Liquid filter arrangement and methods

A filter element includes filter media, first and second end caps, a latch arrangement projecting from the first end cap, a tubular neck extending from the first end cap and a valve head oriented within the first end cap aperture constructed and arranged to move between a position sealing the first end cap aperture and exposing the first end cap aperture. A filter assembly includes a filter element, as characterized herein, and including a filter base and a service cover. A method of servicing includes removing an old filter element, operably mounting a new filter element in a filter base including engaging a valve head against a spring member in the filter base, and operably mounting the service cover over the new filter element and filter base. A method of filtering includes directing liquid into a filter assembly, blocking a first end cap aperture by using a spring member in the filter base to urge the valve head against a rim of a tubular neck extending from the filter element, and directing liquid through the filter media to filter the liquid.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application describes filter arrangements. In particular, this application describes a filter cartridge usable in a filter bowl for purifying liquids, such as oil for engines.

BACKGROUND

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 often used in many other types of liquid systems. In these types of systems, the filter is changed periodically. In the art, there are at least two standard types of filters used. One type is a spin-on canister filter, while the other is a bowl-cartridge filter. This application addresses bowl-cartridge filters.

Bowl-cartridge filters typically include a reusable bowl (or service cover) holding a replaceable filter element (cartridge filter). Bowl-cartridge filters are mounted onto a filter head or filter base, wherein liquid to be cleaned passes through the filter head (base), into the bowl (service cover), through the replaceable cartridge filter, outside of the bowl (service cover), and back into the filter head (base). After a period of use, the bowl-cartridge filter is removed from the filter head (base), and the replaceable cartridge filter is removed from the reusable bowl (service cover). The old cartridge filter is discarded with a new cartridge filter. The new cartridge filter is operably mounted into the reusable bowl (service cover) to provide a refurbished bowl-cartridge filter. This refurbished bowl-cartridge filter containing the new cartridge filter is then mounted onto the filter head (base).

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A filter element is provided including a tubular extension of pleated filter media, a first end cap, a second end cap, and a latch arrangement projecting from the first end cap. The filter element also includes a tubular neck extending from the first end cap circumscribing an aperture in the first end cap. The tubular neck is circumscribed by the latch arrangement. The filter element also includes a valve head oriented within the first end cap aperture and constructed and arranged to move between a position sealing the first end cap aperture and exposing the first end cap aperture.

In another aspect, a filter assembly is provided including a filter element, as characterized above, and including a filter base and a service cover. The filter element operably mounts within the filter base, and the service cover operably and removably mounts over the filter base and the filter element.

In another aspect, a method of servicing a filter arrangement includes removing a service cover and a used filter element from a filter base; providing a new filter element having a first end cap with a tubular neck extending therefrom and circumscribing a first end cap aperture and also including a valve head oriented within the first end cap aperture; operably mounting the new filter element in the filter base including engaging the valve head against a spring member in the filter base; and operably mounting the service cover over the new filter element and filter base.

In another aspect, a method of filtering is provided. The method includes directing liquid to be filtered into a filter assembly that includes a filter assembly operably installed in a filter base and a service cover, the filter element including a tubular extension of filter media, a first end cap having a tubular neck extending therefrom and circumscribing a first end cap aperture, and a valve head oriented within the first end cap aperture; blocking the first end cap aperture by using a spring member in the filter base to urge the valve head against a rim of the tubular neck; and directing liquid filter through the media to filter the liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes embodiments of a filter element that are usable within a reusable service cover for mounting onto a filter base. The filter elements are usable in assemblies that can be used in a “top-load” orientation. By the term “top-load”, it is meant that the filter assembly (filter base plus service cover within the filter element operably installed therein) is installed in an orientation that permits servicing or access to the filter assembly from a position over or above whatever part that remains fixed to the equipment (for example, the engine, generator, or whatever is the applicable machine part) in operational position during servicing, when the equipment is in normal, operable orientation. In many convenient top-load configurations, the person servicing the filter assembly is not required to be in a position underneath or below the equipment. Instead, the person servicing the filter assembly is able to access it from the top of the equipment. For example, in a vehicle having an engine that is selectively accessible by a movable hood, the filter assembly would be accessible merely by raising the hood of the vehicle and then removing the service cover.

One example of a filter assembly in a top-load configuration having a service cover and a filter head is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,054, incorporated herein by reference.

InFIGS. 1-3, a filter assembly6, constructed according to principles of this disclosure is depicted. The assembly6includes a filter base10and a service cover12removably mounted on the filter base10. Extending through the center of the filter base10is a porous center tube20and holding a spring member22. The spring member22includes a spring plunger24with a spring force engaging upon it by a biasing member26. The spring plunger24urges against a portion of a filter element when a filter element is properly and operably mounted for use in the filter base10, and the service cover12is arranged.

In reference now toFIG. 1, an embodiment of a filter element mounted in the filter base10is illustrated generally at30. In the embodiment shown, the element30includes a tubular extension of filter media32defining an open filter interior34(FIG. 2). The open filter interior34receives the center tube20therewithin. In the embodiment shown, the filter media32is pleated filter media36.

The pleated media36defines first and second opposite ends38,39(FIG. 4). In the embodiment shown, the filter element30further includes a first end cap41secured to the first end38of the pleated media36. Attention is directed toFIG. 5, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the filter element30. InFIG. 5, the first end cap41defines an open aperture43. While many embodiments are contemplated, in the particular embodiment shown, the first end cap41is defined by an outer peripheral wall44generally orthogonal to a planar region46.

