BLOCKING FEATURE FOR A FILTER
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CATERPILLAR INC
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
Smart Images
Figure MX434101B0
Abstract
Description
BLOCKING FEATURE FOR A FILTER FIELD OF INVENTION This description generally refers to tank-style filter systems that employ a replaceable filter element. More specifically, this description refers to a filter element that includes a locking feature to retain the filter element in a desired position while providing a seal that helps ensure that the dirty fluid is filtered through the filter element's filter medium. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Liquid filter systems are known for filtering various fluids such as gas, oil, diesel fuel, etc., to remove contaminants. In diesel engines, for example, a fuel line filter is used to separate water and debris from the fuel. These contaminants can accumulate in a lower portion of the filter housing (also called a reservoir). Typically, the filter element's center tube provides support for the filter media, but it may not always provide the desired placement and retention. Hacker et al.'s United States Patent Application Publication No. 20060207948 describes an assembly Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Ref. 337363 fluid filter comprising a cover, a service cap, a center tube detachably fitted to the service cap, a detachably sealed filter cartridge surrounding the center tube, and a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly is located between the center tube and portions of the cover to prevent a drain change to the flow of clean fluid through it when the fluid filter assembly is operating to filter the fluid. During normal operation in Hacker, the fluid filter assembly allows fluid to flow into the housing through an inlet channel, through the filter cartridge, through openings in the center tube, and out of the housing through the outlet channel. Maintenance procedures involve removing a service cover from the housing to remove, along with the service cover and center tube, and to open a drain flow passage in the housing. A filter cartridge is then removed from the center tube, and a new filter cartridge is installed. Finally, the service cover, with the center tube containing the new filter cartridge, is installed on the housing to close the drain flow passage. In Hacker, the filtering methods will direct the fluid to be filtered towards a cover that has a cartridge of Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi removable and replaceable filter; they will then direct the fluid through a tubular region of the filter media in the cartridge; then through fluid openings in a center tube; and into a clean fluid flow passage. Exemplary methods include preventing fluid from passing the filter media by detachably sealing the filter cartridge to the center tube. Exemplary methods will also include preventing fluid from flowing into a drain passage by detachably sealing the center tube to other portions of the filter housing. Systems that use filter assemblies described in Hacker include fuel systems, lubrication systems, and hydraulic systems. Hacker does not describe a feature in the center tube that can be used to position and retain the filter element in a desired position while also providing a seal that forces the dirty fluid to pass through the filter medium of the filter element before exiting the filter element. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A filter element according to one embodiment of the present description includes at least one partially annular configuration defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The filter element may comprise an annular filter medium defining a central passage, a central tube that is arranged Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi in the central passage of the annular filter medium that defines a central reservoir, and the annular filter medium surrounds the central tube and the central reservoir. An upper open end may be attached to the central tube arranged along the longitudinal axis, the upper open end including an opening that allows fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element. A lower open end may be attached to the central tube opposite the upper open end along the longitudinal axis, the lower open end defining a radially external surface, and a radially internal surface that is in communication with the central reservoir.A locking feature may be disposed near the lower open end, the locking feature including an inlet slot that is disposed on the radially internal surface of the center tube extending axially from the lower open end. A pedestal according to one embodiment of the present description is for use with a tank filter system, and a filter element for positioning and retaining the filter element in the tank filter system. The pedestal may comprise at least partially annular body defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and may include an upper annular portion terminating in a free upper end. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi tongue can extend radially from the upper annular portion, the tongue including a first axial surface, a lower circumferential surface and a lower ramp surface extending from the lower circumferential surface. A reservoir filter system according to one embodiment of the present description may comprise a filter element that includes at least partially a cylindrical configuration and defines a longitudinal axis and a radial direction. The filter element may comprise an annular filter medium defining a central passage, a central tube disposed within the central passage of the annular filter medium defining a central reservoir, and the annular filter medium surrounding the central tube and the central reservoir. An upper open end may be attached to the central tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the upper open end including an opening that allows fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element, and a lower open end attached to the central tube opposite the upper open end disposed along the longitudinal axis.In addition, a reservoir may be provided that includes an open top end and an open bottom end or a closed bottom end arranged along the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, a pedestal may be provided that includes a... Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi body at least partially annular, defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The pedestal may also include an upper annular portion terminating in an upper free end and defining an upper diameter, a lower annular portion defining a lower diameter that is larger than the upper diameter, and a tab extending radially from the upper annular portion. The pedestal may rest on the lower closed end of the tank, and the filter seal may be disposed beneath the tab of the pedestal and around the lower annular portion while in contact with the tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a front section view of a filter assembly including a filter base, a reservoir, and a filter element including a central tube with a locking feature according to one embodiment of the present description, and a pedestal configured to engage with the locking feature. FIG. 2 is a front section view of the lower portion of a filter assembly similar to that in FIG. 1 with the annular filter medium removed, showing the pedestal coupling with the center tube locking feature according to one embodiment of the present description. Q7Cn ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating how the pedestal rests or extends from the bottom of the reservoir. