Valve-type filter-free non-

Abstract

Systems and methods for filter-free, non-operating filters are provided herein. The filter assembly includes a filter head and a filter cartridge. The filter head includes a first port and a valve positioned within the first port. The filter cartridge includes a housing having a housing wall defining an interior volume and a filter element disposed within the interior volume. The filter element includes a filter media and a first end plate coupled to the filter media at a first end of the filter media. The first end plate includes an end plate end wall and an arm extending axially away from the end plate end wall such that the arm contacts the valve.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT application claims the benefit of and priority to Indian Provisional Application No. 202241059559 filed on October 18, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] field

[0004] The present application generally relates to fluid filter assemblies for supplying filtered fluid to downstream devices.

[0005] background

[0006] Internal combustion engines typically combust a mixture of fuel (e.g., diesel, gasoline, natural gas, etc.) and air. Prior to entering the engine, the fuel is typically passed through a filter cartridge to remove particulate matter (e.g., dust, metal particles, debris, etc.) from the fuel prior to combustion. Similarly, the lubricant or lubricating oil (e.g., engine oil) provided to the engine may also pass through a filter cartridge to remove particulate matter from the lubricating oil prior to delivery to the engine.

[0007] A filter element (e.g., a filter cartridge) typically includes a sealing feature that forms a seal between the filter element and the filter head. The seal prevents fluid from bypassing the filter element (e.g., preventing air from bypassing an air filter element or preventing liquid from bypassing a liquid filter element). In many filtration systems, if a filter element is not installed, unfiltered fluid may damage downstream components. Therefore, failure to install a filter element or installation of an incompatible filter element may damage critical components in the filtration system, reduce emission compliance mechanisms, result in performance below expected standards, etc.

[0008] Overview

[0009] Various embodiments provide a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter head and a filter cartridge. The filter head includes a first port and a valve positioned within the first port. The filter cartridge includes a housing having a housing wall defining an interior volume and a filter element disposed within the interior volume. The filter element includes a filter medium and a first end plate coupled to the filter medium at a first end of the filter medium. The first end plate includes an end plate end wall and an arm extending axially away from the end plate end wall such that the arm contacts the valve.

[0010] Various other embodiments provide a filter head assembly. The filter head assembly includes a filter head, the filter head includes a port and a valve disposed in the port. The valve includes a valve wall, a first side wall extending away from the valve wall in a first direction, a second side wall extending away from the valve wall in the first direction, and a column extending away from the valve wall in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0011] Various other exemplary embodiments provide a method of installing a filter cartridge with a filter head. The method includes rotating the filter cartridge relative to the filter head so that the housing threads of the housing of the filter cartridge engage the filter head threads of the filter head; and contacting the prongs of the filter head with the ribs of the end plate of the filter cartridge to prevent the end plate of the filter cartridge from further rotating relative to the filter head.

[0012] These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like elements have like reference numerals throughout the several figures described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a filter assembly is shown showing a pump disposed at the filter head.

[0016] Figure 2A yes Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0017] Figure 2B It is available for Figure 1B A perspective view of a filter element within a filter assembly.

[0018] Figure 3A yes Figure 1B A bottom perspective view of the filter head of the filter assembly.

[0019] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Detailed perspective view of the filter head.

[0020] Figure 4A yes Figure 1B A top perspective view of the valve of the filter assembly.

[0021] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Bottom perspective view of the valve.

[0022] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A Bottom view of the valve.

[0023] Figure 4D yes Figure 1B A cross-sectional perspective view of a sealing member of a filter assembly.

[0024] Figure 5A It shows Figure 1BA front cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly shown without a genuine filter element.

[0025] Figure 5B It shows Figure 1B Another side cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown without the genuine filter element.

[0026] Figure 5C It is shown Figure 1B Detailed front cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown without the genuine filter element.

[0027] Figure 5D It shows Figure 1B A top perspective cut-away view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown without a genuine filter element.

[0028] Fig. 6A It shows Figure 1B A front cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown having a genuine filter element.

[0029] Figure 6B It shows Figure 1B A side cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown having a genuine filter element.

[0030] Figure 6C It shows Figure 1B Another side cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown with a genuine filter element.

[0031] Fig. 7A is a method for using a Figure 1B A perspective view of an exemplary end plate in a filter assembly.

[0032] Figure 7B is a method for using a Figure 1B A perspective view of a portion of the housing of the filter assembly.

