Filter Cartridge Assembly

Abstract

A filter assembly for filtering liquid includes a filter housing and a filter cartridge disposed in a sealed space of the filter housing. The filter housing includes a cap secured to a bowl to form the sealed space. The cap includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas vent port for the sealed space. The filter cartridge includes a radial protrusion disposed in a slot in the bowl that blocks rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl. A method of making the filter assembly includes inserting the filter cartridge into the bowl and securing the cap to the bowl.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to filters and, more particularly, to removable filter cartridges within filter cartridge assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] Filters may be used in semiconductor manufacturing to remove contaminants from fluids. A fluid (e.g., a liquid, water, etc.) is passed through a filter disposed within a housing. The filter may be configured to remove inclusions, such as solids and other particulates, as the fluid / liquid passes through the filter. In particular, a filter may be used to remove solid inclusions from a liquid as the liquid passes through the filter. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a filter assembly for filtering a liquid includes a filter housing and a filter cartridge. The filter housing includes a cap, a bowl, and a sealed space. A lower circumferential surface of the cap is affixed to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl to form the sealed space. The cap includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas vent port for the sealed space. The bowl includes a slot disposed inside the bowl. The filter cartridge is disposed within the sealed space of the filter housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and fluid outlet port of the cap. The filter cartridge includes a radial protrusion. The radial protrusion is disposed in the slot of the bowl to block rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl and prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a filter assembly for filtering a liquid includes inserting a filter cartridge into a bowl. The filter cartridge includes radial protrusions, and the bowl includes slots disposed inside the bowl. Inserting the filter cartridge into the bowl includes inserting each of the radial protrusions into a respective one of the slots in the bowl. The radial protrusions inserted into the slots prevent the filter cartridge from rotating relative to the bowl and prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl. The method also includes securing a cap to the bowl to form a sealed space containing the filter cartridge. The cap includes a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas vent port. Securing the cap to the bowl includes securing a lower circumferential surface of the cap to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a filter assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a filter cartridge of a filter assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a cover of a filter assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a bowl of a filter assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating a filter cartridge within a bowl of a filter assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a filter bowl according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Like numbers refer to like features.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a filter assembly 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1. The filter assembly 1 includes a filter housing 10 and a filter cartridge 60 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) disposed within a sealed space of the filter housing 10. The filter housing 10 includes a cap 20 and a bowl 40. The filter cartridge 60 is disposed within the filter housing 10. The filter assembly 1 is configured to filter a liquid. For example, the filter assembly 1 is configured to filter a liquid used in semiconductor manufacturing, such as, but not limited to, photolithography and wet etching and cleaning processes in semiconductor manufacturing. The filter cartridge 60 is configured to filter contaminants (e.g., particulate solids, metal ions, etc.) found in the liquid of such semiconductor manufacturing processes. For example, but not limited to, the liquid may be water. In one embodiment, the fluid includes liquid water.

[0008] Fluid enters and exits filter housing 10 through ports 22A, 22B, and 22C in cap 20. Cap 20 includes a pair of fluid ports 22A, 22B and a gas vent port 22C. Fluid ports 22A, 22B are configured to direct fluid into and out of filter housing 10. For example, fluid enters filter assembly 1 through inlet fluid port 22A, and the fluid (after being filtered by filter assembly 1) exits filter assembly 1 through fluid outlet port 22B.

[0009] The fluid entering the housing 10 may also include gas mixed with liquid. The gas can be one or more types of gas generated in the semiconductor manufacturing process described above (e.g., bubbles, gaseous by-products, etc.). The fluid includes primarily liquid (e.g., a fluid that is at least 50% liquid by volume, a fluid that is at least 90% liquid by volume). The housing 10 is configured to vent gas contained within the housing 10 (e.g., within the sealed space 12) through the gas vent port 22C. For example, the housing 10 is configured such that gas within the sealed space 12 is directed toward the gas vent port 22C. The gas is then released through the gas vent port 22C, preventing the gas from accumulating within the housing 10.

