IMPROVED CONTAINMENT FEATURES FOR LIQUID FILTER ARRANGEMENTS; ASSEMBLIES; AND, METHODS
This application is being filed on 28 February 2006 as a PCT International Patent application in the name of Donaldson Company, Inc., a U.S. national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries except the US, and David P. Welzant, Thomas A. Boeckermann, Dennis Michael Deedrich, and Randall William Heibenthal, all citizens of the US, applicants for the designation of the US only, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/657,567, filed March 1, 2005.
Technical Field
The disclosure generally concerns liquid filters. In particular, the disclosure relates to improved features in such liquid filters. The features relate generally to an improved arrangement for providing containment around a liquid filter, for convenient handling, use and disposition.
Background
Liquid filters are employed in a variety of applications including fuel systems, fuel/water separators, hydraulic systems and engine lubrication systems. Such filter assemblies generally include a filter cartridge within a can or a housing. In general, liquid filter arrangements are provided in either a spin-on form or a bowl/cartridge form. In a spin-on form, the filter cartridge is received within a can from which it is not normally removed, during servicing. Rather the entire can is spun onto or attached to a filter head or other componentry and is replaced in its entirety during servicing. Examples of such arrangements are described in U.S. 4,369,113; 4,834,885; 5,104,537; 5,895,574; and, 6,345,721; the complete disclosures of these five references being incorporated herein by reference.
In bowl/cartridge arrangements, the filter cartridge is a serviceable component, received within a housing bowl or can. The housing bowl or can is then attached to a filter head, during operation. Examples of bowl/cartridge filter arrangements are described for example in U.S. 6,752,924; and, 6,322,697; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In bowl/cartridge arrangements, a serviceable filter cartridge is provided which must be installed in the housing and removed from the housing. Improvements in arrangements for handling the serviceable filter cartridge are desired.
Summary of the Disclosure
The present disclosure concerns features and techniques useable in liquid filter arrangements. The features and techniques can be used together to provide for an advantageous liquid filter arrangement. However not all the features and techniques described herein need to be used, for a liquid filter arrangement to obtain some advantage according to the present disclosure.
The techniques generally relate to providing an enclosed arrangement around the outside of the filter cartridge, spaced from the media, to contain liquid flow within a resulting serviceable filter cartridge. Seal arrangements useable in association with such a containment arrangement are also described. Also, a convenient, removable, cap arrangement is shown, to contain residual liquid and contaminant, in a used cartridge.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is an exploded partially fragmentary, schematic view depicting a liquid filter having a bowl/cartridge assembly including a serviceable liquid filter cartridge according to the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 is a schematic, exploded view depicting a serviceable liquid filter cartridge removed from the bowl of a bowl/cartridge arrangement. Fig. 3 is an enlarged, schematic, side elevational view depicting the serviceable liquid filter cartridge used in the assembly of Fig. 1 and depicted in Fig. 2, shown with portions broken away and with optional embossing pattern.
Fig. 4 is an exploded view depicting a storage cap being positioned on a serviceable filter cartridge as depicted in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the cap depicted in Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cap depicted in Fig. 5, taken along line 6-6 thereof. Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a liquid filter cartridge to the arrangement depicted in Figs. 1-4; in Fig. 7, the liquid filter cartridge being depicted with a removable containment cap.
Fig. 8 is an exploded, schematic, view depicting a containment cap being positioned on the arrangement of Fig. 7. •
Fig. 9 is an exploded, schematic, perspective view of the assembly depicted in Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view depicting the assembly of Figs. 7 and 9 positioned in a bowl/cartridge assembly for use.
Detailed Description I. The Arrangement of Figs. 1-6. A. General Assembly Features and Operation - Fig. 1.
