U.S. patent application number 09/740409 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-21 for fuel filter assembly with element having dual media.
Invention is credited to Clausen, Michael D., Hodgkins, David H., Jensen, Russell D., Oelschlaegel, Victor R., Popoff, Peter, Stone, Walter H..
Application Number | 20010004061 09/740409 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27537616 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010004061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Popoff, Peter ; et
al. |
June 21, 2001 |
Fuel filter assembly with element having dual media
Abstract
A fuel filter includes a housing (412) with a removable element
(424) mounted therein. The housing has an inlet port (414) in
direct fluid communication with a chamber (418). A first outlet
port (416) is in direct fluid communication with a central
standpipe (422). The standpipe has a flow element (442) movable
therein for controlling the condition of flow openings (436) in the
standpipe. The cover further includes a cover projection (482) for
supporting a projection (478) on the end cap (460) of the filter
element, which opens flow into the standpipe only when the element
is installed. The removable element can include first and second
filter media rings (426, 716) where fluid is introduced between the
rings and flows radially inward through the first media to the
first outlet port (416), and radially outward through the second
media ring to a second outlet port (710). The second filter media
ring (716) includes a distal end (728) freely supported with
respect to the second end cap and defining a continuous annular
passage (732) into the annular cavity (726) between the media rings
(426, 716).
Inventors: |
Popoff, Peter; (Modesto,
CA) ; Hodgkins, David H.; (Modesto, CA) ;
Clausen, Michael D.; (Turlock, CA) ; Jensen, Russell
D.; (Modesto, CA) ; Stone, Walter H.;
(Modesto, CA) ; Oelschlaegel, Victor R.; (Oakdale,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTOPHER H HUNTER
PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
6035 PARKLAND BOULEVARD
CLEVELAND
OH
44124-4141
US
|
Family ID: |
27537616 |
Appl. No.: |
09/740409 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09740409 |
Dec 19, 2000 |
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09457405 |
Dec 8, 1999 |
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6171491 |
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09457405 |
Dec 8, 1999 |
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09071799 |
May 4, 1998 |
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6113781 |
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09071799 |
May 4, 1998 |
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08840521 |
Apr 21, 1997 |
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6053334 |
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08840521 |
Apr 21, 1997 |
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08150709 |
Nov 10, 1993 |
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5643446 |
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08731114 |
Oct 9, 1996 |
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08441584 |
May 15, 1995 |
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08441584 |
May 15, 1995 |
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08121803 |
Sep 15, 1993 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/235 ;
210/430; 210/438; 210/450 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 35/18 20130101;
F02M 37/30 20190101; B01D 2201/34 20130101; B01D 35/157 20130101;
F02M 37/36 20190101; B01D 2201/301 20130101; B01D 36/003 20130101;
B01D 27/08 20130101; B01D 35/1576 20130101; B01D 2201/4046
20130101; F02M 37/28 20190101; B01D 36/006 20130101; B01D 29/15
20130101; F02M 37/16 20130101; F02M 37/48 20190101; B01D 35/153
20130101; B01D 2201/4084 20130101; B01D 35/30 20130101; B01D 36/005
20130101; F02M 37/44 20190101; B01D 27/07 20130101; B01D 35/16
20130101; F02M 37/26 20190101; B01D 35/1573 20130101; F02M 37/42
20190101; B01D 29/96 20130101; B01D 2201/305 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/235 ;
210/430; 210/438; 210/450 |
International
Class: |
B01D 035/14; B01D
035/34 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A filter element, comprising: a continuous inner ring of filter
media, said inner ring having an interior surface bounding an
interior cavity; a continuous outer ring of filter media outwardly
bounding said inner ring, said outer ring having an interior
surface spaced radially outward from said inner ring and defining
an intermediate cavity therewith; first and second circular end
caps, said inner ring having first and second ends, with the first
end adhesively bonded to the first end cap and the second end
adhesively bonded to said second end cap, said outer ring also
having first end second ends, with the first end of the outer ring
adhesively bonded to the first end cap and the second end of the
outer ring freely supported with respect to the second end cap and
defining a continuous annular passage therewith fluidly
communicating with said intermediate cavity; and a projection
within said interior cavity sealingly connected to said first end
cap and extending longitudinally from a central area of said first
end cap toward said second end cap; said second end cap having a
central opening therethrough axially aligned with said projection
and through which an external device can be inserted longitudinally
into said interior cavity; wherein said projection is radially
disposed inwardly from said interior surface of said inner filter
media ring, is smaller in transverse cross-section than said
central opening and is longer than it is wide, such that said
projection can engage or actuate a valve flow element associated
with the external device when the external device is inserted
longitudinally through said central opening.
2. The filter element as in claim 1, wherein a frame supports the
outer ring.
3. The filter element as in claim 2, wherein the frame is external
to the outer ring.
4. The filter element as in claim 2, wherein the frame is unitary
with said first end cap.
5. The filter element as in claim 2, wherein the frame includes
cut-out window portions dividing the outer ring into discrete
segments which i) allow fluid to pass through the outer ring, and
ii) provide support for the outer ring.
6. The filter element as in claim 1, wherein said projection is
unitary with said first end cap.
7. The filter element as in claim 1, wherein said outer ring
includes a resilient seal at the second end of the outer ring, the
resilient seal radially bounding the second end of the outer ring
and projecting radially outward therefrom.
8. The filter element as in claim 1, wherein the outer ring extends
longitudinally from the first end cap toward the second end cap,
and terminates at a free end prior to the second end cap such that
an annular flow gap is provided between the second end cap and the
second end of the outer ring.
9. The filter element as in claim 8, wherein said outer ring
includes a resilient seal at the second, free end of the outer
ring, the resilient seal radially bounding the second end of the
outer ring and projecting radially outward therefrom.
10. A filter assembly, comprising: a filter housing including a
pair of housing portions defining a filter cavity, one of said
housing portions comprising a cylindrical body with a closed end,
an open end, a first inlet and a second outlet spaced separately
along the length of the body, and a cylindrical standpipe extending
longitudinally into the filter cavity from the closed end of the
body toward the open end, said standpipe having a distal free end
with a valve flow element and a connected end fluidly communicating
with a first outlet, and the other of the housing portions
comprising a cover for the open end of the cylindrical body, and a
filter element disposed between the housing portions, the filter
element including a continuous inner ring of filter media, said
inner ring having an interior surface bounding an interior cavity;
a continuous outer ring of filter media outwardly bounding said
inner ring, said outer ring having an interior surface spaced
radially outward from said inner ring and defining an intermediate
cavity therewith; first and second circular end caps, said inner
ring having first and second ends, with the first end adhesively
bonded to the first end cap and the second end adhesively bonded to
said second end cap, said outer ring also having first end second
ends, with the first end of the outer ring adhesively bonded to the
first end cap and the second end of the outer ring freely supported
with respect to the second end cap and defining a continuous
annular passage therewith fluidly communicating with said
intermediate cavity; and a projection connected to one of said
cover or said first end cap and extending longitudinally within
said interior cavity from a central area of said first end cap
toward said second end cap; said second end cap having a central
opening therethrough axially aligned with said projection and
through which the standpipe extends longitudinally into said
interior cavity, and an annular seal providing a fluid tight seal
between said second end cap and said standpipe; wherein said
projection is radially disposed inwardly from said interior surface
of said inner filter media ring, is smaller in transverse
cross-section than said central opening and is longer than it is
wide.
11. The filter assembly as in claim 10, wherein a frame supports
the outer ring.
12. The filter assembly as in claim 11, wherein the frame is
external to the outer ring.
13. The filter assembly as in claim 11, wherein the frame is
unitary with said first end cap.
14. The filter assembly as in claim 11, wherein the frame includes
cut-out window portions dividing the outer ring into discrete
segments which i) allow fluid to pass through the outer ring, and
ii) provide support for the outer ring.
15. The filter assembly as in claim 10, wherein said projection is
unitary with said first end cap.
16. The filter assembly as in claim 10, wherein said projection is
unitary with said cover.
17. The filter assembly as in claim 10, wherein said outer ring
includes a resilient seal at the second end of the outer ring, the
resilient seal radially bounding the second end of the outer ring
and projecting radially outward therefrom into sealing relation
with said one housing portion such that said inlet is isolated from
direct fluid communication with said second outlet.
18. The filter assembly as in claim 10, wherein the outer ring
extends longitudinally from the first end cap toward the second end
cap, and terminates at a free end prior to the second end cap such
that an annular flow gap is provided between the second end cap and
the second end of the outer ring, said annular flow gap being in
direct fluid communication with said inlet.
19. The filter assembly as in claim 18, wherein said outer ring
includes a resilient seal at the second, free end of the outer
ring, the resilient seal radially bounding the second end of the
outer ring and projecting radially outward therefrom into sealing
relation with the one housing portion such that said inlet is
isolated from direct fluid communication with said second
outlet.
20. The filter assembly as in claim 10, wherein said cover is
attached in rotationally fixed relation to said filter element.
