Filter valve, filter element cover and cover assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter valve comprising a valve lock, a pin, a spring, and a valve body. The valve body has an upper portion extending outwardly from one end of the valve body, the upper portion comprising at least one slit, and two tabs. The present invention also relates to a filter element cover comprising a cover body comprising an inner face and an outer face, and a top portion. Said inner face comprises guides extending radially in a downward direction from the top portion, and housings. Finally, the present invention also relates to a cover assembly comprising a valve and a filter element cover, said valve comprising a valve body having an upper portion comprising at least one slit, and two fins. Said cover of the assembly has a cover body provided with an inner face comprising guides extending radially in a downward direction from the top portion, and housings.

Description

[0001] FILTER VALVE, FILTER ELEMENT COVER AND COVER ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]

[0001] The present invention is part of the technical field of fluid filters, in particular fuel filters for motor vehicles, with a specific focus on a filter element and valve cover assembly.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0002] Fuel filters play a key role in fuel delivery systems, being responsible for purifying the fuel before it reaches the engine. This process is carried out by means of a filter element, consisting of a cover and a filtering medium, usually made of materials such as paper, synthetic or metallic fibers, which act as barriers against impurities, such as solid particles, water, dirt and other contaminants. The filter element allows the fuel to flow through it, retaining impurities and ensuring that the fuel that reaches the engine is as clean as possible. In addition to protecting the engine's sensitive components, this filtration process helps to maintain its performance efficiency, preventing failures caused by contamination.

[0005]

[0003] However, there are deficiencies in the state of the art filters that compromise their effectiveness and the overall operation of fuel systems. One of the most critical problems involves improper installation of the filter element, or even, in some cases, the installation of filters without a filter element, which completely compromises the function of the device. This can occur due to errors during assembly or the lack of an effective verification mechanism, resulting in ineffective filtration systems and, in many cases, damaging engine components. The absence of a filter element can allow contaminant particles to enter the engine directly, accelerating the wear of its parts and shortening its service life.

[0006]

[0004] Another significant challenge is related to the use of incompatible components, such as the use of filter elements of different models or those that are unsuitable for the filter in question. Replacing the filter element with an incompatible model can result in sealing failures, allowing the fuel to not be completely filtered orthe system to suffer leaks. In some cases, installing the wrong parts can lead to fuel flow obstruction or the creation of gaps where fuel can pass through without being adequately filtered, which negatively affects engine performance and increases the risk of catastrophic system failures.

[0007]

[0005] Regarding the seal between the filter element and the filter body, this is another critical area in traditional fuel filter systems. Although a high-quality seal is essential to ensure that fuel flows exclusively through the filter media, in many cases it is inadequate, which compromises the filtration efficiency and safety of the system. Insufficient sealing can cause leaks, leading to system contamination and compromised fuel pressure, which directly affects engine performance, resulting in damage to fuel injection systems or other sensitive components. In addition, inefficient sealing can allow impurities to be inadequately filtered, impairing engine operation and reducing its overall efficiency.

[0008]

[0006] These common technical issues with conventional fuel filter systems not only affect engine durability and performance but also result in additional maintenance costs and premature component replacement. The need for a safer, more efficient and reliable filtration system is evident, especially considering that modern vehicle fuel systems require ever greater precision and performance. The search for solutions that ensure filter integrity, prevent component misuse and improve system sealing, without compromising fuel efficiency, is essential for the development of more advanced and effective fuel filters.

[0009]

[0007] In this context, PI0015564 offers a technical solution that combats the improper installation of the filter element and the use of incompatible parts, proposing a fuel filter system with mechanisms that ensure the correct fitting of the filter element, avoiding the use of filters without the filter medium or of incompatible models. However, the mechanism proposed by PI0015564 is not completely fail-safe, as it depends on the active action of the user when assembling the cylinder head and the filter element,since it is necessary for this user to correctly position the valve in the fitting position. Furthermore, for modern applications, filters capable of providing an even tighter seal are required, thus requiring an absolutely precise fitting of the components.

