Valve arrangement for filter system

Abstract

The application relates to a valve arrangement for a filtration system. The valve assembly includes a valve body. The valve body includes: a first central wall defining a first valve opening, a first fluid passage, and a valve central opening; and a valve wall defining a second valve opening and a second fluid passage. The valve assembly includes a first valve member disposed at the first valve opening. The first valve member is selectively changeable in position between a first valve member first position in which the first valve member engages the first central wall such that the first valve member forms a first seal substantially preventing fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passages, and a first valve member second position in which the first valve member engages the second central wall such that the first valve member forms a second seal substantially preventing fluid flow through the one or more second fluid passages. In the first valve member second position, the first valve member is disengaged from the first central wall such that fluid is allowed to flow through the one or more first fluid passages.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to a valve arrangement for use in a filtration system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A filtration system can be used to separate contaminants from a fluid to protect downstream equipment from damage (e.g., corrosion, clogging, etc.). For example, a filtration system can protect downstream equipment by including a filter element to separate contaminants that can damage downstream equipment from a fluid. The filtration system can be primed to reduce the amount of air entrained in the filtration system. SUMMARY

[0003] Various embodiments provide a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve body. The valve body includes a first center wall defining a first valve opening, one or more first fluid passages, and a valve center opening. The valve body includes a valve wall defining a second valve opening and one or more second fluid passages, the valve wall spaced apart from the first center wall by the center opening. The valve body defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is separated from the second chamber by at least the first center wall. The valve assembly includes a first valve member disposed at the first valve opening. The first valve member is repositionable between a first valve member first position in which the first valve member engages the first center wall such that the first valve member forms a first seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passages and a first valve member second position in which the first valve member disengages the first center wall such that fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passages is permitted. The valve assembly includes a second valve member disposed at the second valve opening.

[0004] In some embodiments, the one or more first fluid passages are spaced apart from the valve center opening.

[0005] In some embodiments, the one or more first fluid passages are disposed proximate the first valve opening.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first valve member includes a valve head, the first valve member positioned at least partially within the first valve opening such that when a second fluid pressure in the second chamber is less than a first fluid pressure in the first chamber, the first valve member is forced away from the first center wall such that the first valve member disengages the first center wall.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second valve member is selectively positionable between a second valve member first position, in which the second valve member engages the valve wall such that the second valve member forms a second seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more second fluid passageways, and a second valve member second position, in which the second valve member disengages the valve wall such that fluid flow through the one or more second fluid passageways is permitted.

[0008] In some embodiments, the valve assembly defines a valve axis, and the valve assembly further comprises:

[0009] a first side wall extending circumferentially about the valve axis, the first central wall extending inwardly from the first side wall;

[0010] a first end wall extending radially outwardly away from the valve axis from the first side wall, a first portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a first axial direction, and a second portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction;

[0011] a second side wall extending away from the first central wall;

[0012] a second central wall extending away from the first central wall at the valve central opening; and

[0013] a second end wall extending away from the valve axis away from the second side wall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first central wall, the second central wall, the second side wall, and the second end wall cooperate to define the first chamber.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first side wall, the first central wall, the second central wall, the second end wall, and the valve wall cooperate to define the second chamber.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second chamber is in fluid receiving communication with the first chamber via the one or more first fluid passageways.

[0017] Various other embodiments provide a filtration system. The filtration system includes a filter head defining an outlet port and a center port. The center port extends through the outlet port. The filtration system includes a filter cartridge removably coupled to the filter head. The filtration system includes a hand pump coupled to the filter head. The filtration system includes a valve assembly disposed in the center port. The valve assembly includes a valve body. The valve body includes a first center wall defining a first valve opening, one or more first fluid passageways, and a valve center opening. The valve body includes a valve wall defining a second valve opening and one or more second fluid passageways. The valve wall is spaced apart from the first center wall by the center opening. The valve body defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is separated from the second chamber by at least the first center wall. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet port. The valve assembly includes a first valve member disposed at the first valve opening. The first valve member is selectively positionable between a first valve member first position in which the first valve member engages the first center wall such that the first valve member forms a first seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passageways and a first valve member second position in which the first valve member disengages the first center wall such that fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passageways is permitted. The valve assembly includes a second valve member disposed at the second valve opening.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first chamber is in fluid communication with the filter cartridge and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the hand pump.

[0019] In some embodiments, the hand pump is configured to:

[0020] selectively decrease a second fluid pressure in the second chamber relative to a first fluid pressure in the first chamber; and

[0021] selectively increase the second fluid pressure in the second chamber relative to a third fluid pressure in the outlet port.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first valve member is configured to move from the first valve member first position to the first valve member second position when the second fluid pressure in the second chamber is less than the first fluid pressure in the first chamber.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second valve member is selectively positionable between a second valve member first position in which the second valve member engages the valve wall such that the second valve member forms a second seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more second fluid passageways, and a second valve member second position in which the second valve member disengages the valve wall such that fluid flow through the one or more second fluid passageways is permitted; and the second valve member is configured to move from the second valve member first position to the second valve member second position when the second fluid pressure in the second chamber is greater than the third fluid pressure in the outlet port.

