U.S. patent application number 15/437526 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-28 for liquid filter arrangement and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Donaldson Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael J. Gustafson, David B. Harder, Kurt Joscher, Brian Tucker.
Application Number | 20190060808 15/437526 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58192412 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-28 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190060808 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Gustafson; Michael J. ; et
al. |
February 28, 2019 |
LIQUID FILTER ARRANGEMENT AND METHODS
Abstract
A filter cartridge includes a threaded sleeve having a seal
holder recess and seal member. The filter cartridge is for
removably threading onto a filter head that includes threads for
connection to the filter cartridge by way of the threaded sleeve.
The filter head includes a ramp that engages the seal member to
form a seal. The force needed to make the seal is a torque of less
than 10 N-m.
Inventors: |
Gustafson; Michael J.;
(Minnetonka, MN) ; Joscher; Kurt; (Burnsville,
MN) ; Harder; David B.; (Burnsville, MN) ;
Tucker; Brian; (Farmington, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Donaldson Company, Inc. |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170252682 A1 |
September 7, 2017 |
|
|
Family ID: |
58192412 |
Appl. No.: |
15/437526 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62302553 |
Mar 2, 2016 |
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62352609 |
Jun 21, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 29/111 20130101;
B01D 2201/34 20130101; B01D 2201/304 20130101; B01D 29/21 20130101;
B01D 35/16 20130101; B01D 35/306 20130101; B01D 29/13 20130101;
B01D 35/30 20130101; B01D 2201/303 20130101; B01D 2201/347
20130101; B01D 2201/4092 20130101; B01D 27/08 20130101; B01D 35/005
20130101; B01D 2201/4007 20130101; B01D 2201/295 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 35/30 20060101
B01D035/30; B01D 35/00 20060101 B01D035/00; B01D 27/08 20060101
B01D027/08; B01D 29/13 20060101 B01D029/13 |
Claims
1. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a housing having a
surrounding wall defining an interior volume; the housing having an
open mouth in communication with the interior volume and a bottom
opposite of the mouth; the surrounding wall having an interior
surface in communication with the interior volume and an opposite
exterior surface; (b) a filter media construction operably oriented
in the interior volume of the housing; and (c) a sleeve against the
exterior surface of the surrounding wall; the sleeve having an
inner portion and an opposite exterior portion, the inner portion
being oriented against the exterior surface of the surrounding
wall; the sleeve including, (i) opposite first and second ends, the
first end being adjacent the open mouth of the housing; (ii) a seal
holder recess along the exterior portion including a radially
extending base surface and a recess wall extending axially at least
partially between the base surface and the first end; the base
surface having a radial base length extending from the recess wall;
and (iii) a plurality of threads projecting radially outwardly from
a threaded section of the exterior portion of the sleeve between
the second end and the base surface, the threaded section having a
radial length measured from the recess wall, wherein the radial
length of the threaded section is greater than the radial base
length; and (d) a housing seal member operably held in the seal
holder recess.
2. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a housing having a
surrounding wall defining an interior volume; the housing having an
open mouth in communication with the interior volume and a bottom
opposite of the mouth; the surrounding wall having an interior
surface in communication with the interior volume and an opposite
exterior surface; (b) a filter media construction operably oriented
in the interior volume of the housing; and (c) a sleeve against the
exterior surface of the surrounding wall; the sleeve having an
inner portion and an opposite exterior portion, the inner portion
being oriented against the exterior surface of the surrounding
wall; the sleeve including, (i) opposite first and second ends, the
first end being adjacent the open mouth of the housing; (ii) a seal
holder recess along the exterior portion and a housing seal member
being held in the seal holder recess; (A) a joint being defined at
an intersection between a line tangent to a lowest point of the
seal member, when the cartridge is oriented with the mouth as
uppermost, and a line tangent to a most radially inward portion of
the seal member; (iii) a threaded section in the exterior portion
of the sleeve between the second end and the base surface; and (d)
the housing seal member having a sealing compression region; the
sealing compression region in cross-section being defined by a
compression region line; (i) a line perpendicular to the
compression region line passes through the joint and the housing
seal member.
3. The filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the seal
holder recess is defined by an outwardly radially projecting rib
adjacent to the first end of the sleeve forming a ceiling of the
recess, wherein the seal holder recess includes radially extending
base surface and a recess wall extending axially between the base
surface and the ceiling.
4. The filter cartridge of any one of claim 3 wherein: (a) the
outwardly radially projecting rib is even with the first end of the
sleeve.
5. The filter cartridge of claim 3 wherein: (a) the outwardly
radially projecting rib is spaced from the first end of the
sleeve.
6. The filter cartridge of claim 3 wherein: (a) the rib is one of:
part of the sleeve; part of the housing; or part of both the sleeve
and the housing.
7. The filter cartridge of claim 2 wherein: (a) the base surface is
located at least 4 mm and no greater than 15 mm from an axial rim
defining the mouth of the housing.
8. The filter cartridge of claim 7 wherein: (a) the sleeve includes
a bevel surface between the base surface and the threaded section;
the bevel surface being angled relative to the threaded section at
an angle between 10-50.degree..
9. The filter cartridge of any one of claim 3 wherein: (a) the rib
extends radially away from the recess wall a distance less than the
base surface extends away from the recess wall.
10. The filter cartridge of claim 1 wherein: (a) the sleeve
includes a radially extending stop member between the threaded
section and the second end.
11. The filter cartridge of claim 10 wherein: (a) the stop member
projects radially outwardly a distance greater than any other
portion of the sleeve.
12. The filter cartridge of claim 2 wherein: (a) the filter media
construction comprises a cylinder of pleated filter media secured
between first and second end caps
13. The filter cartridge of claim 12 wherein: (a) a ring projects
axially from the first end cap in a direction away from a remaining
part of the filter media construction; and (b) a first end cap seal
member is held by the ring.
14. The filter cartridge of claim 13 wherein: (a) the first end cap
seal member projects radially outwardly from the ring.
15. The filter cartridge of claim 2 wherein: (a) the filter media
construction is fixed and non-removably mounted in the interior
volume of the housing.
16. The filter cartridge of claim 2 wherein: (a) the housing bottom
includes a drain valve.
17. The filter cartridge of claim 1 wherein: (a) the housing seal
member projects radially outwardly farther than the rib.
18. The filter cartridge of claim 1 wherein: (a) the wall of the
housing overlaps the first end of the sleeve.
19. The filter cartridge of claim 18 wherein: (a) the wall of the
housing overlaps the projecting rib and is in extension along the
exterior portion of the sleeve along the recess wall.
20. A filter assembly comprising: (a) a filter head having an inlet
arrangement, an outlet arrangement, and an outer wall surrounding a
cartridge-receiving interior; the outer wall having an end rim, a
threaded region oriented toward the cartridge-receiving interior
adjacent to the end rim, and a ramp; and (b) a filter cartridge
removably attached to the filter head; the filter cartridge
including a housing, a filter media construction operably oriented
in an interior volume of the housing, and a sleeve surrounding and
against the housing; (i) the sleeve having a threaded section
mateably engaging the threaded region of the filter head; (ii) the
sleeve defining a seal holder recess; (iii) a seal member being
within the seal holder recess and projecting radially outwardly;
wherein the ramp on the filter head is compressed against the seal
member to form a seal between the filter head and the filter
cartridge.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC .sctn.119(e)
to U.S. provisional application 62/302,553 filed Mar. 2, 2016 and
U.S. provisional application 62/352,609 filed Jun. 21, 2016; each
of these applications is incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to filter cartridges, filter
assemblies including the cartridge connected to a filter head, and
methods of use. The filter arrangement in this disclosure can be
used for filtration of fluids, such as liquids, especially fuel,
hydraulics, and lube.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Filters are commonly used in connection with lubrication
systems and fuel systems for internal combustion engines and
hydraulic systems for heavy duty equipment. Filters are also used
in many other types of liquid systems. In these types of systems,
the filter is changed periodically. One type of typical filter
system used is a spin-on canister filter.
[0004] Spin-on canister filters are disposable units, which
typically include a single-use housing holding a permanently
mounted, non-replaceable filter element (cartridge filter). The
canister holding the cartridge filter is usually spun onto a filter
head by a threaded engagement. The liquid to be cleaned passes from
the filter head and into the housing for filtering. The cleaned
liquid exits the housing and reenters the filter head. After some
period of use, the spin-on canister filter is removed from the
filter head and is discarded. A new spin-on canister filter is then
mounted onto the filter head.
[0005] Typically, there is some type of seal arrangement between
the filter and the filter head. In the past, the seal arrangement
could put a drag when installing and removing, which causes
difficulty in maintenance. Further, in prior art designs, it takes
several revolutions of the housing onto the filter head before the
threads bottom out. This can cause difficulty with cross-threading
or not properly mounting the filter onto the filter head.
Improvements are desirable.
SUMMARY
[0006] A filter cartridge and filter assembly are provided to
improve the problems of the prior art.
[0007] In a first aspect, a filter cartridge is provided including
a housing, a filter media construction, a sleeve, and a housing
seal member.