21. A filter subassembly, comprising: a cover including a central
projection extending longitudinally from an inside surface of the
cover, and a filter element connected to said cover, said filter
element including: a continuous inner ring of filter media, said
inner ring having an interior surface bounding an interior cavity;
a continuous outer ring of filter media outwardly bounding said
inner media ring, said outer ring having an interior surface spaced
radially outward from said inner ring and defining an intermediate
cavity; first and second circular end caps, said inner ring having
first and second ends, with the first end adhesively bonded to the
first end cap and the second end adhesively bonded to said second
end cap, said outer ring also having first end second ends, with
the first end of the outer ring adhesively bonded to the first end
cap and the second end of the outer ring freely supported with
respect to the second end cap and defining a continuous annular
passage therewith fluidly communicating with said intermediate
cavity, said projection extending longitudinally in said interior
cavity cap toward said second end cap; said second end cap having a
central opening therethrough axially aligned with said projection
and through which an external device can be inserted longitudinally
into said interior cavity; wherein said projection is radially
disposed inwardly from said interior surface of said inner filter
media ring, is smaller in transverse cross-section than said
central opening and is longer than it is wide.
22. The filter subassembly as in claim 21, wherein a frame supports
the outer ring.
23. The filter subassembly as in claim 22, wherein the frame is
external to the outer ring.
24. The filter subassembly as in claim 22, wherein the frame is
unitary with said first end cap.
25. The filter subassembly as in claim 22, wherein the frame
includes cut-out window portions dividing the outer ring into
discrete segments which i) allow fluid to pass through the outer
ring, and ii) provide support for the outer media ring.
26. The filter subassembly as in claim 21, wherein said projection
is unitary with said cover.
27. The filter subassembly as in claim 21, wherein said outer ring
includes a resilient seal at the second end of the outer ring, the
resilient seal radially bounding the second end of the outer ring
and projecting radially outward therefrom.
28. The filter subassembly as in claim 21, wherein the outer ring
extends longitudinally from the first end cap toward the second end
cap, and terminates at a free end prior to the second end cap such
that an annular flow gap is provided between the second end cap and
the second end of the outer ring.
29. The filter subassembly as in claim 28, wherein said outer ring
includes a resilient seal at the second, free end of the outer
ring, the resilient seal radially bounding the second end of the
outer ring and projecting radially outward therefrom.
30. The filter subassembly as in claim 29, wherein said cover is
attached in rotationally fixed relation to said filter element.
31. A filter element, comprising: a continuous inner ring of filter
media, said inner ring having an interior surface bounding an
interior cavity; a continuous outer ring of filter media outwardly
bounding said inner ring, said outer ring having an interior
surface spaced radially outward from said inner ring and defining
an intermediate cavity therewith, a frame supporting the outer
ring, said frame including cut-out window portions dividing the
outer ring into discrete segments which i) allow fluid to pass
through the outer ring, and ii) provide support for the outer ring;
first and second circular end caps supporting the inner and outer
rings of media; and a projection within said interior cavity
sealingly connected to said first end cap and extending
longitudinally from a central area of said first end cap toward
said second end cap; said second end cap having a central opening
therethrough axially aligned with said projection and through which
an external device can be inserted longitudinally into said
interior cavity; wherein said projection is radially disposed
inwardly from said interior surface of said inner filter media
ring, is smaller in transverse cross-section than said central
opening and is longer than it is wide, such that said projection
can engage or actuate a valve flow element associated with the
external device when the external device is inserted longitudinally
through said central opening.
32. The filter element as in claim 31, wherein the frame is
external to the outer ring.
33. The filter element as in claim 31, wherein the frame is unitary
with said first end cap.
34. The filter element as in claim 31, wherein the outer media is
supported at only one end by the end caps.
35. The filter element as in claim 31, wherein said projection is
unitary with said first end cap.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Many types of fuel filters and separators are known in the
prior art. A popular type of filter and/or separator construction
is a type that has a filter head to which a replaceable "spin-on"
element is attached. The head is a permanent part of the fuel
system of the vehicle and includes inlet and outlet connections to
the fuel lines. The element may be readily removed from the filter
head and a new one attached without opening the fuel line
connections to the filter head.
[0002] Another popular type of fuel filter construction is one that
has a housing which encloses a replaceable filter element.
[0003] Problems may arise when such filter elements are replaced.
Periodic replacement of the element ensures that the filter element
will not become so loaded with impurities that fuel flow is
restricted. Replacing the element also ensures that impurities are
removed from fuel before it is delivered to other fuel system
components such as fuel injection pumps and fuel injectors, where
such contaminants may cause severe damage.
[0004] One common problem associated with changing filters is fuel
spillage. The fuel lines and element are often under pressure. When
the element is removed the pressure is relieved and the fuel spills
out. This can present a fire hazard as well as a waste clean up
problem.
[0005] A further problem is that filter elements with different
filtration capabilities often have an identical mounting
configurations and may fit on the same filter head. However, use of
the wrong filter can cause poor engine performance and allow
undesirable amounts of contaminants, which shortens engine
life.
[0006] Another problem is that disturbance of the spent element
during replacement may cause collected impurities to fall off the
element. In some designs, these impurities may travel into the
outlet of the filter housing. As a result these contaminants may
reach the components downstream in the fuel system.
[0007] Another problem is that changing the element may require a
mechanic to have skin contact with the fuel. It is desirable to
minimize such contact when changing a filter element.
[0008] To reduce and at least partially eliminate these problems,
the filter element shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,923, owned by the
Assignee of the present invention, was developed. This filter
assembly includes a replaceable filter element that is attached to
a removable cover. This construction enables changing the element
while avoiding skin contact with fuel.
[0009] A further advantage of this element design is that it has an
internal standpipe with an opening at the top. When the element is
removed from the housing, the fuel level in the housing falls below
the opening to the standpipe. As a result, the impurity-laden fuel
left in the housing is less likely to reach the outlet. Likewise,
when a new element is installed in the housing, only fuel that has
been purified by passing through the media of the element is
enabled to reach the opening and pass out of the assembly.
[0010] While this element design has many advantages, if the filter
element is not removed carefully, impurity-laden fuel in the
housing or from the outer surface of the element may fall into the
opening in the standpipe. If this happens, some impurities may
reach the downstream components of the fuel system.
[0011] In addition, the cover is discarded with each spent element.
This is undesirable from a conservation and solid waste standpoint.
It is generally desirable to minimize the amount of material
discarded, particularly if a discarded element must be treated as
hazardous waste. The cover also represents a portion of the cost of
the replacement element. As a result this design adds cost to the
replacement element. Sometimes individuals who do not care about
maintaining the vehicle on which the prior art filter assembly is
used, may separate the element from the attached cover portion and
install the cover on the housing without the element. This causes
the vehicle to operate without fuel filtration until the problem is
discovered. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period of
time in this condition, damage to fuel system components may
occur.
[0012] In any case, it is believed that there exists a need for a
fuel filter that has increased reliability, reduces waste, is low
in cost, minimizes skin contact during element changes, and
minimizes the risk that an improper filter will be used and
minimizes fuel spillage.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0013] A new and unique fuel filter is provided in a first
preferred embodiment of the invention by a filter head adapted for
mounting a replaceable separator or filter element thereon. The
element has an in-flow area for accepting incoming fuel, and an
out-flow area for delivering fuel that has passed through the
element.
[0014] The filter head includes an inlet for receiving incoming
fuel from the fuel tank or other source of supply. The inlet is in
fluid communication with the in-flow area of the element. The head
also has an outlet which is in fluid communication with the outflow
area of the element through a fluid passage in the head. The outlet
of the head is connected to the remainder of the vehicle fuel
system including the carburetor or fuel injection system of the
engine.
[0015] The first embodiment further includes a filter head with a
nipple portion which threadably attaches the element to the head.
The nipple portion includes a valve element therein. The valve
element is positioned in the fuel passage in the nipple portion and
is biased by a spring to a closed position.
[0016] The filter element has a generally cylindrical housing with
an annular ring of filter media therein. The filter media divides a
peripheral fuel chamber from a central fuel chamber. In a first
form of this embodiment, the filter media is bounded at a first
upper end by a first end cap. The first end cap has a first annular
end cap wall which extends longitudinally and is disposed radially
interiorly of the filter media in the central fuel chamber. The
first end cap has a central portion with fluid passages
therethrough transversely spanning the annular end cap wall.
[0017] In another form of this embodiment, the filter media is
bounded at its second lower end by a second end member. The second
end member has a first end cap wall which extends longitudinally
and is disposed within the filter media in the central fuel
chamber. The second end cap has a central portion which extends
transversely across the end cap wall. In this form, the end cap
wall can be annular and be spaced radially inward from the filter
media, or can have an x-shape (in cross-section) and be closely
received within the media.
[0018] According to any of these forms, in diametrically-centered
relation of the respective end cap wall is an upwardly-extending
actuating projection. The actuating projection has a free end
within the central fuel chamber, and another end which is fixed to
the end cap wall. The free end is aligned with a first opening in a
tap plate of the element which accepts the nipple portion therein
when the element is attached to said head.
[0019] Attachment of the element and the head causes the actuating
projection in the nipple portion to engage and move the valve
element therein to the open position. This enables fuel to flow out
of the filter element. Disengagement of the element causes the
valve element to move to the closed position so that air may not
readily enter the head or the remainder of the fuel system.
Further, the closure of the valve element prevents fuel from
flowing out of the head through the nipple portion.
[0020] The actuating member is sized and positioned longitudinally
so that the actuating member inside the element engages and opens
the valve element in the nipple portion when the element is
attached to the head. The actuating member may be positioned within
various element types at different longitudinal positions each of
which corresponds to a particular configuration of a nipple
portion. As a result, only the proper element will operate in
conjunction with the filter head. This assures proper filtration
which provides optimum engine performance and prolongs engine
life.
[0021] In a second embodiment of the invention, a fuel filter is
provided including a housing and a replaceable filter element
disposed within the housing. The housing includes a cylindrical
internal chamber which has an opening at the top. The housing also
has an inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet port is connected
to a standpipe which extends vertically upward inside the
chamber.