[0024] In some embodiments, the valve assembly defines a valve axis, and the valve assembly further comprises:

[0025] a first side wall extending circumferentially about the valve axis, the first central wall extending inwardly from the first side wall;

[0026] a first end wall extending radially outwardly away from the valve axis from the first side wall, a first portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a first axial direction, and a second portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction;

[0027] a second side wall extending away from the first central wall;

[0028] a second central wall extending away from the first central wall at the valve central opening; and

[0029] a second end wall extending away from the valve axis away from the second side wall.

[0030] In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises a first passage wall extending away from the first end wall and substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall, wherein the first side wall, the first end wall, and the first passage wall cooperate to define a first passage; and a first seal member, the first passage being sized to receive the first seal member, the first seal member being configured to contact and engage the hand pump such that the first seal member forms a seal between the valve assembly and the hand pump.

[0031] In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises: a second channel first wall extending away from the second end wall toward the filter cartridge; a second channel second wall extending away from the second channel first wall and away from the valve axis, the second channel second wall spaced apart from the second end wall, wherein the second end wall, the second channel first wall, and the second channel second wall cooperate to define a second channel; and a second sealing member, the second channel sized to receive the second sealing member, the second sealing member configured to contact and engage the filter head such that the second sealing member forms a seal between the valve assembly and the filter head.

[0032] Various other embodiments provide a filter head for a filtration system. The filter head includes a filter head body defining an outlet port and a center port. The center port extends through the outlet port. The filter head includes a valve assembly disposed in the center port. The valve assembly includes a valve body. The valve body includes a first center wall defining a first valve opening, one or more first fluid passages, a valve center opening. The valve body includes a valve wall defining a second valve opening and one or more second fluid passages. The valve wall is spaced apart from the first center wall by the center opening. The valve body defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is separated from the second chamber by at least the first center wall, and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet port. The valve assembly includes a first valve member disposed at the first valve opening. The first valve member is selectively positionable between a first valve member first position in which the first valve member engages the first center wall such that the first valve member forms a first seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passages, and a first valve member second position in which the first valve member disengages the first center wall such that fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passages is permitted. The valve assembly includes a second valve member disposed at the second valve opening.

[0033] In some embodiments, the filter head further comprises a manual pump, wherein the manual pump and the valve assembly are removably coupled to the filter head body.

[0034] In some embodiments, the valve assembly defines a valve axis, and the valve assembly further comprises:

[0035] a first side wall extending circumferentially about the valve axis, the first center wall extending inwardly from the first side wall;

[0036] a first end wall extending radially outwardly away from the valve axis from the first side wall, a first portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a first axial direction, and a second portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction;

[0037] a second side wall extending away from the first central wall;

[0038] a second central wall extending away from the first central wall at the valve center opening; and

[0039] a second end wall extending away from the second side wall away from the valve axis;

[0040] wherein the first central wall, the second central wall, the second side wall, and the second end wall cooperate to define the first chamber;

[0041] wherein the first side wall, the first central wall, the second central wall, the second end wall, and the valve wall cooperate to define the second chamber; and

[0042] wherein the second chamber is in fluid receiving communication with the first chamber via the one or more first fluid passageways.

[0043] These and other features, along with the organization and manner of operation of the present disclosure, will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts in the figures, and wherein: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a filtration system in accordance with example embodiments.

[0046] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a filter head that can be used with the filtration system of Figure 1 is a perspective view of the filtration system of

[0047] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the filtration system of Figure 1 is a perspective view of the filtration system of

[0048] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filtration system of Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the filtration system of

[0049] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a valve assembly that can be used in the filtration system of Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly that can be used in the filtration system of

[0050] Figure 6 isFigure 5 perspective view of the valve assembly of

[0051] Figure 7 Figure 5 side view of the valve assembly of

[0052] Figure 8 Figure 5 cross-sectional side view of the valve assembly of

[0053] Figure 9 Figure 5 another side view of the valve assembly of

[0054] Figure 10 Figure 5 another cross-sectional side view of the valve assembly of

[0055] Figure 11 Figure 5 top view of the valve assembly of

[0056] Figure 12 bottom view of the valve assembly of Figure 5

[0057] Throughout the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like references generally identify like components, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] With general reference to the Figures, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to check valves for filtration systems. Check valves advantageously can be used in a filter head when a pump, such as a hand pump, is used. For example, during priming, a hand pump can be used to remove air from the filtration system. The hand pump also can be used to draw fluid, such as fuel, through the filtration system during priming.

[0059] ​​​​​​Embodiments shown and described in further detail herein relate to an outside-in flow design for a filtration system. It should be understood that embodiments described herein can be used in other filtration system devices. For example, embodiments described herein can be used in an inside-out flow design and / or any other type of filtration system. Further, a filtration system can include more or fewer components than shown in the figures. Accordingly, references to various components being internal, downstream, external, upstream, etc. are made with respect to the embodiments shown in the figures, and it should be understood that other embodiments, such as an inside-out flow design for a filtration system, can have the same or similar components disposed in different arrangements.

