FILTER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter assembly (1) for a windshield washer fluid reservoir (10). The assembly comprises a tubular part (2) to be connected to a pump and a hollow filter element (3) with an inlet fixed to the tubular part (2) and in fluidic communication with it. The hollow filter element (3) is configured, when inserted through a hole in the windshield washer fluid reservoir (10), to adopt an insertion configuration (3a), in which it is folded to at least partially surround the tubular part (2). The hollow filter element (3) is configured to elastically return to an operating configuration, in which it protrudes radially from the tubular part (2). Figure for the abstract: FIG. 8.

Description

Title of the invention: FILTER ASSEMBLY Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to filter assemblies. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to filter assemblies for windshield washer fluid reservoirs. Technical background

[0002] Filter assemblies for liquid tanks are known and normally comprise a hollow filter element located inside the tank, which is connected to a pump to draw the liquid from the tank into the pump via the filter element. This hollow filter element normally includes a rigid support structure that prevents the filter element from collapsing when subjected to a negative differential pressure. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a filter assembly that is easier to install.

[0004] The invention relates to a filter assembly, for example for a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the assembly comprising a hollow filter element configured, when inserted through a hole in the windshield washer fluid reservoir, to adopt an insertion configuration, in which it is folded, and to return elastically to an operating configuration, in which it protrudes radially.

[0005] The filter assembly may include a tubular part to be connected to a pump. The hollow filter element may include an inlet. The inlet may be fixed to the tubular part and / or may be in fluidic communication with the tubular part.

[0006] The hollow filter element can be bent to at least partially surround the tubular part in the insertion configuration. The hollow filter element can protrude radially from the tubular part in the operating configuration.

[0007] The invention also relates to a filter assembly for a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the assembly comprising: a tubular part to be connected to a pump; and a hollow filter element with an inlet fixed to the tubular part and in fluidic communication with it; the hollow filter element being configured, when inserted through a hole in the windshield washer fluid reservoir, to adopt an insertion configuration, in which it is folded to at least partially surround the tubular part, and to return elastically to an operating configuration, in which it protrudes radially relative to the tubular part.

[0008] The hollow filter element may be formed of at least one sheet, for example a pair of sheets. One or more parts or regions of the sheet(s), for example a or several peripheral parts or regions, can be fixed to one another. The sheets can be fixed to one another along their periphery.

[0009] More specifically, the hollow filter element can be formed from a pair of leaves fixed to each other along their periphery.

[0010] The tubular part may include a spacer. The spacer may extend into or inside the hollow filter element, for example to prevent it from collapsing or sagging.

[0011] More specifically, the tubular part may include a spacer extending into the hollow filter element to prevent it from collapsing or sagging.

[0012] The spacer may be provided or formed by an extension of the tubular part. The extension may comprise one or more, for example a plurality, of projections or ridges that may be circumferentially spaced. The extension may comprise one or more, for example a plurality, of valleys or interruptions that may be circumferentially spaced. The extension may comprise a series of alternating projections or ridges and valleys or interruptions, for example on its circumference or periphery.

[0013] The extension may comprise a series of spacer fins, which may be circumferentially spaced around the tubular part. The spacer fins may be oriented radially or radiate around the tubular part. The spacer fins may be radially connected to each other. The extension may provide or define flow channels between the spacer fins. The extension may be serrated.

[0014] More specifically, the spacer can be provided by a crenellated extension of the tubular part.

[0015] The assembly may include a dip tube. The dip tube may include one end, for example a first end, which may be connected to the tubular part. The dip tube may be inserted or housed within the tubular part. The dip tube may also be welded to the tubular part. In some examples, the dip tube may be removably connected to the tubular part, for example by a bayonet fitting, a threaded fitting, or any other suitable fitting. The connection between the dip tube and the tubular part may include a sealing means, such as an O-ring.

