Filter and filter and manifold system
By designing flange geometry and stop filters with long and short shafts of different lengths, the problem of self-locking with manifold during rotation is solved, and the stable locking of the filter in the manifold and the continuity of fluid filtration is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510288892.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-09-30
- Filing Date
- 2021-09-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing filters tend to self-lock with the manifold when rotated, resulting in the filter being unable to fall off the manifold during normal operation, which in turn causes fluid overflow and interruption of use.
A filter containing a flange geometry with a long and short shaft of different lengths is designed, with a stopper on the flange, which ensures that the filter remains stable in the manifold by insertion orientation and rotation locking.
Effectively prevent the filter from falling off when rotated, ensuring the continuity and stability of the fluid filtration process, especially in high-precision manufacturing to reduce the risk of interruption and discarding.
Smart Images
Figure CN119869072A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Divisional application
[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of September 17, 2021, application number 202111091147.2, and invention name “Filter and filter and manifold system”. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention is directed to filters and filter manifolds, and more particularly to filters that self-lock with the filter manifold when rotated. Background Art
[0004] The filter may be secured in the manifold by attachments such as flanges to facilitate periodic filter replacement to ensure adequate filter performance. However, during use of the filter, pressure from the fluid being filtered may cause the filter to fall off the manifold, causing spillage and interrupting the process using the fluid passing through the filter. This may be particularly problematic in high precision manufacturing such as semiconductor manufacturing, specialized chemical processes, etc., where interruptions and discarding of several batches due to filter failures may be highly costly. Summary of the invention
[0005] The present invention is directed to filters and filter manifolds, and more particularly to filters that self-lock with the filter manifold when rotated.
[0006] By providing a filter including a flange geometry having major and minor axes of different lengths and including a stop feature, the filter can be inserted into the manifold in an insertion orientation and then, when rotated, can be retained within the manifold such that the filter cannot fall out of the manifold during normal operation.
[0007] In an embodiment, a filter includes a body, a first end having a first filter aperture, a first flange at the first end, and a second end opposite the first end and having a second filter aperture. The first flange has a shape including a major axis and a minor axis in a plan view and has a length along the major axis greater than a width along the minor axis. The first flange includes a stopper protruding from the first flange, the stopper being configured to contact a retention feature of the filter manifold when the first flange is inserted into the filter manifold and rotated into a locked position.
[0008] In an embodiment, the filter further comprises a seal disposed on the first flange, the seal surrounding the first filter aperture. In an embodiment, the seal is an end face seal. In an embodiment, the seal is disposed in a groove formed in the first flange.
[0009] In an embodiment, the shape of the first flange in plan view includes straight sides parallel to the major axis. In an embodiment, the first flange includes a chamfer toward the straight sides. In an embodiment, the stopper protrudes from the first flange such that an edge of the stopper is co-linear with one of the straight sides.
[0010] In an embodiment, the shape of the first flange in plan view includes a curve along each end of the major axis. In an embodiment, the shape of the first flange in plan view further includes straight sides parallel to the major axis. In an embodiment, the stopper extends from a corner where the curve along one end of the major axis intersects one of the straight sides.
[0011] In an embodiment, a filter and manifold system includes a filter. The filter includes a body, a first end having a first filter aperture, a first flange located at the first end, and a second end opposite the first end and having a second filter aperture. The first flange has a shape including a major axis and a minor axis in a plan view and has a length along the major axis greater than a width along the minor axis. The first flange includes a stopper protruding from the first flange. The system further includes a manifold. The manifold includes a first end block, the first end block including a first end block aperture and a slot configured to receive the first flange of the filter. The slot has an opening having a width greater than the width along the minor axis and less than the length across the major axis, and an internal slot width greater than the length of the first flange along the major axis. The first end block further includes an engagement feature configured to contact the stopper of the filter when the first flange is inserted into the slot and the filter is rotated into a locked position. The manifold also includes a second end block including a second end block aperture and an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the second end of the filter. When the filter is in the locked position, fluid can flow from the second end block aperture, through the second filter aperture, through the body, through the first filter aperture, and to the first end block aperture.
[0012] In an embodiment, the shape of the first flange in plan view includes straight sides parallel to the major axis. In an embodiment, the stopper protrudes from the first flange such that an edge of the stopper is co-linear with one of the straight sides. In an embodiment, the stopper has an end perpendicular to the edge of the stopper.
