Filter cartridge and mounting mechanism

Abstract

To provide a filter cartridge having end caps that are both removable and less prone to leakage.SOLUTION: A filter cartridge includes a filter body, and an end plug having a neck portion disposed in a first end of the filter body. The end plug includes peripheral seals disposed on its neck portions and is configured to move axially with respect to the filter body in response to forces generated by fluid pressure within the filter body during operation of the filter cartridge to force a face seal and the end plug against a seat on a filter cartridge holder. The filter cartridge holder includes first and second platens that are spaced apart from each other to receive the filter cartridge and a clamp mechanism that can be actuated to reduce the axial spacing between the first and second platens to compress the face seal of the filter cartridge between them.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a filter cartridge and retention mechanism. More specifically, the present invention relates to a filter cartridge and retention mechanism for removably mounting the filter cartridge in a fluid filtration system. The present invention further relates to a filtration system having such a filter cartridge system, and a method of installing and operating such a filtration system. [Background technology]

[0002] (Discussion of Related Art) Filter cartridges for filtering liquids, including, but not limited to, drinking water, are well known in the art. They are known to include a tubular housing in which a filtration medium or device is placed and end caps closing both ends of the tubular housing. One end cap may include a liquid port for delivering untreated liquid to the filter cartridge, and the other end cap may include a liquid port for delivering treated liquid from the filter cartridge. Alternatively, one end cap may deliver untreated liquid to the cartridge and receive treated liquid from the cartridge, and the other end cap is a sealed cap or a blanking cap. In the case of a reverse osmosis (RO) filter cartridge, one or both end plugs may also include another port for transporting waste or wash liquid from the RO filter cartridge.

[0003] In known cases, the end caps are generally welded, glued, pinned or screwed to the end of the tubular housing. In the case of welding or gluing, the caps cannot be removed without destroying the caps and / or the housing. Filter cartridges with welded or glued end caps cannot be reused or reprocessed, i.e., they cannot be cleaned and repaired with new seals or other replaceable components as needed. Cartridges with processed end caps are more easily reused, but they tend to be leaky and prone to bacteria at the threads, especially if not installed correctly. Their treads also present a surface that is difficult to clean, which prevents the cartridges from being reused. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional filter cartridges often have complicated ports / connections that require the installer to properly connect two or more fittings, which introduces the risk of leaks due to human error. The fittings themselves can also malfunction and leak.

[0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a filter cartridge having removable, leak-resistant end caps that allow for both reliability and reusability of the filter cartridge.

[0006] There is also a need for a filter cartridge retention mechanism that holds the filter cartridge in place and helps form a seal at the ends of the filter cartridge during operation.

[0007] There is also a need for a filter cartridge that can be reliably installed by an operator with minimal skill without having to handle fittings for the filter cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (Summary of the Invention) In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, one or more of these needs are met by providing a filter cartridge including a filter body having a first end and a second end. An end plug is disposed at the first end of the filter body. The functional end plug includes at least one port formed at an outer axial end thereof and a face seal configured to surround the port and seal against a seat of a retention assembly. The end port is open to the interior of the filter cartridge. At least one peripheral seal is disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the plug and an inner circumferential surface of a housing. The end plug is configured and dimensioned to move axially outward under a force generated by hydraulic pressure within the filter cartridge to force the face seal into sealing engagement with the seat of a retention assembly.

[0009] The end plug can be a first end plug, and a second end plug can be exposed at the second end of the filter body. The second end plug can include no port or can include at least one port formed in its outer axial end and a face seal configured to surround the port and seal with a seat of the filter housing assembly. Like the first end plug, the second end plug is configured and dimensioned to move axially outward in response to a linear force generated by hydraulic pressure within the filter cartridge to force the face seal into sealing engagement with an associated seat of the filter housing assembly.

[0010] One or more peripheral seals may be disposed between each end plug and the tubular body. The seals may be inserted into grooves in the outer circumferential surface of the end plug or into internal grooves in the tube body and may move axially with the end plug. Alternatively, the seals may be inserted into internal grooves in the tubular body and allow the end plugs to move past the seals attached to the tube body.

[0011] Each end plug may include an outer portion having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the filter body and an inner neck portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer portion and smaller than the inner diameter of the filter body. Each end plug may further include a stepped portion disposed between the outer portion and the inner neck portion and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the inner neck portion and smaller than the diameter of the outer portion. As a result, a recess is aligned with the stepped portion and disposed between the outer portion of the end plug and each end of the filter body. The recess is capable of receiving a tool for removing the end plug from the filter body.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention involves a method of forming such a filter cartridge by attaching end plugs to corresponding ends of the filter body.

[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a filter cartridge holder for a filter cartridge includes first and second axially spaced apart platens each presenting a retaining and sealing surface for engaging a respective end of the filter cartridge, and a clamping mechanism selectively operable to vary the spacing between the first and second platens to capture the filter cartridge between the first and second retaining surfaces.