[0016] The dip tube may include one end, for example a second end, which may have a sealing means, for example for a watertight seal with the hole in the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Alternatively, the sealing means may be located between the ends of the dip tube, for example along at least part of its length. Those skilled in the art will understand that Several other arrangements are also possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0017] The dip tube can have a length that can be configured to position the hollow filter element next to a bottom of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

[0018] More specifically, the assembly may include a dip tube with a first end which is connected to the tubular part and a second end with a sealing means for a tight engagement with the hole in the windshield washer fluid reservoir, wherein the dip tube has a length configured to position the hollow filter element next to a bottom of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

[0019] The sealing means may include a gasket or a sealing washer. The dip tube may include a head, which may be enlarged. The sealing means may be located between the head and the tubular part. The sealing means may be configured to be gripped and / or crushed, during use, between the tank and the head of the dip tube, for example, to seal the assembly to the tank. The head may be configured to be connected to a pump.

[0020] To avoid any doubt, all the features described herein also apply to every aspect of the invention.

[0021] In the context of this application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be considered independently or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way, unless such features are incompatible.

[0022] To avoid ambiguity, the terms "may," "and / or," "for example," and any other similar terms used in this document shall be interpreted as non-limiting, so that not every feature so described is necessarily present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not they are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to amend any claim originally filed or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any claim originally filed to depend on and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim even if it was not originally claimed in that manner. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] illustrates a perspective view of a filter assembly for a windshield washer fluid reservoir seen from above;

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective view of a filter assembly for a Windscreen washer fluid reservoir seen from below;

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of the figures 1 and 2;

[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a perspective view of the filtering section of the assembly filter of figures 1 to 3;

[0028] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates a perspective view of the filtering section of [Fig.4], the lowest part of the lower sheet being omitted to show the crenellated spacer of the tubular piece;

[0029] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a perspective view of the filter assembly of Figures 1 a 3 just before it is inserted into the hole in the tank;

[0030] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the arrangement illustrated in [Fig.6];

[0031] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates a view similar to that of [Fig.7] showing the whole of the filter when it is inserted into the reservoir opening;

[0032] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates a view similar to those in Figures 7 and 8 showing the entire filter assembly installed completely inside the tank. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] Referring now to figures 1 to 6, we can see a filter assembly 1 for a windshield washer fluid reservoir 10. The assembly includes a tubular part 2, a hollow filter element 3 with an inlet fixed to, and in fluidic communication with, the tubular part 2 and a dip tube 4 with a first end 40 which is fitted or housed in the tubular part 2 and a second end 41 to be connected to a pump (not shown).

[0034] However, in some examples, the dip tube 4 may be integrated or connected to the tubular part 2 in another way, for example by welding, bayonet fitting, or threaded connection, and / or may include a sealing means, such as an O-ring. In fact, those skilled in the art will understand that the piston tube 4 may be omitted, the pump being connected to the tubular part 2 in another way.

[0035] The hollow filter element 3 is formed of a pair of sheets 30, 31 fixed to each other along their periphery 30a, 31a. The sheets 30, 31 are formed of a filter material and comprise a substantially flat upper sheet 30 and a lower sheet lower 31 describing a recess 32 to create a space between the leaves 30, 31 so that the hollow filter element 3 describes an envelope.

[0036] The tubular part 2 includes a radial flange 20 which captures the upper sheet 30 of the hollow filter element 3 in a sealed manner, thus describing an inlet of the hollow filter element 3. In this example, the tubular part 2 includes a spacer 21 which extends into the hollow filter element 3 to prevent it from collapsing.

[0037] The spacer 21 of the tubular part 2 is provided by a crenellated extension 22, which extends from the radial flange 20 into the hollow filter element 3. More specifically, and as shown in [Fig. 5], the crenellated extension 22 is formed by a series of spacer fins 23 spaced circumferentially around the tubular part 2 to define flow channels 24 between them. The spacer fins 23 keep the leaves 30, 31 separated from each other while allowing the fluid to flow through the flow channels 24.