[0033] Figure 7C Includes installation in Figure 7B in the shell Fig. 7A A perspective view of an exemplary filter element with an end plate.

[0034] Fig. 8A is a method for using a Figure 1B A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary filter cartridge in a filter assembly.

[0035] Figure 8B It is shown Fig. 8A A perspective view of a portion of a filter cartridge.

[0036] Figure 8C It is shown Fig. 8A A perspective view of a portion of a filter cartridge.

[0037] Fig. 9A is shown in a partially assembled state Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0038] Fig. 9B is shown in a partially assembled state Figure 1B Another cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0039] Fig. 10A is shown in an assembled state Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0040] Fig. 10B It is shown Fig. 10A A top cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0041] Fig. 10C It is shown Fig. 10A A bottom cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0042] Fig.11A It is shown Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown without a genuine filter element installed.

[0043] Fig. 11B It shows Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown with a genuine filter element installed.

[0044] Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a filter assembly according to an example embodiment, shown without a genuine filter element installed.

[0045] Fig. 12B It shows Fig. 12A A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly, shown with a genuine filter element installed.

[0046] Fig.13A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a filter assembly according to another example embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 13B is shown in a disassembled state. Fig.13A A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary filter element in a filter assembly.

[0048] Fig. 13C It is shown Fig. 13BA perspective view of a portion of an exemplary end plate of a filter element.

[0049] Fig.14A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a filter assembly according to another example embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 14B is shown in a disassembled state. Fig.14A A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary filter element in a filter assembly.

[0051] Fig. 14C It shows that it can be used Fig.14A A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary end plate of a filter assembly.

[0052] Fig.15A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a filter assembly according to another example embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 15B is shown in a disassembled state. Fig.15A A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary filter element in a filter assembly.

[0054] Fig. 15C It shows that it can be used Fig.15A A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary end plate of a filter assembly.

[0055] Detailed Description

[0056] Embodiments described herein generally relate to a no-filter no-run filter assembly. According to various embodiments, the no-filter no-run filter assembly includes a no-filter no-run feature configured to operably prevent a downstream device, such as an engine, from operating when a filter element is not installed or when an unauthorized filter element is installed. The no-filter no-run feature can advantageously improve ease of maintainability by ensuring that an authorized filter element is properly installed within the filter assembly.

[0057] Before turning to the drawings, various embodiments of the filter-free no-run filter assembly and its components are described herein. It should be understood that although the various components are described in detail, these details should be considered as examples only. In addition, the details may include variations described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that although the various components can be described with respect to the embodiments, unless otherwise stated, any component can be used in any other embodiment described herein.

[0058] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, shows a perspective view of a filter assembly 100 according to an example embodiment. Figure 1A As shown, the filter assembly 100 includes a filter head 102 and a filter cartridge 200. Figure 1B As shown, the filter assembly 100 may further include a pump 106 disposed at the filter head 102. It should be understood that the filter assembly 100 may include more than Figure 1A and Figure 1B More or fewer components than shown.

[0059] The filter head 102 includes one or more ports 104. At least one of the ports 104 is an inlet that is in fluid receiving communication with an upstream device (e.g., a fluid pump, a fluid storage tank, etc.). For example, the inlet provides dirty or unfiltered fuel to the filter assembly 100. At least one of the ports 104 is an outlet that is in fluid providing communication with a downstream device (e.g., an engine). For example, the outlet provides filtered fuel to a downstream component, such as an engine. The filter head 102 may include a pump 106. The pump 106 is configured to enable receiving and / or providing fluid through one or more of the ports 104.

[0060] Figure 2A yes Figure 1B 1. A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The filter assembly 100 includes a filter head assembly and a filter cartridge 200. The filter head assembly includes a filter head 102 and a valve 130. The filter cartridge 200 includes a housing 210 and a filter element 218. Figure 2B is a perspective view of filter element 218 .

[0061] Filter head 102 includes filter head wall 110 and one or more inwardly facing threads shown as filter head threads 114. Filter head threads 114 are configured to receive one or more outwardly facing threads, such as housing threads 214 of housing 210 shown.

[0062] The filter head wall 110 defines a valve port 120 proximate to at least one of the ports 104 such that the valve port 120 is in fluid communication with at least one of the ports 104. The valve port 120 is configured to receive a valve 130 therein such that the valve 130 is at least partially contained within the valve port 120. The valve 130 is operable between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, a sealing member 150 may be positioned within the valve port 120, such as Figure 2AAs shown. The sealing member 150 may be a plastic member configured to contact the valve 130 and form a seal therebetween when the valve 130 is in the closed position. The valve port 120, the valve 130, and the sealing member 150 are described in further detail below.

