BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates generally to devices for filtering and separating liquids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fuel filters for removing foreign particles and separating water from fuel in an internal combustion engine.
It is well-documented that significant quantities of contaminants such as water and various abrasive particles are found in diesel fuel. In addition to corroding metal components, water may obstruct the fuel lines when environmental temperatures fall below freezing. Likewise, abrasive particles may damage sensitive engine components such as the fuel injection pump.
Fuel filter cartridges are a well-known solution for removing water and abrasive particles from diesel fuel before the fuel is pumped into sensitive engine systems. Prior art fuel filter cartridges typically have a housing having a threaded or bayonet-type connection to a filter base. The housing typically comprises two housing portions joined at a peripheral shoulder, one of which defines an axial opening to provide fuel communication between the filter base and a filter element disposed within the housing. Customarily, fuel filter cartridges are either replaceable as an entire unit, or the filter element may be coupled to the housing such that the filter unit may be individually replaced.
SUMMARY
Briefly stated, a fuel filter cartridge in connection with the current disclosure comprises a housing, a filter element and at least one collar. The filter cartridge of the current disclosure is modular, simplifying construction and facilitating replacement of the filter element separate from the remainder of the cartridge.
The housing has a generally cylindrical sidewall and defines an open first end and an axially-opposite second end. The sidewall has inner and outer surfaces and a flange which projects radially away from the outer surface at the first end.
The filter element includes a ring of filter media, which circumscribes the longitudinal axis. The media extends axially between first and second end caps. The first end cap defines a fluid flow opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis.
The cartridge may include first and second collars configured to axially retain the housing upon installation with a filter base, and to provide axially retentive forces during use of the vehicle. The second collar is configured to circumscribe the housing, while the first collar is configured to fit within an inner diameter of the second collar. The first collar and second collars may have a ledge and circumferential shoulder, respectively, which overlap and trap the flange. In one embodiment, a wave spring received in a continuous circumferential pocket defined by the collar provides additional axial retention.
A number of connector systems may be utilized to secure the first collar within the second collar. A snap connector system, a threaded connector system, a threaded connector system having a snap connector portion, and a bayonet connector system may provide a secure connection between the first and second collars, ensuring that strong axial retentive forces secure the housing within the cartridge assembly.
A connector system may also couple the first end cap to the first collar. An inner surface of the first collar may define a plurality of axially-oriented grooves extending between first and second axially-oriented groove ends configured to secure a plurality of radial projections disposed at a circumferential periphery and suspend the filter element within the housing.
A method of manufacturing a filter cartridge of the current disclosure is also contemplated. Briefly stated, the method comprises providing a housing, first and second collar, and filter element having the structures briefly described above, inserting the housing into an inner diameter of the second collar, connecting the first and second collars, and coupling the first end cap to the first collar.
The apparatus and method of the present disclosure provides advantages over and relative to the prior art. For example, the modular filter cartridge is easy to manufacture, yet the structural features of the filter element, housing and collar ensure that the connection between the components is robust enough to resist the adverse effects of engine or road vibration. Furthermore, the seal members provide strong seals with the filter base and the inner surface of the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Aspects of the preferred embodiment will be described in reference to the Figures, where like numerals reflect like elements:
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a filter cartridge of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a connection between a collar, a housing and a first end cap;
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the collar of the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the connection between the collar, the housing and the first end cap;
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the collar of the assembly of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the collar shown in FIG. 5 with particular emphasis on an axial slot, a circumferential pocket and a barb;
FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the connection between the collar, the housing and the first end cap;
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the collar of the assembly of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 8 with particular emphasis on a female portion of a threaded connector system and slots defined between snap fingers at a first axial end of the collar;
FIG. 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the connection between the collar, the housing and the first end cap;
FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the collar of the assembly of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 11 with particular emphasis on a circumferential pocket, female portion of a threaded connector system and slots defined between snap fingers at a first axial end of the collar;
FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the filter element;
FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a second end cap of the filter element of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connection between the housing and the second end cap;
FIG. 16 shows a top-plan view of one embodiment of the housing;
FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the housing;
FIG. 18 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the housing depicted in FIG. 17 with particular emphasis on a ring between a seat and an open first end of the housing;
FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the filter cartridge as installed with a compatible filter base;
FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a wave spring in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the filter cartridge of the present disclosure;
FIG. 22 shows a top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 shows a sectional, side view taken along line X-X of the filter cartridge of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 shows the sectional view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 23, with particular emphasis on the connector system between the first and second collars;
FIG. 25 shows a sectional side view of the filter element and first collar of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21, the housing and second collar are omitted for clarity;
FIG. 26 shows a sectional view, partly in phantom, of the first collar taken along line X-X of FIG. 22;
FIG. 27 shows one embodiment of a circular retaining clip;
FIG. 28 shows an alternative embodiment of the circular retaining clip of FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 shows an exploded view of the first collar, circular retaining clip and filter element of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21, the second collar and housing are omitted for clarity;
FIG. 30 shows a top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21;
FIG. 31 shows a sectional side view of the filter element and first collar taken along line X-X of the filter cartridge of FIG. 30, the housing and second collar are omitted for clarity;
FIG. 32 shows a top plan view of the filter element of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21, the first collar, second collar, housing and circular retaining clip are omitted for clarity;
FIG. 33 shows a sectional side view of the filter element of FIG. 32 taken along line X-X;
FIG. 34 shows a side view of the filter element of FIG. 32;
FIG. 35 shows an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the filter cartridge of the present disclosure;
FIG. 36 shows a top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 35;
FIG. 37 shows a sectional view of the filter cartridge taken along the line X-X shown in FIG. 36;
FIG. 38 shows the sectional view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 37, with particular emphasis on the connector system between the first and second collars;
FIG. 39 shows a top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 35;
FIG. 40 shows a sectional view of the filter element and first collar taken along line X-X of FIG. 39, the housing and second collar are omitted for clarity;
FIG. 41 shows an exploded view of the filter element and first collar of the filter cartridge of FIG. 35, the housing and second collar are omitted for clarity;
FIG. 42 shows a top plan view of the filter element of the filter cartridge of FIG. 35, the housing, first collar and second collar are omitted for clarity;
FIG. 43 shows a sectional view, partly in phantom, of the first collar taken along line X-X of FIG. 39;
FIG. 44 shows an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the filter cartridge of the present disclosure;
FIG. 45 shows a top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 44;
FIG. 46 shows a sectional view of the filter cartridge taken along line Y-Y in FIG. 45;
FIG. 47 shows the sectional view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 46, with particular emphasis on the connector system between the first and second collars;
FIG. 48 shows a sectional view of the first collar and filter element taken along line X-X of FIG. 45, the housing and second collar are omitted for clarity; and
FIG. 49 shows a sectional view of the first collar taken along line X-X of FIG. 45, the filter element, housing and second collar are omitted for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of a filter cartridge will now be described with reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the FIGS. 1-49. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a filter cartridge 100 according to aspects of the disclosure. The filter cartridge 100 has a longitudinal axis A-A and includes a filter element 102, a housing 104 and a collar 106. The filter cartridge 100 is contemplated for use with a filter base 108 (see FIG. 19).
The filter element 102 includes first and second end caps 110 and 112, respectively. The first end cap 110 defines a fluid flow opening 114 coaxial with the longitudinal axis A-A. As also shown in FIG. 2, a generally cylindrical wall 116 is disposed at a circumferential periphery of the first end cap 110. The first end cap 110 includes first and second surfaces 117 and 119, respectively, which extend between the circumferential periphery and the fluid flow opening 114.
The cylindrical wall 116 extends between a first and second peripheral rim 118 and 120, respectively, and defines first and second seal glands 122 and 124, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, the cylindrical wall 116 of the upper end cap 110 tapers between the first and second peripheral rims 118 and 120. The first and second seal glands 122 and 124 are respectively defined adjacent the first and second peripheral rims 118 and 120, and oriented radially away from the longitudinal axis A-A. The first and second seal glands 122 and 124 receive first and second seal members 126 and 128, respectively. A ledge 130 projects radially outwardly from the cylindrical wall 116 intermediate the first and second peripheral rims 118 and 120.
In one embodiment best seen in FIG. 19, an annular inner wall 121 projects axially away from the first end cap 110 first surface 117. The annular inner wall is disposed adjacent the fluid flow opening 114 and radially inward of and concentric with the cylindrical wall 116. A third seal gland 123 is oriented radially away from the longitudinal axis A-A, and sized to receive a third seal member 125. The inner wall 121 and third seal gland 123 are configured to sealingly mate with a fuel conduit 107 of the filter base 108. The fuel conduit is disposed radially inwardly of a skirt 109 which sealingly mates with the first seal member 126.