[0014] The clamping mechanism can include upper and lower axially spaced apart disc plates and an intermediate moving disc plate disposed between the first and second disc plates, wherein movement of the moving disc plate moves the upper disc plate away from the lower disc plate in the axial direction of the filter cartridge to increase spacing between the first and second platens.

[0015] The clamping mechanism may include a cam mechanism between the intermediate moving disc plate and at least one of the upper and lower disc plates, the cam may include a cam follower including a ball and a cam including an angled groove formed on one or both sides of the moving disc plate and on one or both of the upper and lower disc plates.

[0016] Also disclosed is a filtration assembly having one or more filter cartridges and / or one or more filter holders configured as described herein.

[0017] These and other objects, advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. The specific objects and advantages described herein apply only to certain embodiments falling within the scope of the claims and therefore do not define the scope of the invention. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. Such embodiments do not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention and are therefore described in the context of the claims herein to interpret the scope of the invention.

[0018] Preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a semi-exploded isometric view of a filtration system having multiple filter cartridges removably mounted therein, in accordance with the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one of the filter cartridges of FIG. 1 and its associated filter cartridge holder in an open position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the filter cartridge of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge of FIGS. 2 and 3 aligned with an associated filter cartridge holder in an open position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 with the filter cartridge holder in the closed position. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is an exploded isometric view of the cam mechanism. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the cam mechanism of FIG. 7A in a closed position. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the cam mechanism of FIGS. 7A and 7B in an open position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper end of the filter cartridge of FIGS. 2-4 taken along line 8-8. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of the upper portion of the filter cartridge of FIGS. 2-4 and 8 and the adjacent stationary platen of the filter cartridge holder. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 showing another filter cartridge of the filtration system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 showing the filter cartridge of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, a filtration system 10 configured to treat a fluid, such as water, is shown. The filtration system 10 includes a housing 12 that encloses at least one cavity 14 that houses one or more filter cartridges 16 for filtering the fluid. Although four filter cartridges 16A-16D are provided in this embodiment, the invention is applicable to systems having only one cartridge, as well as to systems having two, three, four or more. The cartridges 16A-16D may be identical or may contain different media and / or may be of different types. For example, one or more of the cartridges 16A-16D may contain a granular media, such as activated carbon, or additional cartridges could have a porous membrane filter or a mechanical filter, and still other cartridges could be reverse osmosis (RO) type filters. In this embodiment, the filter cartridge 16D is a three-port RO filter cartridge, and the remaining filter cartridges 16A-16C are more conventional two-port filter cartridges. The housing 12 includes an access hatch or door 18 that, when removed, allows access to the cavity 14 housing the cartridges 16A-16D. The housing 12 may include additional cavities housing other components, such as electrical components, a controller, etc. FIG. 1 shows one filter cartridge 16B removed from the filtration system 10, with the remaining filter cartridges 16A, 16C, and 16D being held by a filter cartridge holder 20. The filter cartridge 16B and its associated holder 20 are described in more detail below. The housing 12 further includes a first port 13, a second port 15, and a third port 17. For example, the first port 13 can be an inlet port 13 for untreated fluid, the second port 15 can be an outlet port 15 for treated fluid, and the third port 17 can be a drain port 17 for waste liquid, such as waste water or wash water.

[0022] 2 shows an isometric view of a filter cartridge 16B and associated holder 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the description of filter cartridge 16B applies equally to filter cartridges 16A and 16C, and the description of filter cartridge holder 20 applies equally to all filter cartridge holders. Filter cartridge 16 includes a tubular filter body 22 having an open first upper end 26, an open second or lower end 30, and an inner peripheral wall 60 adjacent a hollow interior in which a filtration media (not shown) is disposed. The upper and lower ends 26 and 30 of the filter body are closed by a first upper end plug 24 and a second lower end plug 28, respectively. All of these components are typically formed from plastic, although some or all of them could be formed from metal. Each end plug 24, 28 may include a fluid port 32, 34, respectively, that opens into a respective flow passage extending through the plug 24, 28 into the interior of the filter body 22 to allow fluid to enter and exit the filter cartridge 16 in a manner known per se. It is also contemplated that more than one port and associated flow passage may be formed in one or both of the plugs 24 or 28, and that other plugs may be devoid of ports.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4-6 and 8, each end plug 24, 28 of the filter cartridge 16B includes a respective narrow inner neck portion 36, 38 housed within the filter body and a relatively wider cap portion 40, 42 disposed externally of the filter body 22. The inner neck portion 36 of the first end plug 24 is configured to be disposed within the filter body 22 at a first end 26 of the first end plug. Similarly, the inner neck portion 38 of the second end plug 28 is configured to be disposed within the filter body 22 at a second end 30 of the second end plug. The outer periphery of the neck portions 36, 38 is sealed against the inner periphery of the filter body 22, as described below, and is capable of axial movement within the filter body 22 similar to the manner in which a piston moves within a cylinder. As a result, the end plugs 24, 28 are capable of axial movement relative to the filter body 22 in response to forces acting thereon.