[0022] The chamber is adapted for receiving the replaceable
element. The element includes a ring of media material for removing
impurities from fuel that passes therethrough. The media extends in
surrounding relation of the standpipe. The element has a lower end
cap which includes a central opening for accepting the standpipe. A
seal extends between the surface of the standpipe and the opening
in the lower end cap to assure that fuel may only reach an area
adjacent to the standpipe by passing through the media.
[0023] The element also has an upper end cap. The upper end cap can
include latching means for selectively latching the end cap and the
element to a cover. The cover is sized for closing the opening at
the top of the housing.
[0024] The upper end cap also includes a first
longitudinally-extending projection that extends into the interior
of the element. The projection can be formed in one piece with the
end cap or otherwise mounted or fixed thereto. A central recess
overlies the projection on the end cap. A central cover projection
that extends from the cover is accepted into the recess on the
upper end cap when the cover and the element are latched
together.
[0025] The upper end cap can also include a second cylindrical
projection surrounding the central projection on the end cap
between the projection and the media ring, and extending into the
interior of the element. The second projection can also be formed
in one piece with the end cap or otherwise mounted or fixed
thereto. An annular recess overlies the second projection on the
end cap. The cover includes a cylindrical projection surrounding
the central cover projection and accepted into the annular recess
of the upper end cap when the cover and element are latched
together.
[0026] The standpipe includes a movable flow control element. The
flow control element is biased outwardly by a spring toward a
position wherein radially extending openings through a side wall of
the standpipe are blocked by the flow control element. The flow
element is either accessible through an actuator opening in the top
of the standpipe, or surrounds the standpipe along a portion
thereof.
[0027] When the latched element and cover assembly are installed in
the housing, the central projection of the upper end cap engages
and moves the flow element to open the flow openings in the
standpipe. The end cap portion between the central projection and
the surrounding cylindrical projection is configured so as to
accept the distal end of the standpipe. As a result of the
projection moving the flow element, fuel may flow through the fuel
filter. If the element is partially removed, the projection enables
the flow element to close the openings. As a result, whenever the
element is removed, such as during an element change, contaminated
fuel cannot pass through the openings. In addition, because the
openings in the standpipe extend radially, impurities are less
likely to collect in the openings during an element change.
[0028] Once the element is removed from the housing, it may be
readily unlatched from the cover, and a fresh element latched in
position. Skin contact with fuel is minimized. Because the cover is
reused, the amount of discarded waste material is reduced.
[0029] When the fresh element is installed in the chamber, the end
cap and cover engage the flow element so that it is again moved to
the open position, so that the filter will operate. The cover
projection is sized to prevent flow through the assembly if it is
attempted to operate the unit without an element in latched
relation with the cover.
[0030] In a further form of this embodiment, the housing includes
an additional outlet to provide a separate outlet flow path to,
e.g., a pressure regulator valve. In this form, the separate outlet
flow path is filtered through an additional media ring surrounding
the first media ring. Fluid from the inlet is directed into a
cavity between the first and second media rings, and flow paths are
provided radially inward through the first media ring to the first
outlet, and radially outward through the second media ring to the
second outlet. The second media ring preferably comprises a
cylindrical filter media surrounding the first media ring and
supported within a frame. The frame is attached to and fluidly
sealed at an upper end to the first end cap and includes an
outwardly-projecting resilient seal at its lower end so as to be
sealed along its outer distal edge to the inside surface of the
housing. The lower end of the frame defines an annular opening into
the cavity between the media rings, or can be attached to the lower
end cap and include a series of flow slots to allow fluid flow into
the cavity between the first and second medias. The frame can be
either formed in one piece with the first and second end caps or
formed as a separate piece and secured to the first and/or second
end cap such as with adhesive, locking tabs, welding, or a friction
fit. A bypass fluid opening to the second outlet can be provided in
the frame in the event the second media becomes clogged.
[0031] Further features and advantages will be apparent upon
reviewing the following Detailed Description of the Preferred
Embodiment and the appended Drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a front view of a filter head and filter element
assembly constructed according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the filter head and filter
element assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the filter head of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of the filter head
assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 5 is an enlarged top plan view of the filter head
assembly shown in FIG. 3.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the filter head assembly along
lines 6-6 in Figure in FIG. 5, with the pump portion of the
assembly shown undergoing an output stroke.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the filter head in the output
stroke condition of the pump portion along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 6 except that the
pump portion is shown undergoing an intake stroke.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 except the pump
portion is shown undergoing an intake stroke.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view of the filter head and
element assembly of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the filter element of
FIG. 10.
[0043] FIG. 12 is an isometric exploded view of the head, nipple
portion, valve element, and filter element shown in FIG. 10.
[0044] FIG. 13 is an enlarged isometric view of a first end of the
filter element shown in FIG. 12.
[0045] FIG. 14 is an enlarged isometric view of a second end of the
filter element shown in FIG. 13.
[0046] FIG. 15 is a top view of the second end cap of the filter
element shown in FIG. 11.
[0047] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the second end cap along line
16-16 in FIG. 15.
[0048] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the second end cap shown in FIG.
11.
[0049] FIG. 18 is a further form of the filter element constructed
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 19 is a still further form of the filter element
constructed according to the first embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 20 is a front view of an element support for the filter
element of FIG. 19.
[0052] FIG. 21 is a side view of the element support of FIG.
20.
[0053] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel filter with
removable filter element constructed according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the cover of the fuel filter
and an upper end cap of the filter element shown in FIG. 22.
[0055] FIG. 24 is a partially sectioned side view of the flow
control element.
[0056] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the flow control element.
[0057] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of another form of the
standpipe and flow element for the fuel filter of FIG. 22.
[0058] FIG. 27 is an exploded isometric view of the standpipe and
flow element of FIG. 26.
[0059] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a further form of the
filter element and cover assembly constructed according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the latching portions of the
filter element and cover shown in FIG. 28.
[0061] FIG. 30 is an exploded isometric view of the filter element
and cover shown in FIG. 28.
[0062] FIG. 31 is a right side view of the filter element and cover
assembly shown in FIG. 28.
[0063] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a further form of the
actuating projection for the filter element for either of the
embodiments of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view of a further form of
the actuating projection and valve element assembly according to
the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel filter similar
to FIG. 22, illustrating a further form of the filter element of
the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the cover of the fuel filter
and an upper end cap of the filter element shown in FIG. 34.
[0067] FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the cover and upper end cap
similar to FIG. 35, but showing a further form of the upper end
cap.
[0068] FIG. 37 is an isometric view of the fuel filter shown in
FIG. 34.
[0069] FIG. 38 is a bottom view of the filter element of FIG.
37.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0070] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1-3,
there is shown a first preferred embodiment of the fuel filter
assembly of the present invention, which is indicated generally at
94. Filter assembly 94 includes a filter head 96 and a detachable
element 98. The head includes an inlet 100 and an outlet 102. The
head also includes a pumping portion 104 which includes a movable
pump cap 106. The head further includes a vent opening (not shown)
which in operation is generally closed by a removable vent plug
108. The vent plug serves the function of enabling air to escape
from the element during a priming operation. As will be later
discussed, filter assembly 94 is particularly well suited for use
in fuel systems in which it is undesirable to allow air to enter
the fuel system during a filter element change, to minimize the
risk that an improper filter will be used, and to minimize the fuel
spillage during element change.
[0071] The head 96 also includes an electrical connector 110 for
connection to a fuel heater inside the head. The filter head
further includes mounting holes 112 to facilitate mounting the
filter head on a vehicle.
[0072] Element 98 which will be later described in detail is a
filter/separator element. It has a removable bottom cap 114, a
drain valve 116 and an electrical connector 118 for a water sensor
extending from bottom cap 114.
[0073] The head 96 and pumping portion 104 are shown in greater
detail in FIGS. 4 through 9. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
pumping portion has an internal upright extending bore 120. The
bore 120 is formed integrally with the head and in the operative
condition extends upward thereon. The bore is bounded at its outer
end by an annular stepped projection 122.
[0074] The bore 120 has a first area 124 in fluid communication
with inlet 100 (see FIG. 7). The bore 120 also has a second area
126 which is shown disposed vertically above the first area 124. An
opening 128 extends between the first and second areas and is
bounded by a first seat 130. A first body 132 is movably positioned
in the second area above the first seat. Body 132 is sized for
acceptance in first seat 130.
[0075] Bore 120 further includes a third area 134 shown vertically
above the second area 126. A second opening 136 extends between the
second and third areas and is bounded by a tapered second seat 138.
A second body 140 is movably positioned in the third area and is
sized for acceptance in the second seat 138. First and second
bodies 132, 140 are preferably comprised of rubber material that
has a greater density than the fuel passing through the head so
that it will not tend to float therein.
[0076] Stepped annular projection 122 has a first step 142 which
supports an annular resilient first seal 144. Seal 144 engages a
cylindrical inner cap well 146 of pump cap 106 in fluid-tight
relation.
[0077] Annular projection 122 further includes a second annular
step 148 thereon. Second annular step 148 supports a closure disk
member 150 thereon. Closure disk member 150 serves to close the
open top end of bore 120. Stepped projection 122 further includes a
third annular step 152 which supports a second seal 154 thereon.
Seal 154 prevents fluid from escaping from the bore underneath the
closure disk member.