[0010]

[0008] In view of this scenario, it is clear that, although the state of the art presents solutions to some of the problems related to the inadequate use of filter elements and sealing, it still lacks a solution that can solve all these challenges effectively and in a way that is proof against human error. Although there are devices that seek to avoid the use of inadequate filter elements and improve the fit in the cylinder head, the existing solutions do not guarantee the necessary precision and simplicity in the installation process, in addition to not being completely fail-safe. The proposed invention aims to fill this gap by offering a filter element cover assembly for a fuel filter that combines efficiency, safety and precision in the fitting of the filter element, minimizing the risk of errors during installation and ensuring the proper functioning of the fuel system.

[0011] GOALS OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0009] It is a goal of the present invention to provide a filter element cover assembly capable of ensuring that the valve can only be fitted in the correct position, ensuring the safety of the filter and avoiding assembly and operating errors.

[0013]

[0010] It is a further goal of the present invention to provide a cover assembly for a fuel filter that prevents an unsuitable filter element (i.e., one not specifically designed for the model of filter in question) from being used.

[0014]

[0011] Another goal of the present invention is to prevent the fuel filter from being used, without a filter element being properly inserted, avoiding misuse that compromises the integrity of the engine that is associated with the filter.

[0015]

[0012] It is also a goal of the present invention to provide a cover assembly that ensures a better fit between the filter components, making filtration more efficient and increasing sealing.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016]

[0013] The above mentioned goals are achieved by means of a filter valve comprising a valve lock, a pin, a spring and a valve body with a diameter dvthat can vary between 43.0 mm the 42.8 mm . The valve body has an upper portion extending outwardly from one end of the valve body, the upper portion comprising at least one slit and two tabs.

[0017]

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention the valve lock has a truncated cone shape, having an internal surface and an external surface, the external surface forming an angle a that can vary between 0.5° and 1.5°. Said internal surface is provided with a plurality of locking elements 221 arranged along its length.

[0018]

[0015] According to the present invention, the valve comprises the spring that has a preferably helical shape, with a maximum diameter dM_maxOf 36.4 mm to 35.4 mm and dM_minOf 23.9 mm to 23.3 mm.

[0019]

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention the lower part of the valve body is provided with at least one radially arranged fin.

[0020]

[0017] The present invention also relates to a filter element cover comprising a cover body comprising a top portion, an outer face and an inner face, the inner face comprising guides extending radially in a downward direction from the top portion, housings and a plurality of radially arranged keys.

[0021]

[0018] In one embodiment of the cover of the present invention, the cover body has a cylindrical shape and the guides have a semi-elliptical shape with the housings arranged at the end.

[0022]

[0019] Finally, the present invention also relates to a cover assembly formed by a filter element cover and a valve.

[0023] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024]

[0020] The preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are represented in the attached figures, as briefly described below.

[0021] Figure 1a illustrates a filter element cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in a cross-sectional front view.

[0025]

[0022] Figure 1b illustrates a head coupled to a filter element via the filter element cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in a cross-sectional front view.

[0026]

[0023] Figure 2a shows a front view of a fuel filter having a filter element cover assembly according to the present invention, the assembly being highlighted in red in the figure.

[0027]

[0024] Figures 2b and 2c illustrate, respectively, a perspective view of a filter head to which the valve of the present invention is coupled, and a front view of the valve itself.

[0028]

[0025] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate front, perspective and top views of a valve body according to the present invention.

[0029]

[0026] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate cross-sectional views of a filter element cover according to the present invention, the views being oriented at a 90° difference from each other.

[0030]

[0027] Figure 4c illustrates a perspective view of the filter element cover according to the present invention.

[0031]

[0028] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional front view of a valve lock according to the present invention, illustrating the locking elements present on its inner surface.

[0032]

[0029] Figure 5b illustrates a perspective view of the valve lock of the present invention.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034]

[0030] In accordance with the general concept of the present invention, a filter element cover assembly, a filter valve and a filter element cover are disclosed having features that ensure a precise and adequate fit between the components, increasing the sealing efficiency and the safety of the filtering operation.