[0024] 4-6 and 8, each end plug 24, 28 may further include a stepped portion 45, 47 disposed between the respective cap portion 40, 42 and the respective neck portion 36, 38. Each stepped portion 45, 47 has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the filter body 22. As a result, the stepped portions 45, 47 and the respective neck portions 36, 38 are adjacent at a location forming a respective step 44, 46. The step 44 forms a surface that can abut the first end 26 of the filter body 22 and prevents the first end plug 24 from being overinserted into the filter body 22. Similarly, the step 46 forms a surface that can abut the second end 30 of the filter body 22 and prevents the second end plug 28 from being overinserted into the filter body 22.

[0025] Also, the stepped portions 45, 47 are configured to have an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the cap portions 40, 42. Similarly, the outer surfaces of the stepped portions 45, 47 are recessed inwardly from the outer surfaces of the cap portions 40, 42. As a result, when the end plugs 24, 28 are attached to the ends 26, 30 of the filter body 22 and the steps 44, 46 contact or are minimally spaced from the ends 26, 30 of the filter body 22, recesses 49, 51 are formed between the cap portions 40, 42 and the ends 26, 30 of the filter body 22. The recesses 49, 51 each have a height at least equal to the height of the respective stepped portions 45, 47. Each recess 49, 51 is in the form of a disassembly notch or groove forming a space configured to receive a tool, such as a puller, or part of a tool, to remove the end plugs 24, 28 from the ends of the filter body 22 without damaging the end plugs 24, 28, the filter body 22, or any seals described below.

[0026] 4-8, one or more circumferential seals 48, 50 are disposed between the outer circumferential surface 56, 58 of the neck 36, 38 of each end plug 24, 28 and the inner circumferential surface of the filter body 22. In the illustrated embodiment, each seal 48, 50 comprises an elastomeric O-ring disposed within a respective groove 52, 54 formed in the outer surface 56, 58 of the respective end plug 24, 28. Although the exemplary embodiment of the invention shows a first radial seal 48a, 50a and a second circumferential seal 48b, 50b disposed on the neck 36, 38 of each end plug 24, 28, alternative embodiments of the invention may employ any number of seals 48, 50 attached to the associated end plug neck, filter body 22, or a combination thereof.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first perimeter seal 48a, 50a and the second perimeter seal 48b, 50b act together to form a seal between the necks 36, 38 of the end plugs 24, 28 and the interior surface 60 of the filter body 22 to prevent fluid from leaking between the end plugs 24, 28 and the filter body 22. Additionally, the seals are capable of moving with the plugs 24, 28 as they move axially within the filter body 22, as will be described in more detail below.

[0028] As mentioned above, the outer diameter of the necks 36, 38 is smaller than the inner diameter of the filter body 22 to allow the end plugs 24, 28 to be inserted into the ends 26, 30 of the filter body 22. As shown in the exploded isometric view of FIG. 9, the outer diameter of the perimeter seals 48, 50 is configured to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the necks 36, 38 and the inner diameter of the filter body 22 when the end plugs 24, 28 are not disposed within the filter body 22. However, during installation of the end plugs 24, 28 into the ends 26, 30 of the filter body 22, the perimeter seals 48, 50 are compressed to conform to the inner diameter of the filter body 22 and form a seal between the necks 36, 38 of the end plugs 24, 28 and the inner surface 60 of the filter body 22. The end plugs 24, 28 can be removed from the filter body 22 via a tool such as a puller during regeneration, and the elastic nature of the perimeter seals 48, 50 allows them to expand back to an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the filter body 22.

[0029] One or both of the end plugs 24, 28 may also include a face seal. In the illustrated embodiment, both end plugs 24, 28 include face seals 62, 64 disposed on distal end faces 66, 68 of the respective end plugs 24, 28. As illustrated, the face seal 62 of the first end plug 24 surrounds the fluid port 32 of the first end plug 24, while the face seal 64 of the second end plug 28 surrounds the fluid port 34 of the second end plug 28. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the face seals 62, 64 are disposed within recessed grooves formed in the end faces 66, 68 of the respective end plugs 24, 28. Similarly, the face seals 62, 64 form a seal between the distal end faces 66, 68 of the end plugs 24, 28 and respective retaining faces 70, 72 of the filter cartridge holder 20. As a result, the retaining faces 70, 72 act as a seat for the face seals 62, 64. Each face seal 62, 64 includes a resilient ring that fits within a groove in the end of the distal end face 66, 68 of the associated plug.