[0078] The closure disk member 150 further includes an outer
annular flange portion 156 which engages inner wall 146 of the pump
cap 106 in slideable abutting relation. The flange portion 156
further serves as a centering nest for a compression spring 158
which extends between the disk-shaped member 150 and the inside top
surface of pump cap 106.
[0079] The seal 144 supported by the stepped projection 122 bounds
a variable volume area generally indicated 160 in the interior of
pump cap 106. When pump cap 106 is moved longitudinally downward,
the volume of the pump cap above the stepped projection decreases
and pressure rises in area 160. Returning movement in the upward
direction of the pump cap creates a vacuum in area 160.
[0080] A split sleeve 162 extends in surrounding relation of bore
120 at the sides thereof (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The sleeve bounds a
first chamber 164 on a first longitudinal side of the bore 120. On
an opposed side, the sleeve 162 bounds a second chamber 166. The
bore is bounded in the first chamber 164 by a wall 168. Wall 168
has an opening 170 therethrough longitudinally above first seat
130. As a result, second area 126 of the bore is in fluid
communication with first chamber 164.
[0081] First chamber 164 is also fluidly open through a cutout 172
adjacent annular second step 148 of stepped projection 122. The
cutout 172 is open to variable volume area 160 through a pair of
opposed openings 174 in the inside lower surface of closure disk
member 150.
[0082] First chamber 164 is closed at its lower end by a knockout
plug 176. The opening closed by the knockout plug is used during
manufacture to facilitate forming the chamber.
[0083] First chamber 164 is in fluid-tight communication with the
variable volume area 160 outside the pump cap 106. Further, first
chamber 164 is in fluid communication with the second area 126 of
the bore.
[0084] Second chamber 166, on the opposed side of the bore from
first chamber 164, extends between the inside of the sleeve wall
162 and a wall 178 which bounds the bore 120. Second chamber 166 is
open to the third area 134 of the bore through a cutout 180 above
second seat 138.
[0085] Second chamber 166 is open at the bottom thereof into an
annularly-extending heater chamber 182. Heater chamber 182 is
bounded by a dish-shaped member 184 which has PTC type heating
elements mounted thereto. The dish-shaped member 184 is supported
on a nipple portion 186 which is threadably engaged with the head
and is also threadably engageable with the element 98 as later
discussed in detail.
[0086] The pump cap 106 is made of relatively rigid plastic
material. It is held to the head by a support ring 188 which
engages an outward-extending annular flange 190 inside the cap. The
support ring is held against flange 190 by a snap ring 192 which
nests in an annular recess in the cap. The support ring is adapted
to engage the lower face of projection 122 when the pump cap is in
its upward position (see FIGS. 14 and 15 ). The engagement of the
support ring with the lower face of projection 122 prevents the
pump cap from disengaging from the head.
[0087] The operation of the priming pump will now be briefly
described. Pumping action is initiated by alternately depressing
and releasing pump cap 106. When cap 106 is depressed, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressure generated inside the cap by the
decrease in volume of the variable volume area 160 is transmitted
to the first chamber 164 through the openings 174 in the closure
disk member 150 and the cutout 172 at the top of first chamber 164.
This increased pressure is transmitted to the second area 126
inside bore 120 through opening 170. Because the diameter of the
bore in the second area is greater than the diameter of body 132,
the pressure passes upwardly around the body 132 which remains
seated blocking fluid flow in first area 124.
[0088] The increase in pressure in the second area pushes second
body 140 upward off the second seat 138. As a result, any fluid in
the second area is pushed upward through the third area 134 and out
through cutout 180 into second chamber 166. In chamber 166 the fuel
flows downward into heater chamber 182. In the heater chamber the
fuel may be heated if the heater is operating. However, regardless
of whether the fuel is heated, the fuel flows through the heating
chamber upward over the lip of the dish-shaped member 184 and
through opening 194. As will be later explained, once the fuel has
passed out of the heater it flows to a peripheral chamber of the
filter element.
[0089] It should be noted that in its upward position, body 140
engages the inside of closure disk member 150. This insures that
the body does not move to a position wherein it will not readily
fall back into its seated position when the pressure is
dissipated.
[0090] When pump cap 106 is released from its lower position, it is
moved upward by the force of spring 158 to the position shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9. This upward movement increases the volume of chamber
160 inside the cap and creates a vacuum. The vacuum is transmitted
to first chamber 164 through cutout 172 and the opening 174 in the
closure disk member 150. The vacuum is transmitted to the second
area 126 at the bore 120 through opening 170. The vacuum moves body
132 upward off its seat. In this condition the body 140 remains
seated due to the vacuum force on its lower side. Upward movement
of body 132 is restricted by its engagement with body 140. This
insures that body 132 will return to its seat when the vacuum is
dissipated.
[0091] The vacuum applied to the second area 126 pulls fuel into
the second area from the first area 124 and the inlet 100. When the
vacuum is dissipated the pump is again depressed to repeat the
cycle.
[0092] In some systems, when there has been an element change the
vent plug 108 is removed and the priming pump cycled until the new
element is filled with fuel and all air in the new element has been
displaced and pushed out the vent opening. Thereafter the vent plug
is reinstalled. This minimizes the amount of air that may enter the
system and avoids possible problems with restarting the engine
after a filter change.
[0093] When the filter is primed the engine may be started. If the
fuel is drawn through the element and filter head by vacuum, the
incoming fuel will pass into the inlet 100 of the head and upward
through the areas of bore 120. In this condition both bodies 132,
140 are disposed upward from their respective seats to enable fuel
flow through the bore. This enables fuel to flow in the annular
clearances between the bodies and the walls of the bore. The bodies
are sized such that they provide a relatively large flow area
between the periphery of the bodies and the bore so that
restriction to flow is minimized.
[0094] It is preferred that the bodies are sized so that body 140
abuts the closure disk member 150 and body 132 abuts body 140. As a
result, in the running condition the bodies are positioned to
prevent significant restriction to flow. Of course, in other
embodiments of the invention, bodies of different shapes and sizes
may be used.
[0095] The spherical character of bodies 132 and 140 also makes
them inherently self-cleaning. This avoids the collection of
impurities on the bodies which could impair their function as part
of check valve means. The filter head of the present invention is
also constructed so that it functions equally well in systems where
the head is positioned on the downstream side of a fuel pump and
fuel is pushed into the inlet by pressure rather than drawn through
by vacuum.
[0096] The filter element 98 and the head 96 are shown in greater
detail in FIGS. 10 through 12. The nipple portion 186 includes a
valve element 196 that is movable therein. The valve element is
adapted for blocking an opening 198 at the lower end of the nipple
portion. A spring 200 biases the valve element 196 towards the
closed position in which it shuts off flow through the nipple
portion.
[0097] The filter element 98 includes a tap plate 202 at a first
end thereof. The tap plate has a central threaded opening 204 which
threadably engages an enlarged threaded area of nipple portion 186.
As shown in FIG. 11, the element includes an outer generally
cylindrical housing 206. The housing encloses an annular ring of
filter media 208. The media 208 removes impurities from fuel
passing therethrough. The media separates a peripheral fuel chamber
210 from a central fuel chamber 212 inside the media. The inner
face of the media is supported by a perforated center tube 214.
[0098] Media 208 is attached at a first longitudinal end surface to
the inside surface of a first end cap 216. The media is attached to
the first end cap by potting compound or similar adhesive material.
The first end cap includes a longitudinally-extending annular wall
218 in the central fuel chamber. Annular wall 218 is radially
disposed inwardly from the center tube 214 of the media 208.
[0099] A central disk-shaped portion 220 spans the longitudinal
wall 218 of the first end cap. An actuating projection 222 extends
longitudinally outward from the central portion 220. The actuating
projection 222 has a free end 224 which is positioned
longitudinally inward from the tap plate 202. The central portion
220 includes a plurality of fluid passages 226 therethrough (see
FIGS. 12 and 13). The fluid passages 226 enable fluid to pass
through the first end cap in the recessed area bounded by wall 218.
Alternatively, or in addition to fluid passage 226, projection 222
could include one or more fluid passages (e.g., at the tip or along
the side surfaces of the projection).
[0100] A resilient seal 228 is positioned intermediate of the
inside of tap plate 202 and first end cap 216. Seal 228 surrounds
opening 204 in the tap plate and extends inwardly so as to
annularly engage the radially-extending surface and longitudinal
wall 218 of first end cap 216. Seal 228 further includes a
radially-inward projection 230 which extends inward from a
radially-extending annular outer face of the seal. The seal 228 is
held in compressed relation between the first end cap 216 and the
tap plate 202 and further serves to segregate the fuel in the
peripheral fuel chamber 210 from the fuel in the central fuel
chamber 212.
[0101] The tap plate 202 includes a plurality of angularly-spaced
second tap plate openings 234. The second tap plate openings 234
are disposed radially outward from seal 228 and are in
communication with peripheral fuel chamber 210 of the element. A
resilient annular seal 236 extends radially-outward beyond openings
238 on the exterior of the element.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 10, when the element 98 is engaged to the
head 96, the threaded enlarged area of nipple portion 186 engages
the threaded opening 204 in the tap plate to securely hold the
element to the head. When the element is engaged to the head, the
inward projection 230 of seal 228 engages the interiorly extending
area of nipple portion 186 to provide a leak resistant connection
with the central fuel chamber. Further, the free end 224 of
actuating projection 222 is positioned to engage valve element 196
and move it away from opening 198 to enable fluid to flow through
opening 198 from the central fuel chamber 212 of the element. This
enables the central fuel chamber of the element to be in connection
with the outlet 102 of the head.