[0031] As seen in Figure 1 , the filter element cover assembly 4 is formed by a filter element cover 30 to which a valve 20 provided with a valve lock 22 is coupled. As illustrated in Figure 2a, said assembly 4 is part of a fuel filter 1 generally, but not exclusively, used in motor vehicles, and enables a filter head 2 and a filter element 3 to be joined. The main function of the head 2 is to direct the flow of the fluid to be filtered between an inlet and an outlet. However, the head 2 also performs the structural function of properly positioning and securing the filter element 3 by coupling the valve 20 to the cover 30, guiding it so that there is a correct fit in a suitable position.

[0035]

[0032] An embodiment of the valve 20 of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 2C, in which the elements that compose it can be clearly seen. Said valve 20 comprises a hollow valve body 21 , provided with an upper portion 210 that extends from an upper end of the body 21. In an embodiment of the present invention, the body 21 has a cylindrical shape, with its upper portion 210 extending radially from its end, so as to obtain a surface of preferably circumferential or substantially circumferential shape provided with a central orifice 214.

[0036]

[0033] To assist in the correct positioning of the valve, the present invention has slits arranged along the upper portion 210 of the valve body 21. These slits are arranged radially and, in a preferred embodiment, two larger slits 211 a and four smaller slits 211b are present.

[0037]

[0034] According to the present invention, as can be seen in figure 3a, the upper portion 210 of said valve body 21 has at least one radially arranged fin 213, and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, four fins 213 are arranged. Said fins 213 have a fixing function and fit between locking elements 221 present in a valve lock 22. Thus, it is possible to prevent that, during the operation of the filter, the valve lock 22 performs a lateral movement that could compromise the filtering process, thus increasing the safety and efficiency of the filter.

[0038]

[0035] Figures 3a and 3b further illustrate that the upper portion is provided withtabs 212, which play a fundamental role in the correct positioning of the valve 20. Specifically, the present invention has two tabs 212 positioned diametrically opposite each other, and preferably, these tabs 212 are designed as “L”-shaped structures that extend from the valve body 21 to the end of the upper portion 210. However, it should be kept in mind that this format is not limitative to the implementation of this invention, with any tab format capable of positioning the valve in the manner proposed herein being within the intended scope.

[0039]

[0036] It is also a goal of the present invention a valve lock 22, as illustrated in figures 5a and 5b, which is fitted into the upper portion 210 of the valve body 21 by means of said fins 213. The valve lock 22 is designed with an outer surface 223 and an inner surface 222, and a plurality of locking elements 221 are arranged therein which facilitate its attachment to the valve body 21. In one embodiment of the present invention, said valve lock 22 has a truncated conical shape which forms an angle a on its outer surface 223 which varies between 0.5° and 1.5°, this angle being preferably 1°.

[0040]

[0037] The angle a is designed to prevent a filter element that is not suitable for use with the cover assembly 4 of the present invention from accessing and internally lifting the valve 20, since there will be no space for lifting the lock 22. This occurs because, according to the present invention, the valve body 21 has a diameter dv greater than the diameter of analogous components of the state of the art. Due to this increase in the diameter dv of the valve body 21 , when the valve and the cover are coupled, the entire internal space of said cover is radially filled, not allowing any lateral opening for access to the valve and the lock, which control the flow.

[0041]

[0038] The valve lock 22 acts as a sealing mechanism, further inhibiting the return of contaminants to the system. Additionally, it has the function of creating a barrier that prevents the flow passage and provides a secure fit for the cover 30 of the element 3. When the element 3 is fitted, it pushes all components vertically, openingthe way for the flow. Furthermore, the lock 22 ensures that the valve 20 is in an open position only when it is properly fitted to the filter element, which presses it upwards and makes the fluid passage possible. Therefore, if a filter element that is not suitable for use with the filter assembly of the present invention is installed, it will not be possible to access the valve lock in order to establish the open position of the filter, preventing the operation of the system under improper conditions.

