Patent Description:
Circulating liquid systems, such as fuel, hydraulic fluids, and lubricating fluids, typically require a filter arrangement. The filter arrangement is typically positioned so that the fluids are filtered by passage through filter media positioned within the filter arrangement. Typically the filter arrangement is configured so that the componentry containing the media is a service part, i.e., the media can, periodically, be removed and be replaced.

There are two common types of liquid filter arrangements. The first, typically referred to herein as a "spin-on" type, involves a filter head installed on equipment, and a spin-on filter member or cartridge. The filter member or cartridge is often referred to as "spin-on" because the assembly including the filter media is typically secured to the filter head by threading. In spin-on arrangements, the filter media is typically secured within a shell or housing as a housing/media combination, and the entire housing/media combination, as a filter member or cartridge, is removed and replaced during servicing.

The second common type of liquid filter arrangement is referred to herein as a bowl/cartridge arrangement. With a bowl/cartridge arrangement, the filter head is again installed on the equipment. The filter media, however, is contained within a filter cartridge in a form removably positioned within a housing or shell. A housing/cartridge combination is again mounted on the filter head for use. However, during servicing, the housing is disconnected from the filter head, the media contained within the housing or shell is replaced, and the same shell or housing, with the replacement media inside, is then remounted on the filter head.

Improvements in these types of arrangements are desirable.

<CIT> discloses a water filter comprising a cylinder and a filter cover which is screwed to the cylinder.

According to the present disclosure, a variety of features and techniques are provided that can be implemented in liquid filter arrangements, such as a fuel filter arrangement or hydraulic or lubricant (oil) filter arrangements. The techniques are generally applicable to both spin on and bowl/cartridge filter arrangements.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a filter housing according to claim <NUM> and a spin-on filter assembly according to claim <NUM>.

In one aspect, a filter housing is provided. The filter housing comprises: (a) a surrounding wall defining an interior volume; the surrounding wall having an interior surface in communication with the interior volume and an opposite exterior surface; the housing having first and second opposite ends, and an open mouth in communication with the interior volume at the first end; (i) a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends of the housing; and (b) a threaded section with a threaded section first end and an opposite threaded section second end; the threaded section first end being above the threaded section second end when the housing is oriented with longitudinal axis extending vertically and the housing first end being above the housing second end; (i) the threaded section being angled at an angle relative to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis, as the threaded section extends from the threaded section first end toward the threaded section second end; (ii) the angle being at least <NUM> degree.

In example embodiments, the angle is angled radially outwardly from the line parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In one or more examples, the angle is angled radially inwardly from the line parallel to the longitudinal axis.

According to the invention, the threaded section first end is next to the mouth, and the threaded section second end is spaced from the mouth.

In one or more examples, there further includes a ring positioned along the mouth; the ring having the threaded section.

In one or more examples, the ring circumscribes the exterior surface of the surrounding wall.

In one or more examples, the ring is positioned against the exterior surface of the surrounding wall.

In one or more examples, the ring is circumscribed by the surrounding wall.

In one or more examples, the ring is positioned against the interior surface of the surrounding wall.

In one or more examples, the surrounding wall is wrapped over an end of the ring.

According to the invention, there further includes a seal member secured thereto.

According to the invention, there further includes a recess located axially between the threaded section and the mouth, the recess holding the seal member.

In one or more examples, the ring has the recess for holding the seal member.

In one or more examples, the surrounding wall is wrapped over the first ring end and extends into the recess.

In one or more examples, there further includes a seal member positioned radially between the ring and the surrounding wall.

In one or more examples, there further includes an end plate at least partially covering the first end of the housing; the end plate having a central opening defining the open mouth.

In one or more examples, the end plate includes a spigot projecting from a remaining portion of the end plate, the spigot defining the open mouth.

In one or more examples, the spigot has the threaded section.

In one or more examples, the spigot extends axially in a direction away from a remaining portion of the filter housing.

In one or more examples, the spigot extends axially in a direction into the interior volume of the surrounding wall.

In one or more examples, the threaded section is interiorly directed.

In one or more examples, the threaded section has at least <NUM> threads.

In one or more examples, the threaded section has <NUM> or more threads.