[0008] The housing has a surrounding wall defining an interior
volume. The housing has an open mouth in communication with the
interior volume and a bottom opposite of the mouth. The surrounding
wall has an interior surface in communication with the interior
volume and an opposite exterior surface.
[0009] The filter media construction is operably oriented in the
interior volume of the housing. The sleeve is oriented against the
exterior surface of the surrounding wall. The sleeve has an inner
portion and an opposite exterior portion. The inner portion is
oriented against the exterior surface of the surrounding wall. The
sleeve includes opposite first and second ends, with the first end
being adjacent to the open mouth of the housing. The sleeve
includes a seal holder recess along the exterior portion. A
radially extending base surface is part of the recess. A recess
wall extends axially at least partially between the base surface
and the first end of the sleeve. The base surface has a radial base
length extending from the recess wall. The sleeve includes a
plurality of threads projecting radially outwardly from a threaded
section of the exterior portion of the sleeve between the second
end and the base surface. The threaded section has a radial length
measured from the recess wall, wherein the radial length of the
threaded section is greater than the radial base length. The
housing seal member is operably held in the seal holder recess.
[0010] Independent of the above, and in another aspect, a filter
cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a housing, a
filter media construction, a sleeve, and a housing seal member. The
housing has a surrounding wall defining an interior volume. The
housing has an open mouth in communication with the interior volume
and a bottom opposite of the mouth. The surrounding wall has an
interior surface in communication with the interior volume and an
opposite exterior surface. The filter media construction is
operably oriented in the interior volume of the housing. The sleeve
is against the exterior surface of the surrounding wall. The sleeve
has an inner portion and an opposite exterior portion, with the
inner portion being oriented against the exterior surface of the
surrounding wall. The sleeve includes opposite first and second
ends, the first end being adjacent the open mouth of the housing.
The sleeve includes a seal holder recess along the exterior
portion. The recess includes a radially extending base surface and
a recess wall extending axially at least partially between the base
surface and the first end of the sleeve. The seal holder recess has
a joint at an intersection between the base surface and the recess
wall. The sleeve includes a threaded section in the exterior
portion of the sleeve between the second end and the base surface.
The housing seal member is operably held in the seal holder recess.
The housing seal member has a sealing compression region. The
sealing compression region in cross-section is defined by a
compression region line. A line perpendicular to the compression
region line passes through the joint in the seal holder recess and
the seal member.
[0011] Independent of the above, a filter cartridge is provided
comprising a housing having a surrounding wall defining an interior
volume; the housing having an open mouth in communication with the
interior volume and a bottom opposite of the mouth; the surrounding
wall having an interior surface in communication with the interior
volume and an opposite exterior surface. A filter media
construction is operably oriented in the interior volume of the
housing; and a sleeve is against the exterior surface of the
surrounding wall. The sleeve has an inner portion and an opposite
exterior portion. The inner portion is oriented against the
exterior surface of the surrounding wall. The sleeve includes,
opposite first and second ends, with the first end being adjacent
the open mouth of the housing; a seal holder recess along the
exterior portion and a housing seal member being held in the seal
holder recess; a joint being defined at an intersection between a
line tangent to a lowest point of the seal member, when the
cartridge is oriented with the mouth as uppermost, and a line
tangent to a most radially inward portion of the seal member; a
threaded section in the exterior portion of the sleeve between the
second end and the base surface. The housing seal member has a
sealing compression region; the sealing compression region in
cross-section is defined by a compression region line. A line
perpendicular to the compression region line passes through the
joint and the housing seal member.
[0012] Independent of the above, the seal holder recess may be
defined by an outwardly radially projecting rib adjacent to the
first end of the sleeve forming a ceiling of the recess, wherein
the seal holder recess includes radially extending base surface and
a recess wall extending axially between the base surface and the
ceiling.
[0013] In aspects that include a rib, the rib can be even with the
first end of the sleeve.
[0014] In aspects that include a rib, the rib can be spaced from
the first end of the sleeve.
[0015] In aspects that include a rib, the rib can be part of the
sleeve.
[0016] In aspects that include a rib, the rib can be part of the
housing.
[0017] In aspects that include a rib, the rib can be part of both
the sleeve and the housing.
[0018] In aspects that include a rib, the outwardly radially
projecting rib can have a length less than 80% of the radial base
length.
[0019] In aspects that include a rib, the outwardly radially
projecting rib can have a length less than 60% of the radial base
length.
[0020] In aspects that include a rib, the outwardly radially
projecting rib can have a length less than 55% of the radial base
length.
[0021] The rib can extend radially away from the recess wall a
distance less than the base surface extends away from the recess
wall.
[0022] The base surface is located at least 4 mm and no greater
than 15 mm from an axial rim defining the mouth of the housing.
[0023] The base surface can be located at least 7 mm and no greater
than 11 mm from an axial rim defining the mouth of the housing.
[0024] The sleeve can include a bevel surface between the base
surface and the threaded section, the bevel surface being angled
relative to the threaded section at an angle between 10-50
degrees.
[0025] The sleeve can include a bevel surface between the base
surface and the threaded section, with the bevel surface being
angled relative to the threaded section at an angle between 12-30
degrees.
[0026] The sleeve can include a bevel surface between the base
surface and the threaded section, the bevel section being angled
relative to the threaded section at an angle between 13-17
degrees.
[0027] The bevel surface can have an axial length between the base
surface and the threaded section of 0.7-2 mm.
[0028] The bevel surface can have an axial length between the base
surface and the threaded section of 0.8-1.5 mm.
[0029] The sleeve can include a radially extending stop member
between the threaded section and the second end.
[0030] The stop member is located at least 17 mm and no greater
than 30 mm from an axial rim defining the mouth of the housing.
[0031] The stop member is located at least 18 mm and no greater
than 28 mm from an axial rim defining the mouth of the housing.
[0032] The stop member projects radially outwardly a distance
greater than any other portion of the sleeve.
[0033] The filter media construction comprises a cylinder of
pleated filter media secured between first and second end caps.
[0034] A ring may project axially from the first end cap in a
direction away from a remaining part of the filter media
construction, and the first end cap seal member can be held by the
ring.
[0035] The first end cap seal member may project radially outwardly
from the ring.
[0036] The filter media construction may be fixed and non-removably
mounted in the interior volume of the housing.
[0037] The housing bottom can include a drain valve.
[0038] The housing seal member may project radially outwardly
farther than the rib.
[0039] The wall of the housing may overlap the first end of the
sleeve.
[0040] The wall of the housing may overlap the projecting rib and
be in extension along the exterior portion of the sleeve along the
recess wall.
[0041] In another aspect, a filter assembly is provided including a
filter cartridge as variously characterized above and further
including a filter head removably attached to the filter
cartridge.
[0042] The filter head can include an outer wall surrounding a
cartridge-receiving interior. The outer wall has an end rim, a
threaded region oriented toward the cartridge-receiving interior
adjacent to the end rim, and a ramp. The ramp may be angled in a
direction toward the cartridge receiving interior and positioned to
engage the housing seal member to form a seal with the filter
cartridge when the filter head and filter cartridge are operably
attached to each other.
[0043] The threaded region can be between the ramp and the end
rim.
[0044] The ramp can be angled between 5 and 45 degrees from the
outer wall of the filter head.
[0045] The ramp can be angled between 10 and 30 degrees from the
outer wall of the filter head.
[0046] The ramp can be angled between 12 and 18 degrees from the
outer wall of the filter head.
[0047] The filter head may include an inlet arrangement for
conveying unfiltered fluid to the filter cartridge in an outlet
arrangement for conveying filtered fluid from the filter
cartridge.
[0048] Independent of the above, in another aspect, a filter
assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter head
having an inlet arrangement, an outlet arrangement, and an outer
wall surrounding a cartridge-receiving interior. The outer wall has
an end rim, a threaded region oriented toward the
cartridge-receiving interior adjacent to the end rim, and a ramp. A
filter cartridge is removably attached to the filter head. The
filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter media construction
operably oriented in an interior volume of the housing, and a
sleeve surrounding and against the housing. The sleeve has a
threaded section mateably engaging the threaded region of the
filter head. The sleeve defines a seal holder recess. A seal member
is within the seal holder recess and projects radially outwardly.
The ramp on the filter head is compressed against the seal member
to form a seal between the filter head and the filter
cartridge.
[0049] The ramp can be angled between 5 and 45 degrees from the
outer wall of the filter head.
[0050] The ramp can be angled between 10 and 30 degrees from the
outer wall of the filter head.
[0051] The ramp can be angled between 12 and 18 degrees from the
outer wall of the filter head.
