pressure within the filter body during operation of the filter cartridge to force the face seal and the end plug against a base on the filter cartridge holder. The filter cartridge holder includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate spaced apart from each other to receive the filter cartridge, and a clamping mechanism actuatable to reduce an axial spacing between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate to compress a face seal of the filter cartridge therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter element and a retaining mechanism. More specifically, the present invention relates to a filter element and a retaining mechanism for detachably installing the filter element in a fluid filtering system. In addition, the present invention also relates to a filtering system having such a filter element system and a method for installing and operating such a filtering system. Background Art

[0002] Filter elements are well known in the art and are used to filter liquids, including but not limited to drinking water. They are known to include a tubular housing in which a filter medium or device is disposed, and end caps having opposite ends that close the tubular housing. One end cap may include a fluid port for conveying untreated liquid to the filter element, while the other end cap may include a fluid port for conveying treated liquid from the filter element. Alternatively, one end cap may convey untreated liquid to the filter element and receive treated liquid from the filter element, while the other end cap is a sealed or "plugged" cap. In the case of a reverse osmosis (RO) filter element, one or both of the end plugs may also include another port for conveying waste or rinse liquid from the RO filter element.

[0003] As is known in the art, end caps are typically welded, glued, pinned or threaded to the ends of tubular housings. In the case of welding or gluing, the caps cannot be removed without damaging the caps and / or housing. Filter elements with welded or glued end caps cannot be reused or reprocessed, that is, cleaned and repaired with new seals or other replaceable parts as necessary. Filter elements with threaded end caps are more easily reused, but the threads are prone to leaks and bacteria traps (especially when they are not installed correctly). These threads also exist on surfaces that are difficult to clean, hindering the reuse of the filter element.

[0004] Prior art filter cartridges also often have complex ports / connections, which require the installer to correctly connect two or more fittings, which creates the risk of leaks due to human error. The fittings themselves may also be prone to malfunction or leaks.

[0005]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a filter cartridge having an end cap that is both removable and not prone to leaking to allow for both reliable use and repeatability of the filter cartridge.

[0006] There is also a need in the art for a filter element retention mechanism that holds the filter element in place and facilitates forming a seal at the ends of the filter element during operation.

[0007] There is also a need in the art for a filter element that can be reliably installed by an operator with minimal skill, without having to manipulate fittings on the filter element. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, one or more of these needs is met by providing a filter element comprising a filter body having a first end and a second end. An end plug is disposed at the first end in the filter body. The functional end plug includes at least one port formed in its outer axial end and a face seal surrounding the port and configured to seal against a base of a retaining assembly. The end port leads to the interior of the filter element. At least one circumferential seal is located between the outer circumferential surface of the plug and the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The end plug is sized and configured to move axially outward under the action of a force generated by liquid pressure in the filter element to force the face seal to seal engagement with the base of the retaining assembly.

[0009] The end plug may be a first end plug, and a second end plug may be disclosed at a second end of the filter body. The second end plug may include no port or include at least one port formed in an outer axial end thereof, and include a face seal surrounding the port and configured to seal against a base of the filter housing assembly. Like the first end plug, the second end plug is sized and configured to move axially outward in response to a linear force generated by liquid pressure in the filter element to force the face seal into sealing engagement with an associated base of the filter housing assembly.

[0010] One or more circumferential seals may be located between each end plug and the tubular body. The seal may be inserted into a groove in the outer circumferential surface of the end plug or an inner groove in the tubular body, and the seal moves axially with the end plug. Alternatively, the seal may be inserted into an inner groove in the tubular body and the end plug is allowed to move past the seal mounted in the tubular body.

[0011] Each end plug may include an outer portion having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the filter body, a diameter less than the diameter of the outer portion and an inner neck portion having a diameter less than the inner diameter of the filter body. Each end plug may also include a stepped portion, which is arranged between the outer portion and the inner neck portion, and has a diameter greater than the inner neck portion and less than the diameter of the outer portion. As a result, the recess is aligned with the stepped portion, and the recess is arranged between the outer portion of the end plug and the corresponding end of the filter body. The recess can receive a tool for removing the end plug from the filter body.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention includes a method of forming such a filter element by installing end plugs into respective ends of a filter body.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a filter element holder for a filter element includes a first axially spaced pressure plate and a second axially spaced pressure plate, each of the axially spaced pressure plates having a retaining and sealing surface for engaging a respective end of the filter element. A clamping mechanism is selectively operable to change the spacing between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate to capture the filter element between the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface.

[0014] The clamping mechanism may include an upper axially spaced disc plate and a lower axially spaced disc plate and an intermediate translating disc plate located between the first disc plate and the second disc plate. Movement of the translating disc plate causes the upper disc plate to move axially away from the lower disc plate along the filter element, thereby increasing the spacing between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate.

[0015] The clamping mechanism may include a cam mechanism between the intermediate translating disc plate and at least one of the upper disc plate and the lower disc plate. The cam may include a cam follower and a cam, the cam follower including a ball, the cam including an inclined groove formed in one or both faces of the translating disc plate and one or both faces of the upper disc plate and the lower disc plate.