[0063] The filter head wall 110 defines a fork 118 that extends axially toward the filter element 218. The fork 118 is described in further detail below.

[0064] The filter head wall 110 defines a pump port 112. The pump port 112 is configured to receive at least a portion of the filter element 218 therein. The pump port 112 defines a filter head sealing surface 113. The filter head sealing surface 113 is configured to form a first circumferential, radially-directed seal with a sealing member 190 (e.g., an O-ring gasket, etc.).

[0065] The filter head wall 110 defines a recess 164 that is located distally from the valve port 120 (eg, diametrically opposite the valve port 120 ). The recess 164 is configured to receive at least a portion of the filter element 218 .

[0066] The housing 210 includes a housing wall 212 and one or more housing threads 214 extending radially outwardly away from the housing wall 212. The housing 210 defines an internal volume such that the housing 210 is configured to receive a filter element 218 at least partially within the internal volume. The housing 210 is removably coupled to the filter element 218. The coupling between the housing 210 and the filter element 218 will be described in further detail below.

[0067] like Figure 2B As shown, filter element 218 includes filter media 220 mounted between a first end plate 230 and a second end plate 250. For example, first end plate 230 is coupled to filter media 220 at a first end of the filter media, and second end plate 250 is coupled to filter media 220 at a second end of the filter media opposite the first end. Filter media 220 may include one or more media layers, such as pleated and / or woven filter media, a hydrophobic screen, and / or any other suitable filter media layer.

[0068] like Figure 2AAs shown, the first end plate 230 includes an end plate end wall 231, a filter medium channel 232 extending axially in a first direction away from the end plate end wall 231 toward the filter medium 220, an end plate port 240 extending axially in a second direction opposite to the first direction away from the end plate end wall 231 and toward the filter head 102, and a first coupling member 270 extending radially away from the end plate end wall 231. The filter medium channel 232 is configured to receive at least a portion of the filter medium 220 so that the filter medium 220 is coupled to the end plate 230.

[0069] The end plate port 240 is configured to enable fluid communication between the interior volume of the filter element 218 and the pump port 112. The end plate port 240 includes a sealing channel 242 extending radially outward toward the pump port 112. The sealing channel 242 is configured to at least partially retain the sealing member 190 therein so that the sealing member 190 forms a seal between the filter head sealing surface 113 and the sealing channel 242. The end plate port 240 also includes a rib 244 extending across the diameter of the end plate port 240. In some embodiments, the rib 244 may include one or more traverse portions. The fork 118 may extend through the pump port 112 and the end plate port 240 so that a portion of the rib 244 (e.g., the traverse portion) contacts the fork 118. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The ribs 244 are described in more detail.

[0070] The first coupling member 270 is configured to couple the filter element 218 to the housing 210. In some embodiments, the first coupling member 270 can couple the filter element 218 to the housing 210 in a snap-fit ​​arrangement. In some embodiments, the first coupling member 270 can fix the filter element 218 in an axial direction and a radial direction relative to the housing 210, and allow the filter element 218 to move in a circumferential (e.g., rotational) direction relative to the housing 210.

[0071] The first end plate 230 also includes a first arm 260 and a second arm 264 that extend axially in a first direction away from the end plate end wall 231 toward the filter head 102. The first arm 260 is positioned such that the first arm 260 is at least partially received by the valve port 120. The first arm 260 is configured to contact a portion of the valve 130 and bias the valve 130 to an open position. The second arm 264 is positioned diametrically (or substantially diametrically) opposite the first arm 260 such that the second arm 264 is received by the recess 164. It should be understood that as Figure 2AThe illustrated positioning of the first arm 260 relative to the second arm 264 is shown only as an example. In additional and / or alternative embodiments, the first arm 260 and the second arm 264 can have different positioning relative to each other. The first arm 260 and the second arm 264 are described in further detail below.