[0052] The sleeve has an inner portion and an opposite exterior
portion. The inner portion can be oriented against the exterior
surface of the housing. The sleeve includes opposite first and
second ends, with the first end being adjacent an open mouth of the
housing. The seal holder recess is along the exterior portion, the
recess including a radially extending base surface and a recess
wall extending axially at least partially between the base surface
and the first end of the sleeve. The seal holder recess has a joint
being defined at an intersection between a line tangent to a lowest
point of the seal member, when the cartridge is oriented with the
mouth as uppermost, and a line tangent to a most radially inward
portion of the seal member The threaded section of the sleeve is in
the exterior portion of the sleeve between the second end and the
base surface. The ramp compresses against the housing seal member
in cross-section along a compression region line. A line
perpendicular to the compression region line passes through the
joint in the seal holder recess and the seal member.
[0053] The sleeve may include a bevel surface between the base
surface and the threaded section. The bevel section can be angled
relative to the threaded section at an angle between 10-50
degrees.
[0054] The sleeve can include a bevel surface between the base
surface and the threaded section, with the bevel surface being
angled relative to the threaded section at an angle between 12-30
degrees.
[0055] The sleeve can include a bevel surface between the base
surface and the threaded section, with the bevel surface being
angled relative to the threaded section at an angle between 13-17
degrees.
[0056] The bevel surface has an axial length between the base
surface and the threaded section of 0.7-2 mm.
[0057] The bevel section can have an axial length between the base
surface and the threaded section of 0.8-1.5 mm.
[0058] The sleeve can include a radially extending stop member
between the threaded section and the second end.
[0059] The stop member can be located at least 17 mm and no greater
than 30 mm from an axial rim defining a mouth of the housing.
[0060] The stop member can be located at least 18 mm and no greater
than 28 mm from an axial rim defining a mouth of the housing.
[0061] The stop member may project radially outwardly a distance
greater than any other portion of the sleeve.
[0062] The filter media construction may comprise a cylinder of
pleated filter media secured between first and second end caps.
[0063] A ring can project from the first end cap in a direction
away from a remaining part of the filter media construction, and a
first end cap seal member can be held by the ring.
[0064] The first end cap seal member may project radially outwardly
from the ring.
[0065] The filter media construction is fixed and non-removably
mounted in the interior volume of the housing.
[0066] The filter cartridge may further include a drain valve.
[0067] Independent of the above, and another aspect, a method of
installing a filter cartridge on a filter head is provided. The
method includes steps of providing a filter head, providing a
filter cartridge, and threadably mating the filter head and filter
cartridge. The step of providing a filter head includes a providing
a head having an inlet arrangement, and outlet arrangement, and an
outer wall surrounding a cartridge-receiving interior. The outer
wall has an end rim and a threaded region oriented toward the
cartridge-receiving interior adjacent to the end rim. The step of
providing a filter cartridge includes providing a housing, a filter
media construction operably oriented in an interior volume of the
housing, and a sleeve surrounding and against the housing. The
sleeve has a threaded section, defines a seal holder recess, and a
seal member that is within the seal holder recess and projecting
radially outwardly. The step of threadably mating includes mating
the threaded section of the sleeve with the threaded region of the
filter head to compress the seal member and form a seal between the
filter head and the filter cartridge, the seal being formed using a
torque less than 50% needed to form an operable seal using a
comparable filter head that has a straight section instead of a
ramp.
[0068] The step of threadably mating may include forming the seal
using a torque less than 55% needed to form an operable seal using
a comparable filter head that has a straight section instead of a
ramp.
[0069] The step of threadably mating may include forming the seal
using a torque of no greater than 15 N-m.
[0070] The step of providing a filter head may include providing
the filter head outer wall to have a ramp, wherein the threaded
region is between the ramp and the end rim. The step of threadably
mating may include compressing the ramp against the seal member to
form the seal between and against the ramp and the sleeve.
[0071] The step of providing a filter head may include providing
the filter head outer wall to have the ramp be angled between 12
and 18 degrees from the outer wall of the filter head.
[0072] After the step of threadably mating, there can be a step of
disconnecting the filter cartridge and filter head by using a
torque of less than 50% needed to disconnect using a comparable
filter head that has a straight section instead of a ramp.
[0073] After the step of threadably mating, there can be a step of
disconnecting the filter cartridge and filter head by using a
torque of less than 65% needed to disconnect using a comparable
filter head that has a straight section instead of a ramp.
[0074] After the step of threadably mating, there can be a step of
disconnecting the filter cartridge and filter head by using a
torque of less than 15 N-m.
[0075] The step of providing a filter cartridge can include
providing a filter cartridge as variously characterized in any of
the above characterizations.
[0076] The step of providing a filter head can include providing a
filter head according to the various characterizations above.
[0077] It is noted that not all of the specific features described
herein need to be incorporated in an arrangement for the
arrangement to have some selected advantage according to the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0078] FIG. 1 is an exploded, top perspective view of a filter
assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of this
disclosure;
[0079] FIG. 2 is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the filter
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0080] FIG. 3 is a top view of the assembled filter assembly of
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0081] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of
FIG. 3, the cross-section being taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.
3;
[0082] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge
used in the filter assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4;
[0083] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve used with the
filter cartridge of FIG. 5;
[0084] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of Section A of
FIG. 6;
[0085] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the filter head shown as
part of the filter assembly of FIG. 4;
[0086] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of Section B-B of FIG. 8;
[0087] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of Section C-C of FIG. 4;
[0088] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment;
[0089] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment;
[0090] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment;
[0091] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment;
[0092] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment;
[0093] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment;
[0094] FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment;
[0095] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment; and
[0096] FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, but without the filter head shown and depicting another
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0097] A filter cartridge and a filter assembly that improve the
problems of the prior art is shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0098] The filter assembly constructed in accordance with the
principles of this disclosure is illustrated in exploded
perspective view in FIGS. 1 and 2 at 20. The filter assembly 20
includes a filter head 22. The filter head 22 will be mounted or
connected to a system, such as equipment with a lubrication system
or fuel system for internal combustion engines, or a hydraulic
system for heavy duty equipment. The filter head 22 will be in
liquid communication with components of this equipment such that
the liquid to be filtered will flow into the filter head 22 for
filtering by the filter assembly 20 and then exit the filter head
22 in a filtered state for use by the equipment.
[0099] The filter assembly 20 further includes a filter cartridge
24. The filter cartridge 24, in this embodiment, is a spin-on
canister filter 26. The spin-on canister filter 26 has a single use
can or housing 28 holding a permanently mounted, non-replaceable
filter element 30. The housing 28 holding the filter element 30 is
spun onto the filter head 22 by a threaded engagement. As can be
seen in FIG. 22, the filter head 22 has threads 32, and the housing
28 has threads 34. The liquid to be cleaned passes from the filter
head 22 and into the housing 28 for filtering. The liquid flows
through the filter element 30 for filtering, reenters the filter
head 22, and then exits the filter head 22 to be used by downstream
equipment. After some period of use, the filter cartridge 24 is
removed from the filter head 22 and is discarded. A new filter
cartridge 24 may then be provided and mounted onto the filter head
22 for filtering. In alternate embodiments, the filter assembly 20
could be a bowl-cartridge filter, in which the housing forms a
re-usable bowl that connects to the filter head, and a replaceable
filter cartridge is held within the bowl.
[0100] Attention is directed to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional
view of filter cartridge 24. As mentioned previously, the filter
cartridge 24 includes the housing 28 holding the non-removable
filter element 30.
[0101] The filter housing 28 includes a surrounding wall 36. The
housing wall 36 will typically be a thin-walled construction of
metal. The surrounding wall 36 of the housing 28 defines an
interior volume 38. The housing 28 has an open mouth 40. The open
mouth 40 is in communication with the interior volume 38.
[0102] The housing 28 includes a housing bottom 42. The bottom 42
is at an end of the housing 28 opposite of the mouth 40. The
surrounding wall 36 has an interior surface 44. The interior
surface 44 is in communication with the interior volume 38. On an
opposite side of the wall 36 from the interior surface 44 is an
exterior surface 46. A central, longitudinal axis 55 passes through
the cartridge 24 as it extends through the open mouth 40 and
housing bottom 42.
[0103] The filter element 30 is permanently and non-removably
mounted in the interior volume 38 of the housing 28. The filter
element 30 includes a filter media construction 48. The filter
media construction 48 is operably orientated in the interior volume
38 of the housing 28. The filter media construction 48 may be
embodied in many different forms. In many embodiments, the filter
media construction 48 includes pleated media 50. The pleated media
50 may be cellulose, glass, synthetic, or a blend of any of these.
The filter media construction 48 may include fine fiber.
[0104] In many embodiments, the filter media construction 48 is
generally tubular, which can include oval or cylindrical in shape.
In this embodiment, it is cylindrical in shape such that the
pleated media 50 defines an open filter interior 52. The filter
media construction 48, including if it is pleated media 50, may be
supported by an inner support, such as a perforated inner liner 54.
The inner liner 54 supports the pleats and prevents the pleats in
the pleated media 50 from collapsing.
[0105] The filter media construction 48 has opposite ends 56, which
is adjacent the open mouth 40, and 58, which is adjacent the bottom
42. Secured to the media construction 48 at the end 56 is a first
end cap 60. The first end cap 60 is an open end cap because it has
an opening 62 in its center that is in communication with the open
filter interior 52. The first end cap 60 can be made from various
types of material, including non-metal, such as nylon or hard
plastic. The first end cap 60 is secured to the filter media
construction 48 by either molding the first end cap 60 directly to
the filter media construction 48 or by other methods such as
adhesive or potting material.