[0010] The filter cartridge 60 is placed within the bowl 40, and the bottom 24 of the cap 20 is secured to the top of the bowl 40 and to the top of the filter cartridge 60. In one embodiment, "secured" and "securing," as used herein, refer to directly securing two pieces / surfaces to one another. In one embodiment, securing two surfaces / pieces refers to bonding (e.g., thermally bonding) the two pieces / surfaces to one another. For example, the surface of one or each piece is heated, and then the surfaces are brought into contact with one another to thermally fuse the materials (e.g., polymers, etc.) of the pieces to one another. The cap 20 is secured to the bowl 40 to form a sealed space 12 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 7) that contains the filter cartridge 60. In particular, the lower circumferential surface 26 of the bottom 24 of the cap 20 is secured to the upper circumferential surface 42 of the bowl 40. The bottom 24 of the cap 20 is also secured to the top 62 of the filter cartridge 62. In particular, the (first) connecting ridge 30 on the bottom 24 of the cap 20 is secured to the (second) connecting ridge 70 on the top 62 of the filter cartridge 62. It should be understood that the circumferential surface is not limited to having the circular shape of one embodiment, but may have any shape that circumferentially surrounds a circle (e.g., circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc.).

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of filter cartridge 60. Filter cartridge 60 has a top 62, a bottom 64 opposite top 62, and a side 66. Side 66 extends between top 62 and bottom 64 of filter cartridge 60 (e.g., extends from top 62 to bottom 64 of the cap). Filter cartridge 60 includes a cartridge inlet 68A and a cartridge outlet 68B at top 62. In one embodiment, side 66 of filter cartridge 60 includes filter material 67. In one embodiment, fluid / liquid is filtered by filter cartridge 60 by passing through filter material 67 and entering filter cartridge 60. The filtered fluid / liquid then exits filter cartridge 60 through cartridge outlet 68B. Cartridge inlet 68A and cartridge outlet 68B are described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 3, filter cartridge 10 has a cylindrical shape with a vertical axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, cartridge inlet 68A is positioned along vertical axis A of filter cartridge 10.

[0012] The top 62 of the filter cartridge 60 also includes a connecting ridge 70 extending from the top 62 of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., extending upward from the top surface). The connecting ridges 70 respectively surround the cartridge inlet 68A and the cartridge outlet 68B (e.g., surround the opening of the cartridge inlet 68A in the top 62 and surround the opening of the cartridge outlet 68B in the top 62). In a filter cartridge assembly (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7), the connecting ridges 70 of the filter cartridge 60 are secured (e.g., bonded) to the bottom 24 of the cap 20. For example, the connecting ridges 70 of the filter cartridge 60 are secured (e.g., bonded) to the connecting ridges 30 on the bottom 24 of the cap 20, as described below.

[0013] The connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60 includes a first portion 70-1 and a second portion 70-2. The second portion 70-2 can extend from the first portion 70-1, as shown in FIG. 3. The first portion 70-1 surrounds the cartridge inlet 68A, and the second portion 70-2 surrounds the cartridge outlet 66. For example, the first portion 70-1 surrounds the cartridge inlet 68A without surrounding the cartridge outlet 68B, and the second portion 70-2 surrounds the cartridge outlet 68B without surrounding the cartridge inlet 68A.

[0014] The connecting ridge 70 may also include a third portion 70-3 and a fourth portion 70-4, each extending from the first portion 70-1. The second portion 70-1, the third portion 70-3, and the fourth portion 70-4 each extend in a different direction (e.g., a different radial direction) from the first portion 70-1. Each angle (e.g., angle α, angle β, etc.) between each adjacent pair of portions 70-2, 70-3, and 70-4 extending from the first portion 70-1 is at least 30 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between each adjacent pair of portions 70-2, 70-3, and 70-4 extending from the first portion 70-1 may be at least 60 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between each adjacent pair of portions 70-2, 70-3, and 70-4 extending from the first portion 70-1 may be at least 100 degrees. Two additional portions 70-3, 70- 4 can help ensure a more centered contact of the cap 20 on the connecting ridge 70 (e.g., help even out the downward force across the top 62 of the cartridge 60 and help minimize horizontal forces on the cap 20 when it is pressed onto the cartridge).

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting ridge 30, 70 has four portions extending from a first portion. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the connecting ridge 30, 70 may include a different number of portions other than four. In one embodiment, the connecting ridge 30, 70 may have only a first and a second portion. In one embodiment, the connecting ridge may include a first and a second portion, and then one or more additional portions extending from the first portion or the second portion. In one embodiment, the connecting ridge may include five or more portions (e.g., a first portion, a second portion, and two or more portions extending from the first portion and / or the second portion).