[0042]

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 3c, a vertical pin 23 is arranged through the interior of the valve body 21 and the lock 22, this pin 23 extending from the lower end of the valve to a threaded fixing hole present in the head 2, to which it is fixed by means of threads 231 present in the upper end of said pin 23. In this way, the vertical pin 23 guides the valve body 21 , the valve lock 22 and a spring 24, ensuring that they remain in the correct operating position.

[0043]

[0040] As illustrated in figure 2c, in one embodiment of the present invention, a spring 24 is arranged on the vertical pin 23, located between the valve lock 22 and the head 2. Preferably, said spring 24 has a helical shape with a maximum diameter dM_max that can vary between 36.4 mm and 35.4 mm, a minimum diameter dM_min that can vary between 23.9 mm and 23.3 mm, and a curvature [3 of 0.0672 cm-1that allows the return to the proper fitting position when the valve is forced at an angle. It should be noted that the diameters with which the spring 24 of the present invention is designed are smaller than the diameters of the springs of the state of the art, obtaining greater resistance and stability in the actuation of the valve 20, since a proper fitting is guaranteed considering the changes proposed by the present invention in the dimensions of the valve lock 22.

[0044]

[0041] When compared to conventional valves of the prior art, the valve of the present invention is designed with the valve body 21 having a larger diameter. As illustrated in the embodiment of the present invention of Figure 3c, the valve body 21 has a diameter dv that varies between 43.0 mm and 42.8 mm, while conventionalvalves have diameters that generally vary between 39.63 mm and 39.87 mm. This increase in the diameter dv prevents access to the valve and valve lock that control the flow, since the entire internal space of the cover is filled radially, making it impossible to lift them.

[0045]

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a filter element cover 30 is also provided, as illustrated in figures 4a, 4b and 4c. The filter element cover 30, in addition to ensuring the sealing of the filter, performs a structural function, allowing the connection of the head 2 to the filter element 3. It should be kept in mind that the attachment of the cover 30 to a filter medium of the filter element can be made by conventional means of the prior art, such as, for example, the application of glue between the cover 30 and the filter medium.

[0046]

[0043] Still in relation to figures 4a and 4b, it is possible to see that the cover 30 is formed by a cover body 31 and a top portion 35. Said top portion 35 is a surface that extends from one end of the cylindrical body 31 , and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top portion 35 is a surface that extends radially so as to form a circumferential or substantially circumferential surface. The top portion 35 has an opening 351 arranged in its central portion, this opening being designed to receive the valve 20 when the assembly 4 is assembled.

[0047]

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 4a to 4c, the cover body 31 is a cylindrical shaped element extending from the top portion 35 to a base 313, being formed with an inner face 311 and an outer face 312. Said base is an annular base 313 extending radially into the cover body 31.

[0048]

[0045] As illustrated in figures 4a and 4b, the internal face 311 has at least one guide 32 that extends radially along its length, with a housing 33 that receives the tab being arranged at the end of said guide 32. In a preferred embodiment, the internal face 311 of the cover body 31 of the present invention has two guides located in diametrically opposite positions, with said guides 32 ending in housings 32 that receivethe tabs 212.

[0049]

[0046] Specifically, when the valve is inserted into the opening 351 of the cover 30, the tabs 212 touch the guides 32 and interact with them so as to slide along their length, causing a rotational movement of the valve, until said tabs 212 reach the ends of the guides 32 and rest in the housings 33, so that the tabs are inside the housings 33 and the smaller slits 211b are fitted into the walls that form the housings 33. By positioning the tabs 212 in this way, it is possible to ensure that the valve 20 is located in the correct position so that the filter has the sealing necessary for the proper filtering of contaminants in the fluid, contributing to safety and preventing possible assembly and operation errors.

[0050]

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the annular base 313 of the cover body 31 is constructed with a plurality of keys 34 which perform an auxiliary function in relation to the positioning of the valve 20 and its maintenance in the appropriate position. In particular, after the tabs 212 run along the length of the guides 32 and rest in the housings 33, the valve 20 will be positioned in such a way that the keys 34 fit into the larger slits 211a and prevent rotational movement of the valve. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the annular base 313 has four keys 34 arranged radially.