[0013] In an embodiment, the shape of the first flange in plan view includes a curve along each end of the major axis. In an embodiment, the shape of the first flange in plan view further includes straight sides parallel to the major axis. In an embodiment, the stopper extends from a corner where the curve along one end of the major axis intersects one of the straight sides.
[0014] In an embodiment, the engagement feature is a side wall of the slot. In an embodiment, the side wall of the slot is at the opening of the slot.
[0015] In an embodiment, the filter includes a filter alignment mark and the manifold includes a manifold alignment mark, and wherein a relative position of the filter alignment mark and the manifold alignment mark indicates whether the filter is in an inserted position relative to the manifold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Figure 1 A top view of a filter according to an embodiment is shown.
[0017] Figure 2 Filters and filter manifolds according to embodiments are shown.
[0018] Figure 3A A filter and filter manifold according to an embodiment are shown with the filter in an insertion orientation.
[0019] Figure 3B Displays the filter in the locked position according to Figure 3A The filter and filter manifold of the embodiment shown in .
[0020] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter manifold is shown according to an embodiment.
[0021] Figure 4B An elevation view of a portion of a filter manifold is shown according to an embodiment.
[0022] Figure 5 The bottom side of the flange of a filter according to an embodiment is shown.
[0023] Figure 6 A manifold and a filter according to an embodiment are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention is directed to filters and filter manifolds, and more particularly to filters that self-lock with the filter manifold when rotated.
[0025] Figure 1A top view of a filter according to an embodiment is shown. The filter 100 includes a filter body 102 , a flange 104 , a stopper 106 , a seal 108 , and an aperture 110 .
[0026] The filter body 102 is the main body of the filter 100. The filter body 102 may contain a filter medium selected to filter a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid, as the fluid passes through the filter body 102. The filter body 102 may be cylindrical. The filter body 102 may be formed from a Figure 1 The filter body 102 may include, for example, side walls and end walls (e.g., Figure 1 In embodiments, the plurality of components may be coupled so that they can move relative to each other, for example, to allow the filter 100 to expand in length when the filter body 102 is used in a manifold and pressurized by a fluid.
[0027] Flange 104 is a flange disposed at a first end of filter body 102. Flange 104 has a shape including a major axis and a minor axis substantially perpendicular to the major axis. The shape of flange 104 is such that the length L of the shape along the major axis is greater than the width W of the shape along its minor axis. The shape may be selected to have orientation-selective fit with a slot disposed on a manifold used with filter 100, such that flange 104 may be inserted into the slot in an insertion orientation, but may not be inserted into or removed from the slot when in a locked position rotated relative to the insertion orientation. In an embodiment, the shape includes curved sections at the ends along the length of the shape and straight parallel sides between the curved sections at each respective end, such as Figure 1 As shown in . As a non-limiting example, the length L of the shape along the major axis is between 0.2 inches and 1 inch, and the width W of the shape along the minor axis is between 0.1 inches and 0.9 inches, where L>W when each is selected within those respective ranges. It should be understood that the shape can have any suitable size as long as the length L along the major axis is greater than the width W along the minor axis. In an embodiment, the ratio between the width W along the minor axis and the length along the major axis ranges from 0.2 or more to less than 1.
[0028] The stopper 106 may be a protrusion formed on the flange 104. The stopper 106 is configured to limit rotation and / or other movement of the filter 100 relative to the slot into which the flange 104 has been inserted when the filter 100 has been rotated into the locked position. The stopper 106 may have any suitable shape for contacting the slot that receives the flange 104 or contacting any engagement feature provided on the manifold block that receives the flange 104. For example, non-limiting examples of the shape of the stopper 106 may be, for example, Figure 1 106. The stopper 106 is a flat shape that provides a straight side to contact the inside of the slot as shown in . Other non-limiting examples may include angled or curved surfaces that are configured to contact the slot or engagement features of the manifold. The suitable structure of the stopper 106 can be based on the geometry of the end block of the manifold used with the filter 100, such as the geometry of the slot and / or the retention features provided in the end block of the manifold. In an embodiment, the stopper 106 is configured so that once the filter 100 is positioned in the manifold, the filter 100 is placed in the locked position by rotating clockwise. In an embodiment, the stopper 106 is configured so that once the filter 100 is positioned in the manifold, the filter 100 is placed in the locked position by rotating counterclockwise from the insertion position. In an embodiment, the stopper 106 is a generally triangular shape. In an embodiment, the edge of the stopper 106 is collinear with the straight side of the flange 104.