The reference numeral 1, Fig. 1, generally indicates a liquid filter assembly according to the present disclosure. The depiction of Fig. 1 is schematic, but indicates features and improvements of concern herein. The techniques described can be applied in a variety of different types of liquid filter arrangements, for example in lubrication (oil) filters; hydraulic filters; fuel filters; and, in fuel/water separators. Referring to Fig. 1, the liquid filter assembly 1 includes an inlet cover
4, a bowl or housing bottom 5, and an internally received filter cartridge 6. The filter assembly 1 depicted, as a result, is a bowl/cartridge assembly in which the filter cartridge 6 is a service part, positioned in an interior 5 a of the housing or bowl
5. By the term "service part" it is meant that the cartridge 6 is removed from the housing 5 and replaced, in normal use. During servicing, the housing or bowl 5 is removed from the cover piece 4 and the cartridge 6 is removed from interior 5 a and is replaced with a new or refurbished cartridge 6. The housing or bowl 5 would then be replaced on the cover piece 4.
Referring to Fig. 1, it is noted that in Fig. 1 the assembly 1 is depicted with the bowl 5 separated from the cover piece 4. Engagement could of course, be by threaded engagement as shown; although alternatives are possible.
The cover piece 4 would typically comprise a portion of a filter head or related assembly that would remain mounted on equipment, during servicing. Referring still to Fig. 1, the cover 4 is generally configured to: provide for an inlet flow of liquid to be filtered, into the interior 5a of the housing 5; and, to receive filtered liquid from the interior 5 a, to pass it back into a liquid circulation system of the equipment involved. Referring to Fig. 1, at 10 a central flow conduit is shown. For the particular assembly, conduit 10 is an inlet flow conduit 11 through post 12 to receive liquid to be filtered from the circulation loop, directing same into interior 6a of cartridge 6.
This unfiltered liquid is then filtered by passage through filter media 15 of cartridge 6, into annular space 18. The filtered liquid would then flow from annular space 18 around the filter cartridge 6 and out through an exit port in region 20 of cover piece 4. Herein, conduit 10 will sometimes be referred to as a central flow conduit, due to its positioning. Port 20 will sometimes be referred to as a second flow conduit spaced radially from the first, central, flow conduit.
Typically, within volume 5a, cartridge 6 is sealed to post 12, to prevent undesired flow of unfiltered liquid between region 6a and annulus 18, without passage through media 15 of filter cartridge 6. The filter cartridge 6 is sealed to post 12, typically and preferably in accord with one of the approaches described in U.S. Provisional Application filed March 1, 2005 as an application entitled "Improved Features for Liquid Filter Arrangements; Resulting Filter Components and Assemblies; and, Methods" under Express Mail No. EV 495871377 US. The complete disclosure of the application identified in the previous sentence is incorporated herein by reference. It is noted that alternate seal arrangements can be used. In general, the seal is provided by first, post, sealing arrangement 21 on cartridge 6. The particular seal arrangement shown, includes a lip seal and a projection/receiver arrangement, although alternatives are possible.
Of course in some instances bypass flow arrangements can be provided, to allow for a controlled bypass flow around media 15, should the filter cartridge 6 become unacceptably included. For the particular example shown schematically in Fig. 1, no bypass arrangement is depicted, although one could be used.
Still referring to Fig. 1, it is noted that housing or bowl 5 is secured to cover piece 4 by a threaded arrangement 22. This provides for convenient service access, since bowl 5 would simply be unthreaded from cover piece 4, to provide service access to interior 5a and cartridge 6. O-ring 22a provides for a seal between bowl 5 and cover piece 4.
In general terms, the cartridge 6 comprises media 15, typically arranged in a pleated form 23. The media 15 is generally configured in a tubular shape, around open central volume 6a. The media 15 has opposite ends 15 a, 15b and is positioned in extension between opposite end caps 25, 26. The media 15 can be potted to the opposite end caps 25, 26 with sealant; or, the end caps 25, 26 can be molded in place on media ends 15 a, 15b respectively or be thermally bonded in place. The media 15 defines an inner edge 15c and an outer edge 15d. The inner edge 15c, for pleated media 23, would comprise inner pleat tips 23 a; and, the outer edge 15d for pleated media 23 would comprise outer pleat tips 23d. Media material is a matter of choice for the particular application desired. A wide variety of types of media can be used.