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the pedestal tongue coupling with the center tube locking feature. FIG. 5 shows the tank and pedestal shown isolated from the filter assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a bottom-oriented perspective view of the filter seal showing its opening which is configured to mate with the cylindrical or conical surface of the pedestal. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the center tube shown isolated from the filter assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view that conceptually shows how a center tube such as one similar in construction to the center tube in FIG. 7 can be configured to couple with the base at the upper end and the pedestal at the lower end of a filter assembly. FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail view showing the coupling of the center tube locking slot and the pedestal similar to the lower portion of FIG. 8 except that the pedestal is shown near the top of FIG. 9. The pedestal tab is shown being rotated during an assembly or locking operation. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi FIG. 10 illustrates that the pedestal tab of FIG. 9 is small enough to fall into the stopping notch. FIG. 11 is an enlarged detail view showing the coupling of the locking slot of the center tube and the pedestal similar to the upper portion of FIG. 8. The tab of the pedestal is shown to be too large to fit into the stopping notch. FIG. 12 is a flowchart containing a method of operation or assembly associated with FIG. 9 to 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to features described herein, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in all figures to refer to equal or similar parts. In some cases, a reference number will be given in this description, and the figures will show the reference number followed by a letter, for example, 100a, 100b, or a prime indicator such as 100', 100'', etc. It should be understood that the use of letters or primes immediately following a reference number indicates that these features have a similar form and function, as is often the case when geometry is reflected around a plane of symmetry. For the sake of ease of explanation in this description, the Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi letters or primes will often not be included herein, but may be shown in figures to indicate duplicates of features described within this written description. First, a filter system will now be described to provide the reader with the appropriate context for understanding how the various modalities of this description are used. It should be understood that this description is provided as an example and is not in any way limiting. Any modality of an apparatus or method described herein may be used in conjunction with any filter system. A filter element will then be described that may include a central tube with a blocking feature, according to various configurations. This feature may be located at the lower end of a liquid filter assembly with a reusable cover (which may be referred to as a reservoir) and may position the filter element radially and axially within the reservoir (which may also be referred to as the cover) while simultaneously separating the clean fluid from the dirty fluid on opposite sides of the filter media via a seal. In fuel-water separators, the positioning geometry may be configured to create a chamber for collecting water (i.e., a water bowl) or debris by preventing the element from extending to the bottom of the reservoir. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi FIG. 1 illustrates a tank filter system 100 that can use a filter element 200 and a pedestal 300 according to various embodiments of the present description. The 100 tank filter system may include a base 102 (shown as separate components such as a base adapter 102a and a filter base 102b, but it could be a single, integral component), a tank 104, a pedestal 300, and a filter element 200. The 100 tank filter system can be used to filter fluids such as diesel or gasoline or other liquid fuels, lubricating oil, hydraulic fluid for hydraulic power systems, transmission fluid, or even possibly intake air for an engine. The 100 tank filter system can also be used as a fuel / water separator filter. The 100 tank filter system, with the features described herein, could be adapted by a person skilled in the art for many different purposes and adapted to many other applications. The base 102 includes an inlet channel 106 for fluid to enter the reservoir filter system 100 and an outlet channel 108 for fluid to exit the reservoir filter system 100. A clip 110 is provided for attaching the reservoir 104 to the base 102. Another joining structure, such as threads, may be used. Tank 104 includes an open upper end 112 and an open lower end 114 as shown in FIG. 1 or a closed lower end 116 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The filter element 200 can take different forms to suit a particular application. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter element 200 is well-suited for filtering fuel or lubricating oil. The filter element 200 may include an annular filter medium 202 circumferentially surrounding a central reservoir 204 defined by a central tube 206. Axial ends of the annular filter medium 202 to be sealed by end caps are shown. A top end cap 208 can define an axial open end of the filter element 200. The top end cap 208 is called open because it includes an opening 210 to allow fluid passage. On the other hand, the lower end cap 212 defines an axially closed end of the filter element 200. The lower end cap 212 is called closed because it prevents any fluid outside of the filter element 200 adjacent to the axial end of the annular filter medium 202 from flowing unfiltered into the center tube 206. The upper end cap 208 and the lower end cap 212 can each be attached to the center tube 206 by welding, adhesives, etc. Alternatively, Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Several or all of the center tubes 206, the upper end cap 208, and the lower end cap 212 can be constructed as unitary components. Conversely, the lower end cap 212 and / or the upper end cap 208 can be separate components from the center tube 206, etc. Further details of the closed configuration of the lower part of the filter system of the tank 100 and the filter element 200 will be described later. During operation, the fluid to be filtered enters from the inlet channel 106 and flows into the annular cavity 118 between the reservoir 104 and the annular filter medium 202. The fluid then passes into and through the filter medium 202, then into the central tube 206 through perforations 214 shown therein in FIG. 1. The fluid then exits the center tube 206 through the upper end cap 208 and the opening 210 into the outlet channel 108. The sealed construction at the bottom of the filter element 200 helps define the fluid channels to and from the annular filter medium 202, preventing any fluid from flowing directly into the outlet channel 108 and passing through the annular filter medium 202. To that end, sealing features may be provided, which will be described in detail later herein. Furthermore, it may be desirable to create a chamber (e.g., a water bowl in fuel-water separators, a reservoir) Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi drain, etc.) between the bottom of the filter element and the bottom of the tank. Then, a positioning feature can be provided as will be described later herein. Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, a 100 tank filter system will now be described in accordance with various modalities of the present description that provides locking and / or positioning features. The reservoir filter system 100 may comprise a filter element 200 that includes at least partially a cylindrical configuration and defines a longitudinal axis 216, a circumferential direction 217, and a radial direction 218. The filter element 200 may comprise an annular filter medium 202 that defines a central passage 219, and a central tube 206 that is disposed in the central passage 219 of the annular filter medium 220 that defines a central reservoir 204. The annular filter medium 202 surrounds the central tube 206 and the central reservoir 204. As best seen in FIG. 1, the filter element 200 may further include an upper open end 220 attached to the central tube 206 arranged along the longitudinal axis 216. The upper open end 220 includes an opening 210 that allows fluid to flow from the central reservoir 204 to the outside of the element. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi filter 200. Similarly, the filter element 200 may include a lower open end 222 attached to the central tube 206 opposite the upper open end 220 which is also arranged along the longitudinal axis 216. Therefore, the lower open end 222 allows the insertion of the pedestal 300. The tank filter system 100 may also include a tank 104 comprising an upper open end 112 (see FIG. 1) and a lower closed end 116 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to the longitudinal axis 216, and a pedestal 300 resting on the lower closed end 114 of the tank 104. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present description such as in FIG. 1 where the pedestal 300 is integrally molded with the tank 104. Looking at FIGS. 2 to 5, the pedestal 300 may include a body at least partially annular 302 (it may be completely annular with a through hole 304 extending end to end as best seen in FIG. 5 or not as shown in FIG. 1) defining a longitudinal axis 306, a radial direction 308 and a circumferential direction 310 (see FIG. 5, it may be concentric with the filter element once assembled). Focusing on FIG. 5, body 302 may include an upper annular portion 312 that terminates at one end Qzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ free upper 314 (regardless of whether it is open or closed) and can also define an upper diameter 316 (i.e., an upper external diameter), and a lower annular portion 318 that defines a lower diameter 320 (i.e., a lower external diameter) that is larger than the upper diameter 316. A tab 322 may extend radially from the upper annular portion 312 and a filter seal 120 may be provided defining an opening 122 that is configured to engage with the lower annular portion 318 of the pedestal 300 (see also FIG. 6). Continuing with reference to FIG. 5, the pedestal 300 can rest on the lower closed end 114 of the tank 104. The filter seal 120 can be arranged below the tab 322 of the pedestal 300 and around the lower annular portion 318 while making contact with the tank 104. More specifically, the tank 104 comprises an outer annular wall 124 defining an outer diameter 126 (see FIG. 1) that is larger than the lower diameter 320 of the pedestal 300, a support wall 128 configured to support the lower annular portion 318 of the pedestal 300, and an arched wall 130 (other configurations are possible) connecting the support wall 128 to the outer annular wall 124 (see FIG. 5). Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi As shown in FIG. 3, the filter seal 120 can come into contact with the arched wall 130, forming a drainage reservoir 132. More particularly, the lower open end 222 of the center tube 206 can impact the filter seal 120, creating a watertight seal between the center tube 206 and the filter seal 120, and another watertight seal between the filter seal 120 and the arched wall 130 of the reservoir 104. Looking at FIG. 6, the ratio of the filter seal's outer diameter 136 to its thickness 134 can vary from 10.0 to 30.0, while the ratio of the outer diameter 136 to the hole diameter 137 can vary from 1.5 to 3.0. This geometry, in addition to the filter seal's elastomeric composition, can provide the appropriate balance between rigidity and flexibility to allow the center tube and pedestal to be connected while still providing watertight seals. For example, a urethane material with a durometer of 55 to 65 Shore A (e.g., 60 Shore A) can be used. Looking at FIGS. 2 to 4, the center tube 206 includes a locking groove 224 that extends axially from the lower open end 222 of the center tube 206 an axial distance 226 and then extends circumferentially Q7Cn ίη / 77Π7 / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ a circumferential distance 228. With reference to Figures 3 and 5, the center tube 206 can define an internal diameter 230 that is slightly larger (i.e., 0.015 in. to 0.030 in. of clearance) than the upper diameter 316 of the pedestal 300, which is disposed within the internal diameter 230. The tab 322 of the pedestal 300 can be disposed in the locking groove 226 and configured to guide the movement of the center tube 206. This arrangement can provide a positioning / centering function. Although not shown, an O-ring or other seal can be provided at this interface 138 to prevent fluid from passing the annular filter medium 202 in some configurations, such as when the annular filter medium does not extend axially past the locking groove. As best seen in FIG. 5, the pedestal 300 may include a flared annular portion 324 (e.g., a conical shape, an arched shape, etc.) connecting the upper annular portion 312 to the lower annular portion 318. This feature may be omitted in other embodiments. As best seen in FIG. 6, the radially internal surface 234 of the center tube 206 may have a matching shape (e.g., angular or conical) to facilitate the installation of the center tube / filter element onto the pedestal. This can serve as a guide when the tabs engage the locking slots. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Referring again to FIG. 5, the lower annular portion 318 can be attached to the tank 104. For example, when the tank and pedestal are formed by thermoplastic injection molding (using a polyurethane material, nylon material, etc.), the pedestal can be ultrasonically welded to the tank, integrally molded with the tank, fitted into the tank, threaded onto the tank, etc. Additionally, a protrusion can extend from the tank on which the pedestal is centered, etc. Other manufacturing methods are possible, including sheet metal fabrication, etc. When metal is used, the pedestal can be attached to the tank by fusion welding, brazing, bolting, etc. The lower annular portion 318 may define at least one through-slot 326 extending radially and possibly axially downward through the lower annular portion 318. This may allow water or debris to exit from the central reservoir 204 of the central tube 206 to the drain reservoir 132 (for example, see FIG. 3). Now, a filter element 200 will be described that can be used with which it includes at least one partially annular configuration (e.g., conical, cylindrical, other bodies of revolution, etc.) and which can be used with the tank filter system 100 just described