LUBRICANT FILTER ASSEMBLY

A lubricant filter assembly includes a filter cartridge including a cylindrical filter medium and a top cap. The cylindrical filter medium extends circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the filter assembly. The cylindrical filter medium extends between and to a first filter end and a second filter end along the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical filter medium forms a filter passage extending from the first filter end to the second filter end. The top cap is disposed on the cylindrical filter medium at the first filter end. The top cap includes an inner diameter ring, an outer diameter ring, and an interior packing. The inner diameter ring forms a first filter outlet passage coincident with the filter passage. The inner diameter ring includes a first set of locking tabs. The outer diameter ring radially circumscribes the cylindrical filter medium.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to gas turbine engines for use with aircraft propulsion systems and, more particularly, to lubricant filter assemblies for gas turbine engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

Gas turbine engines for aircraft propulsion systems may include lubricant systems configured to provide lubrication and cooling to various gas turbine engine components. These lubricant systems may include a lubricant filter configured to remove contaminants from circulating lubricant. Various lubricant filter assemblies are known in the art. While these known lubricant filter assemblies have various advantages, there is still room in the art for improvement.

SUMMARY

It should be understood that any or all of the features or embodiments described herein can be used or combined in any combination with each and every other feature or embodiment described herein unless expressly noted otherwise.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a lubricant filter assembly includes a filter cartridge including a cylindrical filter medium and a top cap. The cylindrical filter medium extends circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the filter assembly. The cylindrical filter medium extends between and to a first filter end and a second filter end along the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical filter medium forms a filter passage extending from the first filter end to the second filter end. The top cap is disposed on the cylindrical filter medium at the first filter end. The top cap includes an inner diameter ring, an outer diameter ring, and an interior packing. Each of the inner diameter ring, the outer diameter ring, and the interior packing extend circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. The inner diameter ring forms a first filter outlet passage coincident with the filter passage. The inner diameter ring includes a first set of locking tabs. The outer diameter ring radially circumscribes the cylindrical filter medium.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the outer diameter ring may include an outer radial side and the interior packing may be disposed at the outer radial side.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the inner diameter ring may extend between and to a first axial end and a second axial end. The second axial end may be disposed within the filter passage. The interior packing may be disposed at the first axial end.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the inner diameter ring may include an inner radial surface and the interior packing may be disposed at the inner radial surface.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the lubricant filter assembly may further include a filter cover attached to the filter cartridge. The filter cover may include a second set of locking tabs. The second set of locking tabs may be configured to engage the first set of locking tabs to axially fix the filter cover relative to the filter cartridge.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the filter cover may include an exterior cover portion, a filter attachment ring portion, and a plurality of arms. The exterior cover portion may be mounted to the filter attachment ring portion by the plurality of arms. The plurality of arms may be circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis. The filter attachment ring portion may be attached to the filter cartridge.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the filter attachment ring portion may include a cover axially-extending portion and a cover outer diameter ring. The cover axially-extending portion may form a second filter outlet passage coincident with the first filter outlet passage. The cover outer diameter ring may extend axially from the cover axially-extending portion. The filter cover may include an exterior packing. The exterior packing may be disposed on the cover outer diameter ring radially outside of the interior packing. Each of the cover axially-extending portion, the cover outer diameter ring, and the exterior packing may extend circumferentially about the longitudinal axis.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the cover outer diameter ring may be sealingly engaged with the interior packing.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the lubricant filter assembly may further include a filter housing. The filter housing may include a housing body. The housing body may form an inlet, an outlet, a filter bore, and a filter bore opening. The filter bore may include an inlet bore and an outlet bore. The inlet bore may extend axially from the inlet to the outlet bore. The outlet bore may extend axially from the inlet bore to the filter bore opening.