[0060] Referring now to Figures 1-4 , various views of a filtration system 100 are shown in accordance with example embodiments. The filtration system 100 is configured to receive unfiltered fluid (e.g., fuel, oil, etc.), filter the fluid, and provide the filtered fluid to a downstream device, such as an engine. As shown, the filtration system 100 includes a filter head 110 and a filter cartridge 150. The filter cartridge 150 is configured to be coupled to the filter head 110. It should be understood that the filtration system 100 can include more or fewer components than shown in the figures. Figures 1-4

[0061] During operation of the filtration system 100, and as shown in Figure 4 , an electric pump 140 can be coupled to the filter head 110. For example, the electric pump 140 can be configured to pump fluid (e.g., fuel) through the filtration system 100. In some embodiments, and as shown in Figures 1-3 , a pump (shown as a manual pump 400) can be coupled to the filter head 110. The manual pump 400 can be used to facilitate priming of the filtration system 100. For example, the manual pump 400 can be used to remove air from the filtration system 100 during priming. The manual pump 400 can also be used to draw fluid, such as fuel, through the filtration system 400 during priming. In these embodiments, a valve assembly 200 can be positioned in the filter head 110. The valve assembly 200 is removably coupled to the filter head body 112. The valve assembly 200 can allow fluid to flow in a desired direction and / or substantially prevent fluid from flowing in a direction opposite the desired direction. The valve assembly 200 is shown and described in further detail herein with respect to Figures 5-12

[0062] ​​The filter head 110 includes a filter head body 112. The filter head body 112 defines a first port 120 and a second port 122. The first port 120 is an inlet port in fluid receiving communication with an upstream device and in fluid providing communication with an interior of the filtration system 100. The second port 122 is an outlet port in fluid receiving communication with the interior of the filtration system 100 and in fluid providing communication with a downstream device, such as an engine. In some embodiments, the first port 120 can be an outlet port and the second port 122 can be an inlet port.

[0063] The filter head body 112 defines a center port 130. The center port 130 extends through the filter head body 112. The center port 130 is centered on a center axis of the filtration system 100. The center axis extends through a radial center of the filtration system 100, a center of the filter head 110, and / or a center of the filter cartridge 150.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as during operation, the filtration system 100 includes a pump 140, as shown in Figure 4 The pump 140 is disposed at least partially within the center port 130. That is, the center port 130 is sided to receive at least a portion of the pump 140 therein. The pump 140 is configured to create a pressure differential within the filtration system 100, thereby drawing fluid in an outside-in flow configuration.

[0065] In some embodiments, the pump 140 is interchangeable with (e.g., replaceable by) a hand pump 400. In some embodiments, when the pump 140 is replaced by the hand pump 400, the valve assembly 200 is disposed in the center port 130. The hand pump 400 is removably coupled to the filter head body 112.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as during a priming operation, the filtration system 100 includes a hand pump 400, as shown in Figures 1-3 The hand pump 400 is disposed at least partially within the center port 130. That is, the center port 130 is sided to receive at least a portion of the hand pump 400 therein. The hand pump 400 is configured to create a pressure differential within the filtration system 100, thereby drawing fluid in an outside-in flow configuration.

[0067] The manual pump 400 includes a pump body 410. The pump body 410 defines a chamber 412 configured to receive fluid therein. The manual pump 400 is in fluid receiving communication with the valve assembly 200. The manual pump 400 receives fluid at the chamber 412. The pump body 410 can be coupled to the filter head 110 by one or more fasteners 414.

[0068] The manual pump 400 includes a plunger portion 420. The plunger portion 420 is coupled to the pump body 410. The plunger portion 420 facilitates drawing fluid into the pump body 410. For example, a user can manipulate the plunger portion 420 to cause the manual pump to draw fluid into the manual pump 400 (e.g., at the chamber 412).

[0069] The filter cartridge 150 includes a housing 152 and a filter element 160. The housing 152 at least partially defines an interior volume 154. The filter head 110 at least partially defines the interior volume 154. The filter element 160 is at least partially disposed within the interior volume 154 such that the filter element 160 is located within the filter head 110 and the housing 152.

[0070] The filter cartridge 150 can include one or more sealing members 156 (e.g., O-rings, gaskets, etc.). The at least one sealing member 156 is disposed between the housing 152 and the filter head 110. The at least one sealing member 156 engages the filter head 110 and the housing 152 and forms a first radial seal between the filter head 110 and the housing 152. The at least one sealing member 156 substantially prevents fluid flow between the filter head 110 and the housing 152.

[0071] The filter system 100 includes a collar 158. The collar 158 couples the filter cartridge 150 to the filter head 110.

[0072] The filter element 160 is configured to filter fluid (e.g., by removing contaminants). In some embodiments, the filter element 160 is removably coupled to the housing 152. In other embodiments, the filter element 160 is permanently fixed within the housing 152 such that the filter element 160 cannot be removed from the housing 152 without causing damage to the filter element 160 and / or the housing 152. The filter element 160 is at least partially contained within the housing 152 and / or the filter head 110.