[0016] 3, the connecting ridge 70 has a flat upper surface (e.g., along a single horizontal plane). In one embodiment, the upper surface of the connecting ridge 70 may be made up of multiple flat upper surfaces. For example, the upper surface of the first portion 70-1 may be a flat surface along a horizontal plane that is different from the flat upper surface of the second portion 70-2 in one embodiment.

[0017] 4 is a bottom view of cap 20 of filter assembly 1. Cap 20 has a bottom 24 that is secured (e.g., bonded) to bowl 40 and filter cartridge 60. Ports 22A, 22B, and 22C extend through cap 20 to bottom 24 of cap 20. Bottom 24 of cap 20 includes lower circumferential surface 26 and connecting ridge 30. Lower circumferential surface 26 integrally connects cap 20 to bowl 40. Connecting ridge 30 integrally connects cap 20 to filter cartridge 60.

[0018] Connecting ridges 30 extend from the bottom 24 of cap 20 (e.g., extend downward from the underside of cap 20). Connecting ridges 30 individually surround each of fluid inlet port 22A and fluid outlet port 22B. Connecting ridges 30 surround the opening of fluid inlet port 22A at bottom 24 and surround the opening of fluid outlet port 22B at top 24.

[0019] The connecting ridge 30 of the cap 20 includes a first portion 30-1 and a second portion 30-2. The second portion 30-2 extends from the first portion 30-1 (e.g., extends away from the first portion 30-1 at the bottom 24 of the cap 20 and extends radially away from the first portion 30-1 as shown in FIG. 4 ). The first portion 30-1 surrounds the fluid inlet port 22A, and the second portion 30-2 surrounds the fluid outlet port 22B. For example, the first portion 30-1 surrounds the fluid inlet port 22A without surrounding the fluid outlet port 22B, and the second portion 30-2 surrounds the fluid outlet port 22A without surrounding the fluid inlet port 22A. The connecting ridge 30 is configured not to surround the gas vent port 22C (e.g., does not surround the opening at the bottom 24 of the cap 20 for the gas vent port 22C).

[0020] The connecting ridge 30 may also include a third portion 30-3 and a fourth portion 30-4, each extending from the first portion 30-1. The second portion 30-1, the third portion 30-3, and the fourth portion 30-4 each extend in different directions (e.g., different radial directions) from the first portion 30-1. Each angle (e.g., angle α2, angle β2, etc.) between adjacent pairs of portions 30-2, 30-3, and 30-4 extending from the first portion 30-1 is at least 30 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pairs of portions 30-2, 30-3, and 30-4 extending from the first portion 30-1 may be at least 60 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pairs of portions 30-2, 30-3, and 30-4 extending from the first portion 30-1 may be at least 100 degrees. The two additional portions 30-3, 30-3 can help center the contact of the cap 20 on the top 62 of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., help even out the downward force across the top 62 of the cartridge 60 and help minimize horizontal forces on the cap 20 when it is pressed onto the cartridge).

[0021] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lower circumferential surface 26 of the cap 20 is spaced apart from the connecting ridge 30 of the cap 20. In particular, the lower circumferential surface 26 is radially spaced apart from the connecting ridge 30. For example, a circumferential groove 32 is provided in the bottom 24 of the cap 20, separating the connecting ridge 30 from the lower circumferential surface 26 of the cap 20. The cap bottom 24 and groove 32 are shaped to direct gas from the fluid toward the gas vent port 22C.

[0022] In a filter cartridge assembly (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 ), the connecting ridge 30 of the cap 20 is secured (e.g., coupled) to a connecting ridge 70 on the top 62 of the filter cartridge 60. Each portion 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, 30-4 of the ridge 30 of the cap 20 is secured (e.g., coupled) to a corresponding portion 70-1, 70-2, 70-3, 70-4 of the ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. For example, the first portion 30-1 of the ridge 30 of the cap 20 is secured (e.g., coupled) to the first portion 70-1 of the ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60, and the second portion 30-2 of the ridge 30 of the cap 20 is secured (e.g., coupled) to the second portion 70-2 of the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. For example, the third portion 30-3 of the ridge 30 of the cap 20 is fixed (e.g., coupled) to the third portion 70-3 of the ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60, and the fourth portion 30-2 of the ridge 30 of the cap 20 is fixed (e.g., coupled) to the second portion 70-2 of the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60.