Fuel entering the filter base 108 flows from inlet ports 127 as designated by the arrows. The first seal between the first seal member 126 and the skirt 109 prevents fuel leaking out between the first end cap 102 collar 106 and skirt 109. “Dirty” fuel flows into a plurality of filter ports 129 defined at the circumferential periphery, and subsequently into a space between the filter media 111 and a generally cylindrical housing sidewall 132. Water and other abrasive impurities are filtered from the “dirty” fuel as the fuel flows through the filter media 111, and filtered “clean” fuel flows through the fluid flow opening 114 and out the fuel filter base 108. The third sealing interface between the third seal member 125 and the fuel conduit 107 separates filtered “clean” fuel destined for the fuel injectors and/or other downstream engine components from “dirty” fuel pumped in from the fuel tank.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 17, the sidewall 132 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis A-A. The sidewall 132 has inner and outer surfaces 134 and 136 and defines an open first end 138 and an axially-opposite second end 140. A flange 144 projects radially away from the outer surface 136 at the open first end 138. As will be described in further detail below, the flange cooperates with the first end cap 110 and the collar 106 to retain the filter element 102 within the housing 104.
The second seal member 128 (FIG. 2) creates a second seal with the inner surface of the sidewall 134, fluidly sealing the cartridge and preventing leakage between the first end cap 110 and the housing 104. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the sidewall 132 of the housing 104 flares slightly radially outwardly adjacent the first open end 138. A ring 131 of the sidewall 132 located at the radially outward flare is disposed between a seat 133 and the first open end 138, and the inner surface 134 of the ring 131 creates the second seal with the second seal member 128. The seat 133 and first end cap cylindrical wall 116 are configured such that the seat 133 supports the second peripheral rim 120 (FIG. 1), thereby axially supporting the filter element 102 within the housing 104.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 17, the housing second end 140 defines a drain 142. The drain 142 has generally cylindrical sides 146 and defines a drain port 148. As shown in FIG. 1, the drain sides 146 and the drain port 148 may receive a cylindrical washer 150 which is configured to mate with a valve (not shown) via a threaded, bayonet, or similar connector system.
As shown in FIG. 16, the flange may define an aperture 145 configured to receive an anti-rotation member 147 projecting from the circumferential shoulder 158 of the collar 106 (see FIGS. 3, 5, 8 and 11). The anti-rotation member 147 is preferably a raised projection having a rectangular sectional configuration. The aperture 145 and anti-rotation member 147 cooperate to rotationally secure the housing 104 within the collar 106 and ensure that the housing does not rotate relative to the collar 106.
Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 8 and 11, the collar 106 includes a stepped quazi-annular sidewall 152 having first and second axial ends 154 and 156, respectively. A shoulder 158 projects radially inwardly from an inner surface 160 of the annular sidewall 152 axially intermediate the first and second axial ends 154 and 156. The annular sidewall 152 is sized to receive and circumscribe the sidewall 132 of the housing 104, while the shoulder 158 of the collar 106 and the ledge 130 of the upper end cap 110 are sized to radially overlap. The radial overlap between the ledge 130 and the shoulder 158 traps the flange 144 between the two structures (see FIGS. 2, 4, 7 and 10). The filter element 102 is thus axially supported within the cartridge 100 by the upper end cap 110. As will be discussed in further detail below, a plurality of embodiments are contemplated to provide a connection between the element 102, housing 104 and/or collar 106. The connection further secures the element 102 within the cartridge 100 and prevents relative movement between the components.
In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, an axially-oriented surface 151 extends between first and second radially-oriented surfaces 153 and 155, respectively, intermediate the first and second axial ends 154 and 156. The axially-oriented surface and first and second radially-oriented surfaces 153 and 155 define a circumferential pocket 162. The second radially-oriented surface 155 is contiguous with the shoulder 158.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 10 and 19, the pocket 162 receives a wave spring 164. Referring to FIG. 20, the wave spring 164 undulates between an alternating series of crests 166 and troughs 168. The crests and troughs 166 and 168 exert opposed forces to secure the wave spring 164 partially radially within pocket 162. The crests 166 also engage the ledge 130 and the crests 168 engage the flange 144 and provide opposed axial forces to secure the housing 104 against the second radially-oriented wall 155 and the shoulder 158.