[0073] As shown, the filter element 160 includes a filter media 162. The filter media 162 can be positioned between and coupled to one or more end plates. The filter media 162 is formed in a cylindrical or annular configuration. The filter media 162 can be pleated to increase surface area. The filter media 162 can be a single layer media or a multi-layer media made of at least one of woven fiber, non-woven material, wet laid material, polymeric material, glass material, cellulose material, and / or other suitable material. The filter media 162 is configured to allow unfiltered fluid to be filtered by flowing through the filter media 162. For example, unfiltered fluid flows through the filter media 162 and as the unfiltered fluid passes through the filter media 162, the filter media 162 removes impurities, such as particulates, organics, etc., from the unfiltered fluid. The impurities are captured by the filter media 162. An outer volume 164 is defined between the filter media 162 and the housing 152. An inner volume 166 is defined within the filter media 162. In operation, fluid flows from the outer volume 164, through the filter element 162, and into the inner volume 166.

[0074] The filtration system 100 includes a valve assembly 200. The valve assembly 200 is disposed in the center port 130. The valve assembly 200 is in fluid communication with the inner volume 166, the second port 122, and the hand pump 400. In example embodiments, the valve assembly 200 allows fluid to flow from the inner volume 166, through the valve assembly 200, and into a chamber defined by the hand pump 400. The valve assembly 200 also allows fluid to flow from the chamber defined by the hand pump 400, through the valve assembly 200, and into the second port 122.

[0075] In example embodiments, the valve assembly 200 defines a valve axis 204. One or more components of the valve assembly 200 can be centered on the valve axis 204. The valve assembly 200 can be centered on the valve axis 204. For example, the valve axis 204 extends through a center point of the valve assembly 200.

[0076] As used herein, the term “axis” describes a theoretical line that extends through at least a portion of an object (e.g., a centroid (e.g., a center of mass, a geometric center, etc.) of the object). In some arrangements, the object is centered on the axis. The object is not necessarily cylindrical (e.g., a non-cylindrical shape can be centered on an axis, etc.). Moreover, the object does not necessarily lie on the axis (e.g., a centroid of a hollow object can lie on the axis, but no portion of the object need lie on the axis).

[0077] The relative positioning of the components of the valve assembly 200 described herein can be described relative to the valve axis 204. For example, an axial direction is along or substantially parallel to the valve axis 204. A radial direction can be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. A radially outward direction can be substantially away from the valve axis 204. A radially inward direction can be substantially toward the valve axis 204. A circumferential direction can be defined as a direction along a theoretical circle centered on the valve axis 204. A tangential direction can be defined as a direction along a theoretical tangent to a theoretical circle centered on the valve axis 204.

[0078] The valve assembly 200 includes a valve body 202. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 200 includes a first valve member 310 and a second valve member 320. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 200 includes a first seal member 340 and a second seal member 350.

[0079] During operation, a user can operate the hand pump 400 to pump fluid (e.g., air, fuel, oil, etc.) from the internal volume 166, through the valve assembly 200, to the hand pump 400. The first valve member 310 of the valve assembly 200 can allow fluid to flow from the internal volume 166 to the hand pump 400. The first valve member 310 of the valve assembly 200 can substantially prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction (e.g., from the hand pump 400 to the internal volume 166).

[0080] During operation, a user can operate the hand pump 400 to pump fluid from the hand pump 400, through the valve assembly 200, to the second port 122. The second valve member 320 of the valve assembly 200 can allow fluid to flow from the hand pump 400 to the second port 122. The second valve member 320 of the valve assembly 200 can substantially prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction (e.g., from the second port 122 to the hand pump 400). Advantageously, the valve assembly 200 operates as a dual valve check valve, where each valve allows for one-way flow.

[0081] The first valve member 310 includes a valve head 314, a valve shaft 316, and a valve neck 318. The valve head 314 is configured to selectively seal a portion of the valve body 202 to prevent fluid flow through the portion of the valve body 202. The valve shaft 316 extends away from the valve head 314. The valve neck 318 connects the valve shaft 316 to the valve head 314. The valve neck 318 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the valve shaft 316 and less than a diameter of the valve head 314.

[0082] The second valve member 320 includes a valve head 324, a valve shaft 326, and a valve neck 328. The valve head 324 is configured to selectively seal a portion of the valve body 202 to prevent fluid flow through the portion of the valve body 202. The valve shaft 326 extends away from the valve head 324. The valve neck 328 connects the valve shaft 326 to the valve head 324. The valve neck 328 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the valve shaft 326 and less than a diameter of the valve head 324.

[0083] The valve body 202 includes a first side wall 212. The first side wall 212 extends circumferentially about the valve axis 204. The first side wall 212 extends circumferentially about the valve axis 204 at a first radius 206. The first side wall 212 has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0084] The first side wall 212 defines a first opening 213. The first opening 213 is disposed at the manual pump 400 such that fluid can flow from the valve assembly 200 to and / or from the manual pump 400 via the first opening 213.

[0085] The valve body 202 includes a first end wall 214. The first end wall 214 extends away from the first side wall 212. The first end wall 214 extends radially outward from the first side wall 212. A first portion of the first side wall 212 extends away from the first end wall 214 toward the manual pump 400. The first portion of the first side wall 212 extends in a first axial direction. A second portion of the first side wall 212 extends away from the first end wall 214 toward the filter cartridge 150. The second portion of the first side wall 212 extends in a second axial direction that is opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the first end wall 214 is contiguous with the first side wall 212.