Although alternatives are possible, as discussed below, for the arrangement 1 shown in Fig. 1 , end cap 26 is a closed end cap, meaning it has no apertures therethrough in flow communication with region 6a. End cap 25, on the other hand, is an open end cap, defining central opening 28, to allow flow between region 6a and conduit 10. For the assembly 1 shown, the first seal arrangement 21 is positioned in aperture 28. In the example of Fig. 1, the flow direction of unfiltered liquid, again, is from conduit 10 toward region 6a and then through media 15 into annulus 18, although alternatives are possible. A flow pattern of unfiltered liquid into central region 6a, then through media 15, and into annulus 18, is generally referred to herein as a "in-to-out" flow pattern, and cartridge 6 is adapted for in-to-out flow. It is noted that certain of the techniques according to the present disclosure can be adapted to be utilized for arrangements that are configured for "out-to-in" flow patterns.
Referring still to Fig. 1, it is noted that the cartridge 6 depicted, has no inner liner. By this it is meant that there is no tubular structure in region 6a, such as a perforated tube or expanded metal tube. Such an arrangement will sometimes be referred to as "inner liner free." Principles according to the present disclosure could be incorporated in arrangements that do include an inner liner. However it is advantageous that an inner liner be avoided. It is noted that the cartridge 6 includes, positioned on the media 15, roving 29. The roving is coiled around the media, to help contain the same. The media may also be provided with a support on one or both sides, pleated with the media, when pleated media is used. Such supports can be plastic or metal, for example.
B. Preferred Arrangements for Containing Flow and Liquid.
Referring to Fig. 1, it is noted that cartridge 6 includes thereon a containment and flow direction arrangement 100 comprising: outer containment wall, sheath or extension 101; flow direction aperture arrangement 102; and, second, housing, seal arrangement 103. Referring to Fig. 1, containment extension 101 comprises a continuous, impervious, side wall 101a secured to and extending between end caps 25, 26, spaced from media 15, by annular space 18. By "impervious" in this context, it is meant that the wall 101a generally does not permit the liquid being filtered, to flow therethrough, i.e., it has no apertures or holes therein. By the term "continuous" in this context, it is meant that the wall 101 extends between the end caps, without a break or joint therein.
Preferably the distance of spacing between wall 101a and the media 15 is at least 3 mm, typically not more than 20 mm, and often within the range of 5 mm to 16 mm, although alternatives are possible. Preferably the wall 101a is positioned spaced from inner wall 5b of housing bowl 5. Typically the spacing is relatively small, usually no greater than 6 mm, although alternatives are possible.
Within end cap 25 apertures are provided where indicated at 102, in a spaced pattern around end cap 25 and in flow communication with region 18 between wall 101a and media 15. These apertures are shown, for example, in Fig. 2. In normal operation and referring to Fig. 1, liquid will enter region 6a as previously described, and will flow through media 15 into annulus 18 between the media 15 and containment wall, cover or shield 101a. The liquid will then flow upwardly through flow apertures 102, and into cover 4. (The flow apertures 102 are spaced peripheral flow apertures positioned radially outwardly from the media 15.) Of course with an out-to-in flow pattern, an opposite flow direction would be involved. It is desirable to avoid introduction of liquid between covering 101a and side wall 56, i.e., in region 110. To facilitate this, a second, peripheral, seal arrangement 103 is provided.
For the particular arrangement shown in Figs. 1-4, second seal arrangement 103 comprises a seal mounted on or secured to end cap 25, to provide a sealing engagement to inhibit liquid flow around the cartridge 6, in this instance by sealing with a portion of the housing bowl 5, as a housing seal. For the particular assembly depicted, Fig. 3, seal arrangement 105 comprises a peripheral extension 115 formed integrally with a remainder of end cap 25, in a molding process. Extension 115 generally extends at an angle to wall 101a, usually at an acute angle A of at least 10° and not more than 80°, typically at least 25° and not more than 70°.