[0029] Seal 108 is a seal configured to form a seal between orifice 110 and a fluid passage in a manifold used with filter 100. Seal 108 may be any suitable seal for forming such a seal between orifice 110 and a passage of a manifold, such as an O-ring, a gasket, etc. Figure 1 , the seal 108 is a flat gasket surrounding the orifice 110. The seal 108 can form an end face seal between the surface of the flange and the manifold. The seal 108 can be seated in a groove formed in the surface of the flange 104 and secured to the flange 104 by an adhesive or any other suitable means to position and hold the seal 108 so that it provides a seal between the orifice 110 and the manifold.
[0030] Aperture 110 is an opening that allows fluid to flow into or out of filter body 102. Aperture 110 may include an opening on flange 104 such that when filter 100 is installed in a manifold, the aperture interfaces with a fluid passage through an end block of the manifold that includes a slot that receives flange 104.
[0031] Figure 2Filters and filter manifolds according to embodiments are shown. Filter 200 includes filter body 202, first end 204, flange 206, first seal 208, first end aperture 210, second end 212, ball 214, second seal 216, and second end aperture 218. Manifold 220 includes first end block 222. First end block 222 includes first connector 224, first fluid line 226, and slot 228. Manifold 220 also includes second end block 230. Second end block 230 includes second connector 232, second fluid line 234, and cup groove 236. Optionally, first end block 222 can be coupled to second end block 230 by spacer 238.
[0032] Filter 200 is a filter unit configured to be installed in manifold 220. Filter 200 can be used to filter fluids such as liquids or gases. Filter 200 can be a replaceable filter unit that can be replaced from manifold 220, for example, when the filter is full and loses effectiveness, at the end of a predetermined service period, or for any other reason suitable for replacing such a filter.
[0033] The filter body 202 is the main body of the filter 200. The filter body 202 may contain a filter medium selected to filter a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid, as the fluid passes through the filter body 202. The filter body 202 may be cylindrical. The filter body 202 may include a plurality of components, such as a sidewall cylinder 202a, and end walls, such as a first end wall 202b and a second end wall 202c. In an embodiment, the plurality of components 202a, 202b, 202c may be coupled so that they can move relative to each other, for example, to expand the filter 200 along the length direction when the filter body 102 is used in a manifold and is pressurized by a fluid.
[0034] The first end 204 is the end of the filter body 202 that includes the flange 206, the first seal 208, and the first end aperture 210. The first end 204 is configured to interface with the manifold 220 to allow connection and fluid communication between the filter 200 and the manifold 220.
[0035] The flange 206 is disposed at the first end 204 of the filter 200. The flange 206 has a shape including a major axis and a minor axis substantially perpendicular to the major axis. The shape of the flange 206 is such that the length of the shape along the major axis is greater than the width of the shape along its minor axis, as described above and Figure 1. The shape may be selected to have orientation-selective fit with a slot 228 disposed on a manifold 220 used with the filter 200, such that the flange 206 may be inserted into the slot in an insertion orientation, but may not be inserted into or removed from the slot when in a locked position rotated relative to the insertion orientation. It should be understood that the shape may have any suitable dimensions as long as the length along the major axis is greater than the width along the minor axis. The flange 206 may include a stopper, such as described above and Figure 1 The stopper 106 shown in FIG.
[0036] The first seal 208 surrounds the first end opening 210. The first seal 208 can be any suitable seal for sealing the fluid connection between the first end opening 210 and the first fluid channel 226 disposed on the manifold 220. For example, the first seal 208 can be an O-ring or a gasket. In an embodiment, the first seal 208 is a flat gasket. In an embodiment, the first seal 208 forms an end face seal with the slot 228 and / or a portion of the first fluid channel 226. In an embodiment, the first seal 208 is bonded to the surface of the flange 206 by an adhesive. In an embodiment, the first seal 208 is disposed in a channel formed in the surface of the flange 206.