In the embodiment shown, the filter element20further includes a latch arrangement50. In the embodiment shown, the latch arrangement50projects from the first end cap41and functions to releasably secure the filter element30to the service cover12(FIG. 3). In the embodiment shown, the latch arrangement50includes at least two latches, preferably four latches52. Each of the latches52includes a deflectable latch finger54extending from the planar region46of the first end cap41. In preferred embodiments, each latch finger54is molded from the same piece of material as the rest of the first end cap41. Each of the latch fingers54includes a catch56at a free end of each latch finger54.

As mentioned above, the latch arrangement50is usable to releasably secure the filter element30to the service cover12. InFIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen how the service cover12has a ring58projecting from an inside surface60of the service cover12. Each of the fingers54deflects radially inwardly until each of the catches56snaps over the ring58. This engagement removably attaches the filter element30to the service cover12. In this manner, when the service cover12is removed from the base10, the element30is removed with the service cover12.

In reference again toFIG. 5, the filter element30further includes a tubular neck62extending from the first end cap41and circumscribing the first end cap aperture43. As can be seen inFIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment shown, the tubular neck62is circumscribed by the latch arrangement50. In the particular embodiment shown, the tubular neck62includes a cylindrical wall64and an axial end wall66forming a rim68. The edge of the rim68defines the perimeter of the first end cap open aperture43. In preferred arrangements, the tubular neck62is made from a same molded piece of material as the rest of the first end cap41and preferably including the latch arrangement50.

In the particular embodiment shown, the tubular neck62is shorter than the latch arrangement50. The neck62is provided to hold a valve head70.

In reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, the valve head70is oriented within the first end cap open aperture43. The valve head70is constructed and arranged to move between a position closing (preferably sealing) the first end cap aperture43and exposing the first end cap aperture41. While a variety of embodiments are usable, in the particular embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, the valve head70includes an arm arrangement72slidably held within the tubular neck62. The arm arrangement72engages against the rim68of the neck62and allows the valve head70to linearly or axially slide relative to the rest of the filter element30between the position closing the aperture43(FIG. 3) and exposing the aperture43(FIGS. 2 and 5).

Again, while a variety of implementations are possible, in the implementation illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, the arm arrangement72includes a plurality (illustrated as3) of arms74, each arm74having a hook76. In the embodiment shown, the hook76is at a free end of each arm74. The hooks76engage the rim68and prevent the valve head70from becoming dislodged within the interior of the filter element30.

Still in reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, in the specific embodiment illustrated, the valve head70defines a sealing surface78sized to operably form a seal80(FIG. 3) with the first end cap aperture43. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve head70also includes a plateau region82circumscribed by the sealing surface78. The specific embodiment illustrated shows that the plurality of arms74extend from the plateau region82in an axial direction.

Again, in reference toFIG. 5, the valve head70further includes a seating surface84at an end opposite of the sealing surface78and plateau region82. The seating surface84is sized to be seated and mounted on the spring member22(FIGS. 2 and 3) in the filter base10, when the filter element30is operably mounted in the base10. In the embodiment shown, the seating surface84has an inwardly curved profile that is shaped to receive and be mounted on the plunger24(FIGS. 2 and 3).

In reference again toFIGS. 4 and 5, the filter element30further includes a second end cap88secured to the second end39. The second end cap88defines a second end cap aperture90, which is in communication with the open filter interior34. In the embodiment shown, the second end cap88includes an outer peripheral wall92, generally orthogonal to a planar region94. A seal member96is secured within the second end cap aperture90and is oriented to form a seal98(FIG. 3) with the filter base10, specifically, a non-porous part of the center20.

In preferred arrangements, the filter element30is primarily non-metallic, for example, at least 99 percent non-metallic.

In operation, the filter assembly6is used by directing liquid to be filtered into the filter assembly6. The first end cap aperture43is blocked by using the spring member22in the filter base10to urge the valve head70against the rim68of the tubular neck62. Liquid is then allowed to flow through the filter media32into the open filter interior34. The filter media32helps to remove particulate material from the liquid. The filtered liquid is then directed out of the filter assembly10.

In operation, if restriction across the filter media32becomes high from filter occlusion, or in the condition of a cold-start, the liquid to be filtered will exert a force on the valve head70through the aperture43which is greater than the force exerted by the spring member22. This will cause the valve head70, in particular the sealing surface78, to move away from the rim68of the neck62. A gap will open and allow liquid to flow through the first end cap open aperture43, past the valve head70, and into the open filter interior34.

During normal operation, the sealing surface84of the valve head70will be in the condition shown inFIG. 3, pushed against the rim68and closing the aperture43, which prevents liquid from bypassing the filter media32. After a period of operation, it will be desirable to service the filter assembly6by replacing the filter element30. A method of servicing the filter assembly6includes removing the service cover12and the used filter element30from the filter base10. In the embodiment shown, the step of removing the service cover12also includes, simultaneously, removing the filter element30due to the engagement between the latch arrangement50and the ring58in the service cover12. In the embodiment shown, this step will also include unmating the cover12and base10through the mating threads shown at101,102.

A new filter element30having a new valve head70is provided and is operably mounted in the filter base10, including engaging the valve head70against the spring member22in the filter base10. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the seating surface84of the valve head70is oriented against the spring plunger24. The service cover12is operably mounted over the new filter element30and the filter base10. Thus, replacing the filter element30also replaces the valve head70. This has advantages over arrangements that have the valve head in the other (non-replaceable) parts of the assembly. In such prior art arrangements, the valve piece is not replaced when the element is replaced, and that can lead to mechanical failure or other technical difficulties due to the valve piece wearing out.

The step of operably mounting the service cover12includes engaging the latch arrangement50extending from the first end cap41of the filter element30with an internal ring58in the service cover12. The step of engaging the service cover with the filter element30can occur before positioning the filter element30in the base10, or it can occur after positioning filter element30in the base10. The service cover12and the base10are matably connected through the threads101,102.