[0103] With element 98 attached to the head by engagement between
the nipple portion and the tap plate, seal 236 engages the head
circumferentially outward of the second tap plate openings 234 in
fluid-tight relation. This provides a fluid-tight region between
the nipple portion and seal 236. Fuel that passes out of the head
through the openings 194 in the heater chamber 182, flows into this
region and passes through the second tap plate openings 234. As a
result, fuel from the head flows into the peripheral fuel chamber
210 between the media 208 and the housing of the element. Fuel is
thereby required to pass in outside/in fashion through the media
208 and be filtered before it reaches the outlet 102.
[0104] The actuating projection 222 and valve element 196 function
to close off any flow through the nipple portion when the element
is removed. As a result, fuel spillage is minimized. Further, this
feature minimizes the amount of air that gets into the system. This
is particularly useful if the fuel filter is mounted in a
vertically low position in the system. In such cases, a large
quantity of fuel could otherwise drain out. This could cause the
fuel lines to become air bound and cause great difficult in
starting the engine and/or require excessive priming before the
engine will start.
[0105] A further advantage of the construction shown is that the
actuating projection 222, the nipple portion 186 and valve element
196 must have a precise mating relationship to enable the filter
element to be engaged with the head and two work properly in
conjunction therewith. This is important when the tap plate
configuration is similar for different types of fuel
filter/separator elements, many of which would not be suitable for
the particular application. By varying the longitudinal position of
the actuating member and the length of the nipple portion extending
into the central fuel chamber of the element so that each
corresponds only for the proper filter type, it may be assured that
only the correct filter element is installed on the head. This is
achieved because if the nipple portion is for example, "too long"
for the filter element, the inner face of the nipple portion will
bottom out against the central portion 220 inside the element
before the threads on the nipple portion and the tap plate engage.
Similarly, if the nipple portion is "too short" the actuating
projection will not engage the valve element. As a result, the
valve element will stay closed and it will not be possible to prime
the element or start the engine. Therefore, regardless of what type
of error is made, an improper element will not work in conjunction
with the filter head.
[0106] Referring again to the cross-sectional view of the element
shown in FIG. 11, the media 208 is bounded at a second longitudinal
flat end surface by a second end cap 238 which is a disk-shaped
member. The second end cap 238 is shown in detail in FIGS. 15
through 17. The second end cap includes a plurality of
radially-extending projections 240 that extend outward from the end
cap to the peripheral fuel chamber 210. The projections 240 have
annular spaces 242 thereinbetween. The second end cap 238 also
includes a flat inside surface and an upturned annular projection
241 for bounding the exterior of the media.
[0107] The housing 206 includes an annularly in-turned portion 244.
The in-turned portion 244 supports the projections 240 of second
end cap 238. Contaminants which collect on the surface of the media
in the peripheral fuel chamber are enabled to fall downward in the
housing and pass through the spaces 242 between the projections
240. Such contaminants collect in a contaminant collection area 246
in a lower portion of the housing.
[0108] The projections 240 also extend radially outward from the
media and serve to maintain the media in spaced relation away from
the inside wall of the housing. This along with annular projection
241 prevents the media from becoming dislodged even in a severe
vibration environment such as when attached to an engine. Further,
the supported relation of the projections on the in-turned portion
of the housing enable seal 228 to be compressed between the first
end cap and the tap plate. The compression of the seal provides a
longitudinal force that not only maintains fluid separation between
the central fuel chamber and the peripheral fuel chamber but also
helps to avoid separation of the media from its end caps inside the
housing.
[0109] The contaminant collection chamber 246 inside the housing is
bounded at its lower end by a tapered annular portion. The housing
further includes at its lower end a longitudinally-extending wall
portion 248. Wall portion 248 terminates in an annular in-turned
lip 250. Lip 250 supports an internally threaded ring-shaped member
252 which threadably accepts threads on bottom cap 114 therein. A
seal 254 extends between the bottom cap and the ring member 252. In
addition, an annular outward extending shoulder 256 of the cap
engages the in-turned lip 250 to insure a fluid-tight fit when the
cap is mounted to the housing.
[0110] The drain valve 116 and electrical connector 118 extend from
the bottom of cap 114. The contaminant collection area 246 has a
water sensor generally indicated 258 therein. The water sensor
includes a longitudinally-extending post 260 which extends from cap
114. The post has an enlarged head 262 which is adapted to be in
closely disposed relation from the lower end cap 238. The closely
spaced post and end cap further provide an opportunity for central
support of the lower end cap should it undergo deformation due to
excessive pressure or deformation of the outer housing.
[0111] A floatable member 264 is slidably movable longitudinally on
post 260. Floatable member 264 is buoyant in contaminants such as
water so that when the level of contaminants in area 246 rises
floatable member 264 will rise as well. An inductance sensor in
post 260 is used to provide an electrical signal indicative of the
position of floatable member 264. The electrical signal is used to
indicate that the contaminant collection area is filled with
contaminants. Typically this electrical signal is transmitted via
connection 118 to an appropriate warning device such as a
light.
[0112] An alternative form of a filter 266 suitable for use with a
filter head similar to head 96 is shown in FIG. 18. Element 266 is
similar to element 98 in all aspects except that it has a first end
cap 268 which does not include an actuating projection. Rather,
element 266 has a second end cap 270 which includes an actuating
projection 272 thereon. The second end cap also has a
longitudinally-extending annular wall 274 which is radially
inwardly disposed from the filter media. A central portion 276 of
the second end cap spans the annular wall and includes the
actuating projection thereon. Unlike the prior embodiment, central
portion 276 does not include fluid passages therethrough. The first
end cap of element 266 includes an annular opening and supports the
resilient seal between the first end cap and the tap plate.
[0113] The element 266 may be made with annular internal walls of
various longitudinal lengths tailored to the length of the nipple
portions in various filter heads. By varying the length of wall 274
of the second end cap 270, the invention ensures that only the
proper filter element will work with the head in the fuel system.
Further, the embodiment element 266 provides all of the other
advantages associated with element 98 which were previously
described.
[0114] A still further form of a filter element 300 suitable for
use with a filter head similar to head 96 is shown in FIG. 19.
Element 300 is similar to element 266 in FIG. 18. However, the
annular filter media 302 does not have a first end cap at the upper
end of the filter media. In addition, the filter media 302 is
supported by and is received around a center tube or support core
304. Support core 304 is preferably an imperforate metal tube.
Filter media 302 can be fixed to support core 304 in a conventional
manner, such as with an adhesive material applied between the
inside surface of media 302 and the outside surface of core 304 to
provide an inner fluid seal between the core and the media. Support
core 304 includes an upper annular end opening 308 extending beyond
the upper surface of the filter media. The annular end opening 308
is rolled-formed so as to create an outwardly-turned annular lip.
Upper end opening 308 is compressed against annular seal 309
surrounding opening 310 in the tap plate 311.
[0115] A seal 312 such as an 0-ring or a bead of adhesive or
sealant is disposed around the inside surface of housing 316 toward
the upper portion of media 302 after the media is located in the
housing. The seal 312 provides an outer fluid seal between the
housing and the media. Fluid entering holes 320 in tap plate 311 is
directed into the upper surface 324 of media 302 and flows
downwardly through the media material.
[0116] Media 302 is supported at its lower end within housing 316
by end member 330. End member 330 includes an annular, flat,
radially-projecting cap portion 332 with an upper surface which is
in surface-to-surface contact with the lower surface of media 302.
Adhesive or potting compound can be provided between the cap
portion 332 and media 302. Cap portion 332 projects outwardly
toward the periphery of the media. An annular gap 336 is provided
between the peripheral portion of the cap portion 332 and the
peripheral portion of the media 302 to allow fluid to flow
downwardly from the media 302 into lower annular chamber 340.
[0117] As show in FIGS. 20 and 21, end member 330 includes a pair
of support legs 342 extending downwardly from cap portion 332
through chamber 340 to a lower ring-shaped member 346. Ring-shaped
member 346 is supported by annular in-turned lip 347 of
longitudinally-extending wall portion 348. Ring-shaped member 346
is internally threaded for receipt of threads on bottom cap 350 in
the same manner as ring-shaped member 252 illustrated in FIG.
11.
[0118] Fluid received from media 302 flows around supporting legs
342 in chamber 340 and upwardly through an aperture 356 formed
centrally within cap portion 332. Contaminants in the fluid can
generally settle out and collect in chamber 340 in the lower
portion of the housing to be drawn off by drain valve 358.
[0119] A wall 360 extends longitudinally upward from cap portion
332 centrally within support core 304, and is surrounded by media
302. Wall 360 preferably includes four identical flat panels 361
disposed 90.degree. apart from one another and extending parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The panels 361 have
parallel straight side edges 362 which are dimensioned to be
closely received within support core 304. The panels 361 define
flow paths or channels which allow fluid to flow upwardly from
aperture 356 in cap portion 332 toward opening 310 in a tap plate
311.
[0120] Wall 360 also includes a central portion 364 which spans the
upper end of wall 360. A projection 370 extends longitudinally away
from central portion 364 of the wall 360 toward opening 310.
Projection 370 has a free end 374 which is spaced from wall 360,
and as illustrated in FIG. 19, is preferably surrounded by seal
309. Projection 370 is also preferably formed from four
longitudinally-extending flat panels 375 similar to panels 361,
although smaller in radial dimension. Fluid flowing between panels
361 in wall 360 can flow around and between panels 375 to opening
310 in tap plate 311.