The outlet may be disposed at the outlet bore. The filter cartridge may be disposed within the filter bore with the first filter end at the outlet and the second filter end at the inlet.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the inlet bore may have a first diameter and the outlet bore may have a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the housing body may form a set of clocking slots circumferentially spaced about the inlet bore. The outer diameter ring may include a set of clocking tabs circumferentially spaced about the top cap. Each clocking tab of the set of clocking tabs may be positioned within a respective clocking slot of the set of clocking slots to limit a rotation of the filter cartridge within the filter housing.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the lubricant filter assembly may further include a filter cover attached to the filter cartridge and the filter housing. The filter cover may include a second set of locking tabs. The second set of locking tabs may be configured to engage the first set of locking tabs to axially fix the filter cover relative to the filter cartridge.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the filter cover may include an exterior packing disposed radially outside of the interior packing and the exterior packing may be sealingly engaged with the housing body.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the lubricant filter assembly may further include a clocking pin. The filter cover may include a first clocking pin aperture and the filter housing may include a second clocking pin aperture. The clocking pin may be configured to be positioned within the first clocking pin aperture and the second clocking pin aperture with the filter cover attached to the filter housing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lubricant filter assembly includes a filter cartridge and a filter cover. The filter cartridge includes a cylindrical filter medium and a top cap. The cylindrical filter medium extends circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the filter assembly. The cylindrical filter medium extends between and to a first filter end and a second filter end along the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical filter medium forms a filter passage extending from the first filter end to the second filter end. The top cap is disposed on the cylindrical filter medium at the first filter end. The top cap includes an inner diameter ring. The inner diameter ring forms a first filter outlet passage coincident with the filter passage. The inner diameter ring includes a first set of locking tabs. The filter cover is attached to the filter cartridge. The filter cover includes a second set of locking tabs. The second set of locking tabs is configured to engage the first set of locking tabs to axially fix the filter cover relative to the filter cartridge.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the filter cartridge may further include an interior packing. The interior packing may be disposed at the inner diameter ring. The interior packing may be sealingly engaged with the filter cover.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the filter cover may include a spigot. The spigot may be configured for positioning within the first filter outlet passage with the interior packing sealingly engaged with the spigot.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the spigot may form a second filter outlet passage through the filter cover. The second filter outlet passage may be coincident with the filter passage.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lubrication system is configured to direct a lubricant to one or more components of a gas turbine engine. The lubrication system includes a lubricant filter assembly configured to remove contaminants from the lubricant. The lubricant filter assembly has a longitudinal axis. The lubricant filter assembly includes a filter housing, a filter cartridge, and a filter cover. The filter housing includes a housing body. The housing body forms an inlet, an outlet, a filter bore, and a filter bore opening. The filter bore extends from the inlet to the filter bore opening. The housing body forms a plurality of clocking slots distributed about the longitudinal axis. The filter cartridge includes a filter medium and a top cap. The filter medium extends circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the filter assembly. The filter medium extends between and to a first filter end and a second filter end along the longitudinal axis. The top cap is disposed on the cylindrical filter medium at the first filter end. The top cap includes a plurality of clocking tabs. Each clocking tab of the plurality of clocking tabs is disposed within a respective clocking slot of the plurality of clocking slots to limit a rotation of the filter cartridge within the housing. The filter cover is mounted to the housing at the filter bore opening. The filter cover is engaged with the filter cartridge such that the filter cover is axially fixed relative to the filter cartridge and the filter cover is rotatable relative to the filter cartridge about the longitudinal axis.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the filter cartridge may include an interior packing sealingly engaged with the filter cover and the filter cover may include an exterior packing sealingly engaged with the filter housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates a propulsion system10for an aircraft (e.g., a fixed wing aircraft, a rotary wing aircraft, etc.). For example, the propulsion system10may be mounted to or otherwise formed by a portion of the aircraft such as, but not limited to, a wing or fuselage of the aircraft. The aircraft propulsion system10ofFIG.1includes a gas turbine engine20. The present disclosure is not limited to gas turbine engine applications, and aspects of the present disclosure may also be applicable to other aircraft propulsion systems (e.g., battery electric propulsion systems) or equipment including lubricant or other fluid filtering systems.