[0016] Also disclosed are filter assemblies having one or more filter elements and / or one or more filter holders configured as described herein.

[0017] These and other purposes, advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent through the following description. The specific objects and advantages described herein may only be applied to some embodiments falling within the scope of the claims, and therefore do not limit the scope of the present invention. In the specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this paper, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments do not necessarily represent the full scope of the present invention, and therefore, the scope of the present invention is explained with reference to the claims herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a semi-exploded isometric view of a filtration system according to the present invention having a plurality of filter cartridges removably mounted therein;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of one of the filter elements and its associated filter element holder in an open position;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of a filter element;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a filter element aligned with an associated filter element retainer in an open position;

[0023] Figure 5 It is taken along line 5-5 Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of

[0024] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5 but with the filter element holder in a closed position;

[0025] Fig. 7A It is an exploded isometric view of the cam mechanism;

[0026] Figure 7B is in the closed position Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view of a cam mechanism;

[0027] Figure 7C is in the open position Fig. 7A and 7B A cross-sectional view of a cam mechanism;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 2-4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper end of the filter element taken along line 8-8;

[0029] Fig. 9 yes Figure 2-4 and Figure 8 An exploded isometric view of an upper portion of a filter element and an adjacent fixed platen of a filter element holder;

[0030] Fig.10 is similar to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing another filter element of the filtration system;

[0031] Fig.11 is similar to Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing Fig.10 filter element; and

[0032] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 and Fig.11 Top view of the filter element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Reference now Figure 1 , Figure 1A filtration system 10 is shown, which is configured to process a fluid such as water. The filtration system 10 includes a housing 12 surrounding at least one cavity 14, which receives one or more filter elements 16 for filtering the fluid. Although the present invention is applicable to systems with as few as one filter element, as well as systems with two, three, four or more filter elements. The filter elements 16A-16D can be the same, or can store different media and / or be of different types. For example, one or more of the filter elements 16A-16D can store granular media such as activated carbon, or another filter element can have a porous membrane or a mechanical filter, and other filter elements can be reverse osmosis (RO, reverse osmosis) type filters. In this example, the filter element 16D is an RO filter element with three ports, and the remaining filter elements 16A-16C are more "universal" filter elements with two ports. The housing 12 includes an inlet or door 18, which provides an entrance to the cavity 14 receiving the filter elements 16A-16D when the inlet or door is removed. The housing 12 may include additional cavities for receiving other components (eg, electrical components, controllers, etc.). Figure 1 One filter element 16B is shown removed from the filter system 10, while the remaining filter elements 16A, 16C, and 16D are retained by the filter element holder 20. The filter element 16B and its associated holder 20 will be described in further detail below. The housing 12 also includes a first port 13, a second port 15, and a third port 17. For example, the first port 13 can be an inlet port 13 for untreated fluid, the second port 15 can be an outlet port 15 for treated fluid, and the third port 17 can be a discharge port 17 for waste liquid (e.g., wastewater or rinse water).

[0034] Figure 2An isometric view of a filter element 16B and an associated retainer 20 according to a representative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Unless otherwise specified, the description of the filter element 16B is equally applicable to the filter elements 16A and 16C, and the description of the filter element retainer 20 is equally applicable to all filter element retainers. The filter element 16 includes a tubular filter body 22 having an open first upper end 26, an open second or lower end 30, and an inner peripheral wall 60, which surrounds a hollow interior in which a filter medium (not shown) is disposed. The upper end 26 and the lower end 30 of the filter body are closed by a first upper end plug 24 and a second lower end plug 28, respectively. All of these components are typically formed of plastic, but some or all of them may be formed of metal. Each end plug 24, 28 may include a fluid port 32, 34, respectively, which leads to a corresponding channel extending through the plug 24, 28 and to the interior of the filter body 22 to allow fluid to enter and leave the filter element 16 in a well-known manner. It is also contemplated that two or more ports and associated passageways may be formed in one or both of plugs 24 or 28, while the other plug may be devoid of ports.

[0035] like Figure 4-6 and Figure 8 As shown, each end plug 24, 28 of the filter element 16B includes a corresponding narrow inner neck portion 36, 38 received in the filter body, and a relatively wide cover portion 40, 42 disposed outside the filter body 22. The inner neck portion 36 of the first end plug 24 is configured to be disposed at the first end 26 within its filter body 22. Similarly, the inner neck portion 38 of the second end plug 28 is configured to be disposed at the second end 30 within its filter body 22. The outer periphery of the necks 36 and 38 is sealed against the inner peripheral surface of the filter body 22 as described below, and the outer periphery is simultaneously capable of axially moving within the filter body 22 in a manner similar to the movement of a piston within a cylinder. As a result, the end plugs 24, 28 are capable of axially moving relative to the filter body 22 in response to forces thereon.