[0072] Reference now Figure 3A and Figure 3B , shows a perspective view of the filter head 102. Figure 3A As shown, filter head 102 includes valve port 120 and pump port 112. Pump port 112 can be in fluid communication with at least one of ports 104 and / or pump 106. Figure 3B As shown, the valve port 120 includes a closed end defined by a valve port wall 121 and an open end defined by a valve port opening 122. The valve port 120 includes an annular wall 123 extending away from the valve port wall 121 toward the valve port opening 122. The valve port 120 also includes a valve port sidewall 124 extending between the valve port wall 121 and the valve port opening 122. The valve port sidewall 124 includes one or more openings 125 so that the valve port 120 is in fluid communication with one or more ports 104. The valve port 120 also includes one or more protrusions 126 extending radially inward from the valve port sidewall 124.

[0073] Reference now FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C , showing an example embodiment of the invention that can be used Figure 1B 100. The valve 130 may be made of a plastic material, a metal material (e.g., steel), or any other suitable material. The valve 130 includes a valve wall 131, a valve first side wall 132 extending away from the valve wall 131 in a first direction, and a valve second side wall 134 diametrically opposite to the valve first side wall 132 and extending in the first direction. The valve first side wall 132 is spaced apart from the valve second side wall 134 so that a channel 138 is defined between the valve first side wall 132 and the valve second side wall 134. The channel 138 is in fluid communication with one or more ports 104. The valve 130 also includes a column 140 extending away from the valve wall 131 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0074] The valve first side wall 132 includes one or more recesses 133. The valve second side wall 134 includes one or more recesses 135. The one or more recesses 133, 135 are configured to receive one or more protrusions 126 of the valve port 120, so that the valve 130 is fixed relative to the valve port 120 in the radial direction and the rotational direction, and is free to translate in the axial direction.

[0075] The post 140 includes a first rib 142, a second rib 144, and a third rib 146. The first rib 142 extends axially away from the bottom surface 139 of the valve wall 131. The second rib 144 extends axially away from the bottom surface 139 of the valve wall 131 and is substantially perpendicular to the first rib 142. The third rib 146 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 139 of the valve wall 131 and is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 139 and perpendicular to the first rib 142 and the second rib 144. The first rib 142 extends farther away from the bottom surface 139 than the second rib 144, such that the distal end of the first rib 142 extends beyond the distal end of the second rib 144. The third rib 146 is positioned between the bottom surface 139 and the distal end of the second rib 144. The width of the third rib 146 is less than the width of the first rib 142. The first rib 142, the second rib 144, and the third rib 146 advantageously provide structural rigidity to the post 140 such that the post 140 is substantially prevented from deflecting relative to the bottom surface 139.

[0076] Reference now Figure 4D , a cross-sectional perspective view of an example sealing member 150 that can be used in the filter assembly 100 is shown. The sealing member 150 includes a sealing surface 152. As briefly described above, the sealing member 150 can be positioned within the valve port 120 so that when the valve 130 is in the closed position, the sealing surface 152 contacts the bottom surface 139 of the valve 130. The sealing surface 152 forms a radial seal with the bottom surface 139 of the valve 130. The sealing member 150 can be made of a plastic material, a metal material, and / or other suitable materials.

[0077] Reference now FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D , various views of the filter assembly 100 are shown without a genuine filter element (e.g., filter element 218). When the filter element 218 is not installed in the filter assembly 100, or when a non-genuine filter element 219 is installed in the filter assembly 100, the valve 130 is biased away from the valve port wall 121 (e.g., downward) by the pressure of the fluid flowing through the port 104. More specifically, the fluid flowing through the port 104 can enter the valve port 120 and flow into the channel 138. The pressure of the fluid can bias the valve 130 to a closed position. In the closed position, the valve 130 forms a radial seal with the sealing member 150. When a non-genuine filter element 219 is installed in the filter assembly 100, the valve 130 advantageously prevents fluid (e.g., fuel) from flowing from the port 104 into the filter cartridge 200. As Figure 5D As shown, when the valve 130 is in the closed position, the passage 138 may be aligned with the port 104 such that fluid may flow from the port 104 and through the passage 138 .

[0078] Reference now FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C, various views of the filter assembly 100 with the filter element 218 are shown. When the filter element 218 is installed in the filter assembly 100, the valve 130 is biased away from the valve port wall 121 (e.g., upward) by the first arm 260. More specifically, the arm 260 contacts the post 140 and biases the valve 130 to an open position. In the open position, the valve 130 does not form a radial seal with the sealing member 150, and allows fluid to flow from the port 104 into the valve port 120 and into the filter element 218. When the genuine filter element 218 is installed in the filter assembly 100, the valve 130 advantageously allows fluid (e.g., fuel) to flow from the port 104 into the filter cartridge 200.

