Filter assembly

Abstract

A filter assembly (100) for filtering a fluid is disclosed. The filter assembly (100) includes a filter element (110) having an end cap (120) configured for directing fluid to the filter element (110) and positioning (retaining) the filter (100) in the housing (200). The end cap (120) includes a first portion (122) and a second portion (124), the first portion (122) and the second portion (124) being releasably connected to each other by an interlock mechanism (130), the first portion (122) being attached to the filter element (110), and the second portion (124) being releasably attached to the housing (200) and configured to position the filter assembly (100) within the housing (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter assembly and more particularly to a filter assembly suitable for filtering compressed air, a kit and an adapter for the filter assembly, and an air treatment system having the filter assembly. Background Art

[0002] With regard to air treatment, compressed air is filtered to remove particles, aerosols and vapors. The flow dynamics through the filter to maximize the filtration efficiency while having a minimum pressure drop is a technical problem. The end caps in some filter elements are large and contain a lot of material. When the filter element is replaced, the entire filter element, including the end caps, is disassembled. This results in a lot of waste. It is desirable to reduce waste and support a circular economy. It is desirable to reduce the carbon footprint and have a positive impact on the environment.

[0003] Preferably, any solution must be compatible with already existing filter assemblies and systems.Besides this and environmental aspects, it is desirable to improve the filter efficiency and reduce the pressure loss for already existing filter assemblies and systems.

[0004] Another technical problem is that any part of the filter assembly must not fail, meet technical and legal requirements and be easy to use. Safety is an issue. It is expected that any solution is simple, low in production cost and reliable. Another technical problem is to avoid cumbersome arrangements with high manufacturing or assembly costs. EP2129448 and WO9930799 can be used to understand the background of the present invention. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the invention is to provide a filter assembly, an adapter for use in a filter assembly and a kit for a filter assembly. This object is achieved by the features defined in the independent claims. Further improvements are characterized by the dependent claims. The invention is defined by the claims.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a filter assembly for filtering a fluid includes a filter element 110 having an end cap 120 configured to direct the fluid to the filter element 110 and to position the filter 100 in a housing 200. The end cap 120 includes a first portion 122 and a second portion 124 that are releasably connected to each other by an interlocking mechanism 130, the first portion 122 being attached to the filter element 110, and the second portion 124 being releasably attached to the housing 200 and configured to position the filter assembly 100 in the housing 200.

[0007] The second portion 124 may include an outer peripheral edge 140 that may include an attachment mechanism 142 for releasably attaching the second portion 124 to the housing 200. The attachment mechanism 142 may include one or more openings 144. The interlock mechanism 130 may be within the attachment mechanism 142 and substantially in the same plane as the attachment mechanism 142.

[0008] The end cap 120 may also include a sealing element 128 for sealing between the first portion 122 and the second portion 124. The interlocking mechanism 130 may include a bayonet connection, a bayonet lock, a threaded connection, a screw connection, or a clamp and / or a clip.

[0009] The filter element 110 may be generally shaped as a hollow cylinder, and the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 may include an opening for directing fluid into the filter element 110. The opening may be a centrally located and coaxial opening for directing fluid into the interior of the filter element 110.

[0010] The second portion 124 may include a partial circumferential thread 142 for positioning the filter assembly 100. The partial circumferential thread 142 may have a larger circumference than the filter element 110.

[0011] The filter element 110 can include a second end cap 150. The filter element 110 can be disposed between the first portion 122 and the second end cap 150.

[0012] According to one embodiment, an adapter for a filter assembly includes an interlocking mechanism 130, which is configured to releasably connect the adapter to a first portion 122; an outer peripheral edge 140, which includes an attachment mechanism 142 for releasably attaching the adapter 124 to a housing 200, the attachment mechanism 142 including one or more openings 144; and the interlocking mechanism 130 is within the attachment mechanism 142 and substantially on the same plane as the attachment mechanism 142.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a kit comprises a filter assembly according to any of the embodiments described herein. The kit comprises, on the one hand, a filter element 110 according to any of the above claims and a first part 122 attached to the filter element 110; and, on the other hand, a second part 124 according to any of the above claims.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a kit includes a filter assembly according to any of the embodiments described herein. The kit includes, on the one hand, a first portion 122 attached to the filter element 110; and on the other hand, a second portion 124, which is releasably attached to the housing 200 and is configured to position the filter assembly 100 in the housing 200; wherein the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 are releasably connected to each other by an interlocking mechanism 130.

