Integrated filter housing

Abstract

The invention integrates a filter system into a reciprocating piston pump (10). This design will eliminate the need for extra connection components, increase the maximum internal pressure allowed due to no danger of the filter loosening, ease maintenance and cleaning while also decreasing the overall size of the system. Because the overall size is smaller, less energy is required to change the pressure throughout the system and thus increase overall efficiency compared to previous designs. The invention is a filter element (29) that inserts and becomes integrated with the upper housing (33) of the pump (10). The filter element (29) is inserted into its own cavity and held in place by upper and lower connectors (23, 27) that threadedly engage with the pump housing (33).

Description

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Filters contained within a pump system such as the reciprocating piston pumps commonly sold by the assignee of the instant invention typically require several connection components, are difficult to clean or maintain, and present the danger of loosening and falling off.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] To overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, this invention integrates the filter system into the pump design. This design will eliminate the need for extra connection components, increase the maximum internal pressure allowed due to no danger of the filter loosening, ease maintenance and cleaning while also decreasing the overall size of the system. Because the overall size is smaller, less energy is required to change the pressure throughout the system and thus increase overall efficiency compared to previous designs.

[0004] The invention is a filter that inserts and becomes integrated with the housing of the pump system. The filter is inserted into its own cavity and held in place by upper and lower connectors that threadedly engage with the pump housing. The filter has a filter cover placed on its top, which prevents the filter from jostling around and damaging itself during liquid flow. Removal of the filter for cleaning or maintenance can be accomplished by removing the connector components and sliding the filter out of its housing. Also, the filter cover is smaller than previous designs, which eases the cleaning of the filter cover and removal of the filter itself.

[0005] Because the filter is integral to the pump system, the width of pump pipes can be increased and maximum internal pressure increased without risking the filter becoming loose, disconnecting or otherwise malfunctioning. Because such pipes are wider and the volume capacity is increased, the pump system as a whole is smaller than previous designs. Because the pump system is smaller as a whole and maximum internal pressure is higher, flushing the system during maintenance is accomplished more easily.

[0006] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded front view of the pump system with the filter component extended out of its housing.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the pump of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pump system.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the pump that exposes the internal workings and showing the flow of liquid through the system.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top view of the pump system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Fluid travels through the pump (generally designated 10) by first entering the inlet housing 7, passing through the inlet check valve 11, and entering cylinder 31 of the pump lower 37. The fluid then travels via transfer passage 33a in upper housing 33 to the volume around the exterior of filter 29 and then passes through the filter itself 29. Cylindrical filter element 29 is held in place between a filter top cap 23, seal 25 and a filter bottom cap 27. A solid filter support 40 is located within filter 29 and helps prevent the collapse thereof. Fluid flows from the interior of filter 29 through passage 27a to outlet port 27b.

[0013] It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made to the integrated filter housing without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. In a reciprocating piston pump having a cylinder, inlet and outlet checks and first and second end housings, the improvement comprising: a filter cavity integral with one of said housings, said filter cavity comprising first and second open ends and fluidly connecting with said outlet check; a filter element in said filter cavity; first and filter caps removably attached to said filter cavity ends; and one of said filter caps comprising an outlet port.

2. The reciprocating piston pump of claim 1 further comprising a filter support within said filter element.

3. The reciprocating piston pump of claim 1 further comprising a pressure relief valve in one of said filter caps.