[0079] like Figure 6C As shown, the arm 260 includes an arm channel 262 that receives the distal end of the first rib 142 such that the distal end of the first rib 142 contacts the bottom surface of the channel 262 and the distal end of the second rib 144 contacts the top surface of the channel 262. The arm channel 262 substantially prevents the valve 130 from deflecting relative to the arm 260.

[0080] Reference now Fig. 7A , a perspective view of an end plate 230 according to an example embodiment is shown. As briefly described above, the end plate 230 includes an end plate end wall 231, an end plate port 240, a first arm 260, and a second arm 264. The first arm 260 includes a first arm channel 262. The second arm 264 includes a second arm channel 266. The end plate 230 also includes a first coupling member 270 and a second coupling member 280. A radial flange 272 extends radially away from each first coupling member 270. The radial flange 272 can enable the end plate 230 to be coupled to the housing 210. The second coupling member 280 may include one or more protrusions extending radially away from the end plate end wall 231. When the end plate 230 is coupled to the housing 210, the second coupling member 280 contacts the top surface of the housing 210 so that the coupling member 280 substantially prevents the end plate 230 from translating toward the housing 210 (e.g., downward).

[0081] As briefly described above, the end plate 230 also includes an end plate port 240. The end plate port 240 enables fluid communication between the interior volume of the filter element 218 and the pump port 112. The end plate port 240 includes a sealing channel 242 and a rib 244. The rib 244 includes one or more transverse portions shown as a first transverse portion 245, a second transverse portion 246, and a third transverse portion 247. As shown, the first transverse portion 245 is substantially parallel to the third transverse portion 247, and the second transverse portion 246 is inclined relative to the first transverse portion 245 and the third transverse portion 247.

[0082] Reference now Figure 7B, shows a perspective view of a portion of a housing 210 according to an example embodiment. The housing 210 includes a housing passage 216 defined on an inner surface of the housing wall 212. The housing passage 216 is configured to receive a radial flange 272 of the end plate 230 when the end plate 230 is coupled to the housing 210.

[0083] Figure 7C is a perspective view of filter element 218 including end plate 230 installed in housing 210 .

[0084] Reference now FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C , various views of a filter cartridge 200 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C Filter element 218 is shown coupled to housing 210. Figure 8C As shown, the radial flange 272 of the first coupling member 270 is received by the housing passage 216, so that the filter element 218 is coupled to the housing 210. As briefly described above, the housing passage 216 can receive the radial flange 272 in a snap-fit ​​arrangement. When the housing passage 216 receives the radial flange 272, the housing passage 216 substantially prevents the radial flange 272 from moving in the axial direction and the radial direction, and enables the radial flange 272 to translate circumferentially within the housing passage 216, so that the filter element 218 can rotate relative to the housing 210.

[0085] Reference now Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B , shows a cross-sectional view of a filter cartridge 200 shown installed in a filter head 102. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown, the filter head threads 114 engage the housing threads 214 such that the filter cartridge 200 is threadably coupled to the filter head 102. When the filter head threads 114 engage the housing threads 214, the forks 118 are received by the end plate ports 240 such that the forks 118 contact the ribs 244. When the housing 210 is rotated to engage the housing threads 214 to the filter head threads 114, the forks 118 substantially prevent the end plate 230 from rotating. It should be understood that the filter head 102 can be rotated relative to the housing 210 such that when the housing threads 214 engage the filter head threads 114, the forks 118 rotate the end plate 230 relative to the housing 210.

[0086] Reference now FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the filter assembly 100 in an assembled state. As shown, the fork 118 is received by the end plate port 240 so that the fork 118 contacts the rib 244. The first rib 142 is received by the arm channel 262 so that the post 140 is substantially prevented from moving relative to the arm 260.

[0087] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11Bis a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a filter assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter head 102 may include a valve port 310 configured to receive the valve assembly 300. The valve port 310 is in fluid communication with at least one of the interior volume of the housing 210 and the port 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve port 310 is in fluid communication with the port 104, and the port 104 is in fluid communication with a fluid source (e.g., a fuel tank). The valve port 310 defines a valve port sealing surface 308.