[0037] The first end aperture 210 is an aperture that allows fluid to enter or leave the filter body 202. The first end aperture 210 is positioned on the first end 204 so that when the flange 206 is inserted into the slot 228 and the filter 200 is rotated into the locked position, the first end aperture 210 is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage 226 so that fluid can pass between the first end aperture 210 and the first fluid passage 226. A first seal 208 can be formed around the interface between the first end aperture 210 and the first fluid passage 226.
[0038] The second end 212 is the end of the filter body 202 opposite the first end 204. The second end 212 includes another connection point configured to interface with the manifold 220, and a second end aperture 218. The second end 212 is configured so that the second end aperture 218 can be placed in fluid communication with the second fluid channel 234. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the ball 214 is connected to the manifold 220 at the second end 212. This is a non-limiting example, and the second end 212 can have any suitable connection corresponding to the features of the manifold 220 so that it can be coupled to the second end block 230 of the manifold 220. For example, the second end 212 can include a flange, such as the flange 206 disposed at the first end 204, a circular flange, a plug connector, and the like.
[0039] The ball 214 may be used to provide a connection between the second end 212 and the second end block 230 of the manifold 220. The ball 214 is configured so that it can be received in the cup groove 236 of the manifold 220. When the ball 214 is inserted into the cup groove 236, this can secure the second end 212 of the filter 200 to the manifold 220. In an embodiment, the ball 214 has a generally spherical shape. In an embodiment, the ball 214 has a non-spherical shape, such as an oval profile or any other shape that can be accommodated by the cup groove 236. In an embodiment, the ball 214 may have an angled surface that forms its shape. In an embodiment, the ball 214 may include tapered upper and lower sections. In an embodiment, the ball 214 includes a groove within which the second seal 216 may be disposed.
[0040] The second seal 216 is a seal disposed on the second end 212 (e.g., on the ball 214). When the filter 200 is installed in the manifold 220, the second seal 216 forms a seal around the fluid connection between the second end orifice 218 and the second fluid channel 234. The second seal 216 can be any seal suitable for providing such a seal based on the geometry of the second end block 230 of the manifold 220 and the second end 212 of the filter 200. For example, the second seal 216 can be an O-ring or a gasket. In an embodiment, the seal 216 is disposed in a channel formed at the surface at the second end 212. In an embodiment, the seal 216 is an O-ring disposed in a channel formed on the surface of the ball 214 at the second end 212.
[0041] The second end aperture 218 is an opening that allows fluid to enter or exit the filter body 202. The second end aperture 218 is positioned on the first end 212 so that when the filter 200 is installed in the manifold 220, the second end aperture 218 is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage 234 so that fluid can pass between the second end aperture 218 and the second fluid passage 234. A second seal 216 can be formed around the interface between the second end aperture 218 and the second fluid passage 234.
[0042] Manifold 220 is a manifold configured to perform the following operations: hold filter 200 so that fluid can be directed to flow through filter 200, and receive fluid leaving filter 200, thereby directing the received fluid into a fluid pipeline that can transport the fluid to another location (for example, the fluid can be further processed, used, etc.).
[0043] The first end block 222 is a portion of the manifold 220 that is configured to receive the first end 204 of the filter 200 so that fluid may be provided to or received from the filter 200 .
[0044] The first connector 224 is a connection point that allows a fluid line to be connected to the manifold 220. The first connector 224 can be any suitable connector configured to couple the fluid line to the manifold, such as a threaded connection, a snap screw, one or more mechanical engagement features that provide a snap fit, one or more quick disconnect connectors, etc. When the filter 200 is inserted into the slot 228 and in the locked position, the first seal 208 disposed on the flange 206 of the filter 200 can form a seal for flow between the first connector 224 and the first end aperture 210.
[0045] The first fluid channel 226 carries fluid to or from the first end aperture 210 of the filter 200 through the first connector 224. In an embodiment, the first fluid channel 226 can receive fluid from a fluid line coupled to the first connector 224 and direct the fluid toward the first end aperture 210 of the filter 200. In another embodiment, the first fluid channel 226 can receive fluid exiting the filter 200 at the first end aperture 210 and direct the filtered fluid into the fluid line coupled to the first connector 224.