[0086] The valve body 202 includes a first passage wall 216. The first passage wall 216 extends away from the first end wall 214. The first passage wall 216 extends toward the manual pump 400. The first passage wall 216 extends in an axial direction substantially parallel to the first side wall 212. The first passage wall 216 is spaced apart from the first side wall 212. For example, the first passage wall 216 can be spaced apart from the first side wall 212 in a radial direction. In some embodiments, the first passage wall 216 is contiguous with the first end wall 214.

[0087] The first side wall 212, the first end wall 214, and the first passage wall 216 cooperate to define a first passage 218. The first passage 218 is sized to receive the first seal member 340. The first seal member 340 is configured to contact and engage the manual pump 400 such that the first seal member 340 forms a seal between the valve assembly 200 and the manual pump 400.

[0088] The valve body 202 includes a first center wall 230. The first center wall 230 extends inward from the first side wall 212. The first center wall 230 extends in a radial direction away from the first side wall 212 toward the valve axis 204. The first center wall 230 defines a center opening 232. The center opening 232 is sized to receive at least a portion of the second valve member 320 therein. In some embodiments, the first center wall 230 is continuous with the first side wall 212.

[0089] The first center wall 230 defines a first valve opening 234. The first valve opening 234 extends axially through the first center wall 230. The first valve opening 234 is sized to receive at least a portion of the first valve member 310. The first valve opening 234 is sized to receive the valve stem 318 therein. The first valve opening 234 is sized to prevent the valve head 314 and the valve shaft 316 from entering the first valve opening 234. In this way, the valve member 310 can be translated relative to the first center wall 230 along a length of the valve stem 318.

[0090] The first center wall 230 defines one or more fluid passages 236. The one or more fluid passages 236 extend axially through the first center wall 230. The one or more fluid passages 236 are disposed proximate the first valve opening 234. In example embodiments, the one or more fluid passages 236 are disposed circumferentially about the first valve opening 234 at a predetermined radius. The one or more fluid passages 236 enable fluid communication through the first center wall 230. More specifically, the one or more fluid passages 236 enable fluid communication between the internal volume 166 and the hand pump 400. The one or more fluid passages 236 are spaced apart from the center opening 232. For example, the one or more fluid passages 236 can be spaced apart from the center opening 232 in a radial direction.

[0091] The first center wall 230 defines a first valve sealing surface 238. The first valve member 310 is configured to selectively engage the first valve sealing surface 238. More specifically, the valve head 314 is configured to selectively engage the first valve sealing surface 238. When the first valve member 310 engages the first valve sealing surface 238, the first valve member 310 forms a seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more fluid passages 236. When the first valve member 310 disengages the first valve sealing surface 238, fluid can flow through the one or more fluid passages 236.

[0092] The valve body 202 includes a second sidewall 240. The second sidewall 240 extends away from the first center wall 230. The second sidewall 240 extends in an axial direction. The second sidewall 240 extends toward the filter cartridge 150 and away from the manual pump 400. The second sidewall 240 is substantially parallel to the first sidewall 212. The second sidewall 240 has a substantially irregular shape. For example, a first distance 208 (e.g., Figure 8 ) is greater than the second distance 209 between the valve axis 204 and the second portion of the second side wall 240 (as shown Figure 10 In some embodiments, the second side wall 240 is continuous with the first center wall 230 .

[0093] The valve body 202 includes a second central wall 242. The second central wall 242 extends away from the first central wall 230 at the opening 232. The second central wall 242 extends in an axial direction. The second central wall 242 extends away from the first end wall 214. The second central wall 242 is substantially parallel to the first side wall 212. The second central wall 242 is substantially parallel to the second side wall 240. In some embodiments, the second central wall 242 intersects and is continuous with the second side wall 240. In some embodiments, the second central wall 242 is continuous with the first central wall 230.

[0094] Valve body 202 includes a second end wall 250. Second end wall 250 extends away from second side wall 240. Second end wall 250 extends in a radial direction. A first portion of second end wall 250 extends outward from second side wall 240, away from valve axis 204. The first portion of second end wall 250 extends in a first radial direction. A second portion of second end wall 250 extends inward from second side wall 240, away from second side wall 240, toward valve axis 204. The second portion of second end wall 250 extends in a second radial direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, second end wall 250 is continuous with second side wall 240. In some embodiments, second end wall 250 is continuous with second center wall 242.

[0095] The valve body 202 includes a second channel first wall 254. The second channel first wall 254 extends away from the second end wall 250. The second channel first wall 254 extends toward the filter cartridge 150. The second channel first wall 254 extends substantially parallel to the second side wall 240 in the axial direction. In some embodiments, the second channel first wall 254 is continuous with the second end wall 250.

[0096] In some embodiments, second channel first wall 254 defines second opening 255 . Second opening 255 is provided at filter cartridge 150 so that fluid can flow from valve assembly 200 to filter cartridge 150 and / or from filter cartridge 150 to valve assembly 200 via first opening 213 .