[0088] The valve assembly 300 includes a valve body 302 and a valve sealing member 304. The valve assembly 300 is operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the valve assembly 300 allows fluid (e.g., fuel, unfiltered fuel) to flow from the interior volume of the housing 210 to the port 104. The fluid then flows from the port 104 to a downstream component (e.g., a fluid source, a fuel tank). In the closed position, the valve sealing member 304 contacts the valve port sealing surface 308 and forms an axial seal therebetween, substantially preventing fluid from flowing from the interior volume of the housing 210 to the port 104. The valve assembly 300 may be biased to the open position by a biasing member (shown as a spring 312).

[0089] like Fig.11A As shown, when a genuine filter element 218 is not installed in the filter assembly 100, the valve assembly 300 is biased to an open position by the spring 312. When a non-genuine filter element is installed in the filter assembly 100, the valve assembly 300 advantageously allows fluid (eg, fuel) to flow back to the fluid source.

[0090] like Fig. 11B As shown, when the genuine filter element 218 is installed in the filter assembly 100, the arm 264 contacts the valve body 302 and biases the valve assembly 300 to a closed position (e.g., by compressing the spring 312). When the genuine filter element 218 is installed in the filter assembly 100, the valve assembly 300 advantageously allows the fluid (e.g., fuel) to be filtered by the filter element 218.

[0091] In some embodiments, when the genuine filter element 218 is installed in the filter assembly 100, an opening is defined between the end plate 230 and the valve body 302, allowing at least a portion of the fluid (e.g., fuel and / or air) to flow through the valve port 310. In these embodiments, only a portion of the fuel provided to the filter element 218 flows through the opening defined between the end plate 230 and the valve body 302.

[0092] Reference now Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B , shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly 100 according to another embodiment. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown, a biasing member, shown as a spring 320, may be positioned within the valve port 120. Fig. 12A As shown, when the genuine filter element 218 is not installed and / or when the non-genuine filter element 219 is installed in the filter assembly 100, the spring 320 biases the valve 130 to the closed position. Fig. 12B As shown, when the genuine filter element 218 is installed, the arm 260 contacts the post 140 of the valve 130 and biases the valve 130 to an open position (eg, by compressing the spring 320).

[0093] In some embodiments, the sealing member 150 includes a second sealing member, shown as an O-ring 322 (e.g., a gasket, etc.). When the valve 130 is in the closed position, the O-ring 322 contacts the valve 130 and the sealing member 150 and forms a radial seal between the valve 130 and the sealing member 150. The radial seal formed by the O-ring 322 substantially prevents fluid from flowing from the port 104 into the filter cartridge 200. When the valve 130 is in the open position, the O-ring 322 does not contact the valve 130, and fluid can flow between the valve 130 and the O-ring 322.

[0094] Overall reference FIG. 13A to FIG. 15C , various embodiments of end plates for use in filter element 218 are shown. Figures 1A to 12B In contrast to the end plate 230 described above, the end plates 330, 430, 530 include two separate end plate portions.

[0095] like FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C As shown, the filter assembly 100 includes a filter head 102 and a filter cartridge 200. The filter head 102 may be the same as described herein. Figure 2A The filter head 102 described is substantially similar or identical. For example, the filter head 102 includes one or more ports 104, a filter head wall 110, a pump port 112, a valve port 120, a valve 130, and a sealing member 150. The filter cartridge 200 includes a housing 210 and a filter element 218. The filter element 218 includes a filter medium 220 and an end plate 330.

[0096] The end plate 330 includes an end plate first portion 331 and an end plate second portion 332. The end plate first portion 331 includes a filter medium channel 333 that is substantially similar to or the same as the filter medium channel 232, an end plate port 340 that is substantially similar to or the same as the end plate port 240, one or more coupling members 370 that are substantially similar to or the same as the coupling member 270, and one or more coupling members 380 that are substantially similar to or the same as the coupling member 280.

[0097] The end plate second portion 332 includes a second portion end wall 334. The end plate second portion 332 also includes a first arm 360 and a second arm 364 extending axially away from the second portion end wall 334. The first arm 360 and the second arm 364 are substantially similar or identical to the first arm 260 and the second arm 264, respectively. The second portion end wall 334 also defines an end plate opening 336. When the end plate second portion 332 is coupled to the end plate first portion 331, the end plate opening 336 receives the end plate port 340.

[0098] In some embodiments, end plate port 340 also includes ribs 344 that are substantially similar or identical to ribs 244. For example, ribs 344 may be configured to contact fork 118 when filter cartridge 220 is coupled to filter head 102, causing end plate 330 to rotate relative to housing 210.