The gas turbine engine20ofFIG.1is configured as a turbofan engine. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration of gas turbine engine for the propulsion system10, and examples of gas turbine engine configurations may include, but are not limited to, a turboprop engine, a turbojet engine, a propfan engine, an auxiliary power unit (APU) system, or the like. The gas turbine engine20ofFIG.1, for example, includes a fan section22, a compressor section24, a combustor section26, a turbine section28, an exhaust section30, and an engine static structure32, and a lubrication system34. The fan section22includes a fan36. The compressor section24may include a low-pressure compressor (LPC)38and a high-pressure compressor (HPC)40. The combustor section26includes an annular combustor42. The turbine section28may include and a high-pressure turbine (HPT)44a low-pressure turbine (LPT)46.

The gas turbine engine20sections22,24,26,28, and30ofFIG.1are arranged sequentially along an axial centerline48(e.g., a rotational axis) of the propulsion system10. The engine static structure32may include, for example, one or more engine cases for the gas turbine engine20. The engine static structure32may additionally include cowlings, bearing assemblies, or other structural components of the gas turbine engine20. The one or more engine cases house and/or structurally support one or more of the engine sections22,24,26,28, and30.

The gas turbine engine20ofFIG.1further includes a first rotational assembly50(e.g., a high-pressure spool) and a second rotational assembly52(e.g., a low-pressure spool). The first rotational assembly50and the second rotational assembly52are mounted for rotation about the axial centerline48relative to the engine static structure32.

The first rotational assembly50includes a first shaft54, a bladed first compressor rotor56for the high-pressure compressor40, and a bladed first turbine rotor58for the high-pressure turbine44. The first shaft54interconnects the bladed first compressor rotor56and the bladed first turbine rotor58. The second rotational assembly52includes a second shaft60, a bladed second compressor rotor62for the low-pressure compressor38, and a bladed second turbine rotor64for the low-pressure turbine46. The second shaft60interconnects the bladed second compressor rotor62and the bladed second turbine rotor64. The second shaft60may be directly or indirectly connected to the fan36to drive rotation of the fan36. For example, the second shaft60may be connected to the fan36by one or more speed-reducing gear assemblies (not shown) to drive the fan36at a reduced rotational speed relative to the second shaft60.

During operation of the propulsion system10ofFIGS.1, ambient air enters the propulsion system10through the fan section22and is directed into a core flow path66and a bypass flow path68by rotation of the fan36. The core flow path66extends generally axially along the axial centerline48within the gas turbine engine20. More particularly, the core flow path66extends axially through the gas turbine engine20sections24,26,28, and30ofFIG.1. The air within the core flow path66may be referred to as “core air.” The core air is compressed by the bladed second compressor rotor62and the bladed first compressor rotor56and directed into a combustion chamber of the combustor42. Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and mixed with the compressed core air to form a fuel-air mixture. This fuel-air mixture is ignited and combustion products thereof, which may be referred to as “core combustion gas,” flow through and sequentially cause the bladed first turbine rotor58and the bladed second turbine rotor64to rotate. The rotation of the bladed first turbine rotor58and the bladed second turbine rotor64respectively drive rotation of the first rotational assembly50and the second rotational assembly52. Rotation of the second rotational assembly52further drives rotation of the fan36, as discussed above. The bypass flow path68is formed outside of the gas turbine engine20, for example, radially between the gas turbine engine and a housing (e.g., a nacelle) of the propulsion system10.

The lubrication system34is in fluid communication with and configured to direct a lubricant to one or more components (e.g., rotational components) of the gas turbine engine in need of lubrication such as, but not limited to, bearings, shafts, gears and/or gear assemblies, and the like. The lubrication system34may include a lubricant pump (not shown), fluid conduits, a lubricant reservoir (not shown), and a filter assembly70. The lubrication system34may also include additional components such as, but not limited to, valves, heat exchangers, etc. However, a lubrication system, such as the lubrication system34, may include more, fewer, or alternative components. In one example, the lubricant pump may direct a lubricant (e.g., oil) from the lubricant reservoir to one or more components of the gas turbine engine20, back from the one or more components to the lubricant reservoir, and through the filter assembly70. The filter assembly70may be used to remove contaminants from the lubricant prior to directing the lubricant toward the one or more components.

