FILTER ELEMENT LOCKING MECHANISM

Abstract

One method for assembling a tank filter system includes inserting a first filter component into a second filter component (step 502) and continuing insertion until a first tab of either the first filter component or the second filter component makes contact with the other tab of the first filter component and the second filter component (step 504).

Description

FILTER ELEMENT LOCKING MECHANISM FIELD OF INVENTION The present disclosure generally relates to canister-style filter systems employing a replaceable filter element. More specifically, the present disclosure relates 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 dirty fluid is filtered by the filter element's filtration media. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Liquid filter systems are known for filtering various fluids such as gas, oil, diesel fuel, etc., to remove contaminants from these fluids. 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 center tube of the filter element provides support for the filter media, but it may not always provide the desired location and retention. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060207948 to Hacker et al. describes an assembly Rzwi Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Ref. 337505 ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ - 2 fluid filters including a cover, a service cap, a center tube removably connected to the service cap, a removably sealed filter cartridge surrounding the center tube, and a sealing arrangement. The sealing arrangement is between the center tube and the cover portions to close off a change from drainage to a clean fluid flow therethrough when the fluid filter assembly is operating to filter the fluid. During normal operation at Hacker, the fluid filter assembly operates to allow fluid to flow into the shroud through an inlet channel, through the filter cartridge, through openings in the center tube, and out of the shroud through the outlet channel. Maintenance methods include removing a service cap from a shroud to remove, along with the service cap, a center tube, and opening a drain flow passage in the shroud. A filter cartridge is then removed from the center tube, and a new filter cartridge is operatively mounted on the center tube. The service cap with the center tube containing the new filter cartridge is then operatively mounted on the shroud to close the drain flow passage. In Hacker, the filtration methods will direct the fluid to be filtered into a cover that has a ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ cartridge - 3 removable and replaceable filters; they will then direct fluid through a tubular region of the filter media in the cartridge; then through fluid openings in a central tube; and into a clean fluid flow passage. Exemplary methods include preventing fluid from passing the filter media by removably sealing the filter cartridge to the central tube. Exemplary methods will also include preventing fluid from flowing into a drain passage by removably sealing the central 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 on 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 media of the filter element before exiting the filter element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An interface for use with a filter system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a filter element at least partially including a cylindrical configuration and defining a longitudinal axis and a radial direction. The filter element may comprise annular filter means defining a ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA - 4 central passage, a central tube disposed in the central passage of the annular filter means defining a central reservoir, and the annular filter means surrounding the central tube and the central reservoir. A first open end may be attached to the central tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the first end further defining a first locking slot, and a second open end may be attached to the central tube opposite the first open end disposed along the longitudinal axis. The second open end may also define a second locking slot. A first pedestal may be provided including a first tab disposed in the first locking slot, and a second pedestal may also be provided including a second tab disposed in the second locking slot. The second tab may be configured differently than the first tab. A filter seal for use with a canister filter system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise an annular body defining an outer diameter, a thickness, and a central bore. A method for assembling a reservoir filter system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise inserting a first filter component into a second filter component, and continuing insertion until a first tab of the first filter component is inserted into the first filter component. - 5 filter component or the second filter component comes into contact with the other of the first filter component and the second filter component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a filter assembly including a filter base, a reservoir, and a filter element including a center tube with a locking feature according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and a pedestal configured to engage the locking feature. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the lower portion of a filter assembly similar to that of FIG. 1 with the annular filter media removed, showing the engagement of the pedestal with the center tube locking feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating how the pedestal rests on or extends from the bottom of the reservoir. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the pedestal tab engagement with the center tube locking feature. FIG. 5 shows the reservoir and pedestal shown in isolation from the filter assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view oriented from ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ - 6 below the filter seal showing its opening which is configured to engage 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 conceptually showing how a center tube such as one similar in construction to the center tube of FIG. 7 may be configured to mate with the base at the top end and the pedestal at the bottom end of a filter assembly. FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail view showing the engagement of the locking groove of the center tube and the pedestal similar to the lower portion of FIG. 8 except that the pedestal is shown near the top of FIG. 9. The tab of the pedestal is shown being rotated during a mounting or locking operation. FIG. 10 illustrates that the tab of the pedestal of FIG. 9 is small enough to fall into the detent notch. FIG. 11 is an enlarged detail view showing the engagement of the locking groove of the center tube and the pedestal similar to the upper portion of FIG. 8. It is shown that the tab of the pedestal is too large to fit into the detent notch. FIG. 12 is a flow diagram containing a - 7 method of operation or assembly associated with FIGS. 9 to 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the description, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the figures to refer to the same or similar parts. In some cases, a reference numeral will be indicated in the present description and the figures will show the reference numeral 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 numeral indicates that these features have a similar form and serve a similar function, as is often the case when mirroring geometry around a plane of symmetry.For the sake of ease of explanation in the present description, letters or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the figures to indicate duplicates of features described within the present written description. First, a filter system will now be described to provide the reader with the appropriate context for understanding how various embodiments of the present disclosure are used. It should be understood that the present disclosure is provided as exemplary and not in any limiting sense. Any - 8 embodiment 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 locking feature according to various embodiments. 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 in the reservoir (which may also be referred to as the cover) while also separating clean fluid from dirty fluid on different sides of the filter medium through 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. FIG. 1 illustrates a reservoir filter system 100 that may use a filter element 200 and a pedestal 300 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The reservoir filter system 100 may include having a base 102 (shown divided into a base adapter 102a and a filter base 102b, but could be an integral component), a reservoir 104, a pedestal 300, and a filter element 200. The reservoir filter system 100 may be used to filter fluids, such as diesel or gasoline or other Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 9 liquid fuels, lubricating oil, hydraulic fluid for hydraulic power systems, transmission fluid, or possibly even inlet air for an engine. The tank filter system 100 can also be used as a fuel / water separator filter. The tank filter system 100 with the features described herein could be adapted by one 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. Other attachment structure such as threads may be used. The reservoir 104 includes an upper open end 112 and a lower open end 114 as shown in FIG. 1 or a lower closed end 116 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The filter element 200 may take various 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 - 10 by a central tube 206. Axial ends of the annular filter medium 202 to be sealed by end caps are shown. An upper end cap 208 may define an axially open end of the filter element 200. The upper end cap 208 is referred to as open because it includes an opening 210 to allow passage of fluid. 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 central tube 206. The upper end cap 208 and the lower end cap 212 may each be joined to the center tube 206 through welding, adhesives, etc. Alternatively, some or all of the center tubes 206, the upper end cap 208, and the lower end cap 212 may be constructed as unitary components. Conversely, the lower end cap 212 and / or the upper end cap 208 may be separate components from the center tube 206, etc. Other details of the closed configuration of the lower portion of the reservoir filter system 100 and the filter element 200 will be described later herein. During operation, the fluid to be filtered enters - 11 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 fluid channels into and out of the annular filter medium 202, preventing any fluid from flowing directly into the outlet channel 108 and past 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 drain reservoir, etc.) between the bottom of the filter element and the bottom of the reservoir. Then, a positioning feature may be provided as will be described later herein. Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a reservoir filter system 100 will now be described in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure that provides locking and / or positioning features. The tank filter system 100 may comprise a Rzwi Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 12 filter element 200 that at least partially includes a cylindrical configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis 216, a circumferential direction 217 and a radial direction 218. The filter element 200 may comprise an annular filter means 202 defining a central passage 219, and a central tube 206 that is disposed in the central passage 219 of the annular filter means 220 defining a central reservoir 204. Therefore, the annular filter means 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 disposed 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 exterior of the filter element 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 that is also disposed along the longitudinal axis 216. Thus, the lower open end 222 allows insertion of the pedestal 300. The reservoir filter system 100 may also include a reservoir 104 including an upper open end 112 (see FIG. 1) and a lower closed end ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA - 13 116 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to longitudinal axis 216, and a pedestal 300 resting on the lower closed end 114 of reservoir 104. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure such as FIG. 1 where pedestal 300 is integrally molded with reservoir 104. Looking at FIGS. 2 through 5, the pedestal 300 may include an at least partially annular body 302 (it may be completely annular with a through hole 304 extending from 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 when assembled). Focusing on FIG. 5, the body 302 may include an upper annular portion 312 that terminates in an upper free end 314 (regardless of whether it is open or closed) and may also define an upper diameter 316 (i.e., an upper outer diameter), and a lower annular portion 318 that defines a lower diameter 320 (i.e., a lower outer 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 ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA - 14 configured to engage the lower annular portion 318 of the pedestal 300 (see also FIG. 6). Continuing to refer to FIG. 5, the pedestal 300 may rest upon the lower closed end 114 of the reservoir 104. The filter seal 120 may be disposed below the tab 322 of the pedestal 300 and about the lower annular portion 318 while contacting the reservoir 104. More specifically, the reservoir 104 comprises an outer annular wall 124 defining an outer diameter 126 (see FIG. 1) that is larger than the bottom diameter 320 of the pedestal 300, a support wall 128 that is configured to support the lower annular portion 318 of the pedestal 300, and an arcuate wall 130 (other configurations are possible) that connects the support wall 128 to the outer annular wall 124 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 3, the filter seal 120 may contact the arcuate wall 130, forming a drain reservoir 132. More particularly, the lower open end 222 of the center tube 206 may impact the filter seal 120, creating an airtight seal between the center tube 206 and the filter seal 120, and another airtight seal between the filter seal 120 and the arcuate wall 130 of the reservoir 104. Looking at FIG. 6, a relationship of the external diameter 136 - 15 with thickness 134 of filter seal 120 of the filter seal may vary from 10.0 to 30.0, while a ratio of outer diameter 136 to bore diameter 137 may vary from 1.5 to 3.0. This geometry in addition to the elastomeric composition of the filter seal may provide the proper balance between stiffness and flexibility to allow the center tube and pedestal to be connected while still providing watertight seals. For example, a urethane material having a durometer of 55 to 65 Shore A (e.g., 60 Shore A) may be employed. Looking at FIGS. 2 through 4, the center tube 206 includes a locking groove 224 extending axially from the lower open end 222 of the center tube 206 an axial distance 226 and then extending circumferentially a circumferential distance 228. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the center tube 206 may define an inner diameter 230 that is slightly larger (i.e., 0.015 inch to 0.030 inch spacing) than the top diameter 316 of the pedestal 300 that is disposed within the inner diameter 230, and the tab 322 of the pedestal 300 may be disposed in the locking slot 226 and may be configured to guide movement of the center tube 206. This arrangement may provide a positioning / centering function. Although - 16 not shown, an O-ring or other seal may be provided at this interface 138 to prevent fluid from passing the annular filter medium 202 in some embodiments 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 arcuate 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 inner surface 234 of the center tube 206 may have a mating shape (e.g., angular or conical) to facilitate installation of the center tube / filter element onto the pedestal. This may serve as a guide when the tabs enter the locking slots. Referring again to FIG. 5, the lower annular portion 318 may be attached to the reservoir 104. For example, when the reservoir and pedestal are formed by thermoplastic injection molding (using a polyurethane material, nylon material, etc.), the pedestal may be ultrasonically welded to the reservoir, integrally molded with the reservoir, fitted into the reservoir, threaded onto the reservoir, etc. In addition, a protrusion may extend from the reservoir upon which the pedestal is centered. - 17 pedestal, etc. Other fabrication methods are possible including sheet metal fabrication, etc. When metal is used, the pedestal may be joined 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 downwardly through the lower annular portion 318. This may allow water or debris to exit the central reservoir 204 of the central tube 206 into the drain reservoir 132 (for example, see FIG. 3). Now, a filter element 200 usable with which includes at least