[0099] Reference now FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C , the filter assembly 100 includes a filter head 102 and a filter cartridge 200. The filter head 102 may be the same as that described herein. Figure 2A The filter head 102 described is substantially similar or identical. For example, the filter head 102 includes one or more ports 104, a filter head wall 110, a pump port 112, a valve port 120, a valve 130, and a sealing member 150. The filter cartridge 200 includes a housing 210 and a filter element 218. The filter element 218 includes a filter medium 220 and an end plate 430.

[0100] The end plate 430 includes an end plate first portion 431 and an end plate second portion 432. The end plate first portion 431 includes a filter media channel 433 that is substantially similar or identical to the filter media channel 232, an end plate port 440 that is substantially similar or identical to the end plate port 240, one or more coupling members 470 that are substantially similar or identical to the coupling member 270, and one or more coupling members 480 that are substantially similar or identical to the coupling member 280. The end plate first portion 431 also includes a flange 492 that extends radially away from the filter media channel 433.

[0101] The end plate second portion 432 includes an end plate surface 434. The end plate second portion 432 also includes a first arm 460 extending axially away from the end plate surface 434. The first arm 360 is substantially similar or identical to the first arm 260. The end plate second portion 432 includes a slot 494 configured to receive the flange 492 such that when the flange 492 is received by the slot 494, the end plate second portion 432 is coupled to the end plate first portion 431.

[0102] In some embodiments, end plate port 440 also includes ribs 444 that are substantially similar or identical to ribs 244. For example, ribs 444 may be configured to contact fork 118 when filter cartridge 220 is coupled to filter head 102, causing end plate 430 to rotate relative to housing 210.

[0103] Reference now FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C , the filter assembly 100 includes a filter head 102 and a filter cartridge 200. The filter head 102 may be the same as that described herein. Figure 2A The filter head 102 described is substantially similar or identical. For example, the filter head 102 includes one or more ports 104, a filter head wall 110, a pump port 112, a valve port 120, a valve 130, and a sealing member 150. The filter cartridge 200 includes a housing 210 and a filter element 218. The filter element 218 includes a filter medium 220 and an end plate 530.

[0104] The end plate 530 includes an end plate first portion 531 and an end plate second portion 532. The end plate first portion 531 includes a filter media channel 533 that is substantially similar or identical to the filter media channel 232, and one or more coupling members 470 that are substantially similar or identical to the coupling member 270. The end plate first portion 531 also includes a first portion end wall 536 and a first portion port 537 that extends axially in a first direction (e.g., downward) away from the first portion end wall 536. The first portion port 537 defines a sealing surface 538.

[0105] End plate second portion 532 includes a second portion end wall 534. End plate second portion 532 also includes a first arm 560 and a second arm 564 extending axially away from second portion end wall 534. First arm 560 and second arm 564 are substantially similar or identical to first arm 260 and second arm 264, respectively.

[0106] The end plate second portion 532 includes a second portion port 540 that extends axially away from the second portion end wall 534 in a first direction and a second direction (e.g., upward and downward). The second portion port 540 includes a first sealing member passage 542 and a second sealing member passage 543. The first sealing member passage 542 is configured to receive the first sealing member 190. The first sealing member 190 contacts the filter head sealing surface 113 of the pump port 112 and the first sealing member passage 542, and forms a radial seal between the filter head sealing surface 113 and the first sealing member passage 542. The second sealing member passage 543 is configured to receive the second sealing member 192. The second sealing member 192 contacts the sealing surface 538 of the first portion port 537 and the second sealing member passage 543, and forms a radial seal between the sealing surface 538 of the first portion port 537 and the second sealing member passage 543.

[0107] In some embodiments, second portion port 540 also includes ribs 544 that are substantially similar or identical to ribs 244. For example, ribs 544 may be configured to contact fork 118 when filter cartridge 220 is coupled to filter head 102, causing end plate 530 to rotate relative to housing 210.

[0108] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representatives and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily particular or excellent examples).

[0109] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members, being attached to one another.

[0110] References herein to element positions (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") are only used to describe the orientation of various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that, according to other example embodiments, the orientation of different elements may be different, and such variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0111] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various example embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of the various elements, various parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, the integrally formed elements shown may be composed of a plurality of parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements, or the positions may be changed or varied. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts presented herein.

[0112] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of any invention or that can be claimed, but rather as a description of the features of a specific implementation for a specific invention. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. In contrast, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although the features may be described above as acting in a specific combination and even initially claimed, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be directed to a variant of a sub-combination or a sub-combination.