Referring toFIGS.2-6, an embodiment of the filter assembly70is provided.FIG.2illustrates a cutaway view of the filter assembly70. The filter assembly70includes a filter housing72, a filter cartridge74, and a filter cover76. The filter housing72, filter cartridge74, and filter cover76are illustrated inFIG.2extending along a longitudinal axis78of the filter assembly70.

The filter housing72includes a housing body80. The housing body80extends along the longitudinal axis78between and to a first end82of the filter housing72and a second end84of the filter housing72. The housing body80further extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the longitudinal axis78. The housing body80includes an interior surface86. The housing body80forms an inlet88(e.g., a lubricant inlet), an outlet90(e.g., a lubricant outlet), a filter opening92, and a filter bore94. The housing body80may additionally form one or more clocking slots96, a clocking pin aperture98, and one or more cover fastener apertures (not shown). The inlet88is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the second end84. The outlet90and the filter opening92are disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end82. The filter opening92is formed through the housing body80(e.g., from an interior of the housing body80to an exterior of the housing body80) at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end82.

The interior surface86surrounds and forms the filter bore94through the housing body80. The filter bore94extends along the longitudinal axis78from the inlet88to the filter opening92. The filter bore94ofFIG.2includes an inlet bore100and an outlet bore102. The inlet bore100and the outlet bore102may be concentrically disposed along the longitudinal axis78. The inlet bore100extends (e.g., axially extends) from the inlet88to the outlet bore102. The outlet bore102extends (e.g., axially extends) from the inlet bore100to the filter opening92. The inlet88is in fluid communication with the filter bore94at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inlet bore100. The outlet90is in fluid communication with the filter bore94at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the outlet bore102. The inlet bore100ofFIG.2includes a first diameter D1. The outlet bore102ofFIG.2includes a second diameter D2. The second diameter D2may be greater than the first diameter D1. The greater second diameter D2of the outlet bore102may facilitate a reduction in the risk of introducing contaminants from the filter cartridge74into the lubrication system34as the filter cartridge74is removed from the filter housing72(e.g., for periodic filter cleaning or replacement). For example, as the filter cartridge74is removed from the filter housing72, the outlet bore102may become exposed to the contamination portion of the filter cartridge74. The greater second diameter D2of the outlet bore102may reduce the risk of physical contact between the filter cartridge74and portions of the filter housing72at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the outlet bore102, which physical contact may otherwise cause contaminants to become dislodged from the filter cartridge74and possibly enter the outlet90.

FIGS.3and4illustrate cutaway portions of the filter housing72showing the one or more clocking slots96. The clocking slots96are formed through the interior surface86. For example, the clocking slots96ofFIGS.3and4extend through the housing body80and the interior surface86in an axial direction, which axial direction generally extends from the first end82toward the second end84. The clocking slots96may be disposed (e.g., axially disposed) at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) an interface between the inlet bore100and the outlet bore102. For example, the clocking slots96may be disposed coincident with the inlet bore100, the outlet bore102, or the inlet bore100and the outlet bore102. The clocking slots96may be circumferentially distributed (e.g., circumferentially spaced) about the longitudinal axis78.

FIG.6illustrates portion of the housing body80forming the clocking pin aperture98. The clocking pin aperture98is configured to receive a clocking pin104of the filter assembly70. The clocking pin aperture98is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end82. The locking pin aperture98ofFIG.6extends (e.g., axially extends) through the housing body80from the first end82toward the second end84.