a partially annular configuration (e.g., conical, cylindrical, other bodies of revolution, etc.) and which can be used with the reservoir filter system 100 just described will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 , and 7 . Beginning with FIGS. 1 and 7, the filter element 200 may define a longitudinal axis 216, a radial direction 218, and a circumferential direction 217. Furthermore, the filter element 200 may comprise an annular filter means 202 defining a central passage 219. A central tube 206 may be disposed in the central passage 219 of the annular filter medium 202 defining a central reservoir 204. Accordingly, the filter medium Rzwi Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 18 annular 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 may be attached to the central tube 206 axially opposite the upper open end 220 disposed along the longitudinal axis 216. As best seen in FIG. 3, the lower open end 222 may define a radially outer surface 232, and a radially inner surface 234 that is in communication with the central reservoir 204. Looking at FIGS. 2 through 4, a locking feature 236 may be disposed proximate the lower open end 222 of the center tube 206. The locking feature 236 may include an entry slot 238 that is disposed in the radially inner surface 234 of the center tube 206 extending axially upward from the lower open end 222. This entry slot is configured to allow the center tube 206 to slide over the tab 322 of the pedestal 300 mentioned hereinabove during assembly. As best seen in FIG. 4, the characteristic of - 19 lock 236 may further comprise a ramp slot 240 extending axially upwardly and circumferentially counterclockwise from inlet slot 238 along a predetermined direction 241. The ramp slot 240 is in communication with inlet slot 238 so that as the tab 322 of pedestal 300 moves upwardly in inlet slot 238 as center tube 206 moves downwardly, the tab 322 eventually reaches the ramp slot 240. Twisting center tube 206 circumferentially will cause center tube 206 to move downwardly, impacting filter seal 120 (e.g., see FIG. 3). In other embodiments, this arrangement may be reversed so that the ramp slot extends axially upwardly and circumferentially clockwise. In this case, the central tube must be twisted in the opposite direction. Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, the locking feature 236 may further comprise a circumferential locking groove 242 extending circumferentially counterclockwise 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. Accordingly, as the center tube 206 is circumferentially twisted, the axial position of the center tube is substantially fixed by the tab 322 of the pedestal 300. Rzwi Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 20 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 center tube 206 will allow tab 322 to contact or nearly contact stop surface 244, at which point the upward force exerted by filter seal 120 causes center tube 206 to move slightly upward until tab 322 engages a stop notch 246 extending axially downward from and in communication with circumferential locking groove 242. Center tube 206 is now locked in position axially, radially, and circumferentially against unintended movement. An angled surface 248 may extend from the stop notch 246 to the stop surface 244, matching the shape of the tab 322. Thus, the angled surface 248 may be parallel to the predetermined direction 241 along which the ramp slot 240 extends. Similarly, the stop surface 244 may extend axially to match the shape of the tab 322. Other configurations are possible for these various Rzwi ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ characteristics. - 21 Looking at FIGS. 4 and 7, the center tube 206 has a narrow neck configuration at the lower open end 222 including an enlarged lower annular portion 248, a reduced upper annular portion 250, and a transitional annular portion therebetween. 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 stop notch 246 are formed by the reduced upper annular portion 250. Again, other configurations are possible for these features in other embodiments of the present disclosure. 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 constructed similarly or identically. Thus, the center tube 206 can be rotated about an axis extending through the axial midpoint of the center tube and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 216 an amount of 180 degrees, and still be able to be installed with the pedestal 300. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. In this case, the top locking feature may or may not be used to attach the base to the center tube. An example, of the use of the - 22 top and bottom locking feature in a canister filter system will be described later in this document. The upper portion of the inlet slot 238, and all of the ramp slot 240, the circumferential locking slot 242, and the stop notch 246 extend completely radially through the center tube 206. On the other hand, the lower portion of the inlet slot 238 does not extend completely radially through the center tube 206 (indicated by the dashed lines). Therefore, a lateral action may form the through portions of these features while the lower core may form the blind portion of the inlet slot and come into contact with the lateral action. The center tube may then be manufactured using a thermoplastic injection molding process. A nylon, a polyurethane, or any other suitable material may 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 canister filter system 100, and a filter element 200 for positioning and retaining the filter element 200 in the canister filter system 100 will now be described. Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 23 reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The pedestal 300 may comprise an at least partially annular body 302 defining a longitudinal axis 306, a radial direction 308 and a circumferential direction 310. The body 302 may include an upper annular portion 312 terminating in an upper free end 314 as described hereinabove. A tab 322 extends radially from the upper annular portion, 312. The tab 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 input 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. In addition, the tab 322 further comprises an upper ramp surface 334 extending from the first axial surface 328 that 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 that is parallel to the first axial surface 328. - 24 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 seen 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 (may also be referred to as a funnel annular portion) connects the upper annular portion 312 to the lower annular portion 318. The pedestal 300 may further comprise a reservoir portion 340 (e.g., may be attached thereto) and may include an annular outer wall 342 defining an outer diameter 344 that is larger than the bottom 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 that is configured to support the lower annular portion 318 and a funnel wall 348 that connects the annular outer wall 342 to the support wall 346. Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 25 Looking at FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, it can be understood that the reservoir filter system 100 and its center tube 206 may be modified so that the center tube 206 has upper and lower locking features for joining the base 102 and the reservoir 104 to the filter element 200. As shown in FIG. 8, an upper pedestal 300 may be provided that is configured identically to that of FIG. 5 except that it has been rotated 180 degrees about an axis that passes through the axial midpoint of the center tube 206 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 216 of the center tube 206 so that the upper pedestal 300 may be operatively associated with the base 102 rather than the reservoir 104 (e.g., attached to the base rather than the reservoir as previously described herein). In FIG. 8, a lower pedestal 300' may be provided including an at least partially annular body 302' defining a longitudinal axis 306', a radial direction 308', and a circumferential direction 310' that are defined in the same manner as those of the upper pedestal 300. The lower pedestal 300' may include an upper annular portion 312' terminating in an upper free end (not clearly shown but understood to be similar to what has been previously described for the pedestal 300 or what is shown in FIG. 1) and defining an upper diameter (not clearly shown but understood to be similar to what is previously described for the pedestal 300 or what is shown in FIG. 1). - 26 similar to what has been previously described for the pedestal 300 or what is shown in FIG. 1). Similarly, the lower pedestal 300' may also include a lower annular portion 318' defining a bottom diameter (not clearly shown but is understood to be similar to what has been previously described for the pedestal 300 or what is shown in FIG. 1) that is larger than the top diameter 316'. A flared annular portion 324' connecting the upper annular portion 312' to the lower annular portion 318'. In addition, a lower tab 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 downwardly through the lower annular portion 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 reservoir 104 may comprise an outer annular wall 124 defining an outer diameter 126 that is larger than the bottom diameter of the lower pedestal 300' (shown in FIG. 8). A support wall 346 would support the portion Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 27 lower annular 318' of the lower pedestal 300', and an arched wall 130 connecting the support wall 346 to the outer annular wall 124. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the filter seal 120 would contact the arcuate wall 130, forming a drain pan 132. Furthermore, the lower open end 222 of the modified center tube 206 would impact the filter seal 120, creating an airtight seal between the center tube 206 and the filter seal 120, and another airtight seal between the filter seal 120 and the arcuate wall 130. The arcuate wall may have other shapes such as conical, etc. The filter seal may be omitted in some embodiments, such as when the pan has a lower closed end, etc. Referring again to FIG. 8, the center tube 206' includes a lower 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 a circumferential distance 228'. The center tube 206' may also have an upper locking groove 224' that extends axially from the upper open end 220' of the center tube 206' another axial distance 226' and then extends circumferentially in the opposite direction as compared to the lower locking groove 224'. Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 28 Furthermore, the center tube 206' may define an inner diameter (not clearly shown but is understood to be similar to that previously described for the pedestal 300 or that shown in FIG. 1) that is slightly larger than an upper diameter of the lower pedestal 300' that is disposed within the inner diameter of the center tube 206'. The lower tab 322' of the lower pedestal 300' is disposed in the lower locking slot 224' and is configured to guide movement of the center tube 206'. In addition, the upper pedestal 300 may define a diameter (e.g., 316) that is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the center tube 206' and that is disposed within the inner diameter of the center tube 206'.The upper tab 322 of the upper pedestal 300 may also be configured differently than the lower tab 322' of the lower pedestal 300', and the upper tab 322 may be disposed in the upper locking slot 224'' to guide movement of the base. Continuing to refer to FIG. 8, a filter element with a center tube 206' having top and bottom locking features usable with the filter reservoir system just described will now be described. It should be understood that the center tube 206' shown in FIG. 8 is simplified to show the use of top and bottom locking features. - 29 simultaneously. In fact, the middle portion of the central tube 206' would have perforations similar to those shown in FIG. 7. As mentioned hereinabove, 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 disposed along the longitudinal axis 306'. The lower open end 222' may define a radially outer surface 232', and a radially inner surface that is in communication with the central reservoir (not clearly shown in FIG. 8). A first locking feature 236' may be disposed proximate the lower open end 222'. The first locking feature 236' may include a first entry slot 238' that is disposed on the radially inner surface (not clearly shown in FIG. 8) of the center tube 206' extending axially upwardly from the lower open end 222'. A first ramp slot 240' may extend axially upwardly 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 guidance during assembly. - 30 Similarly, a second locking feature 236'' may be disposed proximate the upper open end 220'. The second locking feature 236'' may include a second inlet slot 238'' that is disposed on the radially inner surface (not clearly shown in FIG. 8) of the center tube 206' extending axially downwardly from the upper open end 220'. A second ramp slot 240'' may extend axially downwardly 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 predetermined direction 241' and the second predetermined direction 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 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 306' an amount of 180 degrees and then axially and circumferentially aligned with the second locking feature 236''. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. The first locking feature may further comprise a first circumferential locking groove 242' that Rzwi ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ - 31 extends 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 upwardly and circumferentially counterclockwise. Similarly, the second locking feature 236' may further comprise a second circumferential locking groove 242' extending circumferentially clockwise 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 downwardly and circumferentially clockwise. For the first locking feature 236', a first detent notch 246' may extend axially upwardly from and in communication with the first circumferential locking groove 242'. Likewise, for the second locking feature 236'', a second detent notch 246'' may extend axially downwardly from and in communication with the second circumferential locking groove 242''. The first stop notch 246' may terminate circumferentially at a first stop surface 244' - 32 extending axially upward from the first inclined surface 254, and the second stop notch 246'' may terminate circumferentially at a second stop surface 244'' extending axially downward 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' including an enlarged lower annular portion 248', a reduced upper annular portion 250', and a transitional annular portion 252' therebetween. The inlet groove 238' is formed by the enlarged lower annular portion 248', the transitional annular portion 252', and the reduced upper annular portion 250'. The first ramp groove 240' is formed by the reduced upper annular portion 250'. The first circumferential locking groove 242' and the first detent notch 246' are formed by the reduced upper annular portion 250'. The upper open end 220' has been similarly described by being reflected around an axial midplane of the center tube 206'. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, a pair of pedestals 300, 300' that can be used with the filter element just described will be described in greater detail. Each of the pair of pedestals 300, 300' may comprise an at least partially annular body 300, 302' Rzwi Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 33 defining a longitudinal axis 306, 306, a radial direction 308, 308' and a circumferential direction 310, 310'. Each may have an upper annular portion 312, 312 terminating in an upper free end 314, and a tab 322, 322' extending radially from the upper annular portion 312, 312'. The tab 322, 322' may 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 tab may be configured differently (e.g., have different dimensions) than the corresponding surface of the other tab but need not. Continuing with FIGS. 5 and 8, each tab 322, 322' may further comprise an upper ramp surface 334, 334' extending from the first axial surface 328, 328' that 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 diameter Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 34 lower 320, and the upper annular portion 312, 312' defines an upper diameter 316 that is smaller 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 of these various surfaces of one tab may be configured differently than the corresponding surfaces of the other tab. Therefore, the tab of each of the pair of pedestals may be configured differently. As shown in FIG. 8, multiple locking features and tabs may be used on both ends of the center tube 206', but are not required. During installation for the embodiment in FIG. 8, the base and / or upper pedestal are first attached to the center tube of the filter element. The upper tab is prevented from entering the upper stop notch due to its dimensions. The base and filter element