In one or more examples, the ring angle is between <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

In one or more examples, the housing is metal and the ring is non-metal.

In one or more examples, the housing and the ring comprise a polymeric material.

In one or more examples, the housing is metal and the ring is metal.

In a further aspect, a spin-on filter assembly is provided comprising a filter housing as characterized above and a filter element non-removably positioned in the interior volume.

In example embodiments, the filter element comprises: (a) a pleated section of filter media extending between a first end cap and an opposite second end cap; the first end cap being adjacent to the open mouth; (b) the first end cap having a central opening; and (c) a filter element seal member being secured to the first end cap.

In a further aspect, a bowl filter assembly is provided comprising a filter housing as characterized above and a filter cartridge removably positioned in the interior volume.

In example embodiments, the filter cartridge comprises: (a) a pleated section of filter media extending between a first end cap and an opposite second end cap; the first end cap being adjacent to the open mouth; (b) the first end cap having a central opening; and (c) a filter element seal member being secured to the first end cap.

In another aspect, which is not claimed, a method of mounting a filter housing on a filter head is provided. The filter housing has a central longitudinal axis, and the method comprises: releasably securing a filter housing to a filter head by screwing a threaded section on the housing to the filter head until sealed against the filter head; the threaded section being angled at an angle relative to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis, as the threaded section extends from a threaded section first end toward a threaded section second end; and the angle being at least <NUM> degree.

In example methods, the angle is between <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

In example methods, the threaded section is on a ring positioned against a surrounding wall of the filter housing.

In example methods, the ring is positioned against an exterior surface of the surrounding wall.

In example methods, the ring is positioned against an interior surface of the surrounding wall.

In example methods, the filter housing has an end plate and a spigot extending axially from the end plate; the spigot having the threaded section.

In another aspect, a filter housing is provided comprising: a surrounding wall defining an interior volume; the surrounding wall having an interior surface in communication with the interior volume and an opposite exterior surface; the housing having first and second opposite ends, and an open mouth in communication with the interior volume at the first end; and a threaded section with a first end next to the mouth and a second end spaced from the mouth; the threaded section being angled radially outwardly at an angle as the threaded section extends from the first end toward the second end; and the angle being at least <NUM> degree.

In example arrangements, the housing further includes a seal member secured thereto.

In one or more embodiments, the housing includes a recess located axially between the threaded section and the mouth, the recess holding the seal member.

In preferred implementations, the housing further includes a ring circumscribing the exterior surface of the surrounding wall; the ring having the threaded section. The ring has a first ring end and an opposite second ring end; the ring having the recess for holding the seal member.

In some examples, the surrounding wall is wrapped over the first ring end and extends into the recess.

For many examples, the threaded section has at least <NUM> threads.

For many examples, the threaded section has <NUM> or more threads.

In one or more embodiments, the ring angle is between <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

In example embodiments, the ring is against the exterior surface of the surrounding wall.

For some arrangements, the housing is metal and the ring is non-metal.

For some arrangements, the housing and the ring comprise a polymeric material.

For some arrangements, the housing is metal and the ring is metal.

In a further aspect, a spin-on filter assembly comprises a filter housing as variously characterized above and a filter element non-removably positioned in the interior volume.

In one or more examples, the filter element comprises: a pleated section of filter media extending between a first end cap and an opposite second end cap; the first end cap being adjacent to the open mouth; the first end cap having a central opening; and a filter element seal member being secured to the first end cap.

In a further aspect, a bowl-filter cartridge comprises a filter housing as variously characterized above and a filter cartridge removably positioned in the interior volume.

In one or more examples, the filter cartridge comprises a pleated section of filter media extending between a first end cap and an opposite second end cap; the first end cap being adjacent to the open mouth; the first end cap having a central opening; and a filter element seal member being secured to the first end cap.

In a further aspect, a method of mounting a filter housing on a filter head is provided; the method comprising: releasably securing a filter housing to a filter head by screwing a threaded section on the housing to the filter head until a seal member secured to the housing forms a seal against the filter head; the threaded section being angled radially outwardly at an angle as the threaded section extends from a first end toward a second end; the first end being adjacent to an open mouth in the housing; and the angle being at least <NUM> degrees.