A number of different embodiments for securing the filter element 102, the housing 104 and the collar 106 are also contemplated in connection with the present disclosure. FIGS. 1-3 show an embodiment where a snap connector system is provided between the filter element 102 and the collar 106; FIGS. 4-6 show an embodiment where a bayonet connection is provided between the filter element 102 and the collar 106; FIGS. 7-9 show an embodiment where a threaded connection is provided between the filter element 102 and the collar 106; FIGS. 10-12 show an alternate embodiment of the threaded connection depicted in FIGS. 7-9; and FIGS. 13-15 show an embodiment where a crimped connection is provided between the filter element 102 and the housing 104.
I. The Embodiments of FIGS. 1-3
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a snap connector system secures the upper end cap 110 to the collar 106. Referring specifically to FIG. 3, a plurality of axial slots 170 separate angularly spaced snap fingers 172 projecting from the collar first axial end 154.
The snap connector mating system includes a male and a female connector portion, 174 and 176, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the male snap connector portion 174 projects from the snap fingers 172 radially toward the longitudinal axis A-A, while the female connector portion 176 is defined on an outer surface of the cylindrical wall 116 and oriented radially away from the longitudinal axis A-A. In another embodiment of the snap connector mating system (not shown), the female connector portions 176 are defined on the snap fingers 172 and the male snap connector portion projects radially away from the outer surface of the cylindrical wall 116.
Once the male snap connector portion 174 engages the female snap connector portion 176, the upper end cap 110, the collar 106 and the housing 104 cooperate to secure the filter element within the housing. In the embodiment where a wave spring 164 is received in a circumferential pocket 162, the wave spring crests and troughs 166 and 168 provide additional axial forces securing the flange 144 against the shoulder 158. The wave spring 164 secures the collar 106 to the housing 104.
The snap connector mating system provides a robust connection between the filter element 102 and the collar 106. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the male and female snap connector portions 174 and 176 are configured such that the filter element 102 cannot be replaced once the male snap connector portion 174 engages the female snap connector portion 176 without breaking the snap fingers 172. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that subtle changes in the structural configuration of the male and female snap connector portions 174 and 176 and/or the collar 106 will produce a cartridge 100 that is replaceable once the consumable filter element 102 has reached the end of its usable lifespan.
The collar 106 supports the cartridge 100 relative to the base 108, so the base/cartridge connection is not dependent upon the snap connector.
II. The Embodiments of FIGS. 4-6
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-6, a bayonet connection secures the upper end cap 110 to the collar 106. The bayonet connector is configured for use with the embodiment of the collar 106 defining the inner circumferential pocket 162. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of tabs 178 project radially outwardly from the cylindrical wall 116. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a corresponding plurality of axially-oriented slots 180 are defined on an inner surface of the collar 106.
The axial slots 180 communicate with the circumferential pocket 162. A plurality of barbs 182 project into the pocket 162 from the first radially-oriented surface 153 at the point of communication between the axial slots 180 and the pocket 162. Referring specifically to FIG. 6, each barb 182 includes a ramp surface 184 and a retention shoulder 186.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the wave spring 164 provides additional axial retention forces, which urge the tabs 178 against the first radially-oriented surface 153. The wave spring 164 ensures that the tabs 178 are secured within the pocket 162, and cooperate with the barbs 182 to prevent the first end cap 110 from rotating past the retention shoulder 186 and disengaging the first end cap 110 from the collar 106.
To engage the ledge 130 with the shoulder 158 and trap the flange 144, the tabs 178 are first inserted into the axially-oriented slots 180. The first end cap 110 is subsequently axially pushed until the tabs 178 are received in the pocket 162. Once the pocket 162 receives the tabs 178, the first end cap 110 is rotated until the tabs 178 ride up the ramp surface 184 and past the retention shoulder 186. As the tabs 178 ride up the ramp surface 184, the tabs 178 and the ledge 158 axially compress the wave spring 164. Once the tabs 178 rotate past the retention shoulder 186 the wave spring 164 rebounds, urging the ledge 158 and tabs 178 against the first radially-oriented surface 153, and urging the flange 144 against the second radially-oriented surface 155. To disengage the first end cap 110 from the collar 106, the previously mentioned steps are sequentially repeated in reverse-order.
III. The Embodiments of FIGS. 7-9
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-9 a threaded connector system secures the upper end cap 110 to the collar 106. The inner surface 160 of the collar defines a female portion 188 of the threaded connector system. A male portion 190 of the threaded connector system projects from the cylindrical wall 116.