[0015] The second portion 124 may include an outer peripheral edge 140 that may include an attachment mechanism 142 for releasably attaching the second portion 124 to the housing 200. The attachment mechanism 142 may include one or more openings 144. The interlock mechanism 130 may be within the attachment mechanism 142 and substantially in the same plane as the attachment mechanism 142.

[0016] According to one embodiment, an air treatment system is disclosed, the air treatment system comprising a filter assembly according to any of the embodiments described herein. According to any of the embodiments described herein, such an air treatment system may comprise a compressor for compressing air and subsequently filtering the compressed air.

[0017] At least one of the above embodiments provides one or more solutions to the problems and disadvantages of the background technology. According to the following description and claims, other technical advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various embodiments of the present application only obtain a subset of the advantages described. No one advantage is critical to the embodiments. Any claimed embodiment can be technically combined with any other claimed one or more embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings illustrate current exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure by way of example.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter assembly in a housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a filter assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a filter assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a filter element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 5 and Figure 6is a schematic diagram of a portion of an end cap of a filter assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1 2 is a schematic diagram of a filter assembly 100 located in a housing 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, the flow from the head 210 to the filter assembly 100 is concentric with the filter element 110. However, as Figures 2 to 6 As shown, end cap 120 may not be concentric with filter element 110 . Figure 1 is a very schematic diagram, and Figures 2 to 6 Filter element 110 may include a coalescing filter or an activated carbon filter.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing how the filter assembly 100 is installed in the housing 200 is shown. Figure 1 The principle of how the filter assembly 100 can be used to filter fluid is shown. The filter assembly 100 has an end cap 120 that the filter assembly 100 is releasably connected to the housing 200 and the head 210. The fluid can flow through the head 210 as shown in the dotted arrow 230, enter and pass through the end cap 120, enter the filter element 110, flow out from the filter element 110, and return upwards through the head 210. The fluid can be, for example, air, such as compressed air, and the filter element 110 can be, for example, used to filter particles, aerosols and steam from the air. The end cap 120 includes a first portion 122 and a second portion 124 that are releasably connected to each other. A sealing element 128 (such as an O-ring) can be used to seal between the first portion 122 and the second portion 124. The housing 200 can be shaped as a bowl 200 around the filter element 110. The housing 200 can be attached to the head 210. The end cap 120 may be connected to the head 210 to direct fluid flow to the filter element, and the end cap 120 may also be connected to the housing 200 to position the filter element 110 in the housing 200. The housing 200 may be generally shaped as a hollow cylinder with one end closed and the other end releasably connected to the head 210. In normal use, the filter element 110 may be as Figure 1 That is, the filter element 110 may be generally shaped as a hollow cylinder, wherein the axis of the hollow cylinder is generally aligned with gravity, and the end cap 120 is located above the filter element 110 .

[0026] Go to Figures 2 to 6 , a filter assembly 100 is shown. Figures 2 to 6 The filter component in the Figure 1Filter assembly in. A filter assembly for filtering fluid (preferably compressed air) is shown. Filter assembly 100 includes a filter element 110 with an end cap 120. End cap 120 is configured to guide fluid to filter element 110, and to position and maintain filter 100 in housing 200. End cap 120 includes a first portion 122 and a second portion 124 that are releasably connected to each other by an interlocking mechanism 130. This allows the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 to be connected to and disconnected from each other. The first portion 122 is attached to filter element 110. The second portion 124 is releasably attached to housing 200, and is configured to position filter 100 in housing 200. This allows replacement of filter element 100 with first portion 122, and second portion 124 can be reused. Preferably, the first portion 122 is permanently attached to filter element 110. Preferably, only the second portion 124 is releasably attached to the housing 200 and is configured to position the filter assembly 100 within the housing 200. Preferably, the second portion 124 alone is releasably attached to the housing 200 and positions the filter assembly in the housing 200.

[0027] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is shown that the second portion 124 may include an outer peripheral edge 140. The outer peripheral edge 140 may include an attachment mechanism 142 for releasably attaching the second portion 124 to the housing 200. The attachment mechanism 142 may be a thread, a snap-on connection structure, or a bayonet connection structure. The attachment mechanism 142 may include one or more openings 144. This allows the filter assembly 100 to be safely and reliably positioned within the housing 200. When the filter needs to be replaced, it also allows the filter element 100 with the first portion 122 to be replaced, and the second portion 124 can be reused. The one or more openings 144 can be opened and portions of the attachment mechanism 142 can be removed. The one or more openings 144 can allow fluid to pass through the second portion 124 and the attachment mechanism 142. For example, the circumferential thread 142 may be interrupted by one or more openings 144. When viewed in the circumferential direction, the distance between the one or more openings 144 and the attachment mechanism 142 may be substantially equal or greater.