[0030] During operation, as untreated fluid enters the filter cartridge through one of the fluid ports 32, 34 of the end plugs 24, 28, internal fluid pressure builds within the filter cartridge 16. As internal fluid pressure builds within the filter cartridge 16, a resultant linear force is applied to the end plugs 24, 28. Once the linear force applied to the end plugs 24, 28 overcomes the retention force created between the perimeter seals 48, 50 and the inner surface 60 of the filter body 22, the end plugs 24, 28 may begin to move axially toward the retention surfaces 70, 72. As the end plugs 24, 28 move axially toward the retention surfaces 70, 72, the face seals 62, 64 are compressed to strengthen the seal between the face seals 62, 64 and the retention surfaces 70, 72. The perimeter seals 48, 50 maintain the seal between the end plugs 24, 28 and the filter body 22 while also allowing movement of the end plugs 24, 28 toward the retention surfaces 70, 72. Similarly, the face seals 62, 64 are compressed to form a strong, secure seal between the face seals 62, 64 and the retention surfaces 70, 72. As such, the sealing force provided by the face seals 62, 64 increases with the fluid pressure within the filter cartridge 16C and the resulting linear force applied to the end plugs 24, 28. That is, the increasing fluid pressure within the filter cartridge 16C helps maintain compression of the face seals 62, 64 and prevent leakage.

[0031] After operation and removal from the holder 20, the end plugs 24, 28 can be pulled from the filter body 22 without damaging the filter body 22, the end plugs 24, 28 or the seals 48, 50, 62, 64. As a result, the entire filter cartridge can be cleaned, repaired and reassembled as necessary.

[0032] During operation, the face seals 62, 64 are preferably compressed 20% to 25% to maintain a reliable seal between the face seals 62, 64 and the retention surfaces 70, 72 without damaging the face seals 62, 64. Compressing the face seals 62, 64 less than 20% can result in leakage in the seal between the face seals 62, 64 and the retention surfaces 70, 72. On the other hand, compressing the face seals 62, 64 more than 25% can result in damage to the face seals 62, 64. The face seals 62, 64 and end plugs 24, 28 can be sized such that a fluid pressure of less than 20 psi within the filter cartridge 16 results in a linear force being applied to the end plugs 24, 28 to compress the face seals 62, 64 in the 20% to 25% range discussed above.

[0033] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the filter body 22 is 50 mm, which is 1963.5 mm. 2 (3in 2 2. The first end 26 of the filter body 22 has an area of ​​3 in. 2 For a filter body 22 having an area of ​​3 in. 2 × fluid pressure. More specifically, a fluid pressure of 20 psi within the filter cartridge 16 will result in a linear force of 60 lb acting on the end plugs 24, 28. As a result, the resulting linear force acting on the end plugs 24, 28 due to the inherent fluid pressure within the filter cartridge 16 can be increased or decreased by adjusting the area of ​​the first and second ends 26, 30 of the filter body 22.

[0034] 2, the holder 20 of the filtration system 10 includes a first upper platen 74 and a second lower platen 76. The lower surface of the upper platen 74 forms the retaining surface 70 described above, while the upper surface of the lower platen 76 forms the retaining surface 72 described above. The upper platen 74 is attached to a support frame 78, while the lower platen 76 is attached to a below-described upper disk plate 108 of the clamping mechanism 80. The upper and lower platens 74 and 76 are spaced apart from each other by a distance configured to easily accommodate a filter cartridge, e.g., filter cartridge 16C, between the platens 74, 76. The support frame 78 is formed from two connecting portions 78a, 78b whose positions can be adjusted relative to each other as needed to accommodate the height of the filter cartridge 16.

[0035] Each platen 74, 76 may also include one or more guides extending perpendicular to the respective retention surfaces 70, 72. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the guides are located adjacent the edges of the platens 74, 76 to assist in horizontally positioning the filter cartridge 16 between the retention surfaces 70, 72.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the upper platen 74 is fixedly mounted to the support frame 78 so as to be fixed in a vertical or axial direction. At the same time, the lower platen 76 is movably mounted to the support frame 78 so as to be vertically movable in order to compress the above-mentioned face seals 62, 64 of the filter cartridge 16 to seal the distal end faces 66, 68 and the retention faces 70, 72 during installation of the filter cartridge 16 in the holder 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the support frame 78, for example the support frame portion 78b, can include one or more guide extensions 82 extending inwardly toward the lower platen 76 and configured to fit into one or more guide channels 84 formed in an outer wall 86 of the lower platen 76. The fit between the guide extensions 82 of the support frame 78 and the guide channels 84 of the lower platen 76 limits the movement of the lower platen in a vertical or axial direction.