[0023] 4, the connecting ridge 30 has a flat (e.g., flat along a horizontal plane) lower surface. In one embodiment, the connecting ridge 30 may have multiple flat upper surfaces. For example, the flat lower surface of the first portion 30-1 may be along a horizontal plane that is different from the horizontal plane of the flat lower surface of the second portion 30-2 in one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of bowl 40 of filter assembly 1. Bowl 40 includes sidewall 44 and bottom 46. Sidewall 44 includes upper circumferential surface 42 of bowl 40 to which cap 20 is secured (e.g., bonded). Bowl 40 includes slots 48 disposed on interior side 50 of bowl 40. One of slots 48 is not visible in FIG. 5 and is therefore shown with a dotted line in FIG. 5. Bowl 40 includes a slot 48 for each of radial projections 61 of filter cartridge 60. Each slot 48 extends vertically. Each slot 48 has a respective width WS1, WS2, WS3. The width of each slot 48 is measured circumferentially around bowl 40. In one embodiment, one of slots 48A has a width WS2 narrower than the other slots 48 such that only the corresponding radial projection fits into said slot 48A. For example, this can ensure that only the correct radial projections 61 fit into the slots 48A and that the filter cartridge 60 is inserted into the bowl 40 in the correct orientation (e.g., the filter cartridge 60 is not rotated).

[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view of filter cartridge 60 positioned within bowl 40 according to one embodiment. For example, FIG. 5 shows a top view of filter assembly 1 without cap 20. Filter cartridge 60 is positioned within bowl 40 by inserting each of radial projections 61 into a respective one of slots 48 in bowl 40. Each radial projection 61 is positioned in a different one of slots 48. For example, filter cartridge 60 may be configured to depend within bowl 40 by radial projections 61 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). For each radial projection 61, radial projection 61 and its respective slot 48 have corresponding widths WS1, WS2, WS3 such that radial projection 61 is prevented from moving circumferentially (e.g., rotating in the circumferential direction DC) within its respective slot 48. For example, each radial projection 61 and its respective slot 48 have the same or approximately the same widths WS1, WS2, WS3 (e.g., the same width with a small tolerance that prevents the radial projection from moving radially within its slot 48 while allowing the radial projection 61 to lift out of the slot 48). The radial projections 61 are positioned in the slots 48 such that the filter cartridge 60 is blocked from rotating relative to the bowl 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cartridge 60 is configured to be inserted into the bowl 40 without rotation in the circumferential direction DC.

[0026] 6, one of the slots 48A has a narrower width WS2 than the other slots 48A. The corresponding radial protrusion 61A of slot 48A also has a narrower width than the other radial protrusion 61A. The narrower width WS2 of slot 48A prevents an incompatible radial protrusion 61 (e.g., a protrusion 61 other than the corresponding protrusion 61A) from being inserted into said slot 48A. For example, this may ensure that only the correct radial protrusion 61 fits into slot 48A and that filter cartridge 60 is inserted into bowl 40 in a predetermined orientation (e.g., filter cartridge 60 is inserted in a desired orientation).

[0027] Sides 66 of filter cartridge 60 are radially spaced from interior side 50 of bowl 40 by radial projections 61. The radial separation forms one or more vent passages 80. Vent passages 80 are defined by sides 66 of filter cartridge 60, interior side 50 of bowl 40, and radial projections 61. Each vent passage 80 is located between a respective diametrically adjacent pair of radial projections 61. Vent passages 80 are configured to direct gas within filter assembly 1 to gas vent port 22C in cap 20.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cartridge 60 includes three radial protrusions 62 and the bowl 40 includes three slots 48. However, it should be appreciated that the filter assembly 1 may include a different number of radial protrusions 62 and / or slots 48 in other embodiments. In one embodiment, the filter cartridge 60 may include two or more radial protrusions 62. In some embodiments, the bowl 40 may include two or more slots 48. In one embodiment, the filter cartridge may include at least three radial protrusions 62 and the bowl may include at least three slots 48.

[0029] 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter assembly 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the fixed cap 20 and bowl 40 form a sealed space 12 of the housing 10 that contains the filter cartridge 60. The cap 20 for the sealed space 12, Fluid inlet port 22A and fluid outlet port 22B , Ga For example, the sealed space 12 is sealed except for ports 22A, 22B, and 22C of the cap 20.