[0097] The valve body 202 includes a second passage second wall 256. The second passage second wall 256 extends away from the second passage first wall 254. The second passage second wall 256 extends away from the valve axis 204. The second passage second wall 256 extends in a radial direction. The second passage second wall 256 is spaced apart from the second end wall 250. For example, the second passage second wall 256 can be spaced apart from the second end wall 250 in an axial direction. In some embodiments, the second passage second wall 256 is continuous with the second passage first wall 254.

[0098] The second end wall 250, the second passage first wall 254, and the second passage second wall 256 cooperate to define a second passage 258. The second passage 258 is sized to receive a second sealing member 350. The second sealing member 350 is configured to contact and engage the filter head 110 such that the second sealing member 350 forms a seal between the valve assembly 200 and the filter head 110.

[0099] The valve body 202 includes a valve wall 260. The valve wall 260 extends from the first end wall 214 to the second end wall 250. The valve wall 260 cooperates with the first central wall 230 to define the opening 232. In this way, the valve wall 260 extends from the first end wall 214, past the first central wall 230, to the second end wall 250. The valve wall 260 extends in an axial direction. The valve wall 260 is substantially parallel to the first side wall 212 and the second side wall 240. In some embodiments, the valve wall 260 intersects and is continuous with the first side wall 212 and the second side wall 240. In some embodiments, the valve wall 260 is continuous with the first end wall 214 and the second end wall 250. The valve wall 260 is separated from the first central wall 230 by the central opening 232.

[0100] The valve wall 260 defines a second valve opening 264. The second valve opening 264 extends radially through the valve wall 260. The second valve opening 264 is sized to receive at least a portion of the second valve member 320. The second valve opening 264 is sized to receive the valve neck 328 therein. The second valve opening 264 is sized to prevent the valve head 324 and the valve shaft 326 from entering the second valve opening 264. In this way, the valve member 320 can be translated relative to the valve wall 260 along a length of the valve neck 328.

[0101] The valve wall 260 defines one or more fluid passages 266. The one or more fluid passages 266 extend axially through the valve wall 260. The one or more fluid passages 266 are disposed proximate the second valve opening 264. In example embodiments, the one or more fluid passages 266 are disposed circumferentially about the first valve opening 264 at a predetermined radius. The one or more fluid passages 266 enable fluid communication through the valve wall 260. More specifically, the one or more fluid passages 266 enable fluid communication between the hand pump 400 and the second port 122.

[0102] The valve wall 260 defines a second valve sealing surface 268. The second valve member 320 is configured to selectively engage the second valve sealing surface 268. More specifically, the valve head 324 is configured to selectively engage the second valve sealing surface 268. When the second valve member 320 engages the second valve sealing surface 268, the second valve member 320 forms a seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more fluid passages 266. When the second valve member 320 disengages the second valve sealing surface 268, fluid can flow through the one or more fluid passages 266.

[0103] The valve body 202 defines a first chamber 280. The first central wall 230, the second central wall 242, the second side wall 240, and the second end wall 250 cooperate to define the first chamber 280 of the valve assembly 200. The first chamber 280 of the valve assembly 200 is in fluid receiving communication with the filter cartridge 150. The first chamber 280 of the valve assembly 200 is in fluid receiving communication with the interior volume 166 of the filter cartridge 150.

[0104] The valve body 202 defines a second chamber 282. The first side wall 212, the first central wall 230, the second central wall 242, the second end wall 250, and the valve wall 260 cooperate to define the second chamber 282 of the valve assembly 200. The second chamber 282 of the valve assembly 200 is in fluid receiving communication with the first chamber 280. The first chamber 280 of the valve assembly 200 is in fluid providing communication with the second chamber 282. The second chamber 282 of the valve assembly 200 is in fluid providing communication with the second port 122.

[0105] The first central wall 230 at least partially separates the first chamber 280 and the second chamber 282. The second central wall 242 at least partially separates the first chamber 280 and the second chamber 282. The second end wall 250 at least partially separates the first chamber 280 and the second chamber 282. The first chamber 280 of the valve assembly 200 is in fluid providing communication with the second chamber 282 via the one or more fluid passages 236. The second chamber 282 of the valve assembly 200 is in fluid receiving communication with the first chamber 280 via the one or more fluid passages 236.

[0106] The first valve member 310 can be selectively changed in position between a first valve member first position and a first valve member second position. In the first position, the first valve member 310 engages the first center wall 230 such that the first valve member 310 forms a first seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passages 236. In the second position, the first valve member 310 disengages the first center wall 230 such that fluid flow through the one or more first fluid passages 236 is permitted.

[0107] In an example embodiment, the first valve member 310 is positioned at least partially within the first valve opening 234 such that the valve head 314 is positioned toward the hand pump 400. When the fluid pressure (e.g., gas pressure, liquid pressure, etc.) in the second chamber 282 is less than the fluid pressure in the first chamber 280, the first valve member 310 is forced by the fluid pressure in the first chamber 280 away from the valve sealing surface 238 (e.g., toward the hand pump 400) such that the first valve member 310 disengages the first valve sealing surface 238. When the first valve member 310 disengages the first valve sealing surface 238, fluid flows from the first chamber 280 of higher pressure to the second chamber 282 of lower pressure.