[0121] End member 330, including wall 360, projection 370, cap
portion 332, legs 342 and ring-shaped member 346 are preferably
formed in one piece together from an appropriate material such as
plastic, although these components could also be formed separately
and attached together such as with adhesive. While the wall 360 is
described above as having an "X" shape in cross-section, this wall
could also be an annular wall as described previously with respect
to elements 98 and 266. In this case, the annular wall would
surround aperture 356 and allow fluid to flow centrally within the
wall past the upper projection. The central portion supporting the
projection would be similar to wall 220 in FIG. 11 and include
fluid passages to allow fluid to flow to opening 310.
[0122] The axial length of wall 360 of the end member may be
tailored to the length of the nipple portions in various filter
heads. Again, by varying the length of wall 360 the invention
insures that only the proper filter element type will work with the
head in the fuel system. Further, element 300 provides all the
other advantages associated with elements 266 and 98 which were
previously described.
[0123] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 22,
there is shown a second embodiment of the fuel filter of the
present invention, indicated generally at 410. The fuel filter
includes a generally cylindrical housing 412. The housing 412
includes an inlet port 414 and an outlet port 416.
[0124] Inlet port 414 is in direct fluid communication with a
chamber 418 in said housing. Chamber 418 is a generally cylindrical
chamber having a circular opening (not separately shown) at its
upper end 420. Outlet port 416 is in direct fluid communication
with a standpipe 422. Standpipe 422 is generally centered in
chamber 418.
[0125] A replaceable filter element 424 is removably mounted in
chamber 418. Filter element 424 includes a ring of media 426 in
generally surrounding relation of standpipe 422. Media 426 may be
one of several types of media material adapted for removing
impurities from fuel that passes therethrough. In the preferred
form of the invention, fuel passes through the media 426 in an
outside-in flow pattern. However, in other embodiments of the
invention an inside-out flow pattern may be used.
[0126] The fuel filter further includes a cover 428 adapted for
closing the opening to chamber 418. Cover 428 is further adapted
for selectively latching the cover and filter element 424 together
as later explained.
[0127] The standpipe 422 includes an internal flow passage 430 in
fluid communication through the housing with outlet port 416. The
standpipe 422 includes a cylindrical wall 432 which has a
cylindrical interior surface 434 adjacent its upper end. A pair of
radially-extending openings 436 extend through wall 432 of the
standpipe. The standpipe also includes an actuator opening 438 in
its top end. Actuator opening 438 is bounded by a guide ring
440.
[0128] According to one form of this embodiment, a flow element 442
is mounted for longitudinal movement in standpipe 422. As shown in
FIGS. 24 and 25, a flow element 442 has a lower cylindrical portion
444 bounded by a cylindrical element wall 446. Element 442 further
includes a head portion 448 which has a flat, solid, top portion
450.
[0129] Flow element 442 further includes cross members 451 that
bound flow cavities 452. Cross members 451 extend through the
element to top portion 450. Wall 446 terminates at the head
portion, however, and enables fluid access to the flow cavities 452
between the cross members. Cross members 451 also includes cut-outs
453 in the head portion to facilitate fluid flow into flow cavities
452.
[0130] Flow element 442 is sized so that cylindrical wall 446 and
top portion 450 are in close-fitting, movable relation with
interior surface 434 of standpipe 422. The flow element 442 is
thereby made longitudinally movable inside the standpipe. A spring
454 mounted in standpipe 422 serves as biasing means for biasing
the flow element in the outward direction toward actuator opening
438. Guide ring 440 serves to prevent flow element 442 from passing
out of the standpipe through the actuator opening.
[0131] Flow element 442, the standpipe 422, and the openings
therein 436, operate together as valve means to control fluid
communication between the chamber inside the housing and the
interior of the standpipe. When head portion 448 of the flow
element is adjacent openings 436 of the standpipe as shown in FIG.
22, the flow passages 436, which enable fluid to be admitted to the
standpipe, are aligned with cut-outs 453 in the head portion. Fuel
flows into the standpipe and passes through cavities 452 in the
flow element, and eventually passes to the outlet port 416 of the
assembly. However, when the flow element is disposed upward from
the position shown in FIG. 22, the cylindrical portion of the flow
element is disposed with its cylindrical element wall adjacent and
in blocking relation to openings 436. As a result, flow between the
standpipe and the surrounding chamber is blocked.
[0132] An alternative form of the flow element and standpipe
assembly is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. In this form, flow element
455 receives one end of a rigid valve pin or rod 456 which extends
longitudinally within standpipe 422. The other end of valve pin 456
is received within a valve element 458. Valve element 458 has a
plurality of outwardly-extending fins 459 which are sized so as to
guide the valve element within the interior surface of standpipe
422. The valve element also has a cylindrical lower portion 460 in
close relation with the interior surface of standpipe 457. An
O-ring 461 (FIG. 26) is received within a groove formed
circumferentially around lower cylindrical portion 460 for
providing a fluid-tight seal between valve element 458 and
standpipe 457. Spring 462 located around nub 463 in the flow path
to the outlet port provides a biasing means for biasing valve
element 458, and hence flow element 455 toward the actuator opening
464 in the upper end of the standpipe.
[0133] When the flow element is disposed upward in the position
shown in FIG. 26, the flow element blocks the openings 465 into
standpipe 457. Valve element 458 also seals within standpipe 457 to
prevent leakage down through the standpipe to the outlet port.
However, when the flow element is in the position shown in FIG. 22,
the valve element 458 is urged against spring 462 until cut-outs
466 in flow element 455 are aligned with openings 465 in standpipe
457 and lower cylindrical portion 460 clears the end of the
standpipe to allow fluid to flow through the standpipe past
(between) fins 459 to the outlet port.
[0134] Referring again to FIG. 22, filter element 424 includes a
first imperforate end cap 467 at its upper end, and a second
imperforate end cap 468 at its lower end. The end caps 467 and 468
are attached in fluid-tight relation to the ring of filter media
426 in a conventional manner using potting compound or similar
adhesive material. The filter element further includes a perforated
tube 469 at the inner surface of the media. The perforated tube
provides support for the media and aids in preventing collapse due
to pressure forces. The perforated tube 469 bounds an area 470
inside the element adjacent to the standpipe.
[0135] Lower end cap 468 includes a central opening (not separately
shown) which accepts the standpipe 422 therein. A seal 471 extends
across the opening to the outer surface of the standpipe to seal
area 470 against infiltration of contaminates. An enlarged area 472
of the standpipe serves to hold a disc-shaped heater plate 473 in
position between the standpipe and a nipple portion 474 of the
housing. Heater plate 473 is adapted for mounting electronic
heating elements such as PTC heaters thereon. Such heaters are
useful for heating fuel in cold temperatures, particularly diesel
fuel. The housing also includes a temperature sensor 475 for
sensing the temperature of fuel that is passing to the outlet port.
Sensor 475 enables the use of electrical control systems known in
the prior art for controlling the heating elements.
[0136] Upper end cap 467 includes a centrally positioned portion
defining a cylindrical well area 476. A first projection 478
extends longitudinally inward from the bottom of the well area. As
shown in FIG. 22, first projection 478 is adapted for extending
through actuator opening 438 to engage flow element 422.
[0137] A first recess 480 is positioned in overlying relation on
the upper surface of the end cap above projection 478. A cover
projection 482 is positioned centrally on an interior cover top
wall 484 of cover 428 (see FIG. 23). Cover projection 482 is
adapted to be accepted into recess 480 and serves as support means
for supporting projection 478. While cover projection 482 is
adapted for adding strength to projection 478, it is of
insufficient length to engage flow element 442.
[0138] Cover 428 also includes an annular centering wall 486 which
extends in surrounding relation to cover projection 482. Centering
wall 486 is sized to be accepted into the well area 476 on the
first end cap 461.
[0139] First end cap 467 further includes a pair of
laterally-extending projections 488. Projections 488 are adapted
for engaging T-shaped recesses 490 in a longitudinally-extending
cover wall 492 of cover 428. As shown in FIG. 23, recesses 490 have
both a longitudinally-extending portion and an arcuately extending
portion. The arcuately extending portion extends in both angular
directions from the longitudinal extending portion. As a result,
projections 488 and recess 490 are enabled to serve as latching
means for latching the filter element 424 by its end cap 467 to
cover 428.
[0140] Cover 428 further includes an outwardly-threaded portion 494
which is adapted for engaging inwardly threaded portion 496
adjacent the opening to chamber 418. Cover 428 further includes a
radially-extending flange portion 498 which is adapted for engaging
a lip portion 400 of the housing. Lip portion 500 includes a
circumferentially-extending recess 402 for housing a resilient seal
504. Seal 504 holds the cover and the housing in fluid-tight
relation when the cover is installed thereon. Cover 428 also
includes outward-extending wing projections 506 which facilitate
manually holding and turning the cover.
[0141] Although not shown in FIG. 23, the fuel filter assembly of
the present invention also includes a drain valve of conventional
construction which is adapted for enabling the removal of
contaminants that collect in a lower portion of chamber 418. Such
drain valves, which are well known in the prior art, may be
periodically opened to release collected contaminants, which most
commonly include water and dirt particles.
[0142] In operation, fuel flows into inlet port 414 and enters
chamber 418. Fuel then passes through media 426 of the filter
element 424 and is cleansed of impurities. The clean fuel travels
to area 470 adjacent to the standpipe and passes through openings
436. The fuel then passes through the flow cavities 452 of the flow
element 442, through the flow passage 430 of the standpipe and
leaves the housing through outlet port 416.
