HK1160812B - Fluid filter with nutplate having an end face seal and outer attachment design - Google Patents

Description

Filter with nutplate including face seal and external connection means

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application filed a PCT international patent application in the name of cummins filtration IP corporation, claiming priority from U.S. application No. 12/354612 entitled "filter having a nutplate with end face seal and external connection means" filed on date 1 and 15 of 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to filters and filter assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved sealing and attachment arrangement for a filter.

Background

Fluid filters are well known and widely used in various systems and applications, such as systems that require separation of particulates and/or fluid from a working fluid. As one example, lubricating oil filtration systems are well known that employ oil filtration to separate various particulates and condensates. Proper sealing in these systems is important to maintain system efficiency to meet emissions regulations and to provide proper protection for the engine. That is, proper sealing is required to maintain isolation between the "dirty" and "clean" sides of the filters used in such systems.

Further improvements may be made to existing fluid filter designs. In particular, structural improvements can be made as to how the filter is sealed and connected to other devices in a given filtration system.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates generally to a fluid filter that includes a unique seal structure and attachment arrangement structure to seal and connect with other devices, such as in a filtration system. The seal and connection structures described herein facilitate ease of installation of the fluid filter by providing a coaxial connection, and by providing a coaxial seal that isolates "clean" fluid filtered from "dirty" fluid. Typically, the seal structure is located on an end face of a nutplate of the filter and the attachment structure is located on an outer surface of the nutplate.

In one embodiment, the fluid filter includes a housing having an open end and a filter element disposed within the housing. The filter element has a filter medium that filters a working fluid flowing through. A nut plate is connected to the housing at the open end. The inlet allows the working fluid, i.e., the fluid to be filtered, to enter the open end of the housing and flow to the filter media. The outlet allows the working fluid filtered by the filter media to flow out of the open end of the housing. The end face also includes an inner seal and an outer seal disposed thereon. The inner seal surrounds and is between one of the inlet and outlet. The outer seal surrounds the other of the inlet and outlet. During operation, the inner seal isolates the working fluid to be filtered from the working fluid that has been filtered through the filter media, and the outer seal isolates the working fluid from the external environment. The exterior surface of the nutplate is further provided with a connection structure. This connection structure connects other devices.

In some embodiments, the fluid filter is a spin-on filter, wherein the inner and outer face seals form an in-line seal to which the filter can be connected to other devices, and the connection on the outer surface is a threaded portion that can mate with other devices.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a filter;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a filter;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a filter;

fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter shown in fig. 5.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates generally to a fluid filter that includes a unique seal structure and attachment arrangement structure to seal and connect with other devices, such as in a filtration system. The seal and connection structures described herein facilitate ease of installation of the fluid filter by providing a coaxial (in-line) connection, and by providing a coaxial seal that isolates "clean" fluid filtered from "dirty" fluid. Typically, the seal structure is located on an end face of a nutplate of the filter and the attachment structure is located on an outer surface of the nutplate.

The designs described herein generally include an external buttress or similar connection that appears to be more durable than the internal fine threads used on many of the designs today. This is particularly true with respect to composite structures, and would provide a design for better structural integrity for the filter.

For purposes of description only, the inventive concept of a filter design is described with respect to spin-on filters, which are well known and commonly used in lube oil filtration systems. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not intended to be limited to spin-on filters, and that the inventive concepts described herein, including the sealing interfaces and connection interfaces, may be used and adapted for other filter systems, such as, but not limited to, fuel filtration systems, hydraulic filtration systems, water filtration systems, and the like. It should also be appreciated that various working fluids requiring filtration, including but not limited to oil, can benefit from the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

Fig. 1-2 show a filter 10 that illustrates the principles of the present invention. The filter 10 generally includes a housing 12, a filter element 14, and a nutplate 16. The filter 10 has an open end (see fig. 2). The filter element 14 is disposed within the housing 12. The filter element 14 has a filter medium 20 through which the working fluid can pass for filtration.

The nutplate 16 is connected to the open end of the housing 12. As a preferred embodiment, the nutplate 16 is attached to the housing 12 by a spin welding process. Such a connection is readily achieved, for example, in a fluid filter having a composite shell and nutplate. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid filter 10 is a composite material that does not include metal components, and in particular, the nutplate 16 and the housing 12 are made of a composite material. Examples of composite filters, which can be found in the past products of cummins filtration, are well known for the production of user-friendly filters.