[0038] In this example, the dip tube 4 comprises a sealing means 42 and an enlarged head 43, and the sealing means 42 is in the form of a sealing washer located between the enlarged head 43 and the tubular part 2. Alternatively, the sealing means 42 may be located along at least part of its length. Those skilled in the art will understand that several other arrangements are also possible.

[0039] Referring now to Figures 7 to 9, it can be seen that the hollow filter element 3 is configured, when inserted through a hole 11 into the windshield washer fluid reservoir 10, to adopt an insertion configuration 3a (illustrated in [Fig.8]), in which it is folded to at least partially surround the tubular part 2. As shown in [Fig.9], the hollow filter element 3 is further configured to return elastically to an operating configuration 3b, in which it protrudes radially from the tubular part 2.

[0040] As shown in [Fig.9], the dip tube 4 has a length L configured to position the hollow filter element 3 next to a bottom 12 of the windshield washer fluid reservoir 10. In addition, the sealing means 42 is captured and compressed between the reservoir 10 and the enlarged head 43 of the dip tube 4 to seal the assembly 1 to the reservoir 10. The enlarged head 43 is configured to be connected to a pump (not shown).

[0041] Throughout the description, the words "include" and "contain" and their variations mean "including but not limited to," and they are not intended to include (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, or whole or partial components. Throughout the description, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood as considering plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0042] The features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention shall be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this document, unless inconsistent with it. List of reference signs

[0043] 1 filter set

[0044] 10 windshield washer fluid reservoir

[0045] 2 tubular pieces

[0046] 20 radial flange

[0047] 21 spacer

[0048] 22 crenellated extension

[0049] 23 spacing fin

[0050] 24 flow channel

[0051] 3 hollow filter element

[0052] 30 top sheet

[0053] 30a periphery of the upper sheet

[0054] 31 lower sheet

[0055] 31a periphery of the lower sheet

[0056] 32 recess

[0057] 4 dip tube

[0058] 40 first end

[0059] 41 second end

[0060] 42 sealing means

[0061] 43 enlarged head

Claims

Demands

1. Filter assembly (1) for a windshield washer fluid reservoir (10), the assembly comprising: a tubular part (2) to be connected to a pump; and a hollow filter element (3) with an inlet fixed to the tubular part (2) and in fluidic communication with it; the hollow filter element (3) being configured, when inserted through a hole (11) into the windshield washer fluid reservoir (10), to adopt an insertion configuration (3a), in which it is bent to at least partially surround the tubular part (2), and to elastically return to an operating configuration (3b), in which it protrudes radially from the tubular part (2).

2. Filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hollow filter element (3) is formed of a pair of sheets (30, 31) fixed to each other along their periphery (30a, 31a).

3. Filter assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tubular part (2) includes a spacer (21) extending into the hollow filter element (3) to prevent it from collapsing.

4. Filter assembly (1) according to claim 3 in which the spacer (21) is provided by a notched extension (22) of the tubular part (2).

5. Filter assembly (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein one or the extension (22) provided by the spacer (21) comprises a series of spacer fins (23) spaced circumferentially around the tubular piece (2) to define flow channels between said spacer fins (23).

6. Filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a dip tube (4) with a first end (40) which is connected to the tubular part (2) and a second end (41) with a sealing means (42) for a tight engagement with the hole (11) in the windshield washer fluid reservoir (10), in which the dip tube (4) has a length (L) configured to position the hollow filter element (3) next to a bottom (12) of the windshield washer fluid reservoir (10).

7. Filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, in which the dip tube (4) includes a head (43), in which the sealing means (42) is located between the head (43) and the tubular part (2), and in which the sealing means (42) is configured to be captured and / or crushed between the windshield washer fluid reservoir (10) and the head (43) of the dip tube (4), during use, to seal said filter assembly (1) to said windshield washer fluid reservoir (10).

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