The technical field relates to replaceable filter cartridges and filtration systems including replaceable filter elements.
Various apparatuses and methods have been utilized by the prior art for removing suspended contaminants from a contaminated fluid. In general, the contaminated fluid is passed through a porous filtering media by an external pressure or an external force. The pore size of the porous filtering media is selected to permit the passage of the fluid therethrough while inhibiting the flow of contaminants through the porous filtering media. The contaminants are blocked by the porous filter media while the fluid passes through the porous filter media. The fluid flowing through the filter media is purged of the contaminants.
Replaceable filter cartridges and assemblies have proven to be useful components of filtration systems for a variety of applications including, for example, internal combustion engines such as diesel engines. Replaceable filter elements can be coupled with other components of filtration systems to provide assemblies operable to remove particulates and other undesirable matter from fluids.
There is a need for the unique and inventive replaceable filter elements and filtration systems including replaceable filter elements disclosed herein.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is a replaceable filter element comprising a filter media having a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity. The filter element further includes an endplate connected to the first end of the filter media. The endplate including a projection extending from the endplate away from the filter media. The projection has a first portion, a flange and a second portion. The first portion extends from the endplate to the flange. The second portion extends from the flange.
In one refinement of the embodiment the endplate further includes a plurality of ribs extending from the endplate.
In another refinement of the embodiment further comprising a second endplate connected to the second end of the filter media.
In another refinement of the embodiment the replaceable filter element is inserted into a filtration system housing and covered by a filtration system lid. The projection extends through an opening in the lid. The flange of the projection couples the filter element and the lid.
In another refinement of the embodiment the endplate includes a sealing flange having a pair of axially extending circumferential ribs that are radially spaced apart from each other.
In another refinement of the embodiment the lid engages the housing and a force between the lid and the housing forms a seal between the endplate and the housing.
In another refinement of the embodiment a far end of the projection includes means for providing an indication to a user.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is an apparatus comprising a replaceable filter element. The filter element includes a filter media having a first end and a second end. The filter element further includes a closed endplate connected to the first end of the filter media, and means for coupling the replaceable filter element to a lid.
In one refinement of the embodiment the means for coupling the replaceable filter element to a lid includes a projection extending from the endplate. The projection includes a distal portion with an identification mark.
In another refinement of the embodiment the projection is a frustoconical projection that includes a first portion, a flange and a second portion. The first portion extends from the endplate to the flange, the second portion extends from the flange.
In another refinement the embodiment further comprises a lid. The replaceable filter element is coupled to the lid by the flange of the projection.
In another refinement of the embodiment a second endplate is connected to the second end of the filter media. The closed endplate is connected to the first end of the filter media and includes a sealing flange radially outward from the filter media and having a pair of axially extending circumferential ribs that are radially spaced apart.
In another refinement of the embodiment the closed endplate further includes a plurality of radial ribs that protrude axially away from the filter media.
In another refinement of the embodiment the second endplate defines a centrally positioned opening.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is a method of replacing a replaceable filter element in a filtration system including a housing, a replaceable filter element and a lid, the replaceable filter element being inserted into the housing and coupled to the lid, the lid being coupled to the housing. The method comprises decoupling the lid and the housing. The method further comprises removing the lid and the replaceable filter element from the housing, the lid and the replaceable filter element being coupled during the removing. The method further comprises decoupling the replaceable filter element and the lid.
In one refinement of the embodiment the method further comprises coupling the lid and a second replaceable filter element.
In another refinement of the embodiment the method further comprises coupling the lid and the housing, the lid and the second replaceable filter element being coupled during the coupling.
In another refinement of the embodiment the method further comprises decoupling the lid from the housing includes rotating the lid relative to the housing.
In another refinement of the embodiment the decoupling the replaceable filter element and the lid includes applying force to a projection of the replaceable filter element which extends through an opening in the lid.
In another refinement of the embodiment the decoupling consists essentially of applying force to a projection of the replaceable filter element which extends through an opening in the lid.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a substantially annular filter media extending along an axis and defining an internal cavity. The filter media is sandwiched between a closed top endcap and a bottom endcap. The top endcap has a bottom end and top end. The top end has a substantially centrally positioned axially extending appendage. At least a portion of the bottom end is adjacent to the filter media. The bottom end defining a sealing flange.
In one refinement of the embodiment the sealing flange includes a pair of axially extending circumferential ribs, the circumferential ribs being spaced apart from one another radially.
In another refinement of the embodiment the top end includes a plurality of radial ribs that extend axially away from the filter media. The appendage has a distal portion with an indicator mark.
In another refinement of the embodiment the bottom endcap defines a centrally positioned aperture.
Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.
For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
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Endplate 130 preferably includes a peripheral sealing flange 131 that extends radially outward. Flange 131 provides sealing capabilities to endplate 130, further details of which are discussed below with respect to
Endplate 130 also includes a male protrusion 140 which extends from endplate 130. A portion 141 of protrusion 140 extends from endplate 141 to a flange 143. Another portion 145 of protrusion 140 extends from flange 143 to an end or tip 147 of protrusion 140. Tip 147 preferably includes a visual and/or tactile indicator 149. A wide variety of information might be provided on tip 147. Examples of such information include part number, the original equipment manufacturer (such as a logo or trademark), performance rating of filter (such as a filtration level of 10 microns, 20 microns, etc.), or other information relating to the type or model of replaceable filter element 100, or other information regarding replaceable filter element 100 useful to the customer or user. In one embodiment, protrusion 140 has a generally frustoconical shape. A variety of other shaped projections are also contemplated as within the scope of the invention including, but not limited to, cylindrical. Endplate 130 is preferably a unitary structure formed of a composite or plastic material such as thermoplastic. Other embodiments contemplate that endplate 130 could be formed of multiple pieces coupled together, for example, protrusion 140 and/or other portions of replaceable filter element 100 could be a separate piece coupled to endplate 140.
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The present invention relates generally to a combination of a filter cartridge and housing that can be used, for example, with internal combustion engines, such as diesel or gasoline powered engines. Such filter units are important since various fluids used in vehicle engines are susceptible to being contaminated by water, sand, dirt and other particulate materials. Impurities such as products of combustion, soot, moisture, dust, abrasion powder, etc. mix with the lubricating oil every moment during the operation of an automobile's engine and the impurities are filtered by the filter assembly. Thus, there are many applications for filters according to the present invention. For example, the filter assembly can be used for farm equipment, construction equipment, skidders, loaders, other off-road vehicles, heavy-duty highway trucks, automobiles, and other vehicles, industrial machines requiring hydraulic filtering, and all other equipment or mechanical devices that require the filtering of fluids. Additionally, the filter assembly can be used to remove foreign matter from a variety of different fluids. Examples of liquid fluids include hydraulic fluids, engine lubrication oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, engine coolant, automatic transmission fluid, and any other type of fluid. The filter assembly can also be used with gaseous fluids such as air and exhaust.
While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.