[0030] Filter cartridge 60 is disposed within sealed space 12 of housing 10. Each radial projection 61 of filter cartridge 60 is disposed within a respective one of slots 48 of bowl 40. For example, radial projections 61 are disposed within slots 48 such that filter cartridge 60 depends within bowl 40. Radial projections 61 are disposed within slots 48 such that sides 66 and bottom 64 of filter cartridge 60 are prevented from contacting the bowl (e.g., they do not contact bottom 46 and / or interior 50 of bowl 40, sides 66 of filter cartridge 60 are spaced apart from sidewalls 44 of bowl 40, and bottom 64 of filter cartridge 60 is spaced apart from bottom 46 of bowl 40). For example, filter assembly 1 is configured in one embodiment such that all contact between filter cartridge 60 and bowl 40 is limited to via radial projections 61 and slots 48 (e.g., all contact is with radial projections 61 contacting slots 48). In one embodiment, the "contact" referred to herein is "direct contact."

[0031] The overall fluid flow path F through the filter assembly 1 and housing is indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 7 . Specifically, the flow path F of liquid flow through the filter assembly 1 is shown. Fluid F enters the housing 10 through the fluid inlet port 22A of the cap 20, passes through the filter cartridge 60, and then the fluid (e.g., filtered fluid) exits the housing 10 through the fluid outlet port 22B. The connecting ridge 30 of the cap 20 is secured to the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. In one embodiment, all contact between the filter cartridge 60 and the cap 20 is via the connecting ridge 70. For example, all contact between the filter cartridge 60 and the cap 20 is via the connecting ridges 30, 70 (e.g., all contact is between the connecting ridge 30 of the cap 20 and the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60). The first portion 30-1 of the connecting ridge 30 of the cap 20 is secured to the first portion 30-1 of the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. The second portion 30-2 of the connecting ridge 30 of the cap 20 is secured to the second portion 30-2 of the connecting ridge 70 of the filter cartridge 60. As shown in FIG. 3, the ports 22A, 22B, and 22C each extend through the cap 20 to the bottom 24 of the cap 20.

[0032] 7, the connecting ridges 30, 70 form an intermediate inlet passage 14A and an intermediate outlet passage 14B that fluidly connect the fluid inlet port 22A and the fluid discharge port 22B of the cap 20 to the filter cartridge 60. The fixed first portions 30-1, 70-1 of the cap 20 and the filter cartridge 60 form the intermediate inlet passage 14A. The intermediate inlet passage 14A fluidly connects the fluid inlet port 22A of the cap 20 to the cartridge inlet 68A of the filter cartridge 60. The intermediate inlet passage 14A directs fluid (e.g., filtered fluid) supplied to the filter assembly 1 through the fluid inlet port 22 from the fluid inlet port 22A to the cartridge inlet 68A. The intermediate inlet passage 14A is a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet port 22A to the cartridge inlet 68A (e.g., the intermediate inlet passage 14A directly connects the opening in the bottom 24 of the cap 20 for the fluid inlet port 22A to the opening in the top 61 of the filter cartridge 60 for the cartridge inlet 68A).