are then attached 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 hereinabove will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9 through 11. The interface 400 may comprise a filter element. - 35 200 which is configured the same or similar to that previously described 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 that is disposed in the first locking slot 404. Similarly, a second pedestal 414 may be provided including a second tab 416 that is disposed in the second locking slot 408. The second tab 416 may be configured differently than the first tab 412. Any of the tabs may have any suitable configuration including rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, quadrilateral, etc. In some embodiments, the first locking slot 404 may be configured identically to the second locking slot 408 by rotating the geometry of the first slot about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 216 of the filter element 200 by an amount of 180 degrees, and then aligning the first locking slot 404 with the second locking slot 408 axially, circumferentially, and radially. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first slot - 36 locking 404 may include a first stop notch 418 defining an end 420 that is axially farthest from the first open end 402 of the filter element 200, and the first tab 412 may be configured to move axially into and out of the first stop notch 418. As best seen in FIG. 11, the second locking slot 408 may include a second detent 422 defining a limb 420' that is axially farthest from the second open end 406 of the filter element 200, and the second tab 416 may be configured to prevent movement in and out of the second detent 422. To that end, FIGS. 10 and 11 show that the first tab 412 includes a first lower circumferential surface 424 defining a first lower circumferential surface width 426, and the second tab 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 along with the narrow neck groove of the stop notches entrance, formed by an axial throat surface 432 and an inclined throat surface 434, allows the first tab to enter the - 37 stop notch and not the second tab. Furthermore, the first tab 412 includes a first ramp surface 436 and a second ramp surface 438 that are parallel to each other, and that define a first ramp width 440 that is measured perpendicularly 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 that define a second ramp width 446 that is measured perpendicularly to the third ramp surface 442 and the fourth ramp surface 444. The second ramp width 446 may be larger than the first ramp width 440, blocking its entry into the stop notch. Accordingly, the first tab 412 may be configured to move axially (toward the lead-in portion 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 toward the first stop notch 418, while the second tab 416 is configured to move axially, diagonally, and circumferentially in a similar manner 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 locking slot 408. - 38 stop notch 422. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present description. Any of the aforementioned features may vary in configuration and be different in other embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the locking slot 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 embodiment described herein may be obtained or provided in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket context. The various features described above may be used to properly orient, position, and lock the various components of the canister filter system in place. The center 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 with the attachment of the filter element to the cover (tank). Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 39 Conventionally, joining the filter element to the cover, maintaining proper seal strength and providing alignment of the filter element to the cover can be difficult. Various embodiments of the present disclosure allow for a newly developed method of installing the filter element to the cover. The filter installation helps ensure proper alignment of the filter element within the cover as well as maintaining downward force on the seal. In addition, the new filter element design includes slots in the center tube that allow the tabs on the filter cover pedestal to engage. When the filter is rotated, it provides locking of the filter element to the cover and the force required to help ensure proper engagement of the seal with the cover base for separation of clean and impure water, etc. Furthermore, the slots and tabs on the pedestals can be changed (in number, position, configuration, etc.) so that an inappropriate filter is not used and results in damage to machine components. More specifically, the tab on the lower pedestal engages the corresponding locking groove on the center tube, providing downward force to push the lower seal into place when the filter is rotated in the housing during installation. Furthermore, the seal position - 40 upper is also provided to seal properly. It is contemplated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may operate or be structured differently so that not all of the benefits just described may be obtained. In some embodiments, the filter element / center tube may rest on the top of the tab at the bottom of the cover. In this case, an appropriate seal may be provided at the top end, but the user may have to provide the force to overcome the seal at the bottom, etc. It is further contemplated that the features of the pedestal, including the tab, may be interchangeable for the features of the center tube / filter element, including the locking feature / slot, etc. in other embodiments of the present disclosure. In view of the foregoing, a