with Q7Cn ίη / 77Π7 / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, and 7. Starting with FIGS. 1 and 7, the filter element 200 can define a longitudinal axis 216, a radial direction 218, and a circumferential direction 217. Furthermore, the filter element 200 can comprise an annular filter medium 202 that defines a central passage 219. A central tube 206 may be arranged in the central passage 219 of the annular filter medium 202, which defines a central reservoir 204. Accordingly, the annular filter medium 202 surrounds the central tube 206 and the central reservoir 204. An upper open end 220 may be attached to the central tube 206, which is arranged along the longitudinal axis 216. The upper open end 220 includes an opening 210 that allows fluid to flow from the central reservoir 204 to the outside of the filter element 200 or vice versa. Similarly, a lower open end 222 can be attached to the central tube 206 axially opposite the upper open end 220 arranged along the longitudinal axis 216. As best seen in FIG. 3, the lower open end 222 can define a radially external surface 232, and a radially internal surface 234 that is in communication with the central reservoir 204. Looking at FIGS. 2 to 4, a locking feature 236 may be arranged close to the lower open end Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi 222 of the center tube 206. The locking feature 236 may include an entry groove 238 that is disposed on the radially internal surface 234 of the center tube 206 extending axially upward from the lower open end 222. This entry groove is configured to allow the center tube 206 to slide over the tab 322 of the pedestal 300 mentioned above during assembly. As best seen in FIG. 4, the locking feature 236 may further comprise a ramp slot 240 extending axially upward and circumferentially counterclockwise from the inlet slot 238 along a predetermined direction 241. The ramp slot 240 is in communication with the inlet slot 238, so that as the pedestal tab 322 of the pedestal 300 moves upward in the inlet slot 238 when the center tube 206 moves downward, the tab 322 will eventually reach the ramp slot 240. Twisting the center tube 206 circumferentially will cause the center tube 206 to move downward, impacting the filter seal 120 (for example, see FIG. 3). In other embodiments, this arrangement may be reversed so that the ramp slot extends axially upward and circumferentially clockwise. In this case, the central tube must be twisted in the opposite direction. Continuing with reference to FIG. 4, the locking feature 236 may further comprise a circumferential locking groove 242 extending circumferentially in a counterclockwise direction from the ramp groove 240. The circumferential locking groove 242 is in communication with the ramp groove 240 and terminates in a stop surface 244. Consequently, as the center tube 206 is twisted circumferentially, the axial position of the center tube is essentially fixed by the tab 322 of the pedestal 300. Again, this arrangement can be reversed so that the circumferential locking groove extends in the clockwise direction, requiring the center tube to be rotated in the opposite direction. Continued counterclockwise twisting of the center tube 206 will allow the tab 322 to contact, or nearly contact, the stop surface 244. At this point, the upward force exerted by the filter seal 120 causes the center tube 206 to move slightly upward until the tab 322 engages with a detent notch 246 extending axially downward from and communicating with the circumferential locking groove 242. The center tube 206 is now locked in position axially, radially, and circumferentially against unintentional movement. An angled surface 248 can extend from the detent notch 246 to the stop surface 244, matching the shape of the tab 322. Therefore, the angled surface 248 can be parallel to the predetermined direction 241 along which the ramp groove 240 extends. Similarly, the stop surface 244 can extend axially to match the shape of the tab 322. Other configurations are possible for these various features. Looking at FIGS. 4 and 7, the center tube 206 has a narrow-neck configuration at the lower open end 222 that includes an enlarged lower annular portion 248, a reduced upper annular portion 250, and a transitional annular portion between them. The inlet groove 238 is formed by the lower annular portion 248 and the transitional annular portion 252. The ramp groove 240 is formed by the transitional annular portion 252 and the reduced upper annular portion 250. The circumferential locking groove 242 and the detent notch 246 are formed by the reduced upper annular portion 250. Again, other configurations are possible for these features in other modes of this description. Looking at FIG. 7, it can be seen that the center tube 206 (and therefore the filter element 200) is constructed so that both ends are similarly or identically constructed. The center tube 206 can then be rotated about an axis extending through its axial midpoint and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 216 by 180 degrees and still be installed with the pedestal 300. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present description. In such cases, the upper locking feature may or may not be used to attach the base to the center tube. An example of the use of the upper and lower locking feature in a tank filter system will be described later. The upper portion of the inlet groove 238, and the entirety of the ramp groove 240, the circumferential locking groove 242, and the detent notch 246 extend fully radially through the center tube 206. However, the lower portion of the inlet groove 238 does not extend fully radially through the center tube 206 (indicated by the dashed lines). Therefore, a lateral action can form the through portions of these features, while the lower core can form the blind portion of the inlet groove and come into contact with the lateral action. The center tube can then be manufactured using a thermoplastic injection molding process. Nylon, polyurethane, or any other suitable material can be used to form the center tube. Other configurations for these features can be used to facilitate the use of other manufacturing processes, etc. A pedestal 300 that can be used with a tank filter system 100, and a filter element 200 for positioning and retaining the filter element 200 in the tank filter system 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The pedestal 300 may comprise at least a partially annular body 302 that defines a longitudinal axis 306, a radial direction 308 and a circumferential direction 310. Body 302 may include an upper annular portion 312 terminating in an upper free end 314 as previously described herein. A tongue 322 extends radially from the upper annular portion 312. The tongue 322 includes a first axial surface 328, a lower circumferential surface 330, and a lower ramp surface 332 extending from the lower circumferential surface 330. The first axial surface 328 is configured to engage a surface of the inlet groove 238, the lower circumferential surface 330 is configured to engage a surface of the circumferential locking groove 242, and the lower ramp surface 332 is configured to engage a surface of the ramp groove 240 of the center tube 206 as previously described herein. Furthermore, the tongue 322 further comprises an upper ramp surface 334 extending from the first axial surface 328, which is parallel to the lower ramp surface 332, to engage another surface of the ramp groove 240. An upper circumferential surface 336 extends from the upper ramp surface 334 and engages another surface of the circumferential locking groove 242. A second axial surface 338 connects the lower ramp surface 332 to the upper circumferential surface 336 and is configured to engage the stop surface 244 of the center tube 206. The pedestal 300 may have a shape complementary to the lower open end 22 of the central tube 206. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the pedestal 300 may have a lower annular portion 318 defining a lower diameter 320, and an upper annular portion 312 defining an upper diameter 316 that is smaller than the lower diameter 320. In addition, a flared annular portion 324 (also referred to as a funnel annular portion) connects the upper annular portion 312 to the lower annular portion 318. The 300 pedestal may also include a portion of Q7Cn iη / 77P7 / E / YILI reservoir 340 (for example, may be attached to it) and may include an annular outer wall 342 defining an outer diameter 344 that is larger than the lower diameter 320 of the lower annular portion 318 to form the annular cavity 118 (see FIG. 1). As best seen in FIG. 5, a support wall 346 is configured to support the lower annular portion 318 and a funnel wall 348 connects the annular outer wall 342 to the support wall 346. Looking at FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, it can be understood that the reservoir filter system 100 and its central tube 206 can be modified so that the central tube 206 has upper and lower locking features to join the base 102 and the reservoir 104 to the filter element 200. As shown in FIG. 8, an upper pedestal 300 can be provided that is configured identically to that in FIG. 5 except that it has been rotated 180 degrees about an axis passing through the axial midpoint of the central tube 206 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 216 of the central tube 206 so that the upper pedestal 300 can be operatively associated with the base 102 instead of the reservoir 104 (e.g., attached to the base instead of the reservoir as previously described herein). In FIG. 8, a lower pedestal 300' can be provided which includes a body that is at least partially annular 302' Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi which defines a longitudinal axis 306', a radial direction 308' and a circumferential direction 310' which are defined in the same way as those of the upper pedestal 300. The lower pedestal 300' may include an upper annular portion 312' terminating in a free upper end (not clearly shown, but understood to be similar to that previously described for pedestal 300 or shown in FIG. 1) and defining an upper diameter (not clearly shown, but understood to be similar to that previously described for pedestal 300 or shown in FIG. 1). Similarly, the lower pedestal 300' may also include a lower annular portion 318' defining a lower diameter (not clearly shown, but understood to be similar to that previously described for pedestal 300 or shown in FIG. 1) that is larger than the upper diameter 316'. A flared annular portion 324' connects the upper annular portion 312' to the lower annular portion 318'. Additionally, a lower tongue 322' extends radially from the upper annular portion, 312'. The lower annular portion 318' may define at least one through-slot (not clearly shown, but understood to be similar to that previously described for pedestal 300) extending radially and possibly axially downwards through the portion Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi lower annular 318' similar to pedestal 300 as previously described herein. It should be understood that pedestal 300 may be substituted for the lower pedestal 300' shown in FIG. 8 in some embodiments. For example, in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, it should be understood that the tank 104 may comprise an outer annular wall 124 defining an outer diameter 126 that is larger than the lower diameter of the lower pedestal 300' (shown in FIG. 8). A support wall 346 would support the lower annular portion 318' of the lower pedestal 300', and an arched wall 130 would connect the support wall 346 to the outer annular wall 124. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the filter seal 120 would come into contact with the arched wall 130, forming a drainage basin 132. Furthermore, the lower open end 222 of the modified center tube 206 would impact the filter seal 120, creating a watertight seal between the center tube 206 and the filter seal 120, and another watertight seal between the filter seal 120 and the arched wall 130. The arched wall may have another shape, such as conical, etc. The filter seal may be omitted in some embodiments, such as when the basin has a lower closed end, etc. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Again, with reference to FIG. 8, the central tube The 206' includes a lower locking groove 224' that extends axially from the lower open end 222' of the 206' center tube an axial distance 226', and then extends circumferentially a circumferential distance 228'. The 206' center tube may also have an upper locking groove 224'' that extends axially from the upper open end 220' of the 206' center tube another axial distance 226'' and then extends circumferentially in the opposite direction compared to the lower locking groove 224'. Furthermore, the central tube 206' can define an internal diameter (not clearly shown, but understood to be similar to that previously described for the pedestal 300 or shown in FIG. 1) that is slightly larger than the upper diameter of the lower pedestal 300', which is arranged within the internal diameter of the central tube 206'. The lower tab 322' of the lower pedestal 300' is arranged in the lower locking groove 224' and is configured to guide the movement of the central tube 206'. Additionally, the upper pedestal 300 can define a diameter (e.g., 316) that is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the central tube 206' and is arranged within the internal diameter of the central tube 206'. The upper tab 322' of the upper pedestal 300 can also be configured differently than the tab. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi lower 322' of the lower pedestal 300', and the upper tab 322 can be arranged in the upper locking slot 224'' to guide the movement of the base. Continuing with reference to FIG. 8, a filter element with a central tube 206' will now be described. This tube has both upper and lower locking features that can be used with the filter tank system just described. It should be understood that the central tube 206' shown in FIG. 8 is simplified to illustrate the simultaneous use of upper and lower locking features. In reality, the middle portion of the central tube 206' would have perforations similar to those shown in FIG. 7. As mentioned earlier herein, the central tube 206' may have a lower open end 222' that is joined to the central tube 206' opposite the upper open end 220', both of which are arranged along the longitudinal axis 306'. The lower open end 222' may define a radially external surface 232', and a radially internal surface that is in communication with the central reservoir (not clearly shown in FIG. 8). A first locking feature 236' may be arranged close to the lower open end 222'. The first locking feature 236' may include a first entry slot 238' arranged on the radially internal surface (not clearly shown in FIG. 8) of the center tube 206' extending axially upward from the lower open end 222'. A first ramp slot 240' may extend axially