FIG.2illustrates the filter cartridge74disposed within the filter bore94. The filter cartridge74includes a filter medium106, a top cap108, and a centering ring110. The filter medium106may be any medium known in the art which is suitable for removing and retaining contaminants (e.g., particulate matter) from a lubricant (e.g., oil) flowing through the medium. The filter cartridge74extends along the longitudinal axis78between and to a first end112of the filter medium106and a second end114of the filter medium106. With the filter cartridge74installed in the filter housing72, the first end112is generally disposed proximate the first end82while the second end114is generally disposed proximate the second end84. The filter medium106may generally be configured as a cylindrical body. The filter medium106includes an exterior surface116and an interior surface118. Each of the exterior surface116and the interior surface118may extend between and to the first end112and the second end114. With the filter cartridge74installed in the filter housing72, the exterior surface116faces and is spaced from (e.g., radially spaced from) the interior surface86. The interior surface118forms a filter passage120through the filter medium106along the longitudinal axis78. The filter passage120extends between and through the first end112and the second end114.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the top cap108is disposed on the filter medium106at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end112. The top cap108includes a cap body122and an interior packing128. The cap body122may be in contact with or otherwise attached to the filter medium106on the first end112, the exterior surface116, and/or the interior surface118. The cap body122includes an inner diameter ring124and an outer diameter ring126. Each of the inner diameter ring124, the outer diameter ring126, and the interior packing128extend circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the longitudinal axis78.

The inner diameter ring124is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the filter passage120. The inner diameter ring124ofFIG.2extends between (e.g., axially between) and to a first end130of the inner diameter ring124and a second end132of the inner diameter ring124. The first end130may be spaced (e.g., axially spaced) outward of the first end112(e.g., in an axial direction away from the filter medium106). The second end132may be disposed within the filter passage120. For example, a portion of the inner diameter ring124may be disposed within the filter passage120and may be disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the interior surface118. The inner diameter ring124forms a filter outlet passage134through the top cap108along the longitudinal axis78. The filter outlet passage134extends between and through the first end130and the second end132. The filter outlet passage134is coincident with the filter passage120, for example, along the longitudinal axis78.

The inner diameter ring124includes one or more locking tabs136. The locking tabs136may be referred to herein as a “first set of locking tabs”136. The locking tabs136may be disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end130. The locking tabs136may generally extend outward (e.g., radially outward) at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end130. The locking tabs136may be circumferentially distributed (e.g., circumferentially spaced) about the longitudinal axis78.

The outer diameter ring126is disposed outward (e.g., radially outward) of the inner diameter ring124. The outer diameter ring126includes an outer radial side138, an inner radial side140, and one or more clocking tabs141. The outer radial side138extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the longitudinal axis78. The interior packing128may be disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the outer radial side138. The inner radial side140may be disposed in contact with or otherwise be attached to the exterior surface116. The clocking tabs141extend radially outward at the outer radial side138. The clocking tabs141may be circumferentially distributed (e.g., circumferentially spaced) about the longitudinal axis78. As shown, for example, inFIGS.3and4, with the filter cartridge74installed in the filter housing72, the clocking tabs141are disposed within the clocking slots96. For example, each clocking tab141may be disposed within a respective clocking slot96. With the clocking tabs141disposed in the clocking slots96, the clocking tabs141are configured to prevent or otherwise limit rotation of the filter cartridge74about the longitudinal axis78and, as a result, to also prevent or otherwise limit rotation of the filter cartridge74relative to the filter housing72and the filter cover76.

As shown inFIG.5, the centering ring110is disposed on the filter medium106at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the second end114. The centering ring110includes a ring body142. The ring body142may be in contact with or otherwise attached to the filter medium106on the second end114, the exterior surface116, and/or the interior surface118. The ring body142may obstruct the filter passage120at the second end114, thereby preventing lubricant from the inlet88from flowing into the filter passage120through the second end114. The ring body142includes a centering portion146. The centering portion146is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the exterior surface116. The centering portion146ofFIGS.2and5forms a series of circumferentially alternating protrusions148and grooves150. The protrusions148are disposed radially outward of the grooves150. With the filter cartridge74installed in the filter housing72, the protrusions148may be disposed in contact with or proximate the interior surface86. The protrusions148may minimize radial movement of the second end114during removal of the filter cartridge74from the filter housing72, thereby facilitating a reduction in the likelihood and/or the severity of physical contact (e.g., rubbing, scraping, banging, etc.) between the filter cartridge74and the filter housing72as the filter cartridge74is removed. Excessive physical contact between the filter cartridge74and the filter housing72may cause contaminants (e.g., particulate matter) retained by the filter medium106to become dislodged and fall into the filter housing72. The grooves150direct lubricant flow from the inlet88past the centering ring110so that the lubricant flow may pass through the filter medium106. The present disclosure is not limited to the particular centering ring110configuration ofFIGS.2and5, and other centering ring configurations may be contemplated, in accordance with the present disclosure, to limit radial movement at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the second end114while also facilitating the passage of lubricant flow (e.g., using grooves, apertures, channels, etc.).