[0051]

[0048] By using this fitting system based on the cooperation between guides 234 and tabs 212, the present invention provides equipment capable of simplifying the assembly, ensuring that valve 20 is positioned properly and smoothly, eliminating the need for active behavior on the part of the user, since guides 32 cause valve 20 to rotate and position itself correctly. This prevents the user from having to actively search for the proper position of the valve, as is necessary in the state of the art filters. In addition to simplifying assembly, the mechanism proposed by the present invention makes the assembly fail-safe, following the principles of Poka Yoke, since it can only be completed when valve 20 is positioned with tabs 212 inside housings 33. Thisfeature contributes to the safety of the filter.

[0052]

[0049] Furthermore, it is observed that, in order for the components to fit together, both must be designed to operate together. That is, for proper fitting to occur, both components, the cover and the valve, must have the characteristics of the present invention. In order for the valve to be correctly positioned within the cover body 31 , it must have two tabs: a greater number of tabs would interfere with sliding through the guides 32, since, during the rotation movement, the additional tabs would collide with the guides and impede movement; and a smaller number of tabs (i.e., a single tab) would make the movement unstable, subject to unwanted rotations on other rotation axes that could remove the tab from the guides 32. This prevents filter elements that are not specially designed for the filter in question and that would severely compromise operation from being inadvertently used by the user. In addition, the precise fit allows for a much more effective seal, increasing filtration efficiency.

[0053]

[0050] Finally, it is also important to emphasize that the above description has the sole purpose of describing, by way of example, a particular embodiment of the invention in question. Therefore, it becomes clear that modifications, variations and constructive combinations of the elements that perform the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results, remain within the scope of protection delimited by the attached claims.

Claims

SET OF CLAIMS1. Filter valve (20), which comprises:a valve lock (22);a pin (23);a spring (24); anda valve body (21)CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the valve body (21) has an upper portion (210) that extends outwardly from one end of the valve body (21 ),wherein the upper portion (210) comprises:at least one slit (211 ); andtwo tabs (212).

2. Filter valve (20), according to claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the valve lock (22) has a frustoconical shape, having an internal surface (222) and an external surface (223)3. Filter valve (20), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the external surface of the valve lock (22) forms an angle a, which varies between 0.5° to 1.5°.

4. Filter valve (20), according to claim 2 or 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the internal surface (222) of the lock (22) is provided with a plurality of locking elements (221) arranged along its extension.

5. Filter valve (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the upper portion (210) has at least one fin (213).

6. Filter valve (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the spring has a helical shape, with a maximum diameter dM_maxOf 36.4 mm to 35.4 mm and a minimum diameter dM_min of 23.9 mm to 23.3 mm.

7. Filter valve (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the spring has a curvature [3 of 0.0672 cm’1.

8. Filter valve (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the valve body has a diameter dv of 21.4 mm to 21.2 mm.

9. Filter element cover (30), which comprises:a cover body (31 ) which comprises an inner face (311 ) and an outer face (312); anda top portion (35);CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the inner face (311 ) comprises: guides (32) extending radially in a downward direction from the top portion (35); andhousings (33).

10. Cover (30), according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the cover body (31) has a cylindrical shape; andthe guides (32) have a semi-elliptical shape.

11. Cover (30), according to claim 9 or 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the housings (33) are arranged at the ends of the guides (32).

12. Cover (30), according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises a plurality of radially arranged keys (34).

13. Cover assembly (4) which comprises a valve (20) and a filter element cover (30), CHARACTERIZED by the fact that:the valve (20) comprises a valve body (21) having an upper portion (210) extending outwardly from one end of the valve body (21),wherein the upper portion (210) comprises:at least one slit (211 a, 211 b); andtwo fins (213);and wherein the cover (30) has a cover body (31) provided with an internal face (311) which comprises:guides (32) extending radially in a downward direction from a top portion (35); andhousings (33).

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