[0033] The intermediate outlet passageway 14B fluidly connects the cartridge outlet 68B of the filter cartridge 60 to the fluid outlet port 22B of the cap 20. The intermediate outlet passageway 14B directs filtered fluid discharged from the cartridge inlet 68A of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., fluid after passing through and being filtered by the filter cartridge 60) to the fluid outlet port 22B of the cap 20. The intermediate outlet passageway 14B is a sealed fluid connection from the cartridge outlet 68B to the fluid outlet port 22B (e.g., the intermediate outlet passageway 14B directly connects the opening at the top 61 of the filter cartridge 60 for the cartridge outlet 68B to the opening at the bottom of the cap 20 for the fluid outlet port 22B). The filtered fluid is discharged from the filter assembly 1 through the fluid outlet port 22B.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7 , the cartridge inlet 68A and the fluid inlet port 14A are disposed along the vertical axis A of the filter cartridge 60. The cartridge inlet 68A and the fluid inlet port 14B each extend along the vertical axis A (e.g., extend parallel to and overlap the vertical axis A). It should be appreciated that the locations of the fluid inlet port 14B and the fluid outlet port 14B of the cap 20 may be different in other embodiments based on the configuration of the filter cartridge 60. In one embodiment, the locations of the fluid inlet port 14B and the fluid outlet port 14B of the cap 20 may be reversed (e.g., the fluid outlet port 14B is along the vertical axis A of the filter cartridge 60). For example, in such an embodiment, the filter cartridge 60 may not include the filter cartridge inlet 68A. For example, the filter inlet port 14A may be configured to supply fluid directly to an intervening space along the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 without having to pass through the filter cartridge 60. The fluid within the space is then filtered by flowing through the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 and entering the cartridge.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, cartridge inlet 68A is an open passageway extending through filter cartridge 60. Fluid flows through cartridge inlet 68A and exits through an opening in bottom 64 of filter cartridge 60. From cartridge inlet 68A, fluid flows into the space between bottom 64 of filter cartridge 60 and bottom 46 of bowl 40, flows radially outward to interior 50 of the bowl, and then flows upward along side 66 of filter cartridge 60 into the space (e.g., between side 66 of filter cartridge 60 and interior 50 of sidewall 44 of bowl 40). Fluid flows radially inward through side 66 of filter cartridge 66 (e.g., filter material forms the sides of filter cartridge 66). The fluid is filtered as it passes through the material of side 66 of filter cartridge 66. The filtered fluid then flows upward within filter cartridge 60 to cartridge inlet 68B.

[0036] 7 , lower circumferential surface 26 of cap 20 is secured to upper circumferential surface 42 of bowl 40. Lower circumferential surface 26 and connecting ridge 30 are spaced apart on bottom 24 of cap 20. For example, lower circumferential surface 26 and connecting ridge 30 are radially separated by groove 32. Lower circumferential surface 26 is radially separated from first portion 30-1 and second portion 30-2 of connecting ridge 30 by the open space of groove 32.

[0037] One or more vent passages 80 are formed between the interior 50 of the bowl 40 and the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60. Each vent passage 80 extends vertically upward (e.g., in direction D1) between a respective adjacent pair of radial protrusions 62 (e.g., shown in FIG. 6 ). The vent passages 80 are configured to direct gas (e.g., air bubbles from liquid supplied to the filter assembly 1) within the sealed space 12 toward the gas vent port 22C of the cap 20. For example, the vent passages 80 are configured to direct gas within fluid flowing vertically upward along the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60 (e.g., in the space between the interior 50 of the bowl 40 and the side 66 of the filter cartridge 60) toward the bottom 24 of the cap 20. For example, the vent passages 80 direct gas into the groove 32 that funnels into the opening in the cap 20 for the gas vent port 22C.

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of bowl 40 of filter assembly 1. As shown in FIG. 8, bowl 40 includes an exterior surface 52 having a plurality of protruding portions 54. In one embodiment, bowl 40 may include one or more protruding portions 54. Protruding portions 54 are configured to provide an external keying feature that indicates the orientation of filter assembly 1. In one embodiment, bowl 40 may include one or more protruding portions 54.

[0039] In one embodiment, a method of making a filter assembly (e.g., filter assembly 1) includes inserting a filter cartridge (e.g., filter cartridge 60) into a bowl (e.g., bowl 40) and securing a cap (e.g., cap 20) to the bowl to form a sealed space (e.g., sealed space 12) that contains the filter cartridge. Inserting the filter cartridge into the bowl can include inserting each radial projection (e.g., radial projection 61) into a respective slot (e.g., slot 48).

[0040] Securing the cap to the bowl can include securing a lower circumferential surface of the cap (e.g., lower circumferential surface 22) against upper circumferential surface 42 of the bowl. In one embodiment, securing the cap to the bowl includes securing (e.g., bonding) a connecting ridge (e.g., 30) on the bottom of the cap to a connecting ridge on the top of the filter cartridge (e.g., connecting ridge 70).

[0041] In one embodiment, the securing as discussed herein is referred to as thermal bonding. Thermal bonding thermally fuses the cap to the bowl. The bonding thermally fuses the polymeric material of the cap to the polymeric material of the bowl and / or the polymeric material of the filter cartridge. Thermal bonding may also be referred to as fusion bonding. In one embodiment, the lower circumferential surface of the cap is thermally bonded to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl. In one embodiment, thermal bonding may be performed by heating one or more of the upper and lower circumferential surfaces and then placing the surfaces against each other. In one embodiment, bonding may be via ultrasonic bonding.