FIG.2illustrates the filter cover76installed with the filter housing72and the filter cartridge74. The filter cover76includes a cover body152, a cover packing166, and an exterior packing144. Each of the cover packing166and the exterior packing144extend circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the longitudinal axis78. The cover body152includes an exterior cover portion154, a filter attachment ring portion156, and one or more arm portions158.

With the filter cover76installed in the filter assembly70, the exterior cover portion154is mounted to or otherwise disposed on the filter housing72at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the filter opening92. The exterior cover portion154is configured to seal the filter opening92. The exterior cover portion154includes an interior side160and an exterior side162. The interior side160forms a boundary of the filter bore94at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end82. The exterior cover portion154includes a handle164. The handle164is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the exterior side162to allow a user to securely grip the filter cover76. The cover pack166is disposed on the exterior cover portion154, for example, between the interior side160and the exterior side162. With the filter cover76installed in the filter assembly70, the cover packing166contacts the interior surface86to form a fluid seal between the housing body80and the filter cover76at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the filter opening92. The exterior cover portion154forms one or more fastener apertures (not shown) and a clocking pin aperture168. Fastener apertures of the exterior cover portion154and respective fastener apertures of the housing body80may allow the filter cover76to be securely mounted to the filter housing74using one or more fasteners170(e.g., threaded fasteners) as shown, for example, inFIG.2.FIG.6illustrates the exterior cover portion154forming the clocking pin aperture168. The clocking pin aperture168extends (e.g., axially extends) through the exterior cover portion154from the interior side160to the exterior side162. As can be understood fromFIG.6, with the filter cover76installed in the filter assembly70, the clocking pin aperture168may be disposed axially adjacent the clocking pin aperture98and the clocking pin aperture168may be circumferentially and radially aligned with the clocking pin aperture98, such that the clocking pin aperture168and the clocking pin aperture98may cooperatively receive the clocking pin104. Alignment of the clocking pin aperture168and the clocking pin aperture98, during installation of the filter cover76, may facilitate mistake proofing of the installation process by ensuring that the filter cover76is installed in the filter assembly70with the correct circumferential orientation.

As shown inFIG.3, the filter attachment ring portion156includes an axially-extending portion172, an inner diameter ring174, and an outer diameter ring176. Each of the axially-extending portion172, the inner diameter ring174, and the outer diameter ring176extend circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the longitudinal axis78.

The axially-extending portion172includes a first side178, a second side180, an inner diameter end182, and an outer diameter end184. The axially-extending portion172extends (e.g., axially extends) between and to the inner diameter end182and the outer diameter end184. The inner diameter end182forms a filter outlet passage186through the axially-extending portion172along the longitudinal axis78. The filter outlet passage186may be coincident with the filter outlet passage134, for example, along the longitudinal axis78.

The inner diameter ring174is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inner diameter end182and/or the filter outlet passage186. The inner diameter ring174extends between (e.g., axially between) and to a first end188of the inner diameter ring174and a second end190of the inner diameter ring174. The first end188is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the second side180. The inner diameter ring174extends inward (e.g., axially inward) to the second end190(e.g., in an axial direction toward the filter medium106). The inner diameter ring174includes one or more locking tabs192. The locking tabs192may be referred to herein as a “second set of locking tabs”192. The locking tabs192may be disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the second end190. The locking tabs192may generally extend inward (e.g., radially inward) at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the second end190. The locking tabs192may be circumferentially distributed (e.g., circumferentially spaced) about the longitudinal axis78. As shown inFIGS.2-4, the second set of locking tabs192is configured to engage the first set of locking tabs136. For example, the filter cartridge74may be rotated relative to the filter cover76to engage the first set of locking tabs136with the second set of locking tabs192. Engagement between the first set of locking tabs136with the second set of locking tabs192may axially fix the filter cartridge74relative to the filter cover76. Each of the locking tabs192may include a rotation stop193configured to limit rotation of the first set of locking tabs136relative to the second set of locking tabs192. The rotation stop193of each locking tab192may additionally facilitate circumferential positioning of the first set of locking tabs136relative to the second set of locking tabs192by a user.