The nutplate 16 has an end face (see the top of the nutplate in FIGS. 1 and 2) that includes an inlet 32 and an outlet 34. Generally, the inlet 32 allows the working fluid to be filtered to enter the open end of the housing 12 and flow to the filter media 20. As shown, the inlet 32 can be, for example, a plurality of openings in the end face of the nutplate 16. It should be understood that the number of inlets 32 is not intended to be limiting as long as working fluid can flow into (or out of) the fluid filter 10. The outlet 34 generally allows the working fluid filtered by the filter media 20 to exit the open end of the housing 12. As shown, the outlet 34 is centrally located on the end face of the nutplate 16, and the inlet 32 is coaxially located about the outlet 34. It should be understood that the particular inlet 32/outlet 34 positioning arrangement is not intended to be limiting and that other modifications may be equally suitable and/or desirable. For example, the inlet and outlet may be switched if desired and/or necessary, so long as the fluid flows are reversed.

With further reference to the end face of the nutplate 16, the end face includes inner and outer seals 38, 36 disposed thereon. As shown, the inner seal 38 surrounds the outlet 34 and is disposed between the inlet 32 and the outlet 34. The outer seal 36 surrounds the inlet 32. During operation, the inner seal 38 isolates the working fluid to be filtered from the working fluid that has been filtered through the filter media 20, and the outer seal 36 isolates the working fluid from the external environment.

As shown, the inner and outer seals 38, 36 are disposed in grooves on the end face of the nutplate 16 (best shown in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the end face of the nutplate 16 is configured such that the inner and outer seals 38, 36 are disposed in a planar arrangement on the end face. In fig. 1 and 2, the inner and outer seals 38, 36 are located on the same plane. For example, the sealing arrangement of the seals 38, 36 allows for a relatively simple flat planar seal, thereby reducing the amount of tooling (e.g., for metal materials), the amount of tooling (e.g., for composite materials), and the like.

In one embodiment, the inner and outer seals 38, 36 are coaxially disposed, with the inlet 32 and outlet 34 and the respective seals 38, 36 occupying a majority of the end face of the nutplate 16. Such a configuration may provide a face seal and face-like fluid flow for the fluid filter 10 and filtration system that may be attached thereto.

In one embodiment as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the inner seal 38 is shown as a rectangular gasket seal. It should be understood that the inner seal 38 is not limited to a rectangular gasket seal. Other structures may include, but are not limited to, an O-ring or crush rib seal (such as described below with respect to fig. 3 and 4). For example, the crush rib seals may be employed with larger micron rated filters. Further, it should be appreciated that the material of such an inner seal 38 is well known and need not be further described herein.

In one embodiment, the outer seal 36 is an O-ring. It should be appreciated that the outer seal 36 is not limited to only an O-ring. Other configurations are possible including, but not limited to, a rectangular gasket seal (as further described below with respect to fig. 3 and 4). It should be understood that the materials of such outer seal 36 are well known and need not be further described herein. Depending on the fluid requirements, the sealing material may, for example, be a nitrile or synthetic rubber material, such as fluororubber (F)。

The exterior surface of the nutplate 16 also includes an attachment structure 30. Generally, the attachment structure 30 is used to attach to other equipment, such as another component of a filtration system. In one embodiment, the attachment structure 30 is a threaded portion of an outer side of the nutplate 16. In a composite fluid filter, for example, the attachment structure 30 may be molded to the outer surface of the nutplate 16. In this embodiment, where threads are used, the exterior surface of the nutplate 16 (e.g., of composite material) is threaded. It should be appreciated that the connection structure 30 may be other than a threaded structure. For example, the attachment structure 30 can be any suitable and potentially known mechanical structure, and the attachment structure 30 can attach the outer surface of the nutplate to other equipment. As with other embodiments, the connection structure 30 may take the form of a quarter-turn or half-turn connection structure, such as may be accomplished by those skilled in the art, which may or may not include threads.

In one embodiment, the exterior side of the attachment structure 30 is on a surface other than the end surface. In the embodiment shown, the outer side is perpendicular to the end face.

The configuration of the connection structure 30 allows the fluid filter 10 to be coaxially connected to other equipment in a filtration system. The nutplate 16 can be designed to conform to a filter housing or shell of varying lengths. In addition, such designs employ external bracing or similar connections that appear to be more durable than the internal fine threads used on many of the designs today. This is particularly true with respect to composite structures, which may provide a design for better structural integrity of the filter. Further, for example, the use of external threads outside the sealing area during installation may reduce the entry of contaminants into the filter that may be generated. This reduces any particles, machine run debris, composite burrs during filter tapping (e.g., installation).

In fig. 1 and 2, the nutplate 16 is attached to the filter element 14 and retains the filter element 14 within the housing 12.