In some example methods, the angle is between <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

There is no requirement that all of the techniques described herein be incorporated in a given system, for that system to obtain at least some advantage.

<FIG> illustrate an example embodiment of a filter housing having a tapered or angled threaded section / interface with a filter head. The angled threaded section allows for easy installation and thread engagement before a seal is created with the filter head. This results in easy installation and an increased burst strength. The housing can be made from a thinner material than the conventional housing, resulting in less cost.

In reference now to <FIG>, a filter assembly is shown generally at <NUM>. The filter assembly <NUM> is a spin-on filter arrangement <NUM>, in which there is a housing <NUM> holding a non-removable filter element <NUM>. The filter assembly <NUM> could also be a bowl-cartridge assembly, by making the filter element/cartridge <NUM> removable and replaceable from the housing <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> removably connects to a filter head <NUM> (<FIG>). After a period of time, the housing <NUM> is removed from the filter head <NUM>. When using spin-on arrangement <NUM>, the entire spin-on arrangement <NUM> is replaced with a new one and reinstalled on the filter head <NUM>. When using a bowl-cartridge assembly, the filter cartridge <NUM> is removed from the housing <NUM>, and a new filter cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> with the new filter cartridge <NUM> is again reinstalled on the filter head <NUM>.

The filter housing <NUM> includes a surrounding wall <NUM> defining an interior volume <NUM>. The housing <NUM> has, at a first end <NUM>, an open mouth <NUM> in communication with the internal volume <NUM>. For a bowl filter cartridge, the cartridge <NUM> can be removed and replaced through the open mouth <NUM>. The housing <NUM> further include a second end <NUM> opposite of the open mouth <NUM>.

In some arrangements, e.g. for fuel filters, there can be a valve assembly <NUM> at the second end <NUM>.

The surrounding wall <NUM> has an exterior surface <NUM> and an opposite interior surface <NUM>. The filter housing <NUM> includes a longitudinal axis <NUM> passing through the mouth <NUM> at the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. In general, the longitudinal axis <NUM> is parallel to a main section of the wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. When the housing <NUM> is oriented with the longitudinal axis <NUM> extending vertically, the housing first end <NUM> is positioned vertically above the housing second end <NUM>.

The filter housing <NUM> includes a threaded section <NUM>. The threaded section <NUM> includes a plurality of threads <NUM> constructed and arranged to threadably connect with appropriately shaped threads <NUM> (<FIG>) on the filter head <NUM>. Preferably, there are at least three threads, and in many cases, four or more threads. The threads <NUM> can include a variety of thread shapes such as: buttress, modified buttress, UN, acme, stub acme, trapezoidal, V, square, knuckle, Whitworth, American Pipe, British Pipe, metric parallel, metric tapered, etc..

The threaded section <NUM> can form part of the surrounding wall <NUM>, or it may be on other parts of the assembly, as explained further.

The threaded section <NUM> has a threaded section first end <NUM> and an opposite threaded section second end <NUM>. The threaded section first end <NUM> is positioned above the threaded section second end <NUM> when the housing <NUM> is oriented with the longitudinal axis <NUM> extending vertically and the housing first end <NUM> being above the housing second end <NUM>.

In preferred embodiments, and in accordance with principles of this disclosure, the threaded section <NUM> is angled at an angle <NUM> relative to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>, as the threaded section <NUM> extends from the threaded section first end <NUM> toward the threaded section second end <NUM>. The angle <NUM> is non-zero, acute, and at least <NUM> degree. In <FIG>, the line <NUM> is along the threaded section <NUM> and intersects the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The angle <NUM> can be at least <NUM>°, for example no greater than <NUM>°, and preferably between <NUM>-<NUM>°.