[0028] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6Four openings 144 are shown, but there may be one, two, three, five, six, seven, or eight openings. These openings allow for better fluid flow and thus reduced pressure losses. As shown, the attachment mechanism 142 may have a generally T-shaped form, such as a segment on the outside of the attachment mechanism 142, and the legs of the T are attached to an inner ring 148 of the second portion 124. The inner ring 148 may support the attachment mechanism 142 on its outside and the interlocking mechanism 130 on its inside.

[0029] As shown, the interlock mechanism 130 can be within the attachment mechanism 142 and substantially in the same plane as the attachment mechanism 142. It should be understood that the attachment mechanism 142 and the interlock mechanism 130 are substantially in the same radial plane relative to the central axis of the filter assembly. Since the interlock mechanism 130 and the attachment mechanism 142 are in the same plane, this configuration allows the filter element 100 to be larger, thereby making the end cap 120 compact. For example, Figure 3 It is shown how the interlock mechanism 130 is located inside the attachment mechanism 142. This improves the filtration efficiency because there is more room for a large filter element 100.

[0030] As from Figure 1 As best seen, the end cap 120 may also include a sealing element 128 for sealing between the first portion 122 and the second portion 124. The sealing element 128 may be an O-ring. The sealing element 128 forces the fluid to pass through the filter and frequently reuse the second portion 124.

[0031] As from Figures 2 to 5 As can be best seen, the interlocking mechanism 130 may include a bayonet connection. For example, two radial protrusions on the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 that oppose each other allow for a quick and secure connection by a simple 90 degree relative twist. The bayonet connection may be a fastening mechanism that includes a cylindrical male side with one or more radial protrusions 130 and a female receiver with a matching protrusion 130 with an opening to allow the two parts to be locked together.

[0032] Although a bayonet connection structure is shown, the interlocking mechanism 130 may include a threaded connection structure, such as a threaded spiral connection structure. For example, the first portion 122 may include a thread facing outward in a radial direction, and the second portion 124 may include a complementary thread facing inward in a radial direction. This will allow the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 to be threadedly connected to each other. The thread may have two, three or four starting points. In one embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 130 may include a clamp and / or a clip. The first portion 122 and the second portion 124 may snap fit each other, or a clamping mechanism may be used to clamp them together. For example, a latch clamp may be used. The clip may be, for example, a flexible element that can snap into a locked position, form fit, and interlock the first portion 122 and the second portion 124.

[0033] The figures show a preferred embodiment in which the filter element 110 is substantially shaped as a hollow cylinder, and the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 include openings for directing fluid into the filter element 110. The openings may be central and coaxial openings for directing fluid into the interior of the filter element 110, such as Figure 1 The fluid flow is shown by dashed arrows 230 .

[0034] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second portion 124 may include a partial circumferential thread 142 for positioning the filter assembly 100. The partial circumferential thread 142 may have a larger circumference or a larger radius than the filter element 110. This allows for secure positioning and reduced pressure losses in air handling.

[0035] The filter element 110 may include a second end cap 150. Figures 1 to 4 Filter element 110 may be disposed between first portion 122 and second end cap 150. Second end cap 150 may close hollow cylindrical filter element 110 at one end, while end cap 120 may direct fluid from head 210 toward the center of hollow cylindrical filter element 110 at the other (opposite) end.

[0036] According to one embodiment, an adapter 124 is disclosed. The adapter is to be used in a filter assembly, preferably in a filter assembly according to any embodiment disclosed herein, wherein the adapter is only the second part 124. Such an adapter allows frequent replacement of the filter element 110 without having to replace the adapter 124. The adapter 124 (second part 124) can be reused several times. The adapter can be configured to be reusable up to one hundred times.

[0037] The accompanying drawings show an adapter for a filter assembly, preferably for a filter assembly disclosed herein. As described herein, the adapter 124 includes an interlocking mechanism 130 and an outer peripheral edge 140 having an attachment mechanism 142. The interlocking mechanism 130 is configured to be able to releasably connect the adapter 124 to a first portion, preferably to the first portion 122. The outer peripheral edge 140 includes an attachment mechanism 142 for releasably attaching the adapter 124 to the housing 200, and the attachment mechanism 142 includes one or more openings 144. The interlocking mechanism 130 is within the attachment mechanism 142 and is substantially on the same plane as the attachment mechanism 142. With reference to the description of the second portion 124, the second portion 124 can be considered as an adapter 124 for attaching the filter element 110 to the housing 200.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a kit including a filter assembly described herein is disclosed. On the one hand, the kit includes a filter element 110 and a first portion 122 attached to the filter element 110, as described herein. On the other hand, the kit includes a second portion 124, as described herein. This allows the filter element 110 and the first portion 122 attached to the filter element 110 to be handled separately, such as sold and stored, independently of the second portion 124. This also allows the second portion 124 to be handled separately, such as sold and stored, independently of the filter element 110 and the first portion 122. This makes it possible to reuse the second portion 124 many times, even if the filter element 110 must be disassembled each time the filter element 110 needs to be replaced.