[0106] A second end cap 64 is secured to the end 58 of the filter
media construction 48. The second end cap 64 will typically be made
of the same materials as the first end cap 60, which can be nylon
or hard plastic. The second end cap 64 may be closed to the open
filter interior 52, but in some embodiments, it can be selectively
opened by use of a drain valve, not shown in FIG. 5. A mounting
arrangement 66 for the drain valve can been seen in FIG. 5 as part
of the second end cap 64. The housing 28 can be opened at access
opening 68, which may then allow the drain valve to drain fluid
from the filter cartridge 24.
[0107] Referring again to the first end cap 60, there is a ring 70
that projects axially from the first end cap 60 in a direction away
from the second cap 64 and away from a remaining part of the filter
media construction 48. The ring 70, in this embodiment, is adjacent
to the opening 62 of the first end cap 60. The ring 70 defines a
groove 72. The groove 72 opens in a radially outward direction,
toward the interior surface 44 of the surrounding wall 36. Located
within the groove 72 is first end cap seal member 74. The first end
cap seal 74 may be embodied as an O-ring. The first end cap seal
member 74 is oriented in a direction radially outwardly from the
ring 70 and toward the interior surface 44 of the surrounding wall
36. It forms a seal 165 with the filter head 22, as described
further below in connection with FIGS. 8 and 4.
[0108] While many embodiments are possible, in this embodiment, the
first end cap 60 includes an optional centering arrangement 76. The
center arrangement 76 includes a pair of axial projections 78, 79
that project axially from the first end cap 60 in a direction away
from the second end cap 64 and a remaining portion of the filter
media construction 48. The center arrangement 76 helps to guide and
mount the filter cartridge 24 to the filter head 22. The axial
projections 78, 79 are spaced from the projecting ring 70 and are
located adjacent to outer radial edge 80 of the first end cap
60.
[0109] The first end cap 60 further includes a plurality of outer
radial projections 82 (FIGS. 1 and 5). The outer radial projections
82 help to center the filter media construction 48 within the
housing 28 by pressing radially against the interior surface 44 of
the housing wall 46.
[0110] The filter cartridge 24 further includes a sleeve 84. The
sleeve 84 will be secured to the housing 28 along the exterior
surface 46 of the housing 28. In many embodiments, the sleeve 84 is
mounted against the exterior surface 46 of the surrounding wall
36.
[0111] An enlarged view of the sleeve 84 is illustrated in detail
in FIG. 6. The sleeve 84 has an inner portion 86 and an opposite
exterior portion 88. The inner portion 86, in the embodiment shown,
is orientated against the exterior surface 46 of the surrounding
wall 36.
[0112] The sleeve 84 can be made from many different types of
materials, including metal or non-metal. In preferred embodiments,
the sleeve is made from non-metal, such as plastic, for example,
nylon.
[0113] In reference to FIG. 6, the sleeve 84 has opposite first and
second ends 91, 92. The first end 91 is adjacent the open mouth 40
(FIG. 5) of the housing 28. The second end 92 is located spaced
from the open mouth 40 and typically in the upper one-third of the
housing 28, when the open mouth 40 is orientated to be at the
top.
[0114] The sleeve 84 includes a seal holder recess 94. The seal
holder recess 94 is along the exterior portion 88.
[0115] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of one cross-sectional view
portion of the sleeve 84, the section shown at Section A in FIG. 6.
The sleeve 84 has an outwardly radially projecting rib 96. The rib
96 is adjacent the first end 91 and forms a ceiling 98 of the
recess 94. By "adjacent the first end 91" it is meant that the rib
96 can be either be even with the first end 91 or spaced from
(either toward or away) a remaining portion of the sleeve 84 by a
few mm, e.g., 5 mm or fewer. In FIG. 7, the rib 96 is even with the
first end 91. See FIG. 14 for one example embodiment (of many
possibilities) in which the rib 96 is adjacent the first end 91 by
being spaced from the first end 91. A radially extending base
surface 100 is opposite of the ceiling 98 forming a floor of the
recess 94. A recess wall 102 extends axially between the ceiling 98
and the base surface 100. The base surface 100 has a radial base
length 104 extending from the recess wall 102. Advantages including
sealing at a lower torque are achieved when the rib 96 extends a
radial distance from recess wall 102 less than the base surface 100
extends away from the recess wall 102.
[0116] The housing threads 34 project radially outwardly from
threaded section 106 of the exterior portion 88 of the sleeve 84
between the second end 92 and the base surface 100. The threaded
section 106 has a radial length 108 measured from the recess wall
102 to the exterior portion 88 from where the individual threads 34
start to project from the exterior portion 88. The radial length
108 of the threaded section 106 is greater than the radial base
length 104. This arrangement helps to contribute to a filter
cartridge 24 that is easier to mount to the filter head 22 than
prior art arrangements, requiring much less torque.
[0117] In reference to FIGS. 4 and 10, a housing seal member 110 is
operably held in the seal holder recess 94. The housing seal member
110 forms a radially outwardly directed seal 172 with the filter
head 22, when the filter cartridge 24 is operably connected to the
filter head 22. As will be explained below, the housing wall 36 can
optionally include a section 37 (FIG. 10) that extends into and
line at least a portion of the recess 94, such that the seal 172 is
formed between and against the filter head 22, the sleeve 84, and
the section 37 of the housing wall 36 extending into the recess
94.
[0118] Again in reference to FIG. 7, the seal holder recess 94
includes a joint 112 at an intersection between the base surface
100 and the recess 102. The joint 112 need not be a 90 degree
corner, but can be on a radius. For example, the joint 112 can be
on a radius 0.25 inches. Many embodiments are possible. The radius
can be larger or smaller, and the angle between the base surface
100 and recess 102 can be larger or smaller.
[0119] As mentioned previously, there is a housing seal member 110
that is operably held in the seal holder recess 94. Attention is
directed to FIG. 10 which shows the housing seal member 110 held
within the recess 94 and forming seal 172 with the filter head 22.
As can be appreciated from the drawings shown in FIG. 10, the
housing seal member 110 has sealing compression region 114, which
is a portion of the housing sealing member 110 that receives the
compressive force to form the seal 172 with the filter head 22. In
this embodiment, the sealing compression region 114, when viewed in
cross-section, such as shown in FIG. 10, is defined by a
compression region line 116. The compression region line 116 is
viewable in FIG. 10 and in FIG. 5. A line 118 (FIG. 10)
perpendicular to the compression region line 116 passes through the
joint 112 in the seal holder recess 94 and the sealing member 110.
In this embodiment, "passing through the sealing member 110" means
extending through more than one point of the sealing member 110;
that is, if the line 118 is only tangent (a line that touches a
curved surface but does not intersect it) to the sealing member
110, it would not pass through the sealing member 110 according to
this definition. In general, in this example, the line 118 will not
be perpendicular to the central axis 55 (FIG. 5), and the line 116
will not be parallel to the central axis 55.
[0120] The arrangement is formed to achieve advantages, including a
torque that is less than needed in the prior art to reliably secure
the filter cartridge 24 to the filter head 22. Some preferred
arrangements are described herein that lead to this result. For
example, in FIG. 7, the outwardly radially projecting rib 96 has a
radially projecting length that is less than 80% of the length of
the radial base line 104. The many embodiments, the length of the
rib 96 is less than 60% of the radial base length 104. In even more
preferred embodiments, the rib 96 has a length of less than 55
percent of the radial base length 104.
[0121] Further arrangements that lead to advantage include the base
surface 100 being located at 4 mm and no greater than 15 mm from an
axial rim 120 (FIG. 5) defining the mouth 40 of the housing 28. In
more preferred embodiments, the base surface 100 is located at
least 7 mm and no greater than 11 mm, preferably about 9 mm, from
the axial rim 120 of the mouth 40 of the housing 28.
[0122] Other arrangements that lead to advantage include the sleeve
84 having a beveled surface 122 (FIG. 7). The beveled surface 122
is between the base surface 100 and the threaded section 106.
Advantages result by having the beveled surface 122 being angled
relative to the threaded section 106 at an angle 124 between 13-17
degrees.
[0123] The beveled surface 122 can have an axial length 126 between
the base surface 100 and the threaded section 106 of 0.7-2 mm. In
more preferred embodiments, the beveled surface 122 can have the
axial length 126 between the base surface 100 and the threaded
section 106 of 0.8-1.5 mm.
[0124] In FIG. 7, it can be seen how in the particular embodiment
illustrated, the sleeve 84 includes a radially extending stop
member 128. The stop 128 is between the threaded section 106 and
the second end 92 of the sleeve 84. The stop member 128 can be
located at least 17 mm and no greater than 30 mm from the axial rim
120 (FIG. 5) defining the mouth 40 of the housing 28. In
embodiments that lead to more preferred advantages, the stop member
128 is located at least 18 mm and no greater than 28 mm, preferably
about 26 mm, from the axial rim 120 defining the mouth 40 of the
housing 28. In still further arrangements leading to advantages,
the stop member 128 projects radially outwardly a distance that is
greater than any other portion of the sleeve 84. This can be seen
in the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 7.