[0042] Aspects Any of the first to fifteenth aspects can be combined with any of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects.

[0043] Aspect 1. Cap, bowl, and sealed space and the lower circumferential surface of the cap is , fixed to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl to form a sealed space death , the cap, For sealed spaces, A fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port , Ga a filter housing including a bowl including a slot disposed inside the bowl, and a cap including a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, the filter cartridge being disposed within the sealed space of the filter housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port of the cap, the filter cartridge including a radial protrusion disposed in the slot of the bowl that blocks rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl and prevents the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl.

[0044] Embodiment 2. The filter assembly of embodiment 1, wherein all contact between the cap and the bowl, and between the cap and the filter cartridge, is through flat surfaces of the cap, bowl, and filter cartridge.

[0045] Embodiment 3. The filter assembly of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the bottom of the cap presses against the top of the filter cartridge to prevent vertical movement of the filter cartridge within the sealed space, and wherein each of the radial projections is inserted into a respective one of the slots, and each of the radial projections and each one of the slots have the same width to prevent circumferential movement of each of the radial projections within their respective slots.

[0046] Embodiment 4. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein all contact between the filter cartridge and the bowl is via the radial projections and slots.

[0047] Embodiment 5. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the cap includes a first connecting ridge extending from a bottom of the cap and surrounding each of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet ports of the cap, and the filter cartridge includes a top having a cartridge inlet, a cartridge outlet, and a second connecting ridge extending from the top of the filter cartridge and surrounding each of the cartridge inlet and cartridge outlet of the filter cartridge, and wherein the first connecting ridge of the cap is secured to the second connecting ridge of the filter cartridge.

[0048] Embodiment 6. The filter assembly of embodiment 5, wherein all contact between the filter cartridge and the cap is via the first connecting ridge and the second connecting ridge.

[0049] Embodiment 7. The filter assembly of embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the first connecting ridge is secured to the second connecting ridge to form, respectively, an intermediate inlet passageway, which is a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet port of the cap to a cartridge inlet of the filter cartridge, and an intermediate outlet passageway, which is a sealed fluid connection from the cartridge outlet of the filter cartridge to the fluid outlet port of the cap.

[0050] Embodiment 8. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 5 to 7, wherein the second connecting ridge comprises a first ridge portion surrounding the cartridge inlet and a second ridge extending from the first ridge portion and surrounding the cartridge outlet.

[0051] Embodiment 9. The filter assembly of embodiment 8, wherein the second connecting ridge includes a third ridge portion and a fourth ridge portion, the second ridge portion, the third ridge portion, and the fourth ridge portion each extending outward in a different radial direction from the first portion.

[0052] Embodiment 10. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 5 to 9, wherein the filter cartridge has a cylindrical shape, and the cartridge inlet and fluid inlet port are disposed along a vertical axis of the cylindrical shape of the filter cartridge.

[0053] Embodiment 11. The filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 5 to 10, wherein the first connecting ridge and the second connecting ridge have the same shape.

[0054] Embodiment 12. The filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 5 to 11, wherein the lower circumferential surface is spaced from the first connecting ridge of the cap.

[0055] Embodiment 13. The filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein a side of the filter cartridge is radially spaced from an interior of the bowl by a radial protrusion to form one or more vent passages configured to direct gas within the sealed space to a gas vent port in the cap.

[0056] Embodiment 14. The filter cartridge of embodiment 13, wherein the one or more vent passages is a plurality of vent passages, each vent passage extending between a respective pair of the radial projections.

[0057] Embodiment 15. The filter cartridge of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the filter cartridge includes at least three radial projections and the bowl includes at least three slots.

[0058] Embodiment 16. A method of making a filter assembly for filtering a liquid, comprising: inserting a filter cartridge into a bowl, the filter cartridge including radial protrusions, the bowl including slots disposed inside the bowl, wherein inserting each of the radial protrusions into a respective one of the slots of the bowl, wherein the radial protrusions inserted into the slots prevent the filter cartridge from rotating relative to the bowl and prevent a bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl; and securing a cap to the bowl to form a sealed space containing the filter cartridge, the cap including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas vent port, and comprising securing a lower circumferential surface of the cap to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl.