[0039] As shown, the kit may include a filter assembly according to any of the embodiments described herein. The kit may include, on the one hand, a first portion 122 attached to the filter element 110; and on the other hand, may include a second portion 124 releasably attached to the housing 200 and configured to position the filter assembly 100 in the housing 200. The first portion 122 and the second portion 124 are releasably connected to each other by an interlocking mechanism 130. In one embodiment, the second portion 124 may include an outer peripheral edge 140, the outer peripheral edge 140 including an attachment mechanism 142 for releasably attaching the second portion 124 to the housing 200, the attachment mechanism 142 including one or more openings 144. The interlocking mechanism 130 may be within the attachment mechanism 142 and substantially in the same plane as the attachment mechanism 142. This has also been disclosed previously herein.

[0040] According to one embodiment, an air handling system includes a filter assembly as described herein. According to any of the foregoing embodiments, such an air handling system may include a compressor for compressing air and then filtering the compressed air. For example, the air handling system may include a compressor, a housing 200, a head 210, and a filter assembly. The air handling system may also include valves, sensors, and fluid conduits.

[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the filter assembly and implementing the methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A filter assembly for filtering a fluid, the filter assembly comprising: a filter element (110) having an end cap (120) configured to direct the fluid to the filter element (110) and to position the filter (100) in a housing (200); wherein the end cap (120) comprises a first portion (122) and a second portion (124), the first portion (122) and the second portion (124) being releasably connectable to each other via an interlocking mechanism (130), the first portion (122) being attached to the filter element (110), and the second portion (124) being releasably attachable to the housing (200) and being configured to position the filter assembly (100) within the housing (200); and The second portion (124) includes an outer peripheral edge (140), the outer peripheral edge (140) includes an attachment mechanism (142) for releasably attaching the second portion (124) to the housing (200), and the attachment mechanism (142) includes one or more openings (144).

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The interlocking mechanism (130) is within the attachment mechanism (142) and is substantially in the same plane as the attachment mechanism (142).

3. A filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The end cap (120) also includes a sealing element (128) for sealing between the first portion (122) and the second portion (124).

4. A filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The interlocking mechanism (130) comprises a bayonet connection structure.

5. A filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The interlocking mechanism (130) comprises a threaded connection structure.

6. A filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The interlocking mechanism (130) includes one or both of a clamp and a clip.

7. A filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The filter element (110) is generally shaped as a hollow cylinder, and the first portion (122) and the second portion (124) include openings for directing the fluid to the filter element (110).

8. A filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second portion (124) includes a partial circumferential thread (142) for positioning the filter assembly (100), the partial circumferential thread (142) having a larger circumference than the filter element (110).

9. A filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The filter element (110) includes a second end cap (150), and the filter element (110) is disposed between the first portion (122) and the second end cap (150).

10. An adapter for a filter assembly, wherein: The adapter comprises an interlock mechanism (130) configured to releasably connect the adapter to the first portion (122); an outer peripheral edge (140) comprising an attachment mechanism (142) for releasably attaching the adapter (124) to the housing (200), the attachment mechanism (142) comprising one or more openings (144); and The interlocking mechanism (130) is within the attachment mechanism (142) and is substantially coplanar with the attachment mechanism (142).

11. A kit comprising a filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the kit comprising On the one hand, a filter element (110) according to any one of the preceding claims and a first portion (122) attached to the filter element (110); and On the other hand, according to the second part (124) of any one of the preceding claims.

12. A kit comprising a filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the kit comprising In one aspect, a first portion (122) attached to a filter element (110); On the other hand, a second portion (124) releasably attached to the housing (200) and configured to position the filter assembly (100) within the housing (200); The first portion (122) and the second portion (124) are releasably connectable to each other via an interlocking mechanism (130).

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein: The second portion (124) includes an outer peripheral edge (140), the outer peripheral edge (140) includes an attachment mechanism (142) for releasably attaching the second portion (124) to the housing (200), the attachment mechanism (142) including one or more openings (144); and wherein the interlocking mechanism (130) is within the attachment mechanism (142) and is substantially in the same plane as the attachment mechanism.

14. An air treatment system comprising a filter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

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