Various embodiments are possible. In some embodiments, e.g. <FIG>, the angle <NUM> is angled radially outwardly from the line parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, which are not, as specifically depicted, claimed, e.g. <FIG>, the angle <NUM> is angled radially inwardly from the line parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In some embodiments, e.g. <FIG>, the threaded section first end <NUM> is next to the mouth <NUM>, and the threaded section second end <NUM> is spaced from the mouth <NUM>. In other embodiments, e.g. <FIG>, which is not, as specifically depicted, claimed, the threaded section second end <NUM> is next to the mouth <NUM>, and the threaded section first end <NUM> is spaced away from the mouth <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the filter housing <NUM> can include a ring <NUM>. The ring <NUM> can be made from a variety of materials including non-metal, such as a polymeric material such as plastic. In some examples, the ring <NUM> can also be made from metal. The ring <NUM> can be positioned along the mouth <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the ring <NUM> circumscribes the exterior surface <NUM> of the surrounding wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, ring <NUM> can be positioned to be directly against the exterior surface <NUM> of the surrounding wall <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, which is not, as specifically depicted, claimed, the ring <NUM> is circumscribed by the interior surface <NUM> of the surrounding wall <NUM>, and can be positioned directly against the interior surface <NUM> of the surrounding wall <NUM>.

The ring <NUM> has a first ring end <NUM> and an opposite second ring end <NUM>. In some example embodiments (<FIG>), the first ring end <NUM> is next to or adjacent the mouth <NUM>, with the second ring end <NUM> spaced away from the mouth <NUM>. For example, the second ring end <NUM> can be spaced along the wall <NUM> between the first ring end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Between the first ring end <NUM> and second ring end <NUM> is the threaded section <NUM>.

The threaded section <NUM> is angled outwardly the angle <NUM> (<FIG>), as the threaded section <NUM> extends from the first ring end <NUM> toward the second ring end <NUM>.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the filter housing <NUM> can include a seal member <NUM>. This may be embodied in a variety of implementations.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the ring <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> located axially between the threaded section <NUM> and the mouth <NUM>, in which the seal member <NUM> is located in and held within the recess <NUM>.

The housing surrounding wall <NUM> is secured to the ring <NUM>. In one example, the surrounding wall <NUM> is wrapped over the first ring end <NUM>; see <FIG> and <FIG>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the surrounding wall <NUM> is folded into or extending into the recess <NUM> to help lock the wall <NUM> to the ring <NUM> with folded section <NUM>. Many different connection mechanisms are possible, including the use of adhesive.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, which is not, as specifically depicted, claimed, the seal member <NUM> is positioned radially between the ring <NUM> and the surrounding wall <NUM>. In the <FIG> embodiment, the surrounding wall <NUM> has a first diameter region <NUM> and a second diameter region <NUM>. The second diameter region <NUM> is larger in diameter than the first diameter region <NUM>. The second diameter region <NUM> is along the open mouth <NUM> and includes the portion of the surrounding wall <NUM> that is wrapped over the first ring end <NUM>. The transition or bend <NUM> between the first diameter region <NUM> and the second diameter region <NUM> is positioned the seal member <NUM> between and against the interior surface <NUM> of the surrounding wall <NUM> and the ring <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the filter housing <NUM> can further include an end plate <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, which are not, as specifically depicted, claimed, the end plate <NUM> at least partially covers the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The end plate <NUM> can have a central opening <NUM> defining the open mouth <NUM>.

The end plate <NUM> may include a spigot <NUM>. The spigot <NUM> projects from a remaining portion of the end plate <NUM> and defines the open mouth <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the spigot <NUM> extends axially in a direction away from a remaining portion of the filter housing <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the spigot <NUM> extends axially in a direction into the interior volume <NUM> of the surrounding wall <NUM>.

The spigot <NUM> can include the threaded section <NUM>. The threaded section <NUM> can be either radially outwardly (i.e., exteriorly) directed, or as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the threaded section <NUM> can be radially inwardly (i.e., interiorly) directed.

In some examples the housing <NUM> can be made of metal, while in other examples, the housing <NUM> can be made of non-metal, including a polymeric material, such as plastic. The housing wall <NUM> can be made thinner than the conventional, prior art housing because of the thread angle <NUM>. The thread angle <NUM> allows for a stronger connection between the housing <NUM> and the filter head <NUM>, such that the threaded section <NUM> can sustain more load than filters using conventional threads.