A chamfer 192 is provided between the ledge 130 and the cylindrical wall 116. The chamfer 192 aids in installation of a replacement filter element 102. A sharp transition between the ledge 130 and the cylindrical wall 116 otherwise would potentially catch the first axial end 154 or the inner surface 160 of the collar 106 during axial insertion of the element 102 or engagement of the male and female connector portions 188 and 190. Thus, the chamfer 192 ensures that axially inserting of the replacement element 102 within the housing 104 and engagement of the threaded connector system between the upper end cap 110 and the collar 106 is relatively smooth.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the collar 106 also includes the axial slots 170 defined between the snap connector fingers 172. Male and female snap connector portions 174 and 176, similar to those provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, are also included. In comparison with the snap connector system shown in FIGS. 1-3, the male snap connector portion 174 and the female snap connector portion 176 are shorter and shallower in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9. A detent and a corresponding receptacle (not shown) may alternatively be provided on the snap fingers 172 and the cylindrical wall 116, respectively. The snap connector system provides positive feedback during engagement of the threaded connector system. When the male and female connector portions 188 and 190 are completely engaged, the male snap connector portion 174 will simultaneously engage the female snap connector portion 176, providing an audible and tactile indication that the first end cap 110 is completely engaged with the collar 106.
IV. The Embodiments of FIGS. 10-12
The embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-12 employ a similar threaded connector system to the one depicted in FIGS. 7-9. The collar 106 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12 includes the pocket 162 and wave spring 164 in addition to the snap fingers 172, and male and female connector portions 188 and 190. The wave spring 164 secures the collar 106 to the housing 104.
As seen in FIG. 10, the shoulder 130 of the first end cap 110 has a sharper transition than the chamfer 192 shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 7-9. While the shoulder 130 may have a chamfer 192, the shoulder 130 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 projects from the cylindrical wall 116 axially closer to the first peripheral rim 118 to accommodate the force of the wave spring 164.
V. The Embodiments of FIGS. 13-15
As seen in FIGS. 13-15, a crimped connection may secure the filter element 102 within the housing 104. Preferably, it is the second end of the housing 140 which is crimped to axially secure the filter element 102 within the housing 104. An alternate embodiment of the second end cap 112 best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 creates a strong connection between the filter housing 104 and the filter element 102. A plurality of supports 194 project axially away from the second end cap 112. The supports 194 may comprise struts, or fins, or other similar structural features which axially position the filter element 102, and define fuel flow paths 196 between the supports 194, allowing water run-off from the filter media 111 to pass through the drain port 148.
The supports 194 are connected to the cylindrical washer 150 axially opposite the filter second end cap 112. The washer 150 defines a radially-outwardly facing circumferential groove 198. The cylindrical sides 146 of the drain 142 receive the washer 150. The sidewalls 146 of the drain are crimped into the circumferential groove 198, retaining the filter element 102 within the housing 104 at the second end 140.
An inner surface 200 of the washer 150 is configured to mate with the valve (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the inner surface 200 may define one half of a threaded connector system. Alternatively, a bayonet connector system (not shown) may be utilized to connect the valve to the washer 150.
VI. The Embodiment of FIGS. 21-49
With reference to FIGS. 21-49, an alternative embodiment of the connector system between the housing 104, collar 106 and first end cap 110 of FIGS. 1-20 is illustrated. A filter cartridge 1000 in accordance with the disclosed embodiment of FIGS. 21-49 has a longitudinal axis A-A and includes a filter element 1002, a housing 1004 and first and second collars, 1005 and 1006, respectively.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the housing 1004 has generally the same structure and function as the housing 104, and that the second collar 1006 has generally the same structure and function as the collar 106 described above and depicted in FIGS. 1-20. The embodiment of FIGS. 21-49 differ from the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-20 in that a connector system is configured between the first collar 1005 and the second collar 1006.
Referring to FIGS. 24 and 26, the first collar 1005 has a quazi-annular, multi-surface, stepped wall 1016 having an inner diameter d1, and first and second outer diameters, d2a and d2b. The first collar annular wall 1016 extends axially between first and second peripheral rims 1018 and 1020, respectively. The annular wall defines first and second seal glands 1022 and 1024. The first seal gland 1022 is defined adjacent the first peripheral rim 1018 and the second seal gland 1024 is defined adjacent the second peripheral rim 1020. The seal glands 1022 and 1024 are oriented radially away from the longitudinal axis A-A and receive first and second O-ring seal members 1026 and 1028, respectively.