[0046] The slot 228 is a slot formed in the first end block 222 that is configured to receive the flange 206. The slot 228 includes a relatively narrow opening and a relatively wide internal passage. The width of the relatively narrow opening can be selected so that it can accommodate the length of the flange 206 along its minor axis, but cannot accommodate the length of the flange 206 along its major axis. The relatively wide internal passage can be sized to accommodate the length of the flange 206 along its major axis. The widths of the relatively narrow opening and the relatively wide internal passage can each be any suitable width based on the size of the flange 206 of the filter 200 used with the manifold 220 and the relationship between the lengths of the flange 206 along its major and minor axes. In an embodiment, a portion of the slot 228 can contact a stopper, such as described above and Figure 1 228, such that contact between the stopper and the slot 228 can limit rotation or other movement of the filter 200 relative to the slot 228. In an embodiment, the stopper can contact the slot at a sidewall of the slot 228. For example, the sidewall of the slot 228 contacted by the stopper can be a sidewall at a relatively narrow opening of the slot 228.
[0047] The second end block 230 is a portion of the second end 212 of the manifold 220 that is configured to accommodate the filter 200 so that fluid can be received from or provided to the filter 200 at the second end block 230. The second end block 230 can be spaced a distance from the first end block 222 based on the size of the filter 200 to be used with the manifold 220 so that the filter 200 can be properly connected to the manifold 220.
[0048] The second connector 232 is a connection point that allows the fluid line to be connected to the manifold 220. The second connector 232 can be any suitable connector configured to couple the fluid line to the manifold, such as a threaded connection, a snap screw, one or more mechanical engagement features that provide a snap fit, one or more quick disconnect connectors, and the like.
[0049] The second fluid channel 234 carries fluid to or from the second end aperture 218 of the filter 200 through the second connector 232. In one embodiment, the second fluid channel 234 can receive fluid exiting the filter 200 at the second end aperture 218 and direct the filtered fluid into a fluid line coupled to the second connector. In another embodiment, the second fluid channel 234 can receive fluid from a fluid line coupled to the second connector 232 and direct the fluid toward the second end aperture 218 of the filter 200.
[0050] The cup groove 236 is a portion of the manifold block 220 that is configured to receive the ball 214 of the filter 200. The cup groove 236 may be replaced by any other suitable mechanical interface of the second end 212 of the filter 200, such as a slot configured to receive a flange or any other such feature. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the cup groove 236 allows the ball 214 to be inserted as an initial step in the filter installation process. In an embodiment, the cup groove 236 can allow the filter 200 to rotate about its axis so that it can be moved between an inserted position and a locked position (e.g., Figure 3A and 3B In an embodiment, when the ball 214 is located in the cup groove 236, the filter 200 can be moved through a range of motion to allow the flange 206 to be inserted into the slot 228 in the first end block 222. The cup groove 236 can be sized so that when the ball 214 is located in the cup groove 236 and the flange 206 is located in the slot 228, the second seal 216 forms a seal between the ball 214 and the cup groove 236.
[0051] A spacer 238 may optionally be included between the first end block 222 and the second end block 230. The spacer 238 may be a piece that connects the end blocks 222, 230, for example, to maintain a distance between the end blocks 222, 230 to allow the filter to be properly installed. In other embodiments, the first end block 222 and the second end block 230 may be separate pieces, for example, where each piece is connected to a surface such as a wall on which the end blocks 222, 230 are mounted.
[0052] Figure 3AA filter and filter manifold according to an embodiment are shown when the filter is in an insertion orientation. The filter 300 is oriented so that the flange 302 is inserted into the manifold block 304 with the minor axis of the flange 302 in the width direction of the opening 306 of the slot 308. This allows the flange 302 to pass between the blocks 310 located on both sides of the opening 306 because the blocks 310 are spaced apart by a distance D that is greater than the width of the flange along the minor axis. If the filter 300 is aligned so that the major axis is the width of the flange 302 as presented at the opening 306, the blocks 310 will prevent the insertion of the filter 300 because the distance D is less than the distance of the flange 302 along the major axis.