In addition, because of the thread angle <NUM>, the threads <NUM> slide past each other before making contact, which reduces a connection problem of crossing threads. To secure the threaded section <NUM> to the head <NUM>, only a few rotations of the housing <NUM> to the head <NUM> will be needed, such <NUM> or fewer rotations.

The filter element or cartridge <NUM> is positioned in the interior volume <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The filter cartridge <NUM> includes a media pack <NUM> having a first end region <NUM> and an opposite second end region <NUM>.

A first end cap <NUM> is secured to the first end region <NUM>. A second end cap <NUM> is secured to the second end region <NUM>.

While many embodiments are possible, in the example shown, the media pack <NUM> comprises a cylinder of pleated media <NUM> having an open filter interior <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the first end cap <NUM> includes a seal holder <NUM> projecting axially from the first end cap <NUM> and holding a seal member <NUM> to form an outwardly directed radial seal. The outwardly directed radial seal is formed with a properly placed filter head. Many embodiments are possible. For example, in other embodiments, the seal member <NUM> could be inwardly directed. The seal holder <NUM> is supported by gussets <NUM> along an inner radial portion of the seal holder <NUM>.

In the example embodiments of <FIG>, the first end cap <NUM> has an open center at <NUM>. The second end cap <NUM> is closed.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, there is a seal member or gasket <NUM> between an upper part of the first end cap <NUM> and an inward facing portion of the end plate <NUM>.

The end plate <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> can include a face seal <NUM>. The face seal <NUM> is held by the end plate <NUM> such that it faces axially away from a remaining portion of the filter element or cartridge <NUM>. The face seal <NUM> is positioned to form a seal with the filter head <NUM>, when the cartridge <NUM> is connected to the filter head <NUM>.

The above assemblies can be used in a method of mounting a filter housing onto a filter head. The method can include releasably securing the filter housing <NUM> to the filter head <NUM> by screwing the threaded section <NUM> on the housing <NUM> to the filter head <NUM> until the seal member <NUM> secured to the housing <NUM> forms a seal <NUM> (<FIG>) against the filter head <NUM>. The threaded section <NUM> is angled radially outwardly at angle <NUM>, as the threaded section <NUM> extends from the first end <NUM> towards the second end <NUM>. The angle <NUM> can be at least <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, typically <NUM>-<NUM>°.

In example methods, the threaded section <NUM> is on ring <NUM> positioned against the surrounding wall <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM>. In examples, the ring <NUM> is positioned against exterior surface <NUM> of the surrounding wall <NUM>. In other examples, the ring <NUM> is positioned against the interior surface <NUM> of the surrounding wall <NUM>.

In example methods, the filter housing <NUM> has end plate <NUM> and spigot <NUM> extending axially from the end plate <NUM>, in which the spigot <NUM> has the threaded section <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A filter housing (<NUM>) for use in filtration of fuel, hydraulic fluids or lubricating fluids comprising:
(a) a surrounding wall (<NUM>) defining an interior volume (<NUM>); the surrounding wall (<NUM>) having an interior surface (<NUM>) in communication with the interior volume (<NUM>) and an opposite exterior surface (<NUM>); the housing (<NUM>) having first and second opposite ends (<NUM>, <NUM>), and an open mouth (<NUM>) in communication with the interior volume (<NUM>) at the first end (<NUM>);
(i) a longitudinal axis (<NUM>) extending through the first and second ends (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>); and
(b) a threaded section (<NUM>) for connecting with a filter head (<NUM>) with a threaded section first end (<NUM>) and an opposite threaded section second end (<NUM>); the threaded section first end (<NUM>) being above the threaded section second end (<NUM>) when the housing is oriented with longitudinal axis (<NUM>) extending vertically and the housing first end (<NUM>) being above the housing second end (<NUM>);
(i) the threaded section (<NUM>) being angled at an angle relative to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis, as the threaded section (<NUM>) extends from the threaded section first end (<NUM>) next to the mouth (<NUM>) toward the threaded section second end (<NUM>) spaced from the mouth (<NUM>);
(ii) the angle being at least <NUM> degree;
characterized in that the filter housing (<NUM>) further includes a recess (<NUM>) located axially between the threaded section (<NUM>) and the mouth (<NUM>), the recess (<NUM>) holding a seal member (<NUM>).