[0125] In reference again to FIG. 5, the housing seal member 110
projects radially outwardly further than the rib 96. This can lead
to advantage of forming a seal with a filter head with less torque
than prior art arrangements.
[0126] In reference now to FIGS. 5 and 10, in many preferred
arrangements, the wall 36 of the housing 28 overlaps the first end
91 of the sleeve 84 at section 37, as previously mentioned. For
example, the wall 36 of the housing 28 can overlap the projecting
rib 96 and be an extension at section 37 along the exterior portion
88 of the sleeve 84 along the recess wall 102 (FIG. 7). In the
example illustrated in FIG. 10, the wall 36 of the housing 28
extends over the first end 91 of the sleeve 84, around the rib 96,
along the ceiling 98 (FIG. 7), and along at least a portion of the
recess wall 102 (FIG. 7). In FIG. 10, the section 37 of the wall 36
stops short of extending all the way along the recess wall 102 to
the base surface 100 (FIG. 7), but in other embodiments, it could
extend the full extension of the recess wall 102 to the base
surface 100 and further extend along the base surface 100.
[0127] FIG. 7 illustrates one example useful embodiment with
dimensions that provide a workable design leading to advantage.
Advantages include those that improve the prior art such as having
the ability to mount the filter cartridge 24 on the filter head 22
using torque smaller than the prior art, as well as, providing the
seal with only a few revolutions and thereby avoiding the
difficulty caused with possible cross-threading. In FIG. 7, the rib
96 is shown projecting from the recess wall 102 at a dimension 130.
The dimension 130 can be at least 2 mm, not more than 5 mm, and
preferably about 4 mm. The angle 132 that the rib 96 declines as it
extends from the inner portion 86 in a direction toward the
exterior portion 88 is at least 3 degrees, no greater than 7
degrees, and preferably about 5 degrees. The rib 96 has an axial
length 134 from the first end 91 to the recess wall 102 of at least
2 mm, not more than 6 mm, and preferably 3-5 mm. The length 136
from the second end 92 to the base surface 100 is at least 20 mm,
no greater than 35 mm, and preferably 25-30 mm. The length 138 from
the second end 92 to the upper end of the threaded section 106 and
the start of the bevel surface 122 is at least 20 mm, no greater
than 30 mm, and preferably 27-29 mm, such as about 28 mm. The
distance 140 between the first end 91 and an upper surface 142 of
the stop member 128 is at least 10 mm, no greater than 30 mm,
preferably 18-28 mm. The upper surface 142 of the stop member 128
is the portion of the stop member 128 that is oriented toward the
first end 91.
[0128] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of the sleeve 84 by
itself and unattached to a remaining portion of the filter
cartridge 24. FIG. 6 shows useful dimensions for embodiments that
result in advantages over the prior art. Some of these dimensions
are summarized in the table below.
TABLE-US-00001 Dimension At least (mm) No greater than (mm)
Preferably (mm) 145 80 120 90-95, about 93 146 75 115 87-92, about
89 147 65 105 78-83, about 81 148 25 40 33-36, about 34 149 64 104
77-82, about 81 150 85 125 98-103, about 101 151 1.5 3.0 2.0-2.5,
about 2.2 152 6 15 9-12, about 11
[0129] Attention is now directed to the filter head 22 as can be
seen in FIGS. 3, 4, 8, and 9. The filter head 22 has an outer wall
156. The outer wall 156 surrounds a cartridge receiving interior
158 (FIG. 8). The outer wall 156 has an end rim 160. The end rim
160 will engage against the stop member 128 when the filter
cartridge 24 is operably mounted to the filter head 22. The filter
head 22 further includes a threaded region 162 (FIG. 8), which
includes threads 32. The threaded region 162 is along an inside
surface 168 of the wall 156 and is oriented toward and is in
communication with the cartridge-receiving interior 158. The
threaded region 162, in this embodiment, is immediately adjacent to
the end rim 160.
[0130] The filter head 22 further includes an inner wall 164. The
inner wall 164 is in the interior volume 158 and is spaced from the
outer wall 156. The inner wall 164 is generally spaced axially
above (in the view of FIG. 8 with the rim 160 at the most downward
position) the threaded region 162. The inner wall 162 extends or
projects into the interior 158 from an end 170 of the filter head
22. The inner wall 162 is oriented to form a seal 165 (FIG. 4) with
the first end cap seal member 74, when the filter cartridge 24 is
operably connected to the filter head 22. In the example embodiment
shown, the seal 165 is formed between an inner radial surface 167
(FIG. 8) of the inner wall 162 and the radially outwardly directed
first end cap seal member 74.
[0131] The filter head 22 further includes a ramp 166. The ramp 166
is along the inside surface 168 of the outer wall 156 and in
communication with the cartridge receiving interior 158. The ramp
166, in the example shown, is located adjacent the threaded region
162 and spaced axially between the threaded region 162 and the end
170 of the filter head 22. The end 170, in the orientation shown in
FIGS. 4 and 8, is an upper surface and is opposite of the end rim
160.
[0132] The ramp 166 is angled in a direction toward the cartridge
receiving interior 158 and is positioned to engage the housing seal
member 110 to form seal 172 (FIGS. 4 and 10) with the filter
cartridge 24 when the filter head 22 and the filter cartridge 24
are operably attached to each other.
[0133] The threaded region 162 is located between the ramp 166 and
the end rim 160. This is arranged such that the ramp 166 will press
against the housing seal member 110 while the threaded region 162
engages (mates with) the threaded section 106 (FIG. 7) of the
filter cartridge 24.
[0134] Attention is directed to FIG. 9, which illustrates Section
B-B of FIG. 8. Example dimensions are shown, which can lead to
embodiments with advantages over the prior art. An angle of the
ramp 166 is shown at Ref. 174. This is an operable section of the
ramp 166. By "operable section of the ramp" it is meant the portion
of the ramp 166 that presses against the housing seal member 110 to
form seal 172 between the filter cartridge 24 and the filter head
22. The angle 174 of the ramp 166 is measured from the outer wall
156 of the filter head 122. The ramp 166 inclines as it extends
from the threaded region 162 in a direction away from the end rim
and 160 and toward the end 170. The angle 174 is between 5 and 45
degrees from the outer wall 156 of the filter head. In some
embodiments, the ramp 166 is angled between 10 and 30 degrees from
the outer wall 156 of the filter head 22. More preferably, the ramp
166 is angled between 12 and 18 degrees, such as about 15 degrees
from the other wall 156 of the filter head 22.
[0135] Other useful dimensions for the filter head, to result in
advantages over the prior art, are shown in the table below:
TABLE-US-00002 Dimension At least (mm) No greater than (mm)
Preferably (mm) 178 15 30 20-25, about 22 180 7 20 10-15, about 13
182 10 degrees 70 degrees 25-35, about 30 degrees 184 5 17 9-13,
about 11 186 6 18 10-14, about 12 188 10 25 15-20, about 18 190 14
29 19-24, about 21
[0136] In FIG. 4, the filter head 22 includes an inlet arrangement
192 with an inlet port 194 providing access into the cartridge
receiving interior 158. The filter head 22 further includes an
outlet arrangement 196 having an outlet port 198.
[0137] The inlet arrangement 192 conveys liquid filter to the
filter head 22 and allows it to enter the filter head 22 to the
inlet port 194. The liquid then flows into the filter cartridge 24,
through the filter media construction 48, then through the opening
62 of the first end cap 60. From there, the filtered liquid flows
back into the filter head 22 and then through the outlet port 198
to exit the filter head 22 where it can be used by downstream
equipment.
EXPERIMENTAL
[0138] Testing was done to test the torque needed to operably
install (form seals 172 and 165) and to dismount a filter cartridge
onto a filter head. A filter head and filter cartridge in
accordance with principles of this disclosure, as shown in FIG. 4
(cartridge having part number 0057A3464 TR, and head having part
number 0057A3462) was compared to a prior art filter cartridge,
having part number P573836, and filter head having part number
P573832. The prior art filter cartridge and filter head is of the
type as shown in WO 2009/149186 (FIGS. 19, 19A, and 16A), which is
incorporated herein by reference. Note that this prior art filter
head does not have a ramp 166, but instead, the filter head has a
wall at the comparable section that is a straight, vertical section
parallel to the central axis 55 of the filter cartridge. The
results were as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 Cartridge Part Head Part Trial On Off Av. On No. No.