[0036] Reference again Figure 4-6 and Figure 8 , each end plug 24, 28 may also include a step-shaped portion 45, 47 disposed between the corresponding cap portion 40, 42 and the neck portion 36, 38. The outer diameter of each step-shaped portion 45, 47 is greater than the inner diameter of the filter body 22. As a result, the step-shaped portion 45, 47 and the corresponding neck portion 36, 38 are engaged at a position where the corresponding step 44, 46 is formed. The step 44 provides a surface that can abut the first end 26 of the filter body 22 and prevent the first end plug 24 from being over-inserted into the filter body 22. Similarly, the step 46 provides a surface that can abut the second end 30 of the filter body 22 and prevent the second end plug 28 from being over-inserted into the filter body 22.

[0037] The step-shaped portions 45, 47 are also configured to have an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the cover portions 40, 42. In turn, the outer surface of the step-shaped portions 45, 47 is recessed inwardly from the outer surface of the cover portions 40, 42. As a result, when the end plug 24, 28 is installed in the end 26, 30 of the filter body 22, and when the step 44, 46 is in contact with or minimally spaced from the end 26, 30 of the filter body 22, a recess 49, 51 is formed between the cover portions 40, 42 and the end 26, 30 of the filter body. The recesses 49, 51 each have a height at least equal to the height of the corresponding step-shaped portion 45, 47. Each recess 49, 51 is in the form of a disassembly notch or groove that provides a space that is configured to receive a tool or a portion of a tool (e.g., a puller) for removing the end plug 24, 28 from the end of the filter body 22 without damaging the end plug 24, 28, the filter body 22, or any seal described below.

[0038] Still refer to Figure 4-8 , one or more circumferential seals 48, 50 are disposed between the outer circumferential surface 56, 58 of the neck 36, 38 of each end plug 24, 28 and the inner circumferential surface of the filter body 22. In the illustrated embodiment, each seal 48, 50 comprises an elastic O-ring disposed within a corresponding groove 52, 54 formed on the outer surface 56, 58 of the corresponding end plug 24, 28. Although the representative embodiment of the present invention shows a first radial seal 48a, 50a and a second circumferential seal 48b, 50b disposed on the neck 36, 38 of the corresponding end plug 24, 28, different embodiments of the present invention may use any number of seals 48, 50 mounted on the neck of the associated end plug, the filter body 22, or a combination thereof.

[0039] In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the first circumferential seal 48a, 50a and the second circumferential seal 48, 50b work together to form a seal between the neck 36, 38 of the end plug 24, 28 and the inner surface 60 of the filter body 22, thereby preventing fluid from leaking between the end plug 24, 28 and the filter body 22. In addition, the seals are able to move with the plug 24, 28 as the plug 24, 28 moves axially within the filter body 22, which will be described in more detail below.

[0040] As described above, the outer diameter of the necks 36, 38 is smaller than the inner diameter of the filter body 22 to allow the end plugs 24, 28 to be inserted into the ends 26, 30 of the filter body 22. Fig. 9As shown in the exploded isometric view of FIG, when the end plugs 24, 28 are not disposed in the filter body 22, the outer diameter of the circumferential seals 48, 50 is configured to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the necks 36, 38 and the inner diameter of the filter body 22. However, during installation of the end plugs 24, 28 within the ends 26, 30 of the filter body 22, the circumferential seals 48, 50 are compressed to match the inner diameter of the filter body 22 and form a seal between the necks 36, 38 of the end plugs 24, 28 and the inner surface 60 of the filter body 22. During re-processing, the end plugs 24, 28 can be removed from the filter body 22 by a tool such as a puller, and the elastic properties of the circumferential seals 48, 50 allow their outer diameters to expand back to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the filter body 22.

[0041] One or both of the end plugs 24, 28 may also each include a face seal. In the illustrated embodiment, the two end plugs 24, 28 each include a face seal 62, 64 disposed on the distal surfaces 66, 68 of the respective end plugs 24, 28. As shown, the face seal 62 of the first end plug 24 surrounds the fluid port 32 of the first end plug, while the face seal 64 of the second end plug 28 surrounds the fluid port 34 of the second end plug 28. In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the face seals 62, 64 may be disposed in a recessed groove formed in the end surfaces 66, 68 of the respective end plugs 24, 28. Furthermore, the face seals 62, 64 form a seal between the distal surfaces 66, 68 of the end plugs 24, 28 and the respective retaining surfaces 70, 72 of the filter element retainer 20. Therefore, the retaining surfaces 70, 72 serve as a base for the face seals 62, 64. Each face seal 62 - 64 includes a resilient ring that seats in a groove on the end of the associated plug distal surface 66 , 68 .

[0042] During operation, when untreated fluid flows into the filter element via one of the fluid ports 32, 34 of the end plugs 24, 28, an internal fluid pressure is established within the filter element 16. When the internal fluid pressure is established within the filter element 16, a resultant linear force is applied to the end plugs 24, 28. Once the linear force applied to the end plugs 24, 28 exceeds the retention force generated between the circumferential seals 48, 50 and the inner surface 60 of the filter body 22, the end plugs 24 and 28 are able to begin to move axially toward the retention surfaces 70, 72. As the end plugs 24, 28 move axially toward the retention surfaces 70, 72, the face seals 62, 64 are compressed to increase the seal between the face seals 62, 64 and the retention surfaces 70, 72. The circumferential seals 48, 50 maintain the seal between the end plugs 24, 28 and the filter body 22 while also allowing the end plugs 24, 28 to move toward the retention surfaces 70, 72. In turn, the face seals 62, 64 are compressed and a secure seal is formed between the face seals 62, 64 and the retaining surfaces 70, 72. Therefore, the sealing force provided by the face seals 62, 64 increases with the fluid pressure in the filter element 16C and the resultant linear force applied to the end plugs 24, 28. That is, the buildup of fluid pressure within the filter element 16 helps maintain compression of the face seals 62, 64 and prevent leakage.