method of mounting a tank filter system according to an embodiment of the present application as shown in FIG. 12 may be employed. The 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 either the first or second filter component is inserted into the first tab. - 41 filter component comes into contact with the other of the first filter component and 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 comes into contact with the tab of the filter base or reservoir (or vice versa). In particular embodiments, 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, e.g. see FIGS. 2 to 4, 8). Then, the first filter component or the second filter component may be rotated, causing the first tab to slide along the ramp portion of the first slot until the first tab reaches a circumferential portion of the first slot, 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). Then either the first filter component or the second filter component (or both) can be rotated to ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ - 42 that the first tab reaches a stop or a stop notch (step 512, for example see FIGS. 4, 10 and 12). In some embodiments, the first tab slides up or down in the detent notch (step 514, e.g., FIGS. 4, 8, and 10). In still other embodiments, the 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, e.g. see FIG. 1 which indicates that the reservoir and the filter element may be joined 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 a ramp portion of the second slot (step 518, e.g., see FIGS. 1 , 8 through 11). In this case, the 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 stop notch (step 520). If a second stop notch is reached, then - 43 the second tab can slide up or down in the second detent notch (step 522). Once assembled as best seen in FIG. 1 for some embodiments of the present disclosure, a lower seal 140, an inner upper seal 142, and an outer upper seal 144 may be created to help prevent fluid leakage. It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed arrangement and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to refer to the particular example then described and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the disclosure in general. Any language of distinction and disparagement 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 disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated. The mention of ranges of values ​​herein is intended merely as a shorthand method for referring individually to each separate value that falls within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 44 description as if mentioned individually herein. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the apparatus embodiments and assembly methods as described herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the description and practice of the various embodiments described herein. For example, some of the equipment may be constructed and operated differently than described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically recited, or in some cases performed simultaneously or in substeps.Furthermore, variations or modifications may be made to certain aspects or features of various modalities to create more modalities and features, and aspects of various modalities may be added or substituted with other features or aspects of other modalities to provide more additional modalities. Accordingly, this description includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter indicated in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable statutory regulations. In addition, the Ln / zznz / E / YiAi - 45 description covers any combination of the elements described above in all possible variations thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to put the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a tank filter system, characterized in that it comprises: inserting a first filter component into a second filter component; and continuing the insertion until the first tab of the first filter component or of the second filter component comes into contact with the other tab of the first filter component and of the second filter component.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first tab of the first filter component or the second filter component slides into a first groove of the other of the first filter component or the second filter component.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the first tab slides upwards in the first groove until the first tab reaches a ramp portion of the first groove.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first filter component or the second filter component is 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 and causing the first filter component or the second filter component to come into contact with a seal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the first filter component or the second filter component is rotated until the first tab reaches a stop or a detent notch.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the first tab slides up or down in the stopping notch.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises joining the first filter component or the second filter component to a third filter component, providing a seal.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises inserting a second tab of a third filter component into a second groove of the first filter component or the second filter component until the second tab reaches a ramp portion of the second groove.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises 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 5.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the second tab slides up or down in the second stopping notch.

Images