[0053] Figure 3B Displays when the filter is in the locked position Figure 3A The filter and filter manifold of the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 3B In the embodiment, flange 302 is already Figure 3A 304, and then once the flange 302 has passed through the opening 306 between the blocks 310, the filter 300 is rotated into the locked position. Figure 3B In the locked position shown in FIG. 1 , the major axis of flange 302 is now contained within the additional width of slot 308 beyond block 310 relative to the width of slot 308. Block 310 prevents the filter from passing through opening 306 in the locked position. Figure 3B , the locking stop 312 may contact the manifold block 304 at one of the blocks 310 or along a wall of the slot 308, for example, to limit rotation of the filter 300 and / or further secure the flange 302 from passing through the opening 306.
[0054] Figure 4A 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter manifold according to an embodiment. The portion of the filter manifold 400 may be an upper end block of a filter manifold, such as that described above and Figure 2 The first end block 222 shown in FIG. Figure 4A In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 , the slot 402 is visible, with the block 404 defining the opening of the slot 402. As with the mounting aperture 410, the connector 406 and the fluid passage 408 are also visible.
[0055] The slot 402 has a width W1. The slot 402 is sized such that the width W1 is greater than the length of the flange to be inserted into the slot 402 along the major axis. The block 404 defines the opening of the slot 402 such that it has a width W2 that is smaller than W1 and smaller than the length of the flange to be inserted into the slot 402 along the major axis. The width W2 is greater than the length of the flange to be inserted into the slot 402 along the minor axis, such that when the flange is oriented in the insertion position, the flange can enter the opening, but when oriented in the locking position, the flange cannot pass through the opening due to the block 404. The slot 402 and / or the block 404 may further provide a contact surface or engagement point to be contacted by a stopper formed on the flange to be inserted into the slot 402, such that contact with the stopper may limit movement of the filter including the flange relative to the slot 402, such as rotation of the filter.
[0056] Connector 406 is a connector that allows for the attachment of a fluid line, such as that described above and Figure 2 The first connector 224 shown in FIG. The fluid channel 408 is a channel that can carry fluid between the fluid line coupled to the connector 406 and the filter inserted in the slot 402. For example, the fluid channel 408 can be the one described above and Figure 2 The first fluid channel 226 is shown in FIG.
[0057] The mounting aperture 410 may be an opening in the end block that allows it to be coupled to a surface to secure the end block to the surface. The mounting aperture 410 may be any suitable opening for a mechanical connection, such as a drilled hole for receiving a pin, a threaded hole for screwing into place, a slot configured to receive a tab, etc. In an embodiment, the mounting aperture 410 is used to couple the end block to a spacer, such as described above and Figure 2 The spacer 238 shown in FIG.
[0058] Figure 4B A front view of a portion of a filter manifold according to an embodiment is shown. In this view, the constriction of the opening of the slot 402 by the block 404 is visible. As can be seen in this front view, the width W2 of the opening is the width defined by the block 404. The connector 406 is Figure 4B It is also visible in the front view provided in Figure 4B The threading of connector 406 is shown to which a fluid line may be coupled.
[0059] Figure 5The bottom side of the flange of the filter according to the embodiment is shown. The flange 500 includes a lower base surface 502, wherein the chamfer 504 is located between the lower base surface 502 and the side edge 506. The side edge 506 can be the end of the flange 500 along its minor axis or width direction. The chamfer can narrow the thickness of the flange 500 at the side edge 506 compared to the thickness from the top surface (not shown) to the lower base surface 502.
[0060] Figure 6 A manifold and filter system 600 is shown according to an embodiment. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the manifold 602 includes a manifold block 604 that includes a first alignment mark 604. The filter 608 includes a second alignment mark 610.
[0061] The manifold block 604 may be, for example, as described above and Figure 2 222 of the manifold 220 shown in FIG. The first alignment mark 606 can be located proximate to the slot 612 formed in the manifold block 604. Figure 6 , the first alignment mark 606 is centered over the slot 612, however the first alignment mark 606 may have any suitable location capable of assisting a user in aligning the filter 608 with the manifold block 604. In an embodiment, the first alignment mark 606 is defined by pigmentation or any other such visual identifier. In an embodiment, the first alignment mark 606 may include a physical feature, such as a protrusion outward from the manifold block 604 or a recess in the manifold block 604. In an embodiment, the first alignment mark 606 may provide a visual reference to be understood by a user. In an embodiment, the first alignment mark 606 may provide a mechanical or machine vision reference to be used with automation.