The outer diameter ring176is disposed outward (e.g., radially outward) of the inner diameter ring174. The outer diameter ring176includes an exterior surface194and an interior surface196. The exterior surface194may form a radially outmost surface of the filter attachment ring portion156. The exterior surface194extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the longitudinal axis78. The exterior packing144may be disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the exterior surface194. The interior surface196is disposed in contact with the interior packing128to form a fluid seal between the filter attachment ring portion156(e.g., the outer diameter ring176) and the top cap108(e.g., the outer diameter ring126).

The one or more arm portions158extend between (e.g., axially between) and connect the exterior cover portion154to the filter attachment ring portion156. The arm portions158may be circumferentially distributed (e.g., circumferentially spaced) about the longitudinal axis78to allow lubricant exiting the filter outlet passage186to flow out of the filter cover76and into the outlet90. However, the one or more arm portions158are not limited to this particular configuration, and the one or more arm portions158may have any shape and/or orientation which allows lubricant to flow through the cover body152from the filter outlet passage186to the outlet90(e.g., through one or more openings formed by the one or more arm portions158).

Referring toFIG.2, in operation, lubricant may flow through the filter assembly70along a lubricant flow path L. For example, the lubricant flows into the filter bore94(e.g., the inlet bore100) from the inlet88. The lubricant is directed through the filter medium106and into the filter passage120, thereby allow the filter medium106to remove contaminants from the lubricant. The lubricant flows through the filter passage120, the filter outlet passage134, and the filter outlet passage186into the outlet bore102, whereby the lubricant is directed into the outlet90.

The filter assembly70of the present disclosure includes features to facilitate installation and removal of the filter cartridge74while also reducing the risk of introducing contaminants from the filter cartridge74into the associated lubrication system34. For example, engagement between the first set of locking tabs136and the second set of locking tabs192allows the filter cartridge74and the filter cover76to be secured to one another and installed into or removed from the filter housing72together, as a unit. As noted above, the engagement between the first set of locking tabs136and the second set of locking tabs192also allows the filter cartridge74and the filter cover76to be axially fixed relative to one another, thereby facilitating positioning of the interior packing128and the exterior packing144to ensure that a fluid seal is formed between the inlet88and the outlet90(e.g., to direct lubricant from the inlet88to the outlet90through the filter medium106). The axial fixing of the filter cartridge74relative to the filter cover76also reduces the risk of the filter cartridge74falling into the filter bore94toward the inlet88. Clocking features of the filter assembly70(e.g., the clocking slots96, the clocking pin aperture98, the clocking pin104, the clocking tabs141, and the clocking pin aperture168) further facilitate engagement between the components of the filter assembly70(e.g., the filter housing72, the filter cartridge74, and the filter cover76). As discussed above, the positioning of the clocking tabs141within the clocking slots96prevents or otherwise limits rotation of the filter cartridge74. Accordingly, the clocking tabs141and the clocking slots96may cooperatively prevent or otherwise limit rotation of the filter cartridge74(e.g., caused by vibration or other operating conditions of the lubrication system34and/or gas turbine engine10), thereby maintaining engagement between the first set of locking tabs136and the second set of locking tabs192. The clocking pin aperture98, the clocking pin104, and the clocking pin aperture168may facilitate mistake-proof assembly and installation of the components of the filter assembly70(e.g., the filter housing72, the filter cartridge74, and the filter cover76). For example, insertion of the clocking pin104into the clocking pin aperture98and the clocking pin aperture168may only be possible with the filter cartridge74and the filter cover76properly assembled together and installed in the filter housing72.