[0059] Embodiment 17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the filter cartridge is suspended within the bowl by the radial protrusions due to insertion of the radial protrusions into slots in the bowl.

[0060] Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the lower circumferential surface of the cap and the upper circumferential surface of the bowl are secured by being heat-sealed to one another.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced.

Claims

1. a filter housing including a cap, a bowl, and a sealed space, wherein a lower circumferential surface of the cap is secured to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl to form the sealed space, the cap including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas vent port for the sealed space, and the bowl including a slot disposed inside the bowl; a filter cartridge disposed within the sealed space of the filter housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port of the cap, the filter cartridge including radial protrusions disposed in slots in the bowl that block rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl and prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl; Including, the cap includes first connecting ridges extending from a bottom of the cap and surrounding each of the fluid inlet and outlet ports of the cap; the filter cartridge includes a top having a cartridge inlet, a cartridge outlet, and second connecting ridges extending from the top of the filter cartridge and surrounding each of the cartridge inlet and cartridge outlet of the filter cartridge, the first connecting ridges of the cap being secured to the second connecting ridges of the filter cartridge; The second connecting ridge is a first raised portion surrounding the cartridge inlet without surrounding the cartridge outlet; a second ridge extending from the first ridge portion and surrounding the cartridge outlet without surrounding the cartridge inlet; A filter assembly for filtering a liquid.

2. 10. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein all contact between the cap and the bowl, and between the cap and the filter cartridge, is through corresponding mating surfaces on the cap, bowl, and filter cartridge.

3. The bottom of the cap presses against the top of the filter cartridge to prevent vertical movement of the filter cartridge within the sealed space; Each of the radial projections is inserted into a respective one of the slots, and each of the radial projections and each one of the slots have the same width to prevent circumferential movement of each of the radial projections within each of the slots. The filter assembly of claim 1 .

4. the first connecting ridge is fixed to the second connecting ridge; an intermediate inlet passageway that is a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet port of the cap to the cartridge inlet of the filter cartridge; and forming an intermediate outlet passageway, each of which is a sealed fluid connection from the cartridge outlet of the filter cartridge to the fluid outlet port of the cap; The filter assembly of claim 1 .

5. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first connecting ridge and the second connecting ridge have the same shape.

6. The filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lower circumferential surface is spaced from the first connecting ridge of the cap.

7. 10. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein a side of the filter cartridge is radially spaced from an interior of the bowl by a radial protrusion to form one or more vent passages configured to direct gas within the sealed space to a gas vent port in the cap.

8. A method of making the filter assembly of claim 1, comprising: Inserting a filter cartridge into a bowl, Inserting each of the radial projections into a respective one of the slots in the bowl. inserting a filter cartridge into the bowl; securing a cap to a bowl, The lower circumferential surface of the cap is fixed to the upper circumferential surface of the bowl. and securing the cap to the bowl. A method comprising:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the lower circumferential surface of the cap and the upper circumferential surface of the bowl are secured together by heat sealing.

10. A filter housing including a cap, a bowl, and a sealed space, wherein a lower circumferential surface of the cap is fixed to an upper circumferential surface of the bowl to form the sealed space, the cap including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a gas vent port for the sealed space, and the bowl including a slot disposed inside the bowl; a filter cartridge disposed within the sealed space of the filter housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port of the cap, the filter cartridge including radial protrusions disposed in slots in the bowl that block rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the bowl and prevent the bottom and sides of the filter cartridge from contacting the bowl; Including, the cap includes first connecting ridges extending from a bottom of the cap and surrounding each of the fluid inlet and outlet ports of the cap; the filter cartridge includes a top having a cartridge inlet, a cartridge outlet, and second connecting ridges extending from the top of the filter cartridge and surrounding each of the cartridge inlet and cartridge outlet of the filter cartridge, the first connecting ridges of the cap being secured to the second connecting ridges of the filter cartridge; The second connecting ridge is a first raised portion surrounding the cartridge inlet; a second raised portion extending from the first raised portion and surrounding the cartridge outlet; a third raised portion and a fourth raised portion; the second raised portion, the third raised portion, and the fourth raised portion each extend outward in a different radial direction from the first portion; A filter assembly for filtering a liquid.

11. A filter assembly as described in claim 10, wherein each angle between adjacent pairs of second raised portions, third raised portions, and fourth raised portions extending from the first portion is at least 30 degrees.

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