When cartridge 6 is pushed into housing 5 a, seal extension 115 will engage the side wall 56, providing a seal, as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, seal extension 115 is a conical lip seal 115a, although alternatives are possible. Typically and preferably, when a lip seal such as arrangement 115s is used, that extends at an oblique angle to the housing wall 56, is defined, preferably the direction of extension is away from end cap 26. In this matter liquid in region 20 above end cap 25, will tend to press the lip seal 115a against the wall 56, enhancing sealing. Alternately stated, conically shaped lip seal 115a is positioned with the wider end of the cone further from end cap 26, than the narrow end of the cone. This means that the lip 115a will easily flex inwardly, as the cartridge 6 is pushed into a housing bowl 5.
In Fig. 2, cartridge 6 is shown being removed from (or being inserted into) housing bowl 5, during a servicing operation. It can be understood that wall 101a will tend to retain liquid and contaminant, within the cartridge 6 during servicing, to facilitate the servicing operation.
In Fig. 3, cartridge 6 is shown in enlarged cross-sectional view. Example dimensions are provided as follows: AA = 156 mm; BB = 264.2 mm; and, BB' = 148 mm. Of course alternatives are possible; the dimensions provided merely being examples.
In Fig. 4, cartridge 6 is being shown with a cap 150 being positioned thereon. Cap 150 is sized and configured to snap fit over end cap 26, to remain in place. The cap 150 is liquid impervious (has no open apertures to allow flow therethrough when in place)" ' '.ng handling of cartridge 6, after its been used, residual liquid and contaminant will be contained within the cartridge under cap 150 and within outer covering 101a.
Removable cap 150 would typically be molded from a plastic material of appropriate dimensions. In Figs. 5 and 6, cap 150 is shown in detail. It is noted that cap 150 includes tab 151 for easy attachment and removal.
The particular cap 150 is sized to engage aperture 28, with central projection 152, Fig. 6, to facilitate closure and snap fit engagement.
In Figs. 5 and 6, the example dimensions depicted are as follows: CC = 20.22 mm; DD = 85.16 mmR; EE = 0.23 mm; FF = 55.46 mm; and GG = 155.77 mm, although alternatives are possible; the dimensions shown merely being examples.
In typical commercial practice, a new service cartridge 6 would be provided with a removable cap 150 thereon, and be sent to an appropriate location for servicing operation. The cap removed from the new cartridge 6, and would be attached to the used cartridge 6 being removed from the liquid filter assembly 4 during servicing. The new cartridge 6, having the cap 150 removed, would then be installed as the new service part, hi this way, the service provider does not need to retain a cap 150, for a servicing operation. Rather a new cap 150 would be provided with each new service part 6, as a combination. The order of steps is not critical, as long as the intended result is achieved.
It is noted that the outer covering 101a can be a rigid material, or a flexible material, hi some instances a flexible material, which can press against inner wall 56, under liquid pressure during use, will be preferred. A variety of plastic materials could be used for such an application, typically the preferred materials will be ones which can withstand the liquid pressure conditions and temperature conditions of normal use. Composite or multi-layered laminate materials could be used. It is anticipated that it will typically be preferred that at least an inner layer, facing the media pack 15, would comprise nylon. This material would conveniently secure to end caps 25, 26, which also typically would be molded from nylon, for example nylon 66. Adhesive attachment or sonic weld attachment, for example, could be used.
When the material for the covering 101a is a flexible polymeric film that can flex and press against the wall, it will typically be preferred that the material have an embossed outer surface, to facilitate air disϋlacement within region 110, Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, an example, optional, embossing is shown, in covering 101a at 180. It is noted that a variety of alternate embossing arrangements can be used. The embossing pattern 180 shown, simply provides that channels between the embossed "squares" allow for air flow to be directed during displacement up toward seal arrangement 115. Because this displaced air flow would be in the direction of arrow 181, and due to the directional orientation of Hp 115, during this initial expansion of wall 101a the air would simply work its way past seal 115. Reverse flow of liquid, however, past seal 115 is inhibited due to the directional orientation of seal arrangement 115. It is noted that in Fig. 3, optional embossing pattern 180 is not drawn covering the entire wall 101a, but rather is depicted in fragmentary view. In a typical arrangement, embossing pattern 180 would cover the entire outside surface of wall 101a.