Referring toFIG.7, a portion of another embodiment of the filter assembly70is illustrated. In the embodiment ofFIG.7, the cap body122includes the inner diameter ring124, the outer diameter ring126, and an intermediate diameter ring198. The intermediate diameter ring198is disposed between (e.g., radially between) the inner diameter ring124and the outer diameter ring126. The intermediate diameter ring198ofFIG.7includes an inner radial surface200facing the longitudinal axis78. The inner radial surface200extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the longitudinal axis78. The interior packing128is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the inner radial surface200. The interior packing128ofFIG.7contacts the inner diameter ring174to form a fluid seal between the top cap108(e.g., the intermediate diameter ring198) and the filter cover76(e.g., the filter attachment ring portion156).

Referring toFIGS.8-9, portions of another embodiment of the filter assembly70are illustrated. In the embodiment ofFIGS.8and9, the interior packing128is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end130(e.g., a radially-extending surface of the first end130). The interior packing128contacts the filter attachment ring portion156(e.g., the axially-extending portion172) to form a fluid seal between the top cap108(e.g., the inner diameter ring124) and the filter cover76(e.g., the axially-extending portion172). In the embodiment ofFIGS.8and9, the filter attachment ring portion156may not include an inner diameter ring174. Instead, the outer diameter ring176may include the one or more locking tabs192. The locking tabs192may extend inward (e.g., radially inward) from the interior surface196. The locking tabs192ofFIGS.8and9may be circumferentially distributed (e.g., circumferentially spaced) about the longitudinal axis78. As shown inFIGS.8-9, the second set of locking tabs192is configured to engage the first set of locking tabs136. For example, the filter cartridge74may be rotated relative to the filter cover76to engage the first set of locking tabs136with the second set of locking tabs192.FIG.9illustrates the first set of locking tabs136disposed on the second set of locking tabs192. Engagement between the first set of locking tabs136with the second set of locking tabs192may axially fix the filter cartridge74relative to the filter cover76.

Referring toFIG.10, a portion of another embodiment of the filter assembly70is illustrated. In the embodiment ofFIG.10, the interior packing128is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) an inner radial surface202of the inner diameter ring124. The inner radial surface202forms the filter outlet passage134through the top cap108along the longitudinal axis78. The inner radial surface202and the filter outlet passage134extend between the first end130and the second end132. The filter outlet passage134is coincident with the filter passage120, for example, along the longitudinal axis78. The inner diameter ring124ofFIG.10further includes the locking tabs136extending outward (e.g., radially outward) at (e.g., on, adjacent, or proximate) the first end130. As noted above, the locking tabs136may be circumferentially distributed (e.g., circumferentially spaced) about the longitudinal axis78. The filter attachment ring portion156ofFIG.10includes the inner diameter ring174and the outer diameter ring176. The inner diameter ring174ofFIG.10forms a spigot204which extends axially through the top cap108(e.g., through the filter outlet passage134). The spigot204includes an outer radial surface206and an inner radial surface208. Each of the outer radial surface206and the inner radial surface208may extend axially. The interior packing128contacts the spigot204(e.g., the outer radial surface206) to form a fluid seal between the top cap108(e.g., the inner diameter ring124) and the filter cover76(e.g., the spigot204). The inner radial surface208forms at least a portion of the filter outlet passage186. The outer diameter ring176ofFIG.10includes the one or more locking tabs192. The locking tabs192may extend inward (e.g., radially inward). The locking tabs192ofFIG.10may be circumferentially distributed (e.g., circumferentially spaced) about the longitudinal axis78. As shown inFIG.10, the second set of locking tabs192is configured to engage the first set of locking tabs136. For example, similar to the filter cartridge ofFIGS.8and9, the filter cartridge74ofFIG.10may be rotated relative to the filter cover76to engage the first set of locking tabs136with the second set of locking tabs192. Engagement between the first set of locking tabs136with the second set of locking tabs192may axially fix the filter cartridge74relative to the filter cover76.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the disclosures may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts, and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present application. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts, and features of the disclosures—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices, and components, and so on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts, or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present application even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. For example, in the exemplary embodiments described above within the Detailed Description portion of the present specification, elements may be described as individual units and shown as independent of one another to facilitate the description. In alternative embodiments, such elements may be configured as combined elements.