No. (N-M) (N-M) (N-M) % Red. P573836 P573832 1 15.7 18.5 16.5 N/A
P573836 P573832 2 17.9 17.8 P573836 P573832 3 15.7 17.6 0057A3464TR
0057A3462 1 6.2 4.6 7.1 57 0057A3464TR 0057A3462 2 8.1 6.0
0057A3464TR 0057A3462 3 7.1 5.3
[0139] From these results, it can be seen how the seal 172 (FIG. 4)
between the housing seal member 110 and the filter head 22 is
formed using a torque of no greater than 10 N-m. Indeed, the seal
172 can be formed using a torque less than 55% needed to form an
operable seal using a comparable filter head that has a straight
section instead of a ramp. In many embodiments, the seal 172 is
formed using a torque of no greater than 8.2 N-m. In many
instances, the torque will require a force of at least 6 N-m to
form the seal 172. Compared to the prior art, this represents a
percent in reduction of torque needed of over 50%, indeed, over
55%, for example 57%.
[0140] From the above, it can be appreciated that disconnecting the
filter cartridge 24 and the filter head 22 will require a torque of
less than 10 N-m. Indeed, the torque will often be less than 7 N-m.
In preferred arrangements, disconnecting the filter cartridge 24
and the filter head 22 will use a torque of less than 6.5 N-m. In
many instances, the torque required to disconnect the filter
cartridge 24 and filter head 22 will be greater than 5 N-m. When
compared to the prior art P573836, the torque needed to disconnect
is reduced by over 50%; indeed, by over 65%; and in some examples,
by 75% or greater.
[0141] FIGS. 11-19
[0142] FIGS. 11-19 illustrate alternate useful embodiments that can
be used with the filter cartridge 24 and filter head 22 that
provide a workable design leading to advantage. Advantages for each
of these embodiments include those that improve the prior art such
as having the ability to mount the filter cartridge 24 on the
filter head 22 using torque smaller than the prior art, as well as,
providing the seal with only a few revolutions and thereby avoiding
the difficulty caused with possible cross-threading.
[0143] In the FIG. 11 embodiment, the sleeve 84 is ribless. It
differs from FIGS. 7 and 10 in that there is no rib 96 (FIG. 7)
projecting from the recess wall 102. The housing 28 is depicted as
folded over the first end 91 of the sleeve 84 and has a projection
204 extending radially away from the recess wall 102. From a
radially outwardly most point of the projection 204 of the housing
28, the housing 28 has a slope 206 that extends radially inwardly
toward the recess wall 102 as it extends in a direction toward the
base surface 110. The outwardly most point of projection 204
extends a distance X from the recess wall 102. The radial length
108 (in FIG. 7) and shown as Y is the distance from the recess wall
102 to the threaded section 106. Advantages are achieved when the
distance X is less than or equal to 80% of the distance Y.
Advantages include the ability to mount the filter cartridge 24 on
the filter head 22 using torque smaller than the prior art, as well
as, providing the seal with only a few revolutions and thereby
avoiding the difficulty caused with possible cross-threading.
[0144] In the FIG. 12 embodiment, the recess wall 102 includes a
pocket 220 that extends beyond (below in the orientation of FIG.
12) the base surface 100. In this embodiment, there is a horizontal
line 224 that is the tangent line along a portion of the seal
member 110 that is oriented adjacent, or against, the base surface
100. In the orientation of FIG. 12, this is also the line 224
passing through (or tangent to) a lowest point of the seal member
110. There is a line 226 that is the tangent line along the most
radially inwardly portion of the seal member 110. In many examples,
the line 226 is about parallel to the recess wall 102. An
intersection between line 224 and line 226 forms joint 222. The
housing seal member 110 has a sealing compression region 114 (see
FIG. 10), and the sealing compression region 114 in cross-section
is defined by compression region line 116 (FIG. 10). Advantages
result when the line 118 (FIG. 10), which is perpendicular to the
compression region line 116, passes through the joint 222 and the
housing seal member 110. Advantages include the ability to mount
the filter cartridge 24 on the filter head 22 using torque smaller
than the prior art, as well as, providing the seal with only a few
revolutions and thereby avoiding the difficulty caused with
possible cross-threading.
[0145] In the FIG. 13 embodiment, the sleeve 84 has no recess wall
102. The seal holder recess 94, has a non-rectangular
cross-section, which can be many shapes, including regular
polygonal or irregular polygonal. In the example depicted in FIG.
13, the seal holder recess 94 is triangular shaped having a
radially inward most portion 240. The housing 28 is depicted as
folded over the first end 91 of the sleeve 84 and has a projection
242 extending radially away from the inner portion 86 of the sleeve
84. From projection 242 of the housing 28, the housing 28 has a
slope 246 that extends radially inwardly toward the recess 94
inward portion 240. The angle of the slope will be at least
2.degree., not greater than 60.degree., for example about
30-50.degree.. There is also the minor thread diameter shown at
244. Advantages result when the distance from inward most portion
240 to projection 242 is less than or equal to 80% of the distance
between inward most portion 240 and the minor thread diameter 244.
Advantages include the ability to mount the filter cartridge 24 on
the filter head 22 using torque smaller than the prior art, as well
as, providing the seal with only a few revolutions and thereby
avoiding the difficulty caused with possible cross-threading.
[0146] In the FIG. 14 embodiment, the sleeve 84 has outwardly
radially projecting rib 96 and is adjacent the first end 91 to
forms ceiling 98 of the recess 94. By "adjacent the first end 91"
it is meant that the rib 96 can be either be even with the first
end 91 or spaced from (either toward or away) a remaining portion
of the sleeve 84 by a few mm, e.g., 5 mm or fewer. In this
embodiment, the rib 96 is adjacent the first end 91 by being spaced
from the first end 91. Radially extending base surface 100 is
opposite of the ceiling 98 forming a floor of the recess 94. The
recess wall 102 extends axially between the ceiling 98 and the base
surface 100. The base surface 100 has radial base length 104
extending from the recess wall 102. The housing 28 is folded over
the first end 91 of the sleeve 84 and overlaps and forms part of
the rib 96. The housing 28 also extends along and hugs the recess
in the sleeve to form part of the ceiling 98 and recess wall 102.
In this embodiment, the housing 28 extends to the base surface
100.
[0147] In the FIG. 15 embodiment, the sleeve 84 is ribless. It
differs from FIGS. 7 and 10 in that there is no rib 96 (FIG. 7)
projecting from the recess wall 102. The recess wall 102 has a ramp
250 extending radially inwardly as the ramp 250 extends from the
first end 91 of the sleeve to the base surface 100. The ramp 250 is
angled sufficiently to retain the seal member 110 in place and
prevent it from rolling off the sleeve 84. Useful slope angles for
the ramp 250 include at least 2.degree., not greater than
60.degree., for example about 3-10.degree.. Housing 28 is depicted
as folded over the first end 91 of the sleeve 84 and overlapping
the ramp 250 to form housing ramp 252. The housing ramp 252, in
this embodiment, is against the sleeve ramp 250 and can have about
the same slope as the sleeve ramp 250 to extend radially inwardly
as it extends from the first end 91 to the base surface 100.
[0148] In the FIG. 16 embodiment, the sleeve 84 is ribless as the
recess wall 102 extends straight between the first end 91 and the
base surface 100. The housing 28 is depicted as folded over the
first end 91 of the sleeve 84 and has a housing rib or projection
258 extending radially away from the recess wall 102. In this
embodiment, the housing rib or projection 258 extends radially
outward to a bight section 260, which is the most radially outward
point of the projection 258. The projection 258 forms a ceiling 262
to the seal holder recess 94. At the base of the projection 258,
the housing extends along the recess wall 102 to the base surface
100. The outwardly most point of projection 258 extends a distance
X from the recess wall 102. The radial length 108 (in FIG. 7) and
shown as Y is the distance from the recess wall 102 to the threaded
section 106. Advantages are achieved when the distance X is less
than or equal to 80% of the distance Y.
[0149] Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 14-16 include the
advantages illustrated in FIG. 10, That is, the housing seal member
110 is held within the recess 94 and forms seal 172 with the filter
head 22. The housing seal member 110 has sealing compression region
114, which is a portion of the housing sealing member 110 that
receives the compressive force to form the seal 172 with the filter
head 22. The sealing compression region 114, when viewed in
cross-section, such as shown in FIG. 10, is defined by a
compression region line 116. The compression region line 116 is
viewable in FIG. 10 and in FIG. 5. A line 118 (FIG. 10)
perpendicular to the compression region line 116 passes through the
joint 112 in the seal holder recess 94 and the seal member 110.
[0150] In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 14-16, there is
horizontal line 224 that is the tangent line along a portion of the
seal member 110 that is oriented adjacent, or against, the base
surface 100. In these embodiments, this is also the line 224
passing through (or tangent to) a lowest point of the seal member
110. There is line 226 that is the tangent line along the most
radially inwardly portion of the seal member 110. In many examples,
the line 226 is about parallel to the recess wall 102, but note
that line 226 is not parallel to recess wall 102 in FIG. 15. An
intersection between line 224 and line 226 forms joint 222. The
housing seal member 110 has a sealing compression region 114 (see
FIG. 10), and the sealing compression region 114 in cross-section
is defined by compression region line 116 (FIG. 10). Advantages
result when the line 118 (FIG. 10), which is perpendicular to the
compression region line 116, passes through the joint 222 and the
housing seal member 110.