[0043] After operation and removal from the holder 20, the end plugs 24, 28 can be pulled out of the filter body 22 without damaging the filter body 22, the end plugs 24, 28 or the seals 48, 50, 62 and 64. The entire filter element can then be cleaned, refurbished if necessary and reassembled.

[0044] During operation, the face seals 62, 64 are preferably compressed 20% to 25% to maintain a secure seal between the face seals 62, 64 and the retaining surfaces 70, 72 without damaging the face seals 62, 64. Compression of the face seals 62, 64 below 20% may allow weeping at the seal between the face seals 62, 64 and the retaining surfaces 70, 72. On the other hand, compression of the face seals 62, 64 in excess of 25% may allow damage to the face seals 62, 64. The dimensions of the face seals 62, 64 and the end plugs 24, 28 may be set so that a fluid pressure of less than 20 psi within the filter element 16 produces a linear force applied to the end plugs 24 and 28 that compresses the face seals 62, 64 within the above-mentioned range of 20% to 25%.

[0045] In one example, the inner diameter of the filter body 22 is 50 mm, which makes the first end 26 of the filter body 22 have a diameter of 1963.5 mm. 2 (3 inches 2 The area at the first end 26 and the second end 30 of the filter body 22 is 3 inches 2In this case, the resultant linear force will be: 3 inches 2 x Fluid pressure. More specifically, 20 psi of fluid pressure within the filter element 16 will produce 60 pounds of linear force applied to the end plugs 24, 28. As a result, by adjusting the area of ​​the first end 26 and the second end 30 of the filter body 22, the resultant linear force applied to the end plugs 24, 28 by a particular fluid pressure within the filter element 16 can be increased or decreased.

[0046] Reference again Figure 2 , the retaining member 20 of the filter system 10 includes a first upper pressure plate 74 and a second lower pressure plate 76. The lower surface of the upper pressure plate 74 forms the above-mentioned retaining surface 70, and the upper surface of the lower pressure plate 76 forms the above-mentioned retaining surface 72. The upper pressure plate 74 is mounted to a support frame 78, and the lower pressure plate 76 is mounted to an upper disc plate 108 of a clamping mechanism 80 described below. The upper pressure plate 74 and the lower pressure plate 76 are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is configured to easily receive a filter element (e.g., filter element 16C) between the pressure plates 74 and 76. The support frame 78 is formed by two connecting portions 78a, 78b, which can be adjusted relative to each other as needed to accommodate the height of the filter element 16.

[0047] Each platen 74, 76 may also include one or more guides extending perpendicular to the respective retaining surfaces 70, 72. In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the guides are disposed adjacent to the edges of the platens 74, 76 to facilitate horizontal placement of the filter element 16 between the retaining surfaces 70, 72.

[0048] In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the upper pressure plate 74 is fixedly mounted to the support frame 78 so as to remain stationary in the vertical or axial direction. At the same time, the lower pressure plate 76 is movably mounted to the support frame 78 so as to be movable in the vertical direction to compress the above-mentioned face seals 62, 64 of the filter element 16 and seal the distal surfaces 66, 68 and the retaining surfaces 70, 72 when the filter element 16 is installed in the retainer 20. Figure 2 As shown, the support frame 78, such as the support frame portion 78b, may include one or more guide extensions 82 that extend inwardly toward the lower platen 76 and are configured to cooperate with one or more guide channels 84 formed in the outer side wall 86 of the lower platen. The cooperation between the guide extensions 82 of the support frame 78 and the guide channels 84 of the lower platen 76 limits the movement of the lower platen in the vertical or axial direction.

[0049] The holder 20 includes an adjustment or clamping mechanism 80 configured to selectively vary the axial spacing between the upper platen 74 and the lower platen 76. The illustrated clamping mechanism enables the lower platen 76 to move toward and away from the upper platen 74, or both the upper platen 74 and the lower platen 76. The clamping mechanism 80 will be described in more detail below.

[0050] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, each of the upper platen 74 and the lower platen 76 has at least one fluid port formed therein. It is also contemplated that at least one of the upper platen 74 and the lower platen 76 may not have a fluid port formed therein. Figure 8 The upper platen 74 is shown with a first fluid port 88 formed at an outer axial end of the upper platen 74. The port 88 leads to a passage having a first end that is fluidly coupled to the inlet port 13 of the housing 12 or the outlet port 15 of the housing 12, and a second end that is aligned with the fluid port 32 of the first upper end plug 24 so that it is fluidly coupled to the filter element 16. As a result, the fluid port 88 of the upper platen 74 is capable of receiving treated fluid from the inlet port 13 and providing untreated fluid to the filter element 16 when the fluid is coupled to the inlet port 13, and is capable of receiving treated fluid from the filter element 16 and providing treated fluid to the outlet port 15 when the fluid is coupled to the outlet port 15.