[0037] The holder 20 includes an adjustment or clamping mechanism 80 that is configured to selectively vary the axial spacing between the upper platen 74 and the lower platen 76. The illustrated clamping mechanism can move the lower platen 76 toward and away from the upper platen 74, or move both platens 74 and 76. The clamping mechanism 80 is described in more detail below.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, each of the upper platen 74 and the lower platen 76 has at least one fluid port formed therein. It is also contemplated that at least one of the upper platen 74 and the lower platen 76 may not have a fluid port formed therein. Referring first to the upper platen 74 shown in Figure 8, a first fluid port 88 is formed in an outer axial end of the upper platen 74. The port 88 opens into a flow passage having a first end fluidly coupled to either the inlet port 13 of the housing 12 or the outlet port 15 of the housing 12, and a second end aligned with the fluid port 32 of the first upper end plug 24 for fluidly coupling to the filter cartridge 16. As a result, the fluid port 88 of the upper platen 74, when fluidly connected to the inlet port 13, can receive treated fluid from the inlet port 13 and supply untreated fluid to the filter cartridge 16, and when fluidly connected to the outlet port 15, can receive treated fluid from the filter cartridge 16 and supply treated fluid to the outlet port 15.

[0039] 6, a second fluid port 94 is formed in the lower platen 76. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second fluid port 94 of the lower platen 76 opens into a flow passage having a first end fluidly coupled to either the outlet port 15 or the inlet port 13 of the housing 12 and a second end aligned with the fluid port 34 of the second lower end plug 28 for fluidly coupling to the filter cartridge 16. As a result, the fluid port 94 of the lower platen 76 is capable of receiving treated fluid from and supplying treated fluid to the outlet port 15 when fluidly coupled to the outlet port 15, and of supplying untreated fluid to the filter cartridge 16 when fluidly coupled to the inlet port 13.

[0040] Figures 6 and 8 further show upper and lower platens 74, 76, respectively, which include additional fluid ports 100, 102. These ports would not function if the filter cartridge had only two ports, as would be the case with filter cartridge 16B. Further details are provided with respect to Figures 10 and 11, which show the interaction with RO filter cartridge 16D.

[0041] 7A-7C, a clamping mechanism 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in detail. The clamping mechanism 80 is capable of moving the lower platen 76 between a first retracted position 104 (see FIGS. 5 and 7C) in which the filter cartridge 16B can be freely inserted into and removed from the holder 20 without the face seals 62 and 64 sealing against the seat formed by the retention surfaces 70, 72, and a second extended position 106 (see FIGS. 6 and 7B) in which the filter cartridge is held with the holder and face seals 62 and 64 loosely sealed against the seat formed by the retention surfaces 70, 72.

[0042] The clamping mechanism 80 may take any of a variety of manual or power actuated forms that, when actuated, move at least the lower platen 76 toward the upper platen 74. In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism 80 takes the form of a manually actuated cam formed from a number of cam followers 124, 126 and a corresponding number of cams 148. The illustrated clamping mechanism 80 additionally includes an upper disc plate 108, a lower disc plate 110, and an intermediate moving disc plate 112 disposed between the upper disc plate 108 and the lower disc plate 110. One or more tension elements 114, such as springs, are configured to hold the disc plates 108, 110, 112 together under tension. Although the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrates the disc plates 108, 110, 112 as being circular in shape, the term "disc plate" is not limited to circular plates and is intended to cover plates of various shapes.

[0043] 7A, the upper disc plate 108 and the lower disc plate 110 each include extensions 120, 122 extending to a side thereof. The extension 120 of the upper disc plate 108 is configured to hold a first end 116 of the tension element 114, while the extension 122 of the lower disc plate 110 is configured to hold a second end 118 of the tension element 114. Although the exemplary embodiment of the invention shows the utilization of two tension elements 114, various embodiments of the invention may utilize any number of tension elements 114.

[0044] A first set of one or more followers 124 are disposed between the upper disc plate 108 and the intermediate moving disc plate 112, while a second set of one or more followers 126 are disposed between the lower disc plate 110 and the intermediate moving disc plate 112. In the illustrated embodiment, each cam follower 124, 126 comprises a ball. Each ball 124, 126 is retained in a corresponding recess 128, 132 formed in the upper disc plate 108 or lower disc plate 110, respectively.

[0045] Referring now to the moving disc plate 112, one or more deep detents or recesses 136 are formed in an upper surface 138 of the moving disc plate 112. The one or more deep detents 136 are configured to receive the ball 124 when the clamping mechanism 80 is in the first retracted position 104. Similarly, one or more deep detents 140 are formed in a lower surface 142 of the moving disc plate 112 and are configured to receive the ball 126 when the clamping mechanism 80 is in the first retracted direction 104.

[0046] The moving disc plate 112 also includes one or more shallow detents 144 formed on the upper surface 138 of the moving disc plate 112. The shallow detents 144 are configured to receive the ball 124 when the clamping mechanism 80 is in the second extended position 106. Similarly, one or more shallow detents 146 are formed on the lower surface 142 of the moving disc plate 112 and are configured to receive the ball 126 when the clamping mechanism 80 is in the second extended direction 106.

[0047] The cams shown include three sets of cams and cam followers on each side of the moving disk plate 112, although more or less cams and cam followers may be provided on either side of the moving mechanism.