[0151] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate the use of housing seal members 110
that do not have a round cross-sectional shape. These embodiments
provide workable designs leading to advantage. Advantages for each
of these embodiments include those that improve the prior art such
as having the ability to mount the filter cartridge 24 on the
filter head 22 using torque smaller than the prior art, as well as,
providing the seal with only a few revolutions and thereby avoiding
the difficulty caused with possible cross-threading.
[0152] In FIG. 17, the housing seal member 270 has a
trapezoid-shaped cross-section with a straight top surface 272 (top
surface being the one closest to the mouth 40, when oriented with
the mouth 40 in the uppermost location) being shorter than a
straight bottom surface 274. Sealing surface 276 is a straight
surface angled downward and away from the top surface 272, as the
sealing surface 276 extends from the top surface 272 to the bottom
surface 274. The seal member 270 has a generally straight section
277 that is adjacent to the recess wall 102 and extends between the
top surface 272 and bottom surface 274.
[0153] In FIG. 18, the housing seal member 280 has a straight top
surface 282 (top surface being the one closest to the mouth 40,
when oriented with the mouth 40 in the uppermost location) being
shorter than a straight bottom surface 284. Sealing surface 286 is
angled downward and away from the top surface 282, as the sealing
surface extends from the top surface 282 to the bottom surface 284.
In this embodiment, the sealing surface 286 includes an outwardly
radially projecting rib 288 extending therefrom. The seal member
280 has a pair of straight sections 287, 289 with a recess 285
therebetween that is adjacent to the recess wall 102 and extends
between the top surface 282 and bottom surface 284
[0154] In FIG. 19, the housing seal member 290 has an X
cross-sectional shape. The X shape includes portions 291, 293 that
are oriented closest to or against the base surface 100. The X
shape includes portions 295, 297 against the recess wall 102.
[0155] In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 17-19, there is
horizontal line 224 that is the tangent line along a portion of the
seal member 270, 280, 290 that is oriented adjacent, or against,
the base surface 100. By "tangent", in the embodiments of FIGS. 17
and 18, the bottom surface 274, 284 is a straight surface, so the
line 224 tangent to the cross sectional line showing the bottom
surface 274, 284 is the line depicting the bottom surface 274, 284
itself. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the "tangent" line 224 is a
line that is tangent to each of portions 291, 293. In these
embodiments, this is also the line 224 passing through (or tangent
to) a lowest point of the seal member 270, 280, 290.
[0156] Also in FIGS. 17-19, there is line 226 that is the tangent
line along the most radially inwardly portion of the seal member
270, 280, 290. In many examples, the line 226 is about parallel to
the recess wall 102. By "tangent", in FIG. 17, the section 277
adjacent to the recess wall 102 is a straight surface, so the line
226 tangent to the cross section line showing the section 277 is
the line depicting the section 277 itself. In FIG. 18, the pair of
sections 287, 289 adjacent to the recess wall 102 are straight, so
the line 226 tangent to the cross sectional lines showing 287, 289
is depicting sections 287, 289 themselves. In FIG. 19, the tangent
line 226 is a line that is tangent to each of portions 295,
297.
[0157] An intersection between line 224 and line 226 forms joint
222. The housing seal member 270, 280, 290 has a sealing
compression region 114 (see FIG. 10), and the sealing compression
region 114 in cross-section is defined by compression region line
116 (FIG. 10). Advantages result when the line 118 (FIG. 10), which
is perpendicular to the compression region line 116, passes through
the joint 222 and the housing seal member 110. Advantages include
lower torque requirements to connect filter cartridge 24 on the
filter head 22.
Methods
[0158] The arrangements as described in connection with FIGS. 1-13
can be used in methods. One method is a method of installing filter
cartridge 24 onto filter head 22. The method includes providing
filter head 22 having an inlet arrangement 192, outlet arrangement
196, and outer wall 156 surrounding a cartridge-receiving interior
158. The outer wall 156 includes a rim 160 and threaded region 162
orientated toward the cartridge-receiving interior 158 adjacent the
end rim 160.
[0159] The method includes a step of providing the filter cartridge
24. The filter cartridge 24 includes housing 28, filter media
construction 48 operably oriented in interior volume 38, and sleeve
84. The sleeve 84 surrounds and is against the housing 28. The
sleeve 84 includes a threaded section 106 and defines seal holder
recess 94. Seal member 110 is within the seal holder recess 94 and
projects radially outwardly therefrom.
[0160] The method includes a step of threadably mating the threaded
section 106 of the sleeve 84 with the threaded region 162 of the
filter head 22 to compress the seal member 110 and form an operable
seal 172 between the filter head 22 and the filter cartridge 24.
The seal 172 will be formed using a torque of less than 50% needed
to form an operable seal using a comparable filter head that has a
straight section instead of a ramp. In some examples, this torque
is no greater than 10 N-m. By "operable seal", it is meant a seal
that can withstand pressures of about 100 psi.
[0161] In preferred methods, the step of threadably mating will
include forming the seal 172 using a torque less than 55% needed to
form an operable seal using a comparable filter head that has a
straight section instead of a ramp.
[0162] In preferred methods, the step of threadably mating will
including forming the seal 172 using a torque of less than 6 N-m
and no greater than 8.2 N-m.
[0163] The step of providing the filter head 22 includes providing
the filter head outer wall 156 to have ramp 166. The threaded
region 162 will be between the ramp 166 and the end rim 160. The
step of threadably mating preferably includes compressing the ramp
166 against the seal member 110 to form the seal 172 between and
against the ramp 166 and the sleeve 84.
[0164] The step of providing the filter head 22 may include
providing the filter head outer wall 156 to have the ramp 166 that
in angled between 12 and 18 degrees from the outer wall 156 filter
head 22.
[0165] The method may further include a step of disconnecting the
filter cartridge 24 and the filter head 22. This step will be after
the step of threadably mating. The step of disconnecting the filter
cartridge 24 from the filter head 22 will use a torque of less than
10 N-m.
[0166] In preferred arrangements, the step of disconnecting the
filter cartridge 24 and the filter head 22 will use a torque of
less than 7 N-m.
[0167] In some preferred arrangements, after the step of threadably
mating, the step of disconnecting the filter cartridge 24 and the
filter head 22 will use a torque of less than 6.5 N-m and greater
than 5 N-m.
[0168] The step of providing a filter cartridge can include
providing a filter cartridge 24 as variously characterized above,
with certain features selected for advantage, but not necessarily
requiring all features.
[0169] The step of providing the filter head can include providing
the filter head 22 as variously characterized above, with selective
features for advantage, but not necessarily requiring all
features.
[0170] Materials
[0171] For spin on filters, the usable materials for the filter
housing 28 can include metals such as for example steel or
aluminum. For bowl cartridge filters useable materials for the bowl
can include plastics, metals, composites, or other materials
capable of withstanding pressures typically experienced in
filtration applications. Usable materials for the sleeve 84 can
include plastic, metal, or other materials capable of withstanding
the torque, pressures, and temperatures typically experienced in
filtration applications.
[0172] General Aspects of Principles of this Disclosure
[0173] A filter cartridge comprises a housing; a filter media
construction in the housing; and a sleeve on an outside of the
housing; the sleeve being threaded and holding a housing seal
member.
[0174] The housing has a surrounding wall defining an interior
volume, an open mouth in communication with the interior volume and
a bottom opposite of the mouth; the surrounding wall having an
interior surface in communication with the interior volume and an
opposite exterior surface.
[0175] The filter media construction is operably oriented in the
interior volume of the housing.
[0176] The sleeve is oriented against the exterior surface of the
surrounding wall of the housing; the sleeve has an inner portion
and an opposite exterior portion, the inner portion is oriented
against the exterior surface of the surrounding wall.
[0177] The sleeve includes opposite first and second ends, the
first end being adjacent the open mouth of the housing.
[0178] The sleeve has a seal holder recess along the exterior
portion; and the housing seal member is operably held in the seal
holder recess.
[0179] The sleeve has a seal holder recess with a radially
extending base surface.
[0180] The sleeve has a seal holder recess with a recess wall.
[0181] The sleeve has a seal holder recess with a radially
extending base surface and a recess wall; the base surface having a
radial base length extending from the recess wall.
[0182] An outwardly radially projecting rib is adjacent to the
first end of the sleeve forming a ceiling of the recess.
[0183] The rib is part of the sleeve.
[0184] The rib is part of the housing.
[0185] The rib is even with the first end of the sleeve.
[0186] The rib is spaced from the first end of the sleeve.
[0187] The sleeve includes a plurality of threads projecting
radially outwardly from a threaded section of the exterior portion
of the sleeve.
[0188] The sleeve includes a plurality of threads projecting
radially outwardly from a threaded section of the exterior portion
of the sleeve between the second end and the base surface, the
threaded section having a radial length measured from the recess
wall.
[0189] The radial length of the threaded section is greater than
the radial base length.
[0190] The seal holder recess has a joint at an intersection
between the base surface and the recess wall.