[0108] In some embodiments, the fluid pressure in the second chamber 282 can be decreased relative to the fluid pressure in the first chamber 280 by way of the hand pump 400. For example, a user can manipulate the hand pump 400 to decrease the pressure in the second chamber 282 (e.g., relative to the fluid pressure in the first chamber 280).

[0109] The second valve member 320 can be selectively changed in position between a second valve member first position and a second valve member second position. In the first position, the second valve member 320 engages the valve wall 260 such that the second valve member 320 forms a first seal that substantially prevents fluid flow through the one or more second fluid passages 266. In the second position, the second valve member 320 disengages the valve wall 260 such that fluid flow through the one or more second fluid passages 266 is permitted.

[0110] In another example embodiment, the second valve member 320 is positioned at least partially within the second valve opening 264 such that the valve head 324 is positioned toward the second port 122. When the fluid pressure (e.g., gas pressure, liquid pressure, etc.) in the second chamber 282 is greater than the fluid pressure in the second port 122, the second valve member 320 is forced by the fluid pressure in the second chamber 282 away from the valve sealing surface 268 (e.g., toward the second port 122) such that the second valve member 320 disengages the second valve sealing surface 268. When the second valve member 320 disengages the second valve sealing surface 268, fluid flows from the second chamber 282 of higher pressure to the second port 122 of lower pressure.

[0111] In some embodiments, the fluid pressure in the second chamber 282 can be elevated relative to the fluid pressure in the second port 122 by way of the manual pump 400. For example, a user can manipulate the manual pump 400 to elevate the pressure in the second chamber 282 (e.g., relative to the fluid pressure in the second port 122).

[0112] It should be noted that the term "example" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to indicate that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary, unique, or extremely successful). It should be noted that the terms "substantial" and like terms as utilized herein are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage of such terms in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be noted that such terms are intended to allow for a certain amount of variation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, for example, as a result of natural variations and / or imperfections, manufacturing variations, and / or other factors. It should be noted that the terms "coupled" and the like, as utilized herein, are intended to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two members, for example, by way of an intervening member. Such coupling can be permanent or releasable.

[0113] As utilized herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and the like are intended to convey that a certain degree of inaccuracy or variability is acceptable and / or expected. As utilized herein, the terms "coupled" and the like are intended to mean the joining of two members that are coupled directly or indirectly to each other. Such coupling can be permanent or releasable.

[0114] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," and the like) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements can differ according to other example embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0115] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described, still other modifications, changes and substitutions can occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the novel teachings of the subject matter described herein. For example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced without departing from the subject matter described herein. Other steps can be performed or it can be decided that not all steps are necessary to achieve the desired results. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, changes and substitutions as fall within the scope and spirit of the concepts presented herein. In addition, while the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the embodiments described above could be made and still be encompassed by the scope and spirit of the concepts presented herein. While mutliple embodiments have been disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description, which is intended to be illustrative only. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the concepts presented herein should not be limited by the description of the preferred embodiments above, but rather by the claims that follow.

[0116] While the specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or application, but as merely providing illustrations of the particular implementations of the features. Some features described in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Claims

1. A valve assembly comprising: A valve body, the valve body comprising: a first central wall defining a first valve opening, one or more first fluid passages, and a valve central opening, and a valve wall defining a second valve opening and one or more second fluid passages, the valve wall being spaced apart from the first central wall by the valve central opening, wherein the valve body defines a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being separated from the second chamber by at least the first central wall; a first valve member disposed at the first valve opening, the first valve member selectively positionable between a first valve member first position in which the first valve member engages the first center wall such that the first valve member forms a first seal that substantially prevents fluid from flowing through the one or more first fluid passageways, and a first valve member second position in which the first valve member disengages the first center wall such that fluid is permitted to flow through the one or more first fluid passageways; and A second valve member is disposed at the second valve opening.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein The one or more first fluid passages are spaced apart from the valve central opening.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein The one or more first fluid passages are disposed proximate to the first valve opening.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein The first valve member includes a valve head, and the first valve member is at least partially positioned within the first valve opening so that when the second fluid pressure in the second chamber is less than the first fluid pressure in the first chamber, the first valve member is forced away from the first center wall, causing the first valve member to disengage from the first center wall.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein The second valve member is capable of selectively changing position between a second valve member first position, in which the second valve member engages the valve wall such that the second valve member forms a second seal, the second seal substantially preventing fluid from flowing through the one or more second fluid passages, and a second valve member second position in which the second valve member disengages the valve wall such that fluid is allowed to flow through the one or more second fluid passages.

6. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The valve assembly defines a valve axis, and the valve assembly further comprises: a first sidewall extending circumferentially about the valve axis, the first center wall extending inwardly from the first sidewall; a first end wall extending radially outward from the first side wall away from the valve axis, a first portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a first axial direction, and a second portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; a second side wall extending away from the first central wall; a second central wall extending away from the first central wall at the valve central opening; and A second end wall extends away from the second side wall and away from the valve axis.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The first central wall, the second central wall, the second side wall, and the second end wall cooperate to define the first chamber.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein The first side wall, the first center wall, the second center wall, the second end wall, and the valve wall cooperate to define the second chamber.

9. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-5 and 7-8, wherein: The second chamber is in fluid receiving communication with the first chamber via the one or more first fluid passages.