[0062] Filter 608 can be any suitable filter for use with manifold 602, such as, for example, the filters described above and described in Figure 1 and 2 Filter 100 or 200 shown in FIG. Filter 608 includes a second alignment mark 610. The second alignment mark 610 is positioned at a predetermined position on the filter 608 to facilitate aligning the filter 608 with the manifold 602. Figure 6In the embodiment shown in , the second alignment mark is shown as being located at the center of the filter 608 relative to the minor axis of the flange of the filter 608 in line with the major axis of the flange. However, the second alignment mark 610 may be located at any suitable position on the filter 608 to facilitate alignment of the filter 608 with the manifold 602. In an embodiment, the second alignment mark 610 is defined by pigmentation or any other such visual identifier. In an embodiment, the second alignment mark 610 may include a physical feature, such as a protrusion outward from the filter 608 or a recess in the filter 608. In an embodiment, the second alignment mark 610 may provide a visual reference to be understood by a user. In an embodiment, the second alignment mark 610 may provide a mechanical or machine vision reference to be used with automation. In a use embodiment, the first alignment mark 606 and the second alignment mark 610 may be placed relative to each other in a predetermined orientation, wherein this orientation is associated with the insertion orientation of the filter 608 relative to the manifold 602. This can allow the filter 608 to be properly inserted into the slot 612 so that the filter 608 can enter the slot 612 and be properly positioned to then be moved into the locked position by rotating in a predetermined direction. Optionally, additional markings can be included to provide additional guidance as to the position of the filter 608 relative to the manifold 602, such as a third alignment mark (not shown) that can be in a predetermined position relative to the first alignment mark 606 when the filter 608 is fully rotated into the locked position.
[0063] All aspects:
[0064] It should be understood that any of Aspects 1-12 may be combined with any of Aspects 13-18.
[0065] Aspect 1. A filter comprising:
[0066] main body;
[0067] a first end having a first filter aperture;
[0068] a first flange located at the first end;
[0069] a second end opposite the first end and having a second filter opening,
[0070] wherein the first flange has a shape including a major axis and a minor axis in a plan view and has a length along the major axis greater than a width along the minor axis, and
[0071] The first flange includes a stopper protruding from the first flange, the stopper being configured to contact a retention feature of the filter manifold when the first flange is inserted into the filter manifold and rotated into a locked position.
[0072] Aspect 2. The filter according to aspect 1, further comprising a seal disposed on the first flange, the seal surrounding the first filter aperture.
[0073] Aspect 3. The filter according to aspect 2, wherein the seal is an end face seal.
[0074] Aspect 4. The filter according to any one of aspects 2 or 3, wherein the seal is disposed in a groove formed in the first flange.
[0075] Aspect 5. The filter according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the shape of the first flange in a plan view includes straight sides parallel to the major axis.
[0076] Aspect 6. The filter according to aspect 5, wherein the first flange includes a chamfer toward the straight side.
[0077] Aspect 7. The filter according to any one of Aspects 5 or 6, wherein the stopper protrudes from the first flange such that an edge of the stopper is co-linear with one of the straight sides.
[0078] Aspect 8. The filter according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the shape of the first flange in a plan view includes a curve along each end of the major axis.
[0079] Aspect 9. The filter according to aspect 8, wherein the shape of the first flange in a plan view further includes straight sides parallel to the major axis.
[0080] Aspect 10. The filter of aspect 9, wherein the stopper extends from a corner where the curve along one end of the major axis intersects one of the straight sides.
[0081] Aspect 11. A filter and manifold system comprising:
[0082] Filters include:
[0083] main body;
[0084] a first end having a first filter aperture;
[0085] a first flange located at the first end; and
[0086] a second end opposite the first end and having a second filter opening,
[0087] wherein the first flange has a shape including a major axis and a minor axis in a plan view and has a length along the major axis greater than a width along the minor axis, and
[0088] The first flange includes a stopper protruding from the first flange; and
[0089] A manifold comprising:
[0090] a first end block including a first end block aperture and a slot configured to receive the first flange of the filter and an engagement feature configured to contact the stopper of the filter when the first flange is inserted into the slot and the filter is rotated into a locked position, wherein the slot has an opening having a width greater than the width along the minor axis and less than the length across the major axis, and an internal slot width greater than the length of the first flange along the major axis;
[0091] a second end block comprising a second end block aperture and an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the second end of the filter,
[0092] Wherein when the filter is in the locked position, fluid can flow from the second end block aperture, through the second filter aperture, through the body, through the first filter aperture, and to the first end block aperture.