Much like the first seal gland and seal member of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-20, the first seal gland 1022 and first seal members 1026 are configured to seal against a surface of a filter base (not shown) to form an axially sealing interface, and direct the flow of fluid through a filter assembly (not shown) in a similar manner described above in paragraphs [0067] through [0068]. As will be described in greater detail below, the first end cap 1010 may have first and second diameters d5 and d6 (FIG. 32), which define a plurality of peripheral flow ports 1312 (FIG. 30) between a first end cap circumferential periphery 1303 and a first collar inner surface 1304. The peripheral flow ports 1312 act to direct fuel through the filter assembly in a similar manner to the filter ports 129 described above in paragraph [0068].
As best seen in FIGS. 24 and 26 the first collar surface having the first outer diameter d2a is disposed adjacent the first seal gland 1022, and the first collar surface having the second outer diameter d2b is disposed adjacent the second seal gland 1024. A ledge 1030 projects radially outwardly from an outer surface 1017 of the first collar annular wall 1016 where the annular wall 1016 transitions between the first and second outer diameters d2a and d2b.
Referring to FIGS. 21, 23, 24 and 26, the housing 1004 has a generally cylindrical sidewall 1032. The sidewall 1032 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis A-A. The sidewall 1032 has inner and outer surfaces 1034 and 1036, respectively, and defines an open first end 1038 and an axially opposite second end 1040. A flange 1044 projects radially away from the outer surface 1036 at the open first end 1038. The flange 1044 cooperates with the first collar 1005 and the second collar 1006 to retain the filter element 1002 within the housing 1004.
Similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 1-20, the second seal member 1028 creates a seal with the inner surface of the sidewall 1034, fluidly sealing the cartridge and preventing leakage between the first collar 1005 and the housing 1004 (see FIGS. 23 and 24). In the disclosed embodiment, the sidewall 1032 of the housing 1004 flares slightly radially outwardly adjacent the first open end 1038. A ring 1031 of the sidewall 1032 located at the radially outward flare is disposed between a seat 1033 and the first open end 1038, and the inner surface 1034 of the ring 1031 creates the second seal with the second seal member 1028 (FIGS. 24, 38 and 47). As will be described in greater detail below, the first end cap 1010 of the filter element 1002 is connected to the first collar 1005 via a plurality of axially-oriented grooves 1300. The seat 1033 and first collar second outer diameter d2b are configured such that the seat 1033 supports the second peripheral rim 1020 of the first collar 1005, thereby also axially supporting the filter element 1002 within the housing 1004.
As shown in FIGS. 21, 23 and 24 the flange may define an aperture 1045 configured to receive an anti-rotation member 1047 projecting from a circumferential shoulder 1058 of the second collar 1006. The anti-rotation member 1047 is preferably a raised projection having a rectangular sectional configuration. The aperture 1045 and anti-rotation member 1047 cooperate to rotationally secure the housing 1004 between the first and second collars 1005 and 1006 and ensure that the housing does not rotate relative thereto.
Referring to FIGS. 21 and 23, the second collar 1006 includes an annular sidewall 1052 having first and second axial ends 1054 and 1056, respectively. The second collar 1006 has an inner surface with a first inner diameter d3 adjacent the first axial end 1054 sized to receive the first collar surface having the first outer diameter d2a. The second collar also includes a surface having a second inner diameter d4 adjacent the second axial end 1054. A shoulder 1058 projects radially inwardly from an inner surface 1060 of the annular sidewall 1052 axially intermediate the first and second axial ends 1054 and 1056, where the second collar annular sidewall 1052 transitions between the second collar first and second diameters d3 and d4. The second collar second inner diameter d4 is sized to receive and circumscribe the sidewall 1032 of the housing 1004, while the shoulder 1058 and the ledge 1030 of the first collar 1005 are sized to radially overlap. The radial overlap between the ledge 1030 and the shoulder 1058 traps the flange 1044 between the two structures (see FIGS. 23 and 24). Because the filter element 1002 is connected to the first collar 1004 the filter element 1002 is thereby axially supported within the cartridge 1000 by the first collar 1005.
As shown in FIGS. 24, 38 and 47, the second collar 1006 has an axially-oriented surface 1051 extending between first and second radially-oriented surfaces 1053 and 1055, respectively, intermediate the first and second axial ends 1054 and 1056. The axially-oriented surface 1051 and first and second radially-oriented surfaces 1053 and 1055 define a circumferential pocket 1062. The second radially-oriented surface 1055 is contiguous with the shoulder 1058. The pocket 1062 receives a wave spring 1064 having a similar configuration and providing axial retentive forces in a manner similar to the wave spring 164 described above in paragraph [0075].
The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 21-49 shows a snap connector system where the second collar defines a continuous circumferential pocket 1068 configured to receive a wave spring 1064. The connector system in the disclosed embodiment is similar to the system described with respect to FIGS. 1-3, however one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the connector system between the housing 1004, first collar 1005 and second collar 1006 may be altered to utilize any of the connector systems discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, and 13-15. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the connector system of FIGS. 1-20 need only be altered such that the first collar 1005 is configured to have the connector portion of the first end cap 110 and the second collar 1006 be configured to have the connector portion of the collar 106.
A number of different embodiments for securing the filter element 1002 to the filter cartridge are also contemplated in connection with the present disclosure. FIGS. 21-34 show an embodiment where a plurality of radial projections are secured within corresponding axially-oriented grooves by a circular retaining clip; FIGS. 35-43 show an embodiment wherein a plurality of barbs disposed on a surface oriented facing the longitudinal axis of an axially-oriented groove, each of which retains a plurality of peripherally extending arms within the corresponding axially-oriented groove; FIGS. 44-49 show an alternative embodiment of the connector system shown in FIGS. 35-43 where the barbs are each disposed on a surface oriented facing the longitudinal axis of a plurality of interrupted circumferential grooves, and each interrupted circumferential groove is defined in communication with the axial grooves.
A. The Filter Element Connector System of FIGS. 21-34
As shown in FIGS. 21-34 a connector system for reversibly securing the first end cap 1010 of the filter element 1002 to the first collar 1005 includes a plurality of radial projections 1302 sized to fit within axially-oriented grooves 1300. The radial projections are disposed at a first end cap circumferential periphery 1303. In the disclosed embodiment, the radial projections 1302 are uniform in length, and each radial projection 1302 is configured diametrically opposite one other radial projection 1302. Accordingly, the first end cap has the first diameter d5 where each radial projection projects from the first end cap 1010, and the second, smaller diameter, d6 as measured elsewhere along the circumferential periphery 1303 (FIGS. 32 and 34).
Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 21, 26, and 29-34, the axially-oriented grooves 1300 are defined on an inner surface 1304 of the first collar 1005. The axially-oriented grooves 1300 are sized such that the inner diameter d1 of the first end cap 1005 is enlarged at each axially-oriented groove 1300 to be approximately equal to the first end cap first diameter d5. The axially-oriented grooves 1300 extend between first and second ends 1306 and 1308. As best seen in FIGS. 26 and 31, the axially-oriented groove second end 1308 defines a radially-oriented axial groove surface 1310. The radial projections 1302 abut the radial groove surface 1310, and thereby axially support the filter element 1002 within the filter cartridge 1004.
As best seen in FIG. 30, the first end cap second diameter d6 is smaller than the first collar inner diameter d1. The size difference between the first end cap second diameter d6 and the first collar inner diameter d1 defines the peripheral fluid flow port 1312 between the first end cap circumferential periphery 1303 and the inner surface of the first collar 1304.
As best seen in FIGS. 25 and 26, the first collar inner surface 1304 defines a continuous circumferential groove 1314. The continuous circumferential groove 1314 is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A and intersects the plurality of axially-oriented grooves 1300 intermediate the axially-oriented groove first and second ends 1306 and 1308. The continuous circumferential groove is sized to receive a circular retaining clip 1316 configured to engage a first surface 1317 of the first end cap 1010 and axially retain the radial projections within the axial groove.
FIGS. 27 and 28 show two embodiments of the circular retaining clip 1316. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, the circular retaining clip 1316 is a resilient annular member. Similar to the wave spring 1064 received in the pocket 1062 described in connection with the second collar 1006, and the embodiment of the filter cartridge depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and 10-12, the resilient undulating member has a plurality of alternating crests and troughs 1318 and 1320, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 31, the crests 1318 engage a radially-oriented upper surface 1322 of the circumferential groove 1314, while the troughs engage the first surface 1317 of the first end cap 1010 to exert axially opposite forces.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the circular retaining clip 1316 is a planar c-shaped clip. The c-shaped clip is planar in a direction oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A and has first and second clip ends 1324 and 1326. The c-shaped clip defines a gap between the first and second clip ends 1324 and 1326. The first and second clip ends 1324 and 1326 may each include a handle 1328 to allow for easier manipulation of the first and second clip ends 1324 and 1326. Drawing the clip ends together to eliminate the gap allows the c-shaped clip to be reversibly secured within the circumferential groove 1314. Accordingly, the embodiment of the cartridge 1000 employing the c-shaped clip allows the filter element 1002 to be replaced separately from the housing 1004 and first and second collars 1005 and 1006.