[0048] 7A, the cams 148 take the form of angled grooves in the moving disc plate 112, each of which interacts with an associated cam follower 124, 126. Each groove 148 is progressively smaller in depth as it extends from each deep detent 136, 140 toward the adjacent shallow detent 144. The balls 124, 126 lift the grooves upon rotation of the moving disc plate 112 relative to the upper and lower disc plates 108 and 110, increasing the spacing between the moving disc plate 112 and the upper and lower disc plates 108 and 110 and moving the lower platen 76 between its compressed and expanded positions.

[0049] The moving disc plate 112 is held in axial alignment with the upper and lower disc plates 108, 110 by upper and lower posts 152, 153 which fit into tubular receptacles or pockets 154, 156 formed in the upper and lower disc plates 108, 110, respectively.

[0050] The moving disc plate 112 can also include a handle 150 extending laterally outward therefrom. The handle 150 is configured to be actuated by a user to move the moving disc plate 112 between the first and second positions, thereby moving the clamping mechanism between the first and second positions 104 and 106 to open and close the clamping mechanism 80.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the movement between the first position and the second position is a rotation. Additionally, the lower disc plate 110 is in the form of a fixed disc plate 110 that remains stationary while the moving disc plate 112 rotates. Similarly, the rotation of the moving disc plate 112 raises and lowers the moving disc plate 112 as it transitions between the first position 104 and the second position 106 to open and close the clamping mechanism 80. The upper disc plate 108 is in the form of a lifting disc plate 108 that rises and lowers as the moving disc plate 112 transitions between the first position 104 and the second position 106 to open and close the clamping mechanism 80.

[0052] The filter cartridge 16B is prepared for use by first fully inserting the neck of the end plug into the tubular body so that the stop of the end plug engages the neck of the tubular body. The handle 150 of the moving disk plate 112 is now in its stop position shown in the holder associated with the filter cartridge 16B, and the clamping mechanism 80 is in its retracted position. The filter cartridge 16B is then inserted into the cavity 14 and loaded into the holder 20. The filter cartridge 16B is loosely held in place while the handle 150 is rotated to the same operating position as the remaining handles in FIG. 1, which moves the balls 124 and 126 of the associated cams out of their deep recesses 136, 140, up the angled grooves 148 and into the shallow seating recesses 144, 146 of the lower platen 76 from their retracted position shown in FIG. 5 to their extended position shown in FIG. 6. This closing action of the clamps causes the face seals 62 and 64 to engage the seats of the retention surfaces 70, 72 of the platens 74 and 76 with sufficient force to hold the filter cartridge 16B in place and to form a preliminary seal between the face seals 62 and 64 at both ends of the filter cartridge 16B and the associated seats of the retention surfaces 70, 72. As a result, untreated fluid from the ports 13 of the filtration system 10 flows through one of the end plugs 24 and 28 and into the interior of the filter body 22. At that point, the fluid pressure within the filter body 22 applies a linear force to the inner end faces of the end plugs 24, 26 sufficient to overcome the retention force applied by the perimeter seals 48, 50 and sufficient to compress the face seals 62 and 64 against their associated seats by the amounts discussed above. Filtration can then proceed in the normal manner.

[0053] Once the internal fluid pressure has been relieved, the process is simply reversed to remove the filter cartridge 16B from its holder: rotation of the moving disc plate 112 to its park position releases the filter cartridge 16B and then removes it from the holder 20. As a result, the filter cartridge can be easily disassembled for cleaning and / or servicing by removing the end plugs 24 and 26 from the tubular body.

[0054] 10-12, an embodiment of the present invention is shown that utilizes an RO filter cartridge 16D. Figures 10 and 11 show cross-sectional views of a holder 20 with an RO filter cartridge 16D at its lower and upper ends. As shown, the RO filter cartridge 16D is constructed similarly to filter cartridge 16 and includes a filter body 222, an upper end plug 224, and a lower end plug 228.

[0055] Each end plug 224, 228 includes a respective inner neck 236, 238 and a respective outer cap end 240, 242. The inner neck 236 of the first end plug 224 is configured to be disposed within the filter body 222 at its first end 226. Similarly, the inner neck 238 of the second end plug 228 is configured to be disposed within the filter body 222 at its second end 230. Thus, the inner necks 236, 238 of the end plugs 224, 228 have outer diameters that are smaller than the inner diameter of the filter body 222. As a result, the end plugs 224, 228 are configured to move axially within the filter body 222 at the ends 226, 230 of the filter body 222 during operation of the RO filter cartridge 16D.

[0056] Meanwhile, an outer end 240, 242 of each end plug 224, 228 is disposed outside of the filter body 222. Each outer end 240, 242 has an outer diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the filter body 222. As a result, the outer ends 240, 242 and the respective necks 236, 238 meet at a location that forms a respective step 244, 246. The step 244 forms a surface that can abut against the first end 226 of the filter body 222 and prevents the first end plug 224 from being inserted too far into the filter body 222. Similarly, the step 246 forms a surface that can abut against the second end 230 of the filter body 222 and prevents the second end plug 228 from being inserted too far into the filter body 222.