[0051] Reference now Figure 6 The lower pressure plate 76 is shown with a second fluid port 94 formed in the lower pressure plate 76. In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the second fluid port 94 of the lower pressure plate 76 leads to a passage having a first end fluidly coupled to the outlet port 15 or the inlet port 13 of the housing 12, and a second end aligned with the fluid port 34 of the second lower end plug 28 so as to be fluidly coupled to the filter element 16. As a result, the fluid port 94 of the lower pressure plate 76 is capable of receiving treated fluid from the filter element 16 and providing treated liquid to the outlet port 15 when the fluid is coupled to the inlet port 13, and providing untreated liquid to the filter element 16 when the fluid is coupled to the inlet port 13.

[0052] Figure 6 and Figure 8 Also shown are upper and lower pressure plates 74, 76, which include additional fluid ports 100, 102, respectively. When the filter element has only two ports (as is the case with filter element 16B), these ports are inoperative. These will be referred to as Fig.10 and Fig.11 Give additional detailed description, Fig.10 and 11 Their interaction with the RO filter element 16D is shown.

[0053] Reference now Figures 7A-7C , Figures 7A-7C The clamping mechanism 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in more detail. The clamping mechanism 80 enables the lower pressure plate 76 to be in a first retracted position 104 and a second extended position 106 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7B ) in which the filter element 16B can be freely inserted into and removed from the retainer 20 without the face seals 62 and 64 abutting against the base seal formed by the retaining surfaces 70, 72 (see Figure 5 and 7C ), in which second extended position the filter element is retained by the retaining member and the face seals 62, 64 seal loosely against the base formed by the retaining surfaces 70, 72.

[0054] The clamping mechanism 80 may take any of a variety of manually or powered actuation forms to cause at least the lower platen 76 to move toward the upper platen 74 when actuated. In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism 80 takes the form of a manually actuated cam. The cam is formed by a plurality of cam followers 124, 126 and a corresponding number of cams 148. In addition, the clamping mechanism 80 shown also includes an upper disc plate 108, a lower disc plate 110, and an intermediate translating disc plate 112 disposed between the upper disc plate 108 and the lower disc plate 110. One or more tensioning elements 114 (e.g., springs) are configured to hold the disc plates 108, 110, 112 together under tension. Although representative embodiments of the present invention show the disc plates 108, 110, 112 as circular, it is contemplated that the term "disc plate" is not limited to circular plates, but may cover plates of different shapes.

[0055] like Fig. 7A As shown, the upper disc plate 108 and the lower disc plate 110 include extensions 120, 122 extending to the side surfaces thereof, respectively. The extension 120 of the upper disc plate 108 is configured to retain the first end 116 of the tensioning element 114, while the extension 122 of the lower disc plate 110 is configured to retain the second end 118 of the tensioning element 114. Although the representative embodiment of the present invention describes the use of two tensioning elements 114, different embodiments of the present invention may use any number of tensioning elements 114.

[0056] The first set of one or more followers 124 is disposed between the upper disc plate 108 and the intermediate translating disc plate 112, while the second set of one or more followers 126 is disposed between the lower disc plate 110 and the intermediate translating disc plate 112. In the example shown, each cam follower 124, 126 comprises a ball. Each ball 124, 126 is held in a corresponding recess 128, 132 formed in the corresponding upper disc plate 108 or lower disc plate 110.

[0057] Referring now to the translating disc plate 112, one or more deep detents or recesses 136 are formed in an upper surface 138 of the translating disc plate 112. The one or more deep detents 136 are configured to receive the ball 124 when the clamping mechanism 80 is in the first retracted position 104. Similarly, one or more deep detents 140 are formed in a lower surface 142 of the translating disc plate 112 and are configured to receive the ball 126 when the clamping mechanism 80 is in the first retracted orientation 104.

[0058] The translating disc plate 112 also includes one or more shallow detents 144 formed in the upper surface 138 of the translating disc plate 112. The shallow detents 144 are configured to receive the ball 124 when the clamping mechanism 80 is in the second extended position 106. Similarly, one or more shallow detents 146 are formed in the lower surface 142 of the translating disc plate 112 and are configured to receive the ball 126 when the clamping mechanism 80 is in the second extended orientation 106.

[0059] Although the cams shown include three sets of cams and cam followers on each side of the translating disc plate 112, more or fewer cams and cam followers may be provided on either side of the translating mechanism.

[0060] like Fig. 7A As shown, the cam 148 is in the form of an inclined groove in the translating disc plate 112, each of which interacts with an associated cam follower 124, 126. The depth of each groove 148 gradually decreases as it extends from each deep detent 136, 140 toward the adjacent shallow detent 144. When the translating disc plate 112 rotates relative to the upper disc plate 108 and the lower disc plate 110, the balls 124, 126 rise along the grooves, increasing the spacing between the translating disc plate and each of the upper disc plate 108 and the lower disc plate 110, and moving the lower pressure plate 76 between its compressed position and extended position.