B. The Filter Element Connector System of FIGS. 35-43
The embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 35 through 43 utilizes the axially-oriented grooves 1300 also employed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-34. The axially-oriented grooves 1300 are specifically configured to mate with a male portion 1330 of a connector system disposed on the first end cap 1010 of the filter element 1002.
As best seen in FIG. 42, each of the male connector portion includes a base 1332 disposed at the circumferential periphery 1303 of the first end cap 1010. A plurality of arms 1334 project from the base 1332 and extend generally parallel to and spaced apart from the circumferential periphery 1303 between arm first and second ends 1336 and 1338, respectively. A tab 1340 projects radially outwardly in a direction transverse to the axis A-A at each of the arm second ends 1338.
Referring to FIGS. 36, 39, 40 and 43, the arms 1334 act as natural springs, and cooperate with a barb 1342 disposed intermediate each of the axially-oriented first and second groove ends 1306 and 1308 on a surface 1343 oriented facing the longitudinal axis A-A. Each of the barbs 1342 has a ramp surface 1344 and a retention shoulder 1346 configured to axially secure the upper end cap 1010 to the first collar 1005.
The filter element 1002 is secured to the first collar 1005 by axially inserting the tab 1340 of the male connector portions 1330 into the axially-oriented first groove end 1306. The first end cap 1010 is subsequently axially manipulated such that each of the tabs 1340 rides up the ramp surface 1344, deforming each of the arms 1334, until the tabs 1340 and past the retention shoulder 1346. Once the first end cap top surface 1317 passes the retention shoulder 1346, the arms 1334 snap back into place as seen in FIG. 40, and the retention shoulder 1346 retains the tabs against the radially-oriented surface 1310 and within the axial slot 1300. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps described above need only be reversed to disengage the connector system and remove the filter element 1002 from the housing 1004. Accordingly, the filter element 1002 of the disclosed embodiment may be replaced separately from the remainder of the cartridge 1000.
As best seen in FIGS. 36-39 and 42, each arm 1340 is configured diametrically opposite one other arm 1340. Like the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 21-34, the first end cap first diameter d5 is configured at the base of each arm 1332, and the first end cap second diameter d6 is configured elsewhere along the circumferential periphery 1303. Similarly to the previously described embodiment in FIGS. 21-34, the second diameter d6 is smaller than the first collar inner diameter d1. The size difference between the first end cap second diameter d6 and the first collar inner diameter d1 creates a peripheral fluid flow port 1312 defined between the first end cap circumferential periphery 1303 and the inner surface of the first collar 1304.
C. The Filter Element Connector System of FIGS. 44-49
The filter element connector system of FIGS. 44-49 is similar to the connector system disclosed in FIGS. 35-43. The first end cap 1010 includes the male portion 1330 of a connector system, including the base 1332 and arms 1334, and configured as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 35-43. The embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 44-49 is distinguishable from the embodiments in FIGS. 35-43 in that the inner surface 1304 of the first collar 1005 also defines a plurality of circumferentially interrupted grooves 1348 (see FIG. 49), which form a bayonet connector system.
The circumferentially interrupted grooves 1348 are oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A. The circumferentially interrupted grooves have first and second ends 1350 and 1352. Each of the circumferentially interrupted groove first ends 1350 is configured in communication with the axially-oriented groove second end 1308. The plurality of barbs 1342 are disposed intermediate the circumferentially interrupted groove first and second ends 1350 and 1352, on a surface 1353 oriented facing the longitudinal axis A-A.
To connect the filter element 1002 to the first collar 1005, the arms 1334 are inserted into the axially-oriented grooves 1300 and manipulated until the tabs 1340 abut the radially-oriented surface 1310 of the axially-oriented groove second end 1308. The first end cap 1010 is subsequently rotated about the longitudinal axis A-A such that each of the tabs 1340 rides up the ramp surface 1344, deforming each of the arms 1334, until the tabs 1340 pass the retention shoulder 1346. Once the first end cap top surface passes the retention shoulder 1346, the arms 1334 snap back into their original configuration as seen in FIG. 48, and the retention shoulder 1346 retains the tabs 1334 against the circumferentially interrupted groove second ends 1352. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps described above need only be reversed to disengage the connector system and remove the filter element 1002 from the housing 1004.
While preferred embodiments have been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing descriptions should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the claimed coverage.