[0191] The housing seal member has a sealing compression region;
the sealing compression region in cross-section being defined by a
compression region line.
[0192] A line perpendicular to the compression region line passes
through the joint in the seal holder recess and the housing seal
member.
[0193] The rib has a length less than 80% of the radial base
length.
[0194] The outwardly radially projecting rib has a length less than
60% of the radial base length.
[0195] The outwardly radially projecting rib has a length less than
55% of the radial base length.
[0196] The rib extends radially away from the recess wall a
distance less than the base surface extends away from the recess
wall.
[0197] The base surface is located at least 4 mm and no greater
than 15 mm from an axial rim defining the mouth of the housing.
[0198] The base surface is located at least 7 mm and no greater
than 11 mm from an axial rim defining the mouth of the housing.
[0199] The sleeve includes a bevel surface between the base surface
and the threaded section; the bevel surface being angled relative
to the threaded section at an angle between 10-50.degree..
[0200] The sleeve includes a bevel surface between the base surface
and the threaded section; the bevel surface being angled relative
to the threaded section at an angle between 12-30.degree..
[0201] The sleeve includes a bevel surface between the base surface
and the threaded section; the bevel surface being angled relative
to the threaded section at an angle between 13-17.degree..
[0202] The bevel surface has an axial length between the base
surface and the threaded section of 0.7-2 mm.
[0203] The bevel surface has an axial length between the base
surface and the threaded section of 0.8-1.5 mm.
[0204] The sleeve includes a radially extending stop member between
the threaded section and the second end.
[0205] The stop member is located at least 17 mm and no greater
than 30 mm from an axial rim defining the mouth of the housing.
[0206] The stop member is located at least 18 mm and no greater
than 28 mm from an axial rim defining the mouth of the housing.
[0207] The stop member projects radially outwardly a distance
greater than any other portion of the sleeve.
[0208] The filter media construction comprises a cylinder of
pleated filter media secured between first and second end caps
[0209] A ring projects axially from the first end cap in a
direction away from a remaining part of the filter media
construction; and a first end cap seal member is held by the
ring.
[0210] The first end cap seal member projects radially outwardly
from the ring.
[0211] The filter media construction is fixed and non-removably
mounted in the interior volume of the housing.
[0212] The housing bottom includes a drain valve.
[0213] The housing seal member projects radially outwardly farther
than the rib.
[0214] The wall of the housing overlaps the first end of the
sleeve.=
[0215] The wall of the housing overlaps the projecting rib and is
in extension along the exterior portion of the sleeve along the
recess wall.
[0216] A filter head removably attached to the filter
cartridge.
[0217] The filter head includes an outer wall surrounding a
cartridge-receiving interior; the outer wall having an end rim, a
threaded region oriented toward the cartridge-receiving interior
adjacent to the end rim, and a ramp; the ramp being angled in a
direction toward the cartridge-receiving interior and positioned to
engage the housing seal member to form a seal with the filter
cartridge when the filter head and filter cartridge are operably
attached to each other.
[0218] The threaded region is in between the ramp and the end
rim.
[0219] An operable section of the ramp is angled between 5 and 45
degrees from the outer wall of the filter head.
[0220] An operable section of the ramp is angled between 10 and 30
degrees from the outer wall of the filter head.
[0221] An operable section of the ramp is angled between 12 and 18
degrees from the outer wall of the filter head.
[0222] The filter head includes an inlet arrangement for conveying
unfiltered fluid to the filter cartridge and an outlet arrangement
for conveying filtered fluid from the filter cartridge.
[0223] A filter assembly includes a filter head having a ramp; a
filter cartridge removably attached to the filter head; the filter
cartridge having a seal member; and wherein the ramp on the filter
head is compressed against the seal member to form a seal between
the filter head and the filter cartridge.
[0224] The filter head includes an inlet arrangement, an outlet
arrangement, and an outer wall surrounding a cartridge-receiving
interior; the outer wall having an end rim, a threaded region
oriented toward the cartridge-receiving interior adjacent to the
end rim.
[0225] The filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter media
construction operably oriented in an interior volume of the
housing, and a sleeve surrounding and against the housing.
[0226] The sleeve includes a threaded section mateably engaging the
threaded region of the filter head, a seal holder recess, and the
seal member being within the seal holder recess and projecting
radially outwardly.
[0227] An operable section of the ramp is angled between 5 and 45
degrees from the outer wall of the filter head.
[0228] An operable section of the ramp is angled between 10 and 30
degrees from the outer wall of the filter head.
[0229] An operable section of the ramp is angled between 12 and 18
degrees from the outer wall of the filter head
[0230] The sleeve has an inner portion and an opposite exterior
portion, the inner portion being oriented against an exterior
surface of the housing; the sleeve including opposite first and
second ends, the first end being adjacent an open mouth of the
housing; wherein, the seal holder recess is along the exterior
portion, the recess being defined by an outwardly radially
projecting rib adjacent to the first end forming a ceiling, a
radially extending base surface opposite of the ceiling, and a
recess wall extending axially between the ceiling and the base
surface; the seal holder recess has a joint being defined at an
intersection between a line tangent to a lowest point of the seal
member, when the cartridge is oriented with the mouth as uppermost,
and a line tangent to a most radially inward portion of the seal
member; and the ramp compressing against the housing seal member in
cross-section along a compression region line; a line perpendicular
to the compression region line passes through the joint in the seal
holder recess and the housing seal member.
[0231] The sleeve includes a bevel surface between the base surface
and the threaded section; the bevel surface being angled relative
to the threaded section at an angle between 10-50.degree..
[0232] The sleeve includes a bevel surface between the base surface
and the threaded section; the bevel surface being angled relative
to the threaded section at an angle between 12-30.degree..
[0233] The sleeve includes a bevel surface between the base surface
and the threaded section; the bevel surface being angled relative
to the threaded section at an angle between 13-17.degree..
[0234] The bevel surface has an axial length between the base
surface and the threaded section of 0.7-2 mm.
[0235] The bevel surface has an axial length between the base
surface and the threaded section of 0.8-1.5 mm.
[0236] The sleeve includes a radially extending stop member between
the threaded section and the second end.
[0237] The stop member is located at least 17 mm and no greater
than 30 mm from an axial rim defining a mouth of the housing.
[0238] The stop member is located at least 18 mm and no greater
than 28 mm from an axial rim defining a mouth of the housing.
[0239] The stop member projects radially outwardly a distance
greater than any other portion of the sleeve.
[0240] The filter media construction comprises a cylinder of
pleated filter media secured between first and second end caps
[0241] A ring projects axially from the first end cap in a
direction away from a remaining part of the filter media
construction; and a first end cap seal member is held by the
ring.
[0242] The first end cap seal member projects radially outwardly
from the ring.
[0243] The filter media construction is fixed and non-removably
mounted in the interior volume of the housing.
[0244] The filter cartridge further includes a drain valve.
[0245] A method of installing a filter cartridge on a filter head,
the method comprising providing a filter head; providing a filter
cartridge with a sleeve and a seal member; threadably mating a
threaded section of the sleeve with a threaded region of the filter
head to compress the seal member and form a seal between the filter
head and the filter cartridge, the seal being formed using a torque
less than 50% needed to form an operable seal using a comparable
filter head that has a straight section instead of a ramp.
[0246] The step of providing a filter head includes providing a
head having an inlet arrangement, an outlet arrangement, and an
outer wall surrounding a cartridge-receiving interior; the outer
wall having an end rim, and a threaded region oriented toward the
cartridge-receiving interior adjacent to the end rim.
[0247] The step of providing a filter cartridge includes providing
a housing, a filter media construction operably oriented in an
interior volume of the housing, and a sleeve surrounding and
against the housing; the sleeve having a threaded section; the
sleeve defining a seal holder recess; the seal member being within
the seal holder recess and projecting radially outwardly.
[0248] The step of threadably mating includes forming the seal
using a torque less than 55% needed to form an operable seal using
a comparable filter head that has a straight section instead of a
ramp.
[0249] The step of threadably mating includes forming the seal
using a torque of no greater than 10 N-m.
[0250] The step of providing a filter head includes providing the
filter head outer wall to having a ramp, the threaded region being
between the ramp and the end rim; and the step of threadably mating
includes compressing the ramp against the seal member to form the
seal between and against the ramp and the sleeve.
[0251] The step of providing a filter head includes providing the
filter head outer wall to having the ramp that is angled between 12
and 18 degrees from the outer wall of the filter head.
[0252] After the step of threadably mating, disconnecting the
filter cartridge and filter head by using a torque of less than 50%
needed to disconnect using a comparable filter head that has a
straight section instead of a ramp.
[0253] After the step of threadably mating, disconnecting the
filter cartridge and filter head by using a torque of less than 65%
needed to disconnect using a comparable filter head that has a
straight section instead of a ramp.
[0254] After the step of threadably mating, disconnecting the
filter cartridge and filter head by using a torque of less than 7
N-m.
[0255] The above represents example principles. Many embodiments
can be made using these principles.
* * * * *