[0143] An element change is accomplished by turning cover 428 in a
counter-clockwise direction so that threaded portions 494 and 496
of the cover and housing respectively, cause filter element 424 to
move upward. As the end cap 467 of filter element 424 moves upward
with the cover, first projection 478 retracts out of actuator
opening 438. This enables flow element 442 to move upward, so that
its cylindrical lower portion 444 is in blocking relation with
openings 436. Further outward movement of flow element 442 is
prevented by its engagement with guide ring 440.
[0144] The turning of cover 428 also causes projections 488 to
enter the arcuately extending portions of recesses 502 and engage
the wall bounding the recesses due to the frictional force of seal
471 acting on the standpipe. With the projections 488 moves into
the arcuate extending portions of recesses 490, the element 424 and
the cover 428 are temporarily latched together. The cover 428 is
turned until the threaded portion of the cover is disengaged from
the housing and the element is removed from chamber 418 by moving
the cover upward.
[0145] Removing the element with the cover, avoids skin contact
with the fuel. Also, as dirt falls off the outside surface of the
element, it does not fall into openings 436 because they are closed
by element 442 and because the openings extend radially through the
standpipe.
[0146] The cover 428 and the element 424 are unlatched once the
element has been removed from the housing by relative movement of
the element in the counter-clockwise direction. Such movement
enables projections 488 on the element to pass out of the arcuately
extending portions of the recesses 490 and into the
longitudinally-extending portions. Once the projections 488 are in
the longitudinally-extending portions of the recesses 490, the
cover and element may be readily separated.
[0147] A new filter element is latched to the cover 428 by
insertion of the projections 488 on the end cap 467 into the
longitudinally-extending portions of the recesses 490. Thereafter
the element is moved inward in the recesses until the projections
488 are aligned with the arcuately extending portions of the
recesses. Twisting the element in a rotational direction,
preferably clockwise, engages the projections 488 in the arcuately
extending portions of the recesses.
[0148] The element is then installed in chamber 418 by inserting
standpipe 422 into the opening in the lower end cap 462. The
element is then moved downward. As this is done, seal 471 on the
lower end cap wipes away impurities from the standpipe and keeps
dirty fuel away from area 470 inside the element.
[0149] Further movement of element 424 into the chamber causes
first projection 478 to enter actuator opening 438. Projection 478
engages and moves flow element 442 downward to again open openings
436 as shown in FIG. 22. Because projection 478 is reinforced by
cover projection 482, it has sufficient strength to move the flow
element against the biasing force of spring 454 even though the end
cap 467 is of relatively flexible material, which by itself would
not have sufficient strength.
[0150] The cover 428 is then threadably engaged with the housing
until the flange portion 498 on the cover abuts lip portion 500 of
the housing. In this position, seal 504 maintains the cover and
housing in fluid-tight relation.
[0151] An alternative cover and element assembly is shown in FIGS.
28-31. The alternative cover and element is suitable for use with
housing 412 but includes alternative latching means for latching
the element and cover in engaged relation.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 28, an alternative cover 508 includes
manually engageable wing projections 510 on an upper surface
thereof. Cover 508 includes a flange portion 512 for engaging lip
portion 500 of the housing. Cover 508 includes a downward centering
projection 514 from which a cover projection 516 extends.
[0153] An alternative element 518 includes a first end cap 520 and
a second end cap 522. Media 524 supported on a perforated tube 526
extends between the end caps in the manner of the previously
described embodiment. Second end cap 522 includes an opening and
seal for accepting standpipe 422 in the same manner as second end
cap 468.
[0154] First end cap 520 includes a projection 528 and an overlying
access 530. Recess 530 accepts cover projection 516 therein and
projection 528 engages flow element 442 in a manner previously
described.
[0155] First end cap 520 includes a pair of oppositely spaced
fingers 532. As best shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, latching fingers 532
extend axially and are disposed from the outer surface of the
filter media. Fingers 532 include a tapered outward-extending
locking portions 534 and arcuately extending, manually engageable
flats 536.
[0156] Cover 508 includes a downward extending circular wall 538
which bounds an interior recess into which first end cap 520 and
the adjacent area of element 508 is accepted. The outer surface of
wall 538 is threaded and engages the threaded portion 496 of
housing 412.
[0157] Wall 538 includes in cross section a tapered end portion
540. Tapered end portion 540 includes a pair of openings 542
therethrough. Openings 542 are sized for accepting the locking
portions 534 of latching fingers 532 therein.
[0158] The latching fingers 532 and openings 542 provide for
engagement of cover 508 and element 518. To engage the element and
cover, upper end cap is pushed into the recess bounded by wall 538
with the openings 542 aligned with locking portions 534. As the
element is pressed into the recess, the fingers are deformed inward
until the locking portions snap into place in the openings. The
cover may then be used to install the element in the housing in the
same manner as described previously.
[0159] Removal of the element from the housing is accomplished by
rotating cover 508 to disengage the threads of the cover and the
housing. The element is removed from the housing with the cover.
The cover and element are disengaged by pressing radially inward on
the flats 536 of fingers 532. This deforms the fingers and causes
the locking portions to move to disengage openings 542. This
enables the cover to be separated from the element, and the spent
element can be held by fingers until it is deposited in a
receptacle for disposal. A new element is then snapped onto the
cover.
[0160] The solid engagement of the cover and element achieved by
the latching fingers avoids accidental disengagement of the cover
and element during installation and removal of the element from the
housing. However, the latching fingers also enable ready
disengagement of the element and cover without the need to contact
the fuel.
[0161] The preferred embodiment of the present invention enable use
of the cover to remove and install the element even though it is
not a permanent part thereof. This reduces the amount of material
that must be discarded with a spent element. Further, because the
cover provides support for the first end cap of the element, the
upper end cap may be made of relatively thin flexible material
which further reduces waste and cost.
[0162] A further advantage of the invention is that the assembly
cannot be readily operated without the element present. This is
because the cover projection is not long enough to engage the flow
element. The construction of the present invention further avoids
confusion because the element can only be installed one way, and
the means for latching the cover and element together are easy to
use.
[0163] Other embodiments of the fuel filter assembly with a removal
element of the present invention, may be used with filters that
have inside-out flow configurations. This may be advantageous
particularly when the inlet port of the housing is under pressure.
In such applications, the flow element may be used to prevent the
introduction of additional fuel into the chamber during removal of
the element which minimizes spillage.
[0164] A further form of the actuating projection of the filter
element for the fuel filter which is applicable to either of the
previous embodiments is illustrated in FIG. 32. In this form, the
actuating projection 550 extends longitudinally from a central
disk-shaped portion 552 which spans a central opening 556 in the
upper end cap 558 for media ring 560. A means is provided for
fixing central disk-shaped portion 552 (and hence projection 550)
to upper end cap 558. One such means is an annular flange 562
surrounding the periphery of disk-shaped potion 552 which provides
a cup-shaped spring seat for a compression spring 564. Flange 562
fits closely within media ring 560. Compressor spring 564 extends
centrally within media ring 560 and bottoms against opposite second
end cap 568 on the opposite end of media ring 560, preferably
around lower annular seal 569. Spring 564 urges disk-shaped portion
552 against upper end cap 558 surrounding opening 556 and thereby
fixes the projection to the end cap. The disk-shaped portion 552
could also be fixed to upper end cap 558 by other means, such as by
friction-fit, adhesive or by rivets. All other aspects of this form
can be the same as described previously.
[0165] A still further form of the actuating projection and valve
element assembly for the fuel filter of the second embodiment
described above is illustrated in FIG. 33. In this form, the first
end cap 576 on one end of media ring 580 includes a first annular
end cap portion 582 with an annular flange 586 formed preferably in
one-piece with end cap portion 582 and extending
longitudinally-upward therefrom. Flange 586 contacts annular upper
end wall 588 of the filter housing 589 when the element is located
within the housing. Upper end wall 588 can be secured to the filter
housing such as with a threaded bolt 590 inserted through a central
opening in the end wall and into a threaded bore in standpipe 591.
Upper end cap portion 582 further includes an annular portion 592
extending radially inward from the media ring which terminates in
an annular resilient wiper seal 593. Wiper seal 593 receives and
seals against standpipe 591 when the element is located within the
housing.
[0166] First end cap 576 further includes a second annular end cap
portion 595 disposed between first end cap portion 582 and the
upper end surface of media ring 580. Second end cap portion
includes a central annular portion 597 extending radially-inward
from the media ring 580. Central portion 597 has one or more
openings to enable fluid to pass radially-inward from media ring
580 to chamber 598. Central portion 597 also has a portion which
extends longitudinally downward along the central axis of the
housing to provide an actuating projection 599. Actuating
projection 599 includes a central circular opening at the tip of
the projection which receives standpipe 594. Second end cap portion
595 includes a lower flat surface which can be bonded such as with
adhesive to the upper end surface of the media ring. The second end
cap portion can also be bonded to the first end cap portion 582
such as with adhesive.
[0167] A second end cap 600 is bonded to the lower end surface of
media ring 580. Second end cap 600 includes an annular end wall 602
spaced radially inward from media ring 580 and extending
longitudinally upward within the media. Annular end wall 602
includes an annular resilient wiper seal 604 at its upper distal
end which seals against the radially enlarged portion of standpipe
591, preferably above housing nipple portion 605.
[0168] In this form of the invention, standpipe 591 can have a
valve element 610 which is provided exterior to the standpipe.