[0057] Similar to end plugs 24, 28, each end plug 224, 228 includes one or more perimeter seals 248, 250 disposed within respective grooves 252, 254 formed in their outer surfaces. Although the exemplary embodiment of the invention shows a first perimeter seal 248a, 250a and a second perimeter seal 248b, 250b disposed in the necks 236, 238 of each end plug 224, 228, alternative embodiments of the invention may use any number of perimeter seals 248, 250.

[0058] The first perimeter seals 248a, 250a and second perimeter seals 248b, 250b act together to form a seal between the necks 236, 238 of the end plugs 224, 228 and the interior surface 260 of the filter body 222 to prevent fluid leakage between the end plugs 224, 228 and the filter body 222. Additionally, the seals are movable as the plugs 224, 228 move axially within the filter body 222 in response to internal fluid pressure within the filter body 222.

[0059] 12, upper end plug 224 of RO filter cartridge 16D is similar to end plug 24 of filter cartridge 16 shown in FIG. 3 in that it includes a distal end surface 266, a face seal 262 on distal end surface 266, and a fluid port surrounded by face seal 262 and opening into a flow path connecting first fluid port 232 to the interior of filter body 222. Upper end plug 224 further includes one or more second fluid ports 233 disposed outside first face seal 262 and opening into a flow path in end plug 224 that leads to the interior of filter body 222. Similarly, second face seal 263 is disposed on distal end surface 266 of end plug 224 to surround second fluid port 233. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, second face seal 263 may be disposed in a second recessed groove formed in distal end surface 266 of end plug 224.

[0060] Similarly, lower end plug 228 of RO filter cartridge 16D is similar to lower end plug 26 of filter cartridge 16 and includes a distal end surface 268, a face seal 264 on distal end surface 268, and a first fluid port 234 surrounded by face seal 264 and opening into the interior of filter body 222. Lower end plug 228 can also include one or more second fluid ports 235 disposed outside first face seal 264 and opening into the interior of filter body 222. Similarly, second face seal 265 is disposed on distal end surface 268 of end plug 228 to surround second fluid port 235. Distal end surface 266 of lower end plug 228 can also include a second recessed groove for receiving second face seal 263.

[0061] When RO filter cartridge 16D is placed within filter cartridge holder 20, first face seal 262 of upper end plug 224 surrounds first fluid port 232 of upper end plug 224 and forms a seal between distal end 266 of upper end plug 224 and a seat formed in upper retention surface 70 to prevent leakage associated with first fluid port 232, while first face seal 264 of lower end plug 228 surrounds first fluid port 234 of lower end plug 228 and forms a seal between distal end 268 of lower end plug 228 and a seat formed in lower retention surface 72 to prevent leakage associated with first fluid port 234.

[0062] Additionally, the first and second face seals 262, 263 of the upper end plug 224 surround the second fluid port 233 of the upper end plug 224 and form a seal between a distal end 266 of the upper end plug 224 and a seat on the upper support surface 70. Similarly, the first and second face seals 264, 265 of the lower end plug 228 surround the second fluid port 235 of the lower end plug 228 and form a seal between a distal end 268 of the lower end plug 228 and a seat on the lower support surface 72.

[0063] In reality, the flow path coupled to one of the second fluid ports 100 and 102 would be a dead end such that RO filter cartridge 16D has only a single available wastewater outlet. Similarly, the second fluid ports 100 and 102 in the platens 74 and 76 associated with the remaining non-RO filter cartridges 16A-16C would also lead to dead ends. However, the illustrated design provides standardization of the design of both the plugs 224 and 228, and the platens 74 and 76.

[0064] The RO cartridge 16D can be assembled or disassembled, loaded into its holder and sealed in place, and operated in the same manner as the filter cartridge 16B described above.

[0065] While the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention is disclosed above, the practice of the invention is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the configuration of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the basic inventive concept.

[0066] While such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, it should nevertheless be appreciated that it is within the skill of the art to design, fabricate, and manufacture the device. Nothing in this application is considered critical or essential to the present invention unless specifically indicated as "critical" or "essential."

Claims

1. a filter body having a first end, a second end, and an inner periphery; an end plug disposed at the first end of the filter body, the end plug having an inner end extending into the filter body, an outer end, and an outer circumferential surface; a peripheral seal disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the end plug and the inner peripheral surface of the filter body; Equipped with The end plug is configured to move axially away from the filter body in response to fluid pressure within the filter body.

2. 10. The filter cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a face seal on an outer end surface of the end plug surrounding a fluid port disposed on the other end surface of the end plug.

3. the end plug is a first end plug; and a second end plug disposed at the second end of the filter body, the second end plug having an inner end extending into the filter body, an outer end, an outer circumferential surface, and a fluid port formed in the outer end; a perimeter seal disposed between the outer perimeter surface of the second end plug and the inner perimeter surface of the filter body; Further equipped with The filter cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the second end plug is configured to move axially away from the filter body in response to fluid pressure within the filter body.