[0093] Aspect 12. The filter and manifold system of aspect 11, wherein the shape of the first flange in plan view includes straight sides parallel to the major axis.
[0094] Aspect 13. The filter and manifold system of aspect 12, wherein the stopper protrudes from the first flange such that an edge of the stopper is co-linear with one of the straight sides.
[0095] Aspect 14. The filter and manifold system of aspect 13, wherein the stopper has an end that is perpendicular to the edge of the stopper.
[0096] Aspect 15. The filter and manifold system of any one of aspects 11 to 14, wherein the shape of the first flange in plan view includes a curve along each end of the major axis.
[0097] Aspect 16. The filter and manifold system of aspect 15, wherein the shape of the first flange in plan view further includes straight sides parallel to the major axis.
[0098] Aspect 17. The filter and manifold system of aspect 16, wherein the stopper extends from a corner where the curve along one end of the major axis intersects one of the straight sides.
[0099] Aspect 18. The filter and manifold system of any one of aspects 11 to 17, wherein the engagement feature is a sidewall of the slot.
[0100] Aspect 19. The filter and manifold system of aspect 18, wherein the sidewall of the slot is at the opening of the slot.
[0101] Aspect 20. A filter and manifold system according to any one of Aspects 11 to 19, wherein the filter includes a filter alignment mark and the manifold includes a manifold alignment mark, and wherein the relative positions of the filter alignment mark and the manifold alignment mark indicate whether the filter is in an inserted position relative to the manifold.
[0102] The examples disclosed in this application should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is specified by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes within the meaning and range of equivalent forms of the claims are intended to be included in the present invention.
Claims
1. A filter comprising: main body; a first end having a first filter aperture, the first end forming a conduit from the body to the first filter aperture; a first flange located at the first end surrounding the first filter aperture; a second end opposite the first end and having a second filter opening, wherein the first flange has a shape including a major axis and a minor axis in a plan view and has a length along the major axis greater than a width along the minor axis, and The first flange includes a stopper protruding from the first flange, the stopper being configured to contact a retention feature of the filter manifold when the first flange is inserted into the filter manifold and rotated into a locked position. 2 . The filter of claim 1 , further comprising a seal disposed on the first flange, the seal surrounding the first filter aperture.
3. A filter according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shape of the first flange in plan view includes straight sides parallel to the major axis. The filter of claim 3 , wherein the first flange includes a chamfer toward the straight side.
5. The filter of claim 3, wherein the stopper protrudes from the first flange such that an edge of the stopper is co-linear with one of the straight sides.
6. The filter of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shape of the first flange in plan view includes a curve along each end of the major axis.
7. The filter of claim 6, wherein the shape of the first flange in plan view further includes straight sides parallel to the major axis.
8. The filter of claim 6, wherein the stopper extends from a corner where the curve along one end of the major axis intersects one of the straight sides.
9. A filter and manifold system comprising: Filters include: main body; a first end having a first filter aperture, the first end forming a conduit from the body to the first filter aperture; a first flange located at the first end surrounding the first filter aperture; and a second end opposite the first end and having a second filter opening; wherein the first flange has a shape including a major axis and a minor axis in a plan view and has a length along the major axis greater than a width along the minor axis, and The first flange includes a stopper protruding from the first flange; and A manifold comprising: a first end block including a first end block aperture and a slot configured to receive the first flange of the filter and an engagement feature configured to contact the stopper of the filter when the first flange is inserted into the slot and the filter is rotated into a locked position, wherein the slot has an opening having a width greater than the width along the minor axis and less than the length across the major axis, and an interior slot width greater than said length of said first flange along said major axis; a second end block comprising a second end block aperture and an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the second end of the filter, Wherein when the filter is in the locked position, fluid can flow from the second end block aperture, through the second filter aperture, through the body, through the first filter aperture, and to the first end block aperture.
10. The filter and manifold system of claim 9, wherein the filter includes a filter alignment mark and the manifold includes a manifold alignment mark, and wherein the relative positions of the filter alignment mark and the manifold alignment mark indicate whether the filter is in an inserted position relative to the manifold.