Valve element 610 has a cylindrical imperforate body 612 which
closely receives standpipe 591, and is movable along an upper
radially-smaller portion of the standpipe. Body 612 includes a
radially-outward projecting annular flange or lip 614 at its upper
end. A compression spring 616 contacts the lower surface of flange
614 and urges valve element 610 upwardly along the standpipe.
Spring 616 is supported against shoulder 617 formed between the
upper radially-smaller portion of the standpipe and a lower
radially-enlarged portion of the standpipe. A radial projection 618
is provided toward the top of the standpipe as an upper stop to
prevent further upward movement of the cylindrical body 612.
[0169] In the position illustrated in FIG. 33, upper end cap 576 is
urged downwardly by upper end wall 588 contacting endcap flange 586
when the upper end wall is assembled with the filter housing.
Projection 599 contacts valve flange 614 and urges valve element
610 downwardly against its spring bias to exposed flow openings 619
in standpipe 591. Upper wiper seal 593 and lower wiper seal 604
seal against the respective housing components. Fluid is directed
into the housing and passes radially inward through media 580 to
chamber 598. Fluid then flows from chamber 598 through openings 619
to the outlet port (not shown). When the filter element is removed,
spring 616 urges valve element 610 upwardly until body 612 contacts
projection 618 to cover flow openings 619 and thereby block fluid
flow to the outlet port.
[0170] Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, there is shown a fuel
filter similar to the fuel filter illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23,
and certain reference numerals identifying like components are
retained for clarity and consistency. In these two additional
Figures, however, an additional form of the filter element 424 and
cover 428 is shown, whereby the annular centering wall 486 on cover
428 has a longer longitudinal length than as illustrated previously
in FIGS. 22 and 23. Well area 476 in upper end cap 467 likewise has
a longer length to accommodate the longer centering wall. To this
end, well area 476 preferably includes a pair of generally
cylindrical, spaced-apart sidewalls 700, 701 which are generally
parallel to one another and project longitudinally inward from the
annular body portion of upper end cap 467. Outer sidewall 700
extends inwardly in a spaced-apart relation to the inner surface of
media 424 so as not to lessen the total effective filtering area of
the media. Inner sidewall 701 is spaced from end cap projection 478
an amount at least sufficient to receive the distal end of the
standpipe 457. Sidewalls 700, 701 are interconnected along their
lower ends by a flat annular end wall 702 extending substantially
normal to the axis of the element. The sidewalls 700, 701 and end
wall 702 are generally configured to define an annular recess which
accommodates centering wall 486.
[0171] The outer sidewall 700 is connected unitary and in one piece
at its upper end directly to and inwardly bounds the inner diameter
of the annular portion of upper end cap 467, while inner sidewall
701 is connected at its upper end to a flat annular base area 705.
Central projection 478 extends longitudinally inwardly from the
inner diameter of base area 705 into the element. Base area 705 is
preferably generally co-planar with the annular portion of the
upper end cap, and has a radial width at least great enough to
accommodate distal end of standpipe 422, that is, such that
standpipe can be received within the annular cavity formed by inner
sidewall 701, base area 705 and projection 478 an amount sufficient
such that the projection 478 can be sufficiently inserted into
opening 438 in standpipe 422 to move flow element 442 (FIG. 21) and
adequately align cut-outs 453 (FIG. 24) in flow element 442 with
openings 436 (FIG. 22) in standpipe 422.
[0172] The longitudinal length of centering wall 486 is preferably
at least great enough such that the lower end wall 702 must be
axially spaced from base area 705, that is, such that the inner
sidewall 701 is required to extend upward to interconnect lower end
wall 702 with base 705. The centering wall 486 therefore extends
axially inward at least to the distal end of the standpipe 457 when
the filter element is inserted over the standpipe, and preferably
axially inward as far as central projection 478.
[0173] Otherwise, if lower end wall 702 and base area 705 were for
example, co-planar, the base area 705 would interfere with the
upper end of standpipe 457 and prevent the projection 478 from
being inserted sufficiently into standpipe 457. The cylinder formed
by sidewalls 700, 701 and lower end wall 702 can thereby extend
longitudinally inward slightly past the inner, distal end of
projection 478 (as illustrated), can be longitudinally aligned with
the inner end of the projection, or can even extend longitudinally
inward slightly less than the projection 478 (up to the required
stroke of the flow element 455), and still require the inner
sidewall 701 to extend axially upward at least a short distance to
base area 705 to accommodate the projection 478 being inserted into
standpipe 457. A filter element without an end cap which
accommodates both the longitudinal extent of the centering wall as
well as the distal end of the standpipe will fail to properly fit
within the housing and allow actuation of the flow element.
[0174] While centering wall 486 is described as being circular,
that is, extending cylindrically axially away from the top wall 484
of end cap 467, it is also anticipated that the centering wall
could have other configurations. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 36, centering wall 486 could have the same longitudinal length
as shown in FIGS. 22, 23, however, a series of pins or posts 706
could extend longitudinally downward from wall 486 to a
longitudinal length as discussed above with respect to wall 486
shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. While three pins are illustrated as being
arranged in an equal, spaced-apart configuration, the number,
spacing, and dimensions of pins 706 could vary. Sidewalls 700, 701
and end wall 702 can be the same as described above, or could
include discrete pockets or segments to receive pins 706 and thus
rotationally fix cover 428 with respect to end cap 467. Other
configurations of wall 486 are also anticipated.
[0175] In any case, central cover projection 482 is otherwise
accepted into central recess 480 provided in overlying relation to
the upper end cap above projection 478, as described previously
with respect to FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0176] The fuel filter 410 shown in FIG. 34 also includes an
additional outlet port 710. Outlet port 710 is in direct fluid
communication with a peripheral chamber 711 surrounding filter
element 424 in the housing. Outlet port 710 provides a separate
outlet flow path to, e.g., a pressure regulator valve or other
external device. Flow from inlet port 414 is also filtered before
passing to outlet port 710. To this end, referring also to FIGS. 37
and 38, filter element 424 includes a second, outer filter media
ring, indicated at 714, surrounding filter media ring 426. Outer
filter media ring 714 preferably includes a cylindrical filter
media 716 supported by an external frame 718. Frame 718 includes
cut-out window portions 720 providing access to media 716, and as
such, divides media 716 into discrete segments, as at 720, which
allow sufficient fluid to pass through media 716, yet also provides
sufficient support therefore. Media 716 is preferably a strip or
loop of an appropriate media material having an appropriate
filtration efficiency for the particular application, as should be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Frame 718 is also formed from
appropriate material, preferably the same material forming first
end cap 467 (e.g., plastic).
[0177] Frame 718 includes an annular upper frame end 724 which is
secured to upper end cap 467. Preferably frame end 724 is formed in
one piece with upper end cap 467 such as being molded therewith,
however, the frame end 724 could also be formed as a separate piece
and later attached thereto such as by adhesive, in overlying
relation, or by friction fit. In any case, frame 718 is fluidly
sealed at its upper frame end 724 to upper end cap 467 and defines
an annular cavity 726 (FIG. 34) between outer media 716 and inner
media 426.
[0178] Frame 718 also includes an annular lower frame end 728 which
has a radially outward-facing O-seal or other type of flexible
resilient seal, indicated at 730, disposed around the outer surface
at this end for sealing against housing 412. Seal 730 can be
carried and supported within a groove formed around the lower outer
end of the frame, or could be attached to the frame by other means.
The lower end of the frame, if resilient enough, could also by
itself provide a seal against the inside surface of the housing. In
any case, seal 730 seals flush against the inside surface of
housing 412 and separates peripheral chamber 711 into a lower
chamber portion in direct fluid access with cavity 418 and inlet
port 414, and an upper chamber portion in direct fluid access with
second outlet port 710. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 38, an annular
passage 732 is provided between lower frame end 728 and inner media
ring 426 which provides an annular flow path into the annular
cavity 726 between outer media ring 714 and inner media ring 426.
This passage is sufficiently sized to minimize the pressure drop
into the annular cavity. The frame end 728 could also be attached
directly to lower end cap 462 for added support, in which case a
plurality of flow slots could be provided between the frame and the
inner media ring into cavity 726.
[0179] When filter element 424 is located within housing 412 such
that projection 478 extends through opening 464 in the distal end
of standpipe 422 and cut-outs 453 are aligned with flow openings
436, fluid to be filtered enters inlet 414 and passes upwardly
through annular passage 732 into cavity 726 between the inner and
outer filter medias. The fluid can then flow radially inward
through inner media 426 and out through outlet 416 (as described
previously), and fluid can also flow through outer media 716 to
peripheral chamber 711 and then to second outlet 710. Seal 730
separates the inlet flow path from the outlet flow path through
second outlet 710. In either case, the fluid is filtered as it
passes through either the inner or outer medias of filter element
424.
[0180] A bypass hole or slot 734 is preferably provided in end cap
467 radially outward from inner media 426, or in frame 718, and
fluidly connects inner cavity 726 to peripheral chamber 711. Bypass
hole 734 maintains fluid flow through the outer media in the event
filter media 716 becomes clogged.
[0181] The remainder of the structure and function of the fuel
filter 410 illustrated in FIGS. 34-38 is preferably the same as
described above with respect to FIGS. 22 and 23, and will not be
described further for sake of brevity.
[0182] Thus, the new fuel filter of the present invention achieves
the above-stated objectives, eliminates difficulties encountered in
the use of prior devices, solves problems and attains the desirable
results described herein.
[0183] The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation
of the present invention have been described in the foregoing
specification. The invention which is intended to be protected
herein should not, however, be construed as limited to the
particular form described as it is to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *