Patent Publication Number: US-2021170316-A1

Title: Self-assisting element removal features for a filtration system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to filter assemblies for filtering fluids in internal combustion engine systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Internal combustion engines generally combust a mixture of fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.) and air. Many or all of the fluids passing through the internal combustion engine are filtered to remove particulate and contaminants from the fluids prior to entering the internal combustion engine. For example, prior to entering the engine, fuel to be combusted is typically passed through a filter element to remove contaminants (e.g., particulates, dust, water, etc.) from the fuel prior to delivery to the engine. The filter media of the filter element captures and removes particulate from the fuel passing through the filter media. The filter element may need to be removed from the filter assembly to be cleaned or serviced. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment, the invention includes a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly includes a filter housing and a filter element. The filter housing includes a base and a cover including an underside having one or more retainer features. The cover is removably coupled to the base. The filter element is removably installed within the base when the cover is coupled to the base. The filter element includes filter media and an endplate coupled to one end of the filter media. The endplate includes an outer perimeter and one or more engagement features protruding from the outer perimeter. The one or more engagement features engage the one or more retainer features in the cover upon installation of the endplate into the cover, thereby coupling the endplate to the cover. 
     According to another embodiment, the invention includes a filter element. The filter element includes filter media and an endplate coupled to one end of the filter media. The endplate includes an outer perimeter and one or more engagement features protruding from the outer perimeter. The one or more engagement features engage one or more retainer features in a cover of a filter housing upon installation of the endplate into the cover, thereby coupling the endplate to the cover. 
     According to another embodiment, the invention includes a filter housing. The filter housing includes a base and a cover. The cover is removably coupled to the base. The cover comprises an underside having one or more retainer features protruding from the underside. The one or more retainer features engage one or more engagement features of an endplate of a filter element upon installation of the endplate into the cover, thereby coupling the endplate to the cover. 
     These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a filtration system, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a portion of the filtration system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a top perspective view of a cover of the filtration system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a front view of the cover of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a top perspective view of a top endplate of the filtration system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  shows a bottom perspective view of the top endplate of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a portion of a top perspective view of the top endplate of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a portion of a top view of the top endplate of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a bottom perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a bottom perspective view of the top endplate of  FIG. 5  installed on the cover of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a bottom perspective view of the top endplate of  FIG. 5  installed on the cover of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of the top endplate of  FIG. 5  installed on the cover of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a portion of a bottom view of the top endplate of  FIG. 5  installed on the cover of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a top perspective view of a top endplate of the filtration system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the figures generally, a filtration system having a filter element removably received in a filter housing is described. The filter housing comprises a base and a cover. The filter element includes filter media and a top endplate that includes one or more engagement features that interact with one or more features on the filter housing (e.g., the cover of the filter housing). The interaction between the engagement features of the top endplate and the retainer features facilitate the simultaneous removal of the filter element when the cover of the filter housing is separated (e.g., unscrewed) from the base. The filter element may be removed from the filter housing for servicing purposes. 
     The systems described herein can be used in any number of fluid systems including, but not limited to, a fuel or oil filtration system. For example, such systems may be used in a filtration system for an engine such as a diesel or gasoline engine, a hydraulic fluid filtration system in a hydraulic system, other engine fluid filtration systems on diesel or gasoline engines, as well as filtration systems used in non-engine applications. In one exemplary application, the filtration system described herein is used in a fuel system for filtering fuel, for example diesel fuel. While the filtration systems shown and described herein are described as a “top load” design, alternative designs, for example, bottom loads are possible. For example, in a bottom load embodiment, the engagement features may be positioned on the bottom endplate and the retainer features may be positioned on the base portion of the filter housing. 
       FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system  100  according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 2  shows a portion of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1 . In the filtration system  100  of  FIG. 1 , the filtration system  100  is a liquid (e.g., fuel, oil, water, etc.) filtration system. The filtration system  100  includes a filter element  112  and a filter housing  102  formed by a cover  104  and a base  106 . The filter housing  102  includes an inlet (not shown) for receiving fluid to be filtered, an outlet  128  formed in the cover  104 , and a central compartment that receives the filter element  112 . The cover  104  is removably coupled to the base  106  via a threaded connection formed by first threads  108  on the cover  104  and second threads  110  on the base  106 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the cover  104 . The filter housing  102  can be made of any material suitable for use in a fluid filter, for example metal or plastic. While the housing  102  is shown as cylindrical in shape, other housing shapes can be used. 
     The filtration system  100  includes a filter element  112 . The filter element  112  is removably installed within the base  106  such that when the cover  104  is installed onto (e.g., threaded onto) the base  106 , the filter element  112  is also installed in the base  106 . Generally, fluid to be filtered flows into the base  106 , through the filter element  112  in an outside-in flow arrangement, and out of the filter housing  102  (e.g., via the cover  104 ). In other embodiments, fluids to be filtered flow through the filter element  112  in an inside-out flow arrangement. As shown in  FIG. 2 , when installed, the cover  104  is sealed against the inner wall of the base  106  by one or more sealing members  116 . In some arrangements, the sealing members  116  comprise O-rings. 
     The filter element  112  includes a top endplate  120  coupled to a first end of the filter media  114  of the filter element  112 . The filter element  112  also includes a bottom endplate (not shown) coupled to a second end of the filter media  114 . The top endplate  120  includes an endplate central opening  122  that allows filtered fluid to flow out of the filter element  112 . A cover central opening  124  defined in the cover  104  is received within the endplate central opening  122  to form a central passage  126  through which filtered fluid flows into the cover  104 . A gasket  118  is positioned between the endplate central opening  122  and the cover central opening  124  to seal the top endplate  120  to the cover  104 . The filtered fluid flows out of the cover  104  through outlet  128  formed in the cover  104 . The top endplate  120  includes one or more engagement features  130 , and the cover  104  includes one or more retainer features  140 . The engagement features  130  interact with the retainer features  140  to rotationally lock the filter element  112  with respect to the cover  104 . Accordingly, when the cover  104  is installed by rotating the cover  104  into the base  106 , the filter element  112  rotates with the cover  104 . When the cover  104  is uninstalled (e.g., unscrewed) from the base  106 , the filter element  112  rotates and moves axially out of the base  106  together with the cover  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , various views of the top endplate  120  are shown. The top endplate  120  includes a top surface  137  and a bottom surface  139 , with an outer perimeter  136  extending therebetween. The endplate central opening  122  extends through the top endplate  120  along a longitudinal axis  125 . The top endplate  120  also includes one or more engagement features  130  protruding outward from the outer perimeter  136 . The engagement features  130  are configured to interact with retainer features  140  in the cover  104  upon installation of the top endplate  120  into the cover  104 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 5-8 , multiple engagement features are shown. In other embodiments, only one engagement feature  130  is included. Each engagement feature  130  includes a post  134  and a tab  132 . As shown, the posts  134  are positioned proximate the top surface  137  of the top endplate  120 , and the tabs  132  are positioned proximate the bottom surface  139  of the top endplate  120 . The tabs  132  may extend below (e.g., overhang) the bottom surface  139  of the top endplate  120 . 
     Each of the tabs  132  possesses a sloped portion  135  (e.g., a ramped surface) and a tab wall portion  131 . The tab wall portion  131  extends axially along the outer perimeter  136 . The tab wall portion  131  is configured to contact a protrusion wall portion  145  of the cover  104  when the top endplate  120  is installed into the cover  104 , as discussed further herein. The sloped portion  135  extends outward from the outer perimeter  136 , with an angle of the sloped portion  135  increasing in a clockwise direction when the top endplate  120  is viewed from above the top surface  137 . The sloped portion  135  thus extends between the outer perimeter  136  and the tab wall portion  131 , with the largest angled portion of each sloped portion  135  proximate the tab wall portion  131 . 
     Each sloped portion  135  facilitates the installation of the top endplate  120  into the cover  104 . The sloped portion  135  specifically facilitates the counter-clockwise direction of rotation (when viewed from above the top surface  137 ) of the top endplate  120  when inserting the top endplate  120  into the cover  104  (or the clockwise direction of rotation of the cover  104  when viewed from above the top surface  137 ). In other embodiments, the sloped portion  135  may be oppositely positioned such that the angle of each sloped portion  135  decreases in a clockwise direction when the top endplate  120  is viewed from above the top surface  137 . In this embodiment, the sloped portion  135  facilitates a clockwise direction of rotation (when viewed from above the top surface  137 ) of the top endplate  120  when inserting the top endplate  120  into the cover  104 . Each tab  132  is flexible in nature such that when installing the top endplate  120  into the cover  104 , each tab  132  flexes inward toward the central opening  122 . 
     Each post  134  extends along the outer perimeter  136  in a substantially perpendicular direction to the tab wall portion  131 , i.e. a “long” surface of each post extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  125  of the top endplate  120 . In other embodiments, the post  134  is otherwise angled relative to the tab wall portion  131 . Each post  134  is configured to slide into and out of a slot  144  on the cover  104 , as described further herein. The post  134  may be rigid or flexible in nature. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a bottom perspective view of the cover  104  without the top endplate  120  is shown. The cover  104  includes one or more retainer features  140  positioned on the underside inner perimeter of the cover  104 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , a plurality of retainer features  140  are included, with a 1:1 ratio between the retainer features  140  and the engagement features  130  of the top endplate  120 . In other embodiments, however, only a single retainer feature  140  may be included (for example, when the top endplate  120  includes only a single engagement feature  130 ). Each retainer feature  140  includes a protrusion  142  and a slot  144 . The protrusions  142  extend substantially axially along the inner perimeter of the cover  104 . Each slot  144  forms a pathway (e.g., groove) along the inner perimeter of the cover  104  to receive a post  134  of the top endplate  120 . The slots  144  extend in a substantially perpendicular direction to the protrusions  142 . In other embodiments, the slots  144  are otherwise angled relative to the protrusions  142 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-13 , various views of the cover  104  with the top endplate  120  installed are shown. As the top endplate  120  is inserted into the cover  104 , the top endplate  120  is rotated until the slots  144  slidingly engage the posts  134 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the tabs  132  are configured to move (e.g., flex) past the protrusions  142  and engage protrusion wall portions  145  once the posts  134  are received within the slots  144 . Accordingly, when the cover  104  is being removed from the filtration system  100 , the top endplate  120  (and thus, the filter element  112 ) is removed along with the cover  104 . When the cover  104  is detached (e.g., unscrewed) from the base  106  and axially removed, the filter element  112  is also axially removed. This allows for effective removal of a filter element  112  for servicing purposes. In addition, this configuration facilitates drain timing during service. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , another embodiment of the top endplate  220  is shown. The top endplate  220  includes a top surface  237  and a bottom surface  239 , with an outer perimeter  236  extending therebetween. The endplate central opening  222  extends through the top endplate  220  along a longitudinal axis  225 . The top endplate  220  includes one or more engagement features  230  protruding outward from the outer perimeter  236 . The engagement features  230  are configured to interact with retainer features  140  in the cover  104  upon installation of the top endplate  220  into the cover  104 . Each engagement feature  230  includes a first portion  232  and a second portion  234  arranged in an L-shaped configuration. The first portion  232  extends substantially axially (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis  225 ) along the outer perimeter  236 . The second portion  234  extends substantially perpendicular to the first portion  232  (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  225 ). The first portion  232  is configured to be received within the pathway (e.g., groove) formed by each slot  144  on the cover  104 . The second portion  234  includes a wall portion  231  configured to contact one or more protrusion wall portions  145  when the first portion  232  is inserted into the pathway formed by the slots  144 . In other embodiments, the first and second portions  232 ,  234  are not formed as a single piece. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the Figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other example embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. Further, the formation of a passage by one or more surfaces can comprise a wide variety of passage cross-sectional shapes, for example, passages having circular, rectangular, oval, etc. cross-sectional shapes. 
     As utilized herein, the term “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed (e.g., within plus or minus five percent of a given angle or other value) are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. The term “approximately” when used with respect to values means plus or minus five percent of the associated value. 
     The terms “coupled” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications to the flow structures are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Additionally, features from particular embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.