upward and circumferentially counterclockwise from the first entry slot 238' along a first predetermined direction 241', the first ramp slot 240' being in communication with the first entry slot 238'. The entry slot may be made axially tapered to provide a guide during assembly. Similarly, a second locking feature 236'' may be arranged close to the upper open end 220'. The second locking feature 236'' may include a second inlet slot 238'' that is arranged on the radially internal surface (not clearly shown in FIG. 8) of the center tube 206' extending axially downward from the upper open end 220'. A second ramp slot 240'' may extend axially downward and circumferentially clockwise from the second inlet slot 238'' along a second predetermined direction 241'', the second ramp slot 240'' being in communication with the second inlet slot 238''. As shown in FIG. 8, the first default address is 241' and the second default address is Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi 241'' are parallel to each other. For example, this may be true when the first locking feature 236' is configured identically to the second locking feature 236'' when rotated about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 306' by 180 degrees and then aligned axially and circumferentially with the second locking feature 236''. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present description The first locking feature may further comprise a first circumferential locking groove 242' extending circumferentially counterclockwise from the first ramp groove 240', the first circumferential locking groove 242' being in communication with the first ramp groove 240' and terminating in a first inclined surface 254 extending axially upwards and circumferentially counterclockwise. Similarly, the second locking feature 236'' may further comprise a second circumferential locking groove 242'' extending clockwise circumferentially from the second ramp groove 240'', the first circumferential locking groove 242'' being in communication with the second ramp groove 240'' and terminating in a second inclined surface 254' extending axially downwards and circumferentially in Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi clockwise. For the first locking feature 236', a first detent notch 246' may extend axially upward from and be in communication with the first circumferential locking groove 242'. Likewise, for the second locking feature 236'', a second detent notch 246'' may extend axially downward from and be in communication with the second circumferential locking groove 242''. The first stop notch 246' can terminate circumferentially in a first stop surface 244' that extends axially upwards from the first inclined surface 254, and the second stop notch 246'' can terminate circumferentially in a second stop surface 244'' that extends axially downwards from the second inclined surface 254'. Looking at FIG. 8, the center tube 206' has a narrow-neck configuration at the lower open end 222' that includes an augmented lower annular portion 248', a reduced upper annular portion 250', and a transitional annular portion 252' between them. The inlet slot 238' is formed by the augmented lower annular portion 248', the transitional annular portion 252', and the reduced upper annular portion 250'. The first ramp slot 240' is formed by the reduced upper annular portion 250'. The first circumferential locking slot Q7Cn ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ 242' and the first stopping notch 246' are formed by the reduced upper annular portion 250'. The upper open end 220' has been similarly described, being reflected around an axial mid-plane of the central tube 206'. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 8, a pair of 300, 300' pedestals that can be used with the filter element just described will be described in more detail. Each of the pair of pedestals 300, 300' may comprise at least partially annular body 300, 302' that defines a longitudinal axis 306, 306, a radial direction 308, 308' and a circumferential direction 310, 310'. Each can have an upper annular portion 312, 312 terminating in an upper free end 314, and a tongue 322, 322' extending radially from the upper annular portion 312, 312'. The tongue 322, 322' can include a first axial surface 328, 328', a lower circumferential surface 330, 330', and a lower ramp surface 332, 332' extending from the lower circumferential surface 330, 330'. As best seen in FIG. 8, the surface of one tongue can be configured differently (e.g., have different dimensions) than the corresponding surface of the other tongue, but not necessarily. Continuing with FIGS. 5 and 8, each tongue 322, 322' Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi may further comprise an upper ramp surface 334, 334' extending from the first axial surface 328, 328' which is parallel to the lower ramp surface 332, 332', an upper circumferential surface 336, 336' extending from the upper ramp surface 334, 334', and a second axial surface 338, 338' connecting the lower ramp surface 332, 332' to the upper circumferential surface 336, 336'. Each pedestal 300, 300' may further comprise a lower annular portion 318, 318' defining a lower diameter 320, and an upper annular portion 312, 312' defining an upper diameter 316 that is less than the lower diameter 320. A flared annular portion 324, 324' may connect the upper annular portion 312, 312' to the lower annular portion 320, 320'. All these various surfaces of one tongue can be configured differently from the corresponding surfaces of the other tongue. Therefore, the tongue of each of the pair of pedestals can be configured differently. As shown in FIG. 8, multiple locking features and tabs can be used on both ends of the 206' center tube, but not necessarily. During installation for the modality in FIG. 8, the base and / or upper pedestal are first attached to the central tube Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi of the filter element. The upper tab is prevented from entering the upper stop notch due to its dimensions. Then, the base and filter element are joined to the lower pedestal until the lower tab rests in the lower stop notch because the lower tab is smaller than the upper tab. An interface for use with a filter system similar to that described above in this document with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 will now be described. The interface 400 may comprise a filter element 200 configured the same as or similarly to that described previously herein. The filter element 200 may include a first open end 402 defining a first locking slot 404 and a second open end 406 defining a second locking slot 408. A first pedestal 410 may be provided, including a first tab 412 disposed in the first locking slot 404. Similarly, a second pedestal 414 may be provided, including a second tab 416 disposed in the second locking slot 408. The second tab 416 may be configured differently from the first tab 412. Either tab may have any suitable configuration, including rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, quadrilateral, etc. Q7Cn ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ In some embodiments, the first locking slot 404 may be configured identically to the second locking slot 408 when the geometry of the first slot is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 216 of the filter element 200 by 180 degrees, and the first locking slot 404 is then aligned with the second locking slot 408 axially, circumferentially, and radially. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the herein description. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first locking slot 404 may include a first detent notch 418 defining an extremity 420 that is the farthest axially from the first open end 402 of the filter element 200, and the first tab 412 may be configured to move axially in and out of the first detent notch 418. As best seen in FIG. 11, the second locking slot 408 may include a second detent notch 422 defining an extremity 420' that is the furthest axially from the second open end 406 of the filter element 200, and the second tab 416 may be configured to prevent it from moving in and out of the second detent notch 422. To that end, FIGS. 10 and 11 show that the first tongue 412 includes a first circumferential surface Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi lower 424 defining a first lower circumferential surface width 426, and the second tongue 416 includes a second lower circumferential surface 428 defining a second lower circumferential surface 430 that is larger than the first lower circumferential surface width 424. The difference in these structures together with the narrow neck throat of the stop notch entrance, formed by an axial throat surface 432 and an inclined throat surface 434, allows the first tongue to enter the stop notch and not the second tongue. Furthermore, the first tab 412 includes a first ramp surface 436 and a second ramp surface 438 that are parallel to each other, and which define a first ramp width 440 that is measured perpendicular to the first ramp surface 436. Similarly, the second tab 416 defines a third ramp surface 442 and a fourth ramp surface 444 that are parallel to each other, and which define a second ramp width 446 that is measured perpendicular to the third ramp surface 442 and the fourth ramp surface 444. The second ramp width 446 can be greater than the first ramp width 440, blocking its entry into the stop notch. Therefore, the first tab 412 can be configured to move axially (towards the portion of Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi entry of the first locking slot 404), diagonally (along the ramp portion of the first locking slot 404), circumferentially (in the circumferential portion of the first locking slot 404) and axially towards the first detent notch 418, while the second tab 416 is configured to move axially, diagonally and circumferentially in a manner similar to the first tab, except that the second tab 416 reaches a stop 448 (see FIG. 11) in the second locking slot 408 before entering the second detent notch 422. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present description. Any of the aforementioned features may vary in their configuration and differ from other versions described herein. In particular, the locking groove may follow any desired path and may have differently configured walls forming it, while the tabs may have any suitable configuration, including round, polygonal, etc. Industrial application In practice, a filter element, pedestal, or canister filter system according to any of the forms described herein may be obtained or supplied in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket context. The various The previously described Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi features can be used to properly orient, position, and lock the various components of the tank filter system in place. The central tube and pedestal can be made of any suitable material, including plastic, metal, etc. It may be desirable to choose materials that are chemically compatible with the fluids being filtered. In previous designs, there may have been a problem related to the bonding of the filter element to the housing. Conventionally, bonding the filter element to the housing while maintaining the appropriate seal strength and ensuring proper alignment of the filter element to the housing can be difficult. Various variations of the described method allow for a newly developed way to install the filter element to the housing. This filter installation helps ensure proper alignment of the filter element within the housing and maintains downward force on the seal. Additionally, the new filter element design includes grooves in the center tube that allow the tabs to engage with the filter housing pedestal. When the filter is rotated, it provides the locking mechanism between the filter element and the housing, ensuring a proper seal. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi of the seal with the base of the cover for the separation of pure and impure water, etc. Furthermore, the slots and tabs of the pedestals can be changed (in number, position configuration, etc.) so that an inappropriate filter is not used which results in damage to the machine components. More specifically, the lower pedestal tab engages with the corresponding locking groove on the center tube, providing a downward force to push the lower seal into place when the filter is rotated into the housing during installation. Additionally, the upper seal's position is also provided to ensure a proper seal. It is understood that other modalities of the present description may function or be structured differently, so not all the benefits just described can be obtained. In some models, the filter element / center tube may rest on top of the tab at the bottom of the cover. In this case, a suitable seal may be provided at the top, but the user may have to apply force to overcome the seal at the bottom, etc. It is also envisaged that the pedestal features, including the tab, can be interchanged with the features of the center tube / filter element, including Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi the locking feature / slot, etc. in other modalities of the present description. In view of the above, a method of assembling a tank filter system in accordance with an embodiment of the present application as depicted in FIG. 12 may be employed. Method 500 may comprise inserting a first filter component into a second filter component (step 502) and continuing the insertion until a first tab of the first filter component or of the second filter component makes contact with the other tab of the first filter component and of the second filter component (step 504). For example, the filter element may be inserted into a filter base or a reservoir (cover), etc., until the filter element makes contact with the tab of the filter base or the reservoir (or vice versa). In particular modalities, the first tab of the first filter component or the second filter component slides into a first slot of the other of the first filter component or the second filter component (step 506). Sometimes, the first tab slides upward in the first slot until the first tab reaches a ramp portion of the first slot (step 508, for example, see FIGS. 2 to 4, 8). Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Then the first filter component or the second filter component can be rotated, causing the first tab to slide along the ramp portion of the first groove until the first tab reaches a circumferential portion of the first groove, causing the first filter component or the second filter component to come into contact with a seal (step 510, for example, see FIGS. 2 to 4). Next, the first filter component or the second filter component (or both) can be rotated until the first tab reaches a stop or a detent notch (step 512, for example, see FIGS. 4, 10 and 12). In some forms, the first tab slides up or down in the stop notch (step 514, for example, FIGS. 4, 8 and 10). In other additional embodiments, method 500 may further comprise joining the first filter component or the second filter component to a third filter component, providing a seal (step 516, for example, see FIG. 1 indicating that the reservoir and filter element may be attached to the base to create one or more seals). Method 500 may also include inserting a second tab of a third filter component into a second slot of the first filter component or the second filter component until the second tab reaches Q7Cn ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ a portion of the ramp of the second slot (step 518, for example, see FIGS. 1, 8 to 11). In this case, method 500 may further comprise rotating the first filter component or the second filter component until the second tab slides along the ramp portion of the second slot, reaches a circumferential portion of the second slot, and continues until the second tab reaches a second stop or a second detent notch (step 520). If a second stop notch is reached, then the second tab can slide up or down in the second stop notch (step 522). Once assembled as best seen in FIG. 1 for some embodiments of the present description, a lower seal 140, an inner upper seal 142 and an outer upper seal 144 can be created to help prevent fluid leakage. It will be appreciated that the preceding description provides examples of the assembly and technique described. However, it is understood that other implementations of the description may differ in detail from the examples above. All references to the description or examples thereof are intended to refer to the particular example described at that time and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the description in general. Qzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ language of distinction and discredit with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude them from the scope of the description completely unless otherwise indicated. The mention of value ranges herein is intended merely as a shorthand method for referring individually to each separate value within the range, unless otherwise stated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the description as if it were mentioned individually herein. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and variations to the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly methods as described herein may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the present description will become evident to those skilled in the art from consideration of the description and the implementation of the various embodiments described herein. For example, some parts of the apparatus may be constructed and operated differently from how described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically stated, or in some cases performed simultaneously. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi or in substeps. Furthermore, variations or modifications can be made to certain aspects or characteristics of various modalities to create more modalities and characteristics, and aspects of various modalities can be added or replaced by other characteristics or aspects of other modalities to provide even more additional modalities. Therefore, this description includes all modifications and equivalents of the object stated in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, the description covers all combinations of the elements described above in all possible variations thereof, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.
Claims
1. A filter element comprising at least one partially annular configuration and defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, characterized in that it comprises: an annular filter medium defining a central passage; a central tube disposed in the central passage of the annular filter medium defining a central reservoir, the annular filter medium surrounding the central tube and the central reservoir; an upper open end attached to the central tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the upper open end including an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element; a lower open end attached to the central tube opposite the upper open end disposed along the longitudinal axis, the lower open end defining a radially external surface and a radially internal surface that is in communication with the central reservoir;and a locking feature disposed near the lower open end, the locking feature including an inlet slot that is disposed on the radially internal surface of the center tube extending axially from the lower open end.
2. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking feature further comprises a ramp slot extending axially upwards and circumferentially counterclockwise from the inlet slot along a predetermined direction, the ramp slot being in communication with the inlet slot.
3. The filter element according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking feature further comprises a circumferential locking groove extending circumferentially counterclockwise from the ramp groove, the circumferential locking groove being in communication with the ramp groove and terminating in a stop surface.
4. The filter element according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking feature further comprises a detent notch extending axially downwards from and in communication with the circumferential locking groove.
5. The filter element according to claim 4, characterized in that the Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi locking feature further comprises an angular surface extending from the stop notch to the stop surface, and the angular surface is parallel to the predetermined direction in which the ramp groove extends, and the stop surface extends axially.
6. A pedestal for use with a tank filter system and a filter element for positioning and retaining the filter element in the tank filter system, characterized in that it comprises: a at least partially annular body defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction and a circumferential direction, and including an upper annular portion terminating in an upper free end; and a tab extending radially from the upper annular portion, the tab including a first axial surface, a lower circumferential surface and a lower ramp surface extending from the lower circumferential surface.
7. The pedestal according to claim 6, characterized in that the tab further comprises an upper ramp surface extending from the first axial surface that is parallel to the lower ramp surface, an upper circumferential surface extending from the upper ramp surface, and a second axial surface connecting the lower ramp surface to the upper circumferential surface.
8. The pedestal according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a lower annular portion, which defines a lower diameter, and wherein the upper annular portion defines an upper diameter which is less than the lower diameter.
9. The pedestal according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a flared annular portion connecting the upper annular portion to the lower annular portion.
10. The pedestal according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a reservoir portion including an annular outer wall defining an outer diameter that is greater than the lower diameter of the lower annular portion, a support wall configured to support the lower annular portion, and a funnel wall connecting the annular outer wall to the support wall.