[0061] The translating disc plate 112 is maintained in axial alignment with the upper disc plate 108 and the lower disc plate 110 by upper and lower posts 152, 153 which engage tubular receptacles 154 and pockets 156 formed on the upper disc plate 108 and the lower disc plate 110, respectively.

[0062] The translating disc plate 112 may also include a handle 150 extending laterally outward therefrom. The handle 150 is configured to be actuated by a user to translate the translating disc plate 112 between the first position and the second position, and thereby move the clamping mechanism 80 between the first position 104 and the second position 106 to open and close the clamping mechanism 80.

[0063] In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the translation between the first position and the second position is a rotation. In addition, the lower disc plate 110 is in the form of a fixed disc plate 110 that remains stationary during the rotation of the translating disc plate 112. In turn, the rotation of the translating disc plate 112 causes the translating disc plate 112 to rise and fall as it translates between the first position 104 and the second position 106 to open and close the clamping mechanism 80. The upper disc plate 108 is a rising disc plate 108 that also rises and falls as the translating disc plate 112 translates between the first position 104 and the second position 106 to open and close the clamping mechanism 80.

[0064] The filter element 16B is prepared for use by first fully inserting the neck of the end plug into the tubular body so that the stopper on the end plug engages the neck of the tubular body. At this point, the handle 150 of the translating disc plate 112 is in its non-actuated position shown in the holder associated with the filter element 16B, and the clamping mechanism 80 is in its retracted position. The filter element 16B is then inserted into the cavity 14 and loaded into the holder 20. When the handle 150 is rotated to engage the handle 150, the filter element 16B is released. Figure 1 The filter element 16B is loosely held in place when the remaining handles in the same actuation position are rotated such that the balls 124 and 126 of the associated cams move upwardly out of their deep recesses 136, 140 into the inclined recesses 148 and into the shallow base recesses 144, 146 of the lower plate 76, thereby Figure 5 The retracted position shown moves to Figure 6 70 , 72 to the extended position shown. This clamping closing movement causes the face seals 62, 64 to engage the seats on the retaining surfaces 70, 72 of the pressure plates 74, 76 with sufficient force to hold the filter element 16B in place and form a pre-seal between the face seals 62, 64 on both ends of the filter element 16B and the associated seats in the retaining surfaces 70, 72. Untreated fluid from the port 13 of the filter system 10 then flows through one of the end plugs 24 and 28 and into the interior of the filter body 22. The fluid pressure in the filter body 22 then applies a linear force on the inner end surface of the end plugs 24 and 26 that is sufficient to overcome the retaining force applied by the circumferential seals 48, 50 and forces the end plugs 24, 28 axially outward from the filter body 22 with a force (the amount described above) sufficient to press the face seals 62, 64 against their associated seats. Filtration can then proceed in the normal manner.

[0065] Once the internal fluid pressure is released, the process can simply be reversed to remove the filter element 16B from its holder. That is, the translating disc plate 112 is rotated to its non-actuated position so that the filter element 16B is unlocked and then removed from the holder 20. The filter element can then be disassembled for cleaning and / or refurbishment simply by removing the end plugs 24, 6 from the tubular body.

[0066] Reference now Figure 10-12 , shows an embodiment of the present invention using an RO filter element 16D. Fig.10 and Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of the holder 20 is shown, wherein the RO filter element 16D is located at the lower and upper ends of the RO filter element 16D. As shown, the RO filter element 16D is similar in construction to the filter element 16, and includes a filter body 222, an upper end plug 224, and a lower end plug 228.

[0067] Each end plug 224, 228 includes a corresponding inner neck portion 236, 238 and a corresponding outer cover end portion 240, 242. The inner neck portion 236 of the first end plug 224 is configured to be disposed at the first end portion 226 within the filter body 222. Similarly, the inner neck portion 238 of the second end plug 228 is configured to be disposed at the second end portion 230 in the filter body 222. Therefore, the outer diameter of the inner neck portion 236, 238 of the end plugs 224, 228 is smaller than the inner diameter of the filter body 222. As a result, the end plugs 224, 228 are configured to move axially within the filter body 222 at the ends 226, 230 of the filter body 222 during operation of the RO filter element 16D.

[0068] At the same time, the outer ends 240, 242 of the respective end plugs 224, 228 are disposed outside the filter body 222. Each outer end 240, 242 has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the filter body 222. As a result, the outer ends 240, 242 and the corresponding necks 236, 238 are engaged at positions where corresponding steps 244, 246 are formed. The step 244 provides a surface that can abut the first end 226 of the filter body 222 and prevent the first end plug 224 from being over-inserted into the filter body 222. Similarly, the step 246 provides a surface that can abut the second end 230 of the filter body 222 and prevent the second end plug 228 from being over-inserted into the filter body 222.