10. A filtration system comprising: a filter head defining an outlet port and a central port extending through the outlet port; a filter cartridge removably coupled to the filter head; a manual pump coupled to the filter head; as well as a valve assembly disposed in the central port, the valve assembly comprising: A valve body, the valve body comprising: a first central wall defining a first valve opening, one or more first fluid passages, and a valve central opening, and a valve wall defining a second valve opening and one or more second fluid passages, the valve wall being spaced apart from the first central wall by the valve central opening, wherein the valve body defines a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being separated from the second chamber by at least the first central wall, and the second chamber being in fluid communication with the outlet port; a first valve member disposed at the first valve opening, the first valve member selectively positionable between a first valve member first position in which the first valve member engages the first center wall such that the first valve member forms a first seal that substantially prevents fluid from flowing through the one or more first fluid passageways, and a first valve member second position in which the first valve member disengages the first center wall such that fluid is permitted to flow through the one or more first fluid passageways; and A second valve member is disposed at the second valve opening.

11. The filtration system according to claim 10, wherein: The first chamber is in fluid communication with the filter cartridge, and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the hand pump.

12. The filtration system according to claim 11, wherein: The hand pump is configured to: selectively reducing a second fluid pressure in the second chamber relative to a first fluid pressure in the first chamber; and The second fluid pressure in the second chamber is selectively increased relative to a third fluid pressure in the outlet port.

13. The filtration system according to claim 12, wherein: The first valve member is configured to move from the first valve member first position to the first valve member second position when the second fluid pressure in the second chamber is less than the first fluid pressure in the first chamber.

14. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein: the second valve member being selectively positionable between a first second valve member position in which the second valve member engages the valve wall such that the second valve member forms a second seal that substantially prevents fluid from flowing through the one or more second fluid passageways, and a second second valve member position in which the second valve member disengages the valve wall such that fluid is permitted to flow through the one or more second fluid passageways; as well as The second valve member is configured to move from the second valve member first position to the second valve member second position when the second fluid pressure in the second chamber is greater than the third fluid pressure in the outlet port.

15. The filtration system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: The valve assembly defines a valve axis, and the valve assembly further comprises: a first sidewall extending circumferentially about the valve axis, the first center wall extending inwardly from the first sidewall; a first end wall extending radially outward from the first side wall away from the valve axis, a first portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a first axial direction, and a second portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; a second side wall extending away from the first central wall; a second central wall extending away from the first central wall at the valve central opening; and A second end wall extends away from the second side wall and away from the valve axis.

16. The filtration system according to claim 15, further comprising: a first channel wall extending away from the first end wall and being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall, wherein the first side wall, the first end wall, and the first channel wall cooperate to define a first channel; as well as The first passage is sized to receive a first sealing member, the first sealing member being configured to contact and engage the manual pump such that the first sealing member forms a seal between the valve assembly and the manual pump.

17. The filtration system according to claim 16, further comprising: a second channel first wall extending away from the second end wall toward the filter cartridge; a second passage second wall extending away from the second passage first wall and away from the valve axis, the second passage second wall being spaced apart from the second end wall, wherein the second end wall, the second passage first wall, and the second passage second wall cooperate to define a second passage; as well as The second passage is sized to receive a second sealing member, the second sealing member being configured to contact and engage the filter head such that the second sealing member forms a seal between the valve assembly and the filter head.

18. A filter head for a filtration system, the filter head comprising: a filter head body defining an outlet port and a central port extending through the outlet port; a valve assembly disposed in the central port, the valve assembly comprising: A valve body, the valve body comprising: a first central wall defining a first valve opening, one or more first fluid passages, a valve central opening, and a valve wall defining a second valve opening and one or more second fluid passages, the valve wall being spaced apart from the first central wall by the valve central opening, wherein the valve body defines a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being separated from the second chamber by at least the first central wall, and the second chamber being in fluid communication with the outlet port; a first valve member disposed at the first valve opening, the first valve member selectively positionable between a first valve member first position in which the first valve member engages the first center wall such that the first valve member forms a first seal that substantially prevents fluid from flowing through the one or more first fluid passageways, and a first valve member second position in which the first valve member disengages the first center wall such that fluid is permitted to flow through the one or more first fluid passageways; and A second valve member is disposed at the second valve opening.

19. The filter head according to claim 18, further comprising a manual pump, wherein The hand pump and the valve assembly are removably coupled to the filter head body.

20. The filter head according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The valve assembly defines a valve axis, and the valve assembly further comprises: a first sidewall extending circumferentially about the valve axis, the first center wall extending inwardly from the first sidewall; a first end wall extending radially outward from the first side wall away from the valve axis, a first portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a first axial direction, and a second portion of the first side wall extending away from the first end wall in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; a second side wall extending away from the first central wall; a second central wall extending away from the first central wall at the valve central opening; and a second end wall extending away from the valve axis away from the second side wall; wherein the first central wall, the second central wall, the second side wall, and the second end wall cooperate to define the first chamber; wherein the first side wall, the first center wall, the second center wall, the second end wall, and the valve wall cooperate to define the second chamber; and The second chamber is in fluid receiving communication with the first chamber via the one or more first fluid passages.

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