4. 4. The filter cartridge of claim 3, wherein at least one end plug includes a stepped portion disposed between the cap portion and the inner neck portion, the stepped portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner neck portion and less than a diameter of the cap portion.

5. 5. The filter cartridge of claim 4, further comprising a recess aligned with the stepped portion and disposed between the cap portion of the end plug and each end of the filter body, the recess configured to receive a removal tool.

6. 3. The filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein at least two peripheral seals are provided between an outer circumferential surface of each end plug and the inner circumferential surface of the filter body.

7. The filter cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the at least one end plug further includes a second face seal surrounding the at least one second fluid port.

8. providing a tubular filter body having first and second opposed ends and an inner circumferential surface; mounting an end plug on the first end of the filter body, the end plug having a face seal and a port disposed on an outer axial end surface thereof, the end plug, once mounted, being capable of moving axially away from the filter body under fluid pressure within the filter body to increase a sealing force between the face seal and a seat, but sealed against the inner peripheral surface of the filter body; The method includes:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the end plug is a first end plug, and further comprising mounting a second end plug to the second end of the filter body, the second end plug having at least one face seal and at least one port disposed in an outer axial end face of the end plug, the second end plug, once mounted, being capable of moving axially away from the filter body under fluid pressure within the filter body but sealed against the inner circumferential surface of the filter body.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising attaching one or more seals to an outer circumferential surface of the neck of each of the first and second end plugs.

11. inserting the filter cartridge into the filter cartridge holder such that first and second ends of the filter cartridge are axially disposed between first and second platens of the filter cartridge holder, the seat being disposed on the first platen; activating a clamping mechanism to reduce an axial spacing between the first and second platens to compress the face seal against the seat; introducing pressurized liquid into the filter body to force the end plug away from the filter body and further compress the face seal against the seat; The method of claim 8 , further comprising:

12. and inserting a removal tool into a recess between the end plug and the first end of the filter body to remove the end plug from the first end of the filter body.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the recess is aligned with a stepped portion of the end plug disposed between a cap portion of the end plug and an inner neck portion of the end plug, the stepped portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner neck portion and less than a diameter of the cap portion.

13. a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a cavity; a filter cartridge holder disposed within the cavity, a first platen having a first support surface; a second platen having a second support surface; a clamping mechanism including a moving disk plate disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second platens and selectively operable to reduce an axial spacing between the first and second platens; a filter cartridge holder comprising: A filtration system comprising:

14. 14. The filtration system assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and second platens of the filter cartridge holder has a fluid port formed therethrough in alignment with a first fluid port of the filter cartridge, and at least one of the first and second platens has a fluid port formed therethrough in alignment with a second fluid port of the filter cartridge.

15. 15. The filtration system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first and second platens includes a second fluid port aligned with a second port of the filter cartridge.

16. The clamp mechanism includes: upper and lower disc plates disposed on either side of the moving disc plate, the upper disc plate attached to the filter cartridge holder and the lower disc plate attached to one of the first and second platens; a cam mechanism disposed between the moving disc plate and at least one of the upper and lower disc plates, the cam mechanism operable to extend and retract the clamp mechanism upon actuation of the moving disc plate; one or more tension elements that hold the upper disc plate, the moving disc plate, and the lower disc plate together under tension; The filtration system of claim 13 further comprising:

17. 17. The filtration system of claim 16, wherein the cam mechanism includes a cam follower including a ball, and further includes a cam including an angled groove formed in at least one of: (1) one of the moving disk plates; and (2) one of the upper and lower disk plates.

18. 18. The filtration system of claim 17, wherein a deep detent is disposed adjacent a deep end of the angled groove, the deep detent configured to receive the ball when the clamping mechanism is fully retracted, and a shallow detent is disposed adjacent a shallow end of the angled groove, the shallow detent configured to receive the ball when the clamping mechanism is fully extended.

19. a filter body having a first end, a second end, and an inner periphery; first and second end plugs, each disposed at a respective end of the filter body, each end plug having an inner end extending into the filter body, an outer end, and an outer circumferential surface; a face seal disposed on an outer end surface of at least one of the end plugs and surrounding a fluid port in the outer end surface of the respective end plug; a peripheral seal disposed between the outer peripheral surface of each end plug and the inner peripheral surface of the filter body; a filter cartridge comprising:

14. The filtration system of claim 13, wherein each end plug is configured to move axially away from the filter body in response to fluid pressure within the filter body.

20. each end plug of the filter cartridge includes an outer portion having a diameter greater than an inner diameter of the filter body, an inner neck portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer portion and smaller than the inner diameter of the filter body, and a stepped portion disposed therebetween having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer portion and a diameter greater than the diameter of the inner neck portion; 20. The filtration system cartridge of claim 19, wherein a recess is aligned with the stepped portion and disposed between the outer portion of the end plug and the respective end of the filter body to permit removal of the end plug.

Images