[0069] Similar to the end plugs 24, 28, each end plug 224, 228 includes one or more circumferential seals 248, 250 disposed in corresponding grooves 252, 254 formed on the outer surface thereof. Although the representative embodiment of the present invention shows a first circumferential seal 248a, 250a and a second circumferential seal 248, 250b disposed on the neck 236, 238 of the corresponding end plug 224, 228, different embodiments of the present invention may use any number of circumferential seals 248, 250.

[0070] The first circumferential seal 248a, 250a and the second circumferential seal 248b, 250b work together to form a seal between the necks 236, 238 of the end plugs 224, 228 and the inner surface 260 of the filter body 222 to prevent fluid from leaking between the end plugs 224, 228 and the filter body 222. In addition, the seals are capable of moving as the plugs 224, 228 move axially within the filter body 222 in response to internal fluid pressure within the filter body 222.

[0071] like Fig.12 As shown in the top view, the upper end plug 224 of the RO filter element 16D is similar to Figure 3 The end plug 24 of the filter element 16 is shown, which includes a distal surface 266, a face seal 262 on the distal surface 266, and a primary fluid port 232 surrounded by the face seal 262 and leading to a passage connecting the fluid port to the interior of the filter body 222. The upper end plug 224 also includes one or more secondary fluid ports 233, which are disposed outside the primary face seal 262 and lead to a passage in the end plug 224 that leads to the interior of the filter body 222. In turn, the secondary face seal 263 is disposed on the distal surface 266 of the end plug 224 to surround the secondary fluid port 233. In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the secondary face seal 263 can be disposed in a secondary groove formed in the distal surface 266 of the end plug 224.

[0072] Likewise, the lower end plug 228 of the RO filter element 16D is similar to the lower end plug 26 of the filter element 16, and includes a distal surface 268, a face seal 264 on the distal surface 268, and a primary fluid port 234 surrounded by the face seal 264 and leading to the interior of the filter body 222. The lower end plug 228 may also include one or more secondary fluid ports 235, which are disposed outside the primary face seal 264 and lead to the interior of the filter body 222. Furthermore, the secondary face seal 265 is disposed on the distal surface 268 of the end plug 228 to surround the secondary fluid port 235. The distal surface 266 of the lower end plug 228 may also include a secondary recessed groove to receive the secondary face seal 263.

[0073] When the RO filter element 16D is placed in the filter element holder 20, the main face seal 262 of the upper end plug 224 surrounds the main fluid port 232 of the upper end plug 224 and provides a seal between the distal end 266 of the upper end plug 224 and a base formed on the upper retaining surface 70 to prevent leakage associated with the main fluid port 234. Similarly, the main face seal 264 of the lower end plug 228 surrounds the main fluid port 234 in the lower end plug 228 and provides a seal between the distal end 268 of the lower end plug 228 and a base formed on the lower retaining surface 72 to prevent leakage associated with the main fluid port 234.

[0074] In addition, the primary face seal 262 and the secondary face seal 263 of the upper end plug 224 surround the secondary fluid port 233 in the upper end plug 224 and provide a seal between the distal end 266 of the upper end plug 224 and the seat on the upper retaining surface 70. Similarly, the primary face seal 264 and the secondary face seal 265 of the lower end plug 228 surround the secondary fluid port 235 of the lower end plug 228 and provide a seal between the distal end 268 of the lower end plug 228 and the seat on the lower retaining surface 72.

[0075] In practice, the passageway connected to one of the secondary fluid ports 100 and 102 may be dead-ended, so that the RO filter element 16D has only a single effective wastewater outlet. Similarly, the secondary fluid ports 100, 102 in the pressure plates 74, 76 associated with the remaining non-RO filter elements 16A-16C also lead to dead ends. However, the design shown provides a standardized design of the plugs 224, 228 and the pressure plates 74, 76.

[0076] The RO filter element 16D may be assembled or disassembled, loaded into its holder, sealed in place, and operated in the same manner as the filter element 16B described above.

[0077] Although the above discloses the best mode of implementing the invention contemplated by the inventor, the practice of the above invention is not limited thereto. It is obvious that various additions, modifications and reorganizations of the features of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the basic concept of the invention.

[0078] It will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, construction, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. Unless expressly designated as "critical" or "essential", nothing in this application is to be considered critical or essential to the present invention.

Claims

1. A filter element, comprising: a filter body having a first end, a second end, and an inner peripheral surface; an end plug disposed in the first end of the filter body, the end plug having an inner end extending into the filter body, an outer end, and an outer peripheral surface; a circumferential seal located between the outer circumferential surface of the end plug and the inner circumferential surface of the filter body, Wherein, the end plug is configured to move axially away from the filter body in response to fluid pressure within the filter body.

2. The filter element according to claim 1, further comprising a face seal on an outer end surface of the end plug and surrounding a fluid port located on another end surface of the end plug.

3. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein: The end plug is a first end plug and further comprises: a second end plug disposed in a second end of the filter body, the second end plug having an inner end extending into the filter body, an outer end and an outer peripheral surface, and a fluid port formed in the outer end; and a circumferential seal located between the outer circumferential surface of the second end plug and the inner circumferential surface of the filter body; Wherein, the second end plug is configured to move axially away from the filter body in response to fluid pressure within the filter body.