Claims

1. A filter assembly comprising: A filter head, the filter head comprising: -- the first port; and a valve positioned within said first port; and A filter cartridge removably coupled to the filter head, the filter cartridge comprising: a housing having a housing wall defining an interior volume; and a filter element, the filter element being arranged in the inner volume and comprising: --- Filter media; and ---a first end plate, the first end plate being coupled to the filter medium at a first end of the filter medium, the first end plate comprising: ----end plates and end walls; and An arm extends axially in a first direction away from the end plate end wall and away from the filter medium such that the arm contacts the valve.

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The filter head also includes: A second port; and A fork extends axially toward the filter element such that the fork extends through the second port.

3. The filter assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first end plate further comprises: an end plate port extending axially away from the end plate end wall; and A rib extends across the end plate port such that the rib contacts the prong when the filter cartridge is coupled to the filter head.

4. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a housing passage defined on an inner surface of the housing wall; and The first end plate further comprises: one or more first coupling members extending radially away from the end plate end wall; and A radial flange extends radially away from each of the one or more first coupling members, wherein the radial flange is received by the housing passage such that the filter element is coupled to the housing.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 4 further includes one or more second connecting members, wherein the one or more second connecting members include one or more protrusions extending radially away from the end plate end wall, and the second connecting members contact the top surface of the shell.

6. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first port defines a first port sealing surface.

7. The filter assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The valve includes a valve sealing member; wherein the valve is operable between an open position and a closed position; and Wherein, when the valve is in the closed position, the valve sealing member engages the first port sealing surface.

8. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first end plate further comprises an end plate first portion, the end plate first portion comprising: The end plate end wall; a filter media channel extending axially away from the end plate end wall and sized to receive the filter media; and An end plate port extends axially away from the end plate end wall.

9. The filter assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The first end plate further comprises an end plate second portion, the end plate second portion comprising: a second portion of the end wall defining an end plate opening sized to receive the end plate port; and The arm.

10. The filter assembly of claim 9, wherein: The end plate first portion further includes a flange extending radially away from the filter media passage; and The end plate second portion also includes a slot configured to receive the flange.

11. The filter assembly of claim 9, wherein: The end plate second portion also includes a second portion port extending axially away from the second portion end wall in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.

12. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The valve comprises: Valve wall; a first side wall extending away from the valve wall in a second direction; a second side wall extending away from the valve wall in the second direction; and A post extends away from the valve wall in a third direction opposite to the second direction.

13. The filter assembly of claim 12, wherein: The column comprises: a first rib extending axially away from a bottom surface of the valve wall; a second rib extending axially away from the bottom surface of the valve wall and substantially perpendicular to the first rib; and A third rib is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the valve wall and is substantially parallel to the bottom surface and perpendicular to the first rib.

14. A filter head assembly, comprising: a filter head, the filter head comprising a port; and A valve is disposed in the port, the valve comprising: --Valve wall; a first side wall extending in a first direction away from the valve wall; a second side wall extending away from the valve wall in the first direction; and a column extending away from the valve wall in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

15. The filter head assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The first sidewall and the second sidewall are spaced apart from one another such that the first sidewall and the second sidewall cooperate to define a channel.

16. The filter head assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The first sidewall defines one or more recesses sized to receive a protrusion of the valve port.

17. The filter head assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The column comprises: a first rib extending axially away from a bottom surface of the valve wall; a second rib extending axially away from the bottom surface of the valve wall and substantially perpendicular to the first rib; and A third rib is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the valve wall and is substantially parallel to the bottom surface and perpendicular to the first rib.

18. The filter head assembly of claim 17, wherein: The distal end of the first rib extends beyond the distal end of the second rib; and The width of the third rib is smaller than the width of the first rib.

19. A method for installing a filter cartridge and a filter head, comprising: rotating the filter cartridge relative to the filter head such that the housing threads of the housing of the filter cartridge engage the filter head threads of the filter head, The fork of the filter head is brought into contact with the rib of the end plate of the filter cartridge, thereby preventing further rotation of the end plate of the filter cartridge relative to the filter head.

20. The method according to claim 19 further includes translating the filter cartridge relative to the filter head when the filter cartridge rotates relative to the filter head, so that the first arm of the filter cartridge is at least partially received by the valve port of the filter head, wherein the first arm contacts a portion of a valve disposed in the valve port, so that the first arm biases the valve to an open position.

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