Herein, an embossing pattern such as pattern 180, which provides for an uninterrupted air flow channel from end cap 26 to end cap 25, will sometimes be referred to as an embossed surface defining a vertical air displacement path.
II. An Alternate Embodiment, Figs. 7-10
In Figs. 7-10, an alternate embodiment utilizing principles in general as described in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 1-6, is shown.
Referring to Fig. 1, a cartridge assembly 206 is depicted with cover 207 thereon. The cartridge assembly 206 is a serviceable cartridge, useable in a bowl/cartridge described below in connection with Fig. 10.
Still referring to Fig. 7, cartridge 206 comprises media 215 provided in a tubular configuration and in extension between end caps 225, 226. Typically the media 215 would be pleated with inner pleat tips 216 and outer pleat tips 217 although alternatives are possible. Roving 220 is shown coiled around the outer pleat tips 217. The media pack 215 defines an open interior 206a. The cartridge 206 depicted, is inner liner free. End cap 225 is an open end cap having central aperture 230 extending therethrough. The central aperture 230 includes a first, cover, seal engagement arrangement 231 comprising bead 232 and lip seal 233, generally in accord with the principles of U.S. Provisional Application filed March 1, 2005 entitled "Improved Featu] agements; Resulting Filter Components and Assemblies; and, Methods," under Express Mail No. EV 495871377 US, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Of course alternate cover arrangements can be used in place of cover arrangement 231. Outer continuous, impermeable, sheath, covering or wall 240 is provided in extension between end caps 225, 226 spaced from media 215 defined annulus 241 therebetween. End cap 225 would include flow apertures in region 250, for flow of liquid between annulus 241 and region 251.
End cap 225 includes peripheral axial tubular (in this instance circular) extension 260 thereon, extending axially outwardly from end cap 225 in a direction generally opposite to end cap 226. Extension 260 defines region 251, above a remainder of end cap 225. Extension 260 includes a seal, in this instance o- ring 261, thereon, at an end remote from media pack 215. The o-ring 261 is shown positioned as a peripheral seal on an exterior of extension 260, although alternatives are possible.
Removable cap 207 is shown pushed over end 260a of extension 260, sealed in place by o-ring 261. Cap 207 includes side extension 207a and center 207b. When cap 207 is positioned in place, as shown, it will tend to contain liquid and contaminant under cap 207 and above end cap 226, contained within sheath 240. Cap 207 can be removed, for installation of a new filter 206 in place. In this instance end cap 226 is closed, although alternatives are possible.
In Fig. 8 filter 206 is shown with cap 207 removed therefrom. It is noted that extension 260 is provided with outer annular ribs 280 and rings 281 for strength. In Fig. 9 an exploded view of an assembly comprising cap 207 and cartridge 206 is depicted. It is noted that end caps 225, 226 can be secured in place by potting, heat bonding or by being molded in place on the media 215. Typically end caps 225, 226 will be molded, for example from nylon 66.
Outer sheath or wall 240 can be generally analogous to sheath or wall 101, Figs. 1-4.
In Fig. 10, cartridge 206 is shown positioned within a housing or bowl 300 and mounted on filter head or cover 301, for use to filter liquid. Liquid inlet in cover 301 is indicated at 302, directing liquid into interior 206a of cartridge 206. O-ring 261 is shown providing a seal between cartridge 206 and a portion of cover 301. After entering region 206a, liquid would flow through media pack 215 to annulus 241. The liquid would then flow through apertures 250, Fig. 8, and into region 251. It could then flow through outlet 305 in cover 301.
As with the embodiment of Figs. 1-6, wall 240 can be chosen to be either rigid or flexible. When a flexible material is shown, in operation it will generally press against interior surface 300a of bowl 300. Embossing in the outer surface of cover 240, when the cover 240 is flexile, will facilitate air displacement. Displaced air would typically be displaced through the threads 310.
The embodiment of Figs. 7-10, then, would be implemented analogously to the embodiment of Figs. 1-6, except for use with a different liquid filter assembly having a different cover and bowl.