4. The filter element according to claim 3, wherein: At least one end plug includes a step portion disposed between the cap portion and the inner neck portion, the step portion having a diameter larger than a diameter of the inner neck portion and smaller than a diameter of the cap portion.

5. The filter element of claim 4, further comprising a recess aligned with the stepped portion and disposed between the cap portion of the end plug and the corresponding end of the filter body, wherein the recess is configured to receive a removal tool.

6. The filter element according to claim 2, wherein: At least two circumferential seals are provided between the outer circumferential surface of each end plug and the inner circumferential surface of the filter body.

7. The filter element according to claim 1, wherein: At least one end plug also includes a secondary face seal surrounding at least one secondary fluid port.

8. A method comprising: providing a tubular filter body having opposing first and second ends and an inner peripheral surface; An end plug is installed into the first end of the filter body, the end plug having a face seal and a port located on its outer axial end surface, wherein, once installed, the end plug is capable of moving axially away from the filter body under fluid pressure within the filter body to increase the sealing force between the face seal and the base, but seals against the inner circumferential surface of the filter.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The end plug is a first end plug and also includes a second end plug installed into the second end of the filter body, the second end plug having at least one face seal and at least one port located on its outer axial end surface, wherein, once installed, the second end plug is capable of moving axially away from the filter body under fluid pressure within the filter body but is sealed against the inner circumferential surface of the filter.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising installing one or more seals around the outer peripheral surface of the neck of each of the first and second end plugs.

11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Inserting the filter element into the filter element holder so that the first end and the second end of the filter element are axially located between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate of the filter element holder, and the base is located on the first pressure plate, actuating the clamping mechanism to reduce the axial spacing between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate and to compress the face seal against the seat, and Pressurized liquid is introduced into the filter body to force the end plug away from the filter body and further press the face seal against the seat.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising inserting a removal tool into a recess between the end plug and the first end of the filter body to remove the end plug from the first end of the filter body; in, The recess is aligned with a step-shaped portion of the end plug, the step-shaped portion being disposed between a cover portion of the end plug and an inner neck portion of the end plug, the step-shaped portion having a diameter larger than that of the inner neck portion and smaller than that of the cover portion.

13. A filtration system comprising: a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a cavity; A filter element holder is disposed in the cavity and comprises: a first platen having a first retaining surface; a second platen having a second retaining surface, and A clamping mechanism includes a translating disc plate disposed adjacent to at least one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate and selectively actuatable to reduce an axial spacing between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate.

14. The filter system assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate of the filter element holder has a fluid port formed therethrough that is aligned with the first fluid port of the filter element, and wherein, At least one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate has a fluid port formed therethrough that is aligned with a second fluid port of the filter element.

15. The filtration system according to claim 14, wherein: At least one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate includes a secondary fluid port aligned with a secondary port of the filter element.

16. The filtration system according to claim 13, wherein: The clamping mechanism also includes: an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate located on opposite sides of the translating disc plate, the upper disc plate being attached to the filter element holder, and the lower disc plate being attached to one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate; a cam mechanism disposed between the translating disc plate and at least one of the upper disc plate and the lower disc plate, the cam mechanism being operable when the translating disc plate is braked to extend and retract the clamping mechanism; and One or more tension elements holding the upper disc plate, the translating disc plate, and the lower disc plate together under tension.

17. The filtration system according to claim 16, wherein: The cam mechanism includes a cam follower including a ball, and the cam mechanism further includes a cam including an inclined groove formed in one of 1) the translation disc plate and 2) one of the upper disc plate and the lower disc plate.

18. The filtration system according to claim 17, wherein: A deep detent is located adjacent the deep end of the angled groove, the deep detent being configured to receive the ball when the clamping mechanism is fully retracted, and wherein a shallow detent is located adjacent the shallow end of the angled groove, the shallow detent being configured to receive the ball when the clamping mechanism is fully extended.

19. The filtration system according to claim 13, further comprising a filter element, wherein the filter element comprises: a filter body having a first end, a second end, and an inner peripheral surface; a first end plug and a second end plug, each of the first end plug and the second end plug being respectively disposed in a corresponding end of the filter body, each of the end plugs having an inner end extending into the filter body, an outer end and an outer peripheral surface; a face seal disposed on an outer end surface of at least one end plug and surrounding a fluid port on the outer end surface of the corresponding end plug; and a circumferential seal located between the outer circumferential surface of each end plug and the inner circumferential surface of the filter body, Wherein each end plug is configured to move axially away from the filter body in response to fluid pressure within the filter body.

20. The filter element of the filtration system according to claim 19, wherein: Each end plug of the filter element includes an outer portion having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the filter body, an inner neck portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer portion and smaller than the inner diameter of the filter body, and a step-shaped portion disposed therebetween, the step-shaped portion having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the outer portion and a larger diameter than the diameter of the inner neck portion; and The recess is aligned with the stepped portion, and the recess is provided between the exterior of the end plug and the corresponding end of the filter body so that the end plug can be removed.

Images