With further reference to the filter element 14, one embodiment of a used filter element is one in which the filter media 20 is attached to two endplates 22, 24. One of the end plates 22 includes an opening in fluid communication with the outlet 34. A center tube 26 connects the two end plates 22, 24 and is between the two end plates 22, 24. The filter media 20 is in a cylindrical arrangement around the center tube 26. The center tube 26 includes a flow passage 28 extending through the center tube 26, the flow passage 28 being in fluid communication with the opening in the end plate 22. The center tube also includes openings 29, which openings 29 allow the working fluid to flow through the filter media 20 and through the flow channels 28 of the center tube 26. It should be understood that this is not meant to limit the particular filter element arrangement or configuration. Other filter elements may have different configurations that correspond to the inlet/outlet and sealing structures of the nutplate 16 and housing 12, so long as fluid flow and filtering capabilities are achieved.

Fig. 3-4 illustrate another embodiment of a fluid filter 100. As with the fluid filter 10, the fluid filter 100 generally includes a housing 102, a filter element 104, and a nutplate 106. The housing 100 has a generally open end (see fig. 4). The filter element 104 is disposed within the housing 102. The filter element 104 has a filter medium 120 through which the working fluid is filtered. The fluid filter 100 includes many similar features as those of the fluid filter 10, but with some differences in the type of seal used.

The nut plate 106 is an open end that is connected to the housing 102. As a preferred embodiment, the nutplate 106 is attached to the housing 102 by a spin welding process. Such a connection is readily achieved, for example, in a fluid filter having a composite shell and nutplate. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid filter 100 is also a composite material that does not include metal components, particularly where the nutplate 106 and the housing 102 are made of a composite material. Examples of composite filters, which can be found in the past products of cummins filtration, are well known for the production of user-friendly filters.

The nutplate 106 has an end face (see the top of the nutplate 106 in FIGS. 3 and 4) that includes an inlet 132 and an outlet 134. Generally, the inlet 132 allows the working fluid to be filtered to enter the open end of the housing 102 and flow to the filter media 120. As shown, the inlet 132 can be, for example, a plurality of openings in the end face of the nutplate 106. It should be understood that the number of inlets 132 is not intended to be limiting as long as working fluid can flow into (or out of) the fluid filter 100. The outlet 134 generally allows the working fluid filtered by the filter media 120 to exit the open end of the housing 102. As shown, the outlet 134 is centrally disposed on the end face of the nutplate 106, and the inlet 132 is coaxially disposed about the outlet 134. With respect to the fluid filter 100, it should be appreciated that the particular inlet 132/outlet 134 placement is not intended to be limiting and other modifications may be equally suitable and/or desirable. For example, the inlet and outlet may be switched if desired and/or necessary, so long as the fluid flows are reversed.

With further reference to the end face of the nutplate 106, the end face includes inner and outer seals 138, 136 disposed thereon. As shown, the inner seal 138 surrounds the outlet 134 and is disposed between the inlet 132 and the outlet 134. The outer seal 136 surrounds the inlet 132. During operation, the inner seal 138 isolates the working fluid to be filtered from the working fluid that has been filtered through the filter media 120, and the outer seal 136 isolates the working fluid from the external environment.

As shown, the inner and outer seals 138, 136 are disposed in grooves on the end face of the nutplate 106 (best shown in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the end face of the nutplate 106 is configured such that the inner and outer seals 138, 136 are disposed on the end face in a planar arrangement. In fig. 3 and 4, the inner and outer seals 138, 136 are located on the same plane. For example, the sealing arrangement of the seals 138, 136 allows for a relatively simple flat planar seal, thereby reducing the amount of tooling (e.g., for metal materials), the amount of tooling (e.g., for composite materials), and the like.

In one embodiment, the inner and outer seals 138, 136 are coaxially disposed, wherein the inlet 132 and outlet 134 and respective seals 138, 136 occupy a majority of the end face of the nutplate 106. Such a configuration may provide a face seal and face-like fluid flow for the fluid filter 100 and filtration system that may be attached thereto.

In one embodiment as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the internal seal 138 is shown as a crush rib seal. It should be appreciated that the inner seal 138 is not limited to a crush rib seal. For example, the crush rib seals may be employed with larger micron rated filters. Other configurations may include, but are not limited to, an O-ring or rectangular gasket seal. Further, it should be appreciated that the materials of such inner seals 138 are well known and need not be further described herein.

In one embodiment, the outer seal 136 is a rectangular gasket seal. It should be appreciated that the outer seal 136 is not limited to only a rectangular gasket seal. Other structures are possible including, but not limited to, an O-ring seal. It should be appreciated that the materials of such an outer seal 136 are well known and need not be further described herein.

The exterior surface of the nutplate 106 also includes an attachment structure 130. Generally, the connection structure 130 is used to connect other devices, such as another component of a filtration system. In one embodiment, the attachment structure 130 is a threaded portion of an outer side of the nutplate 106. In a composite fluid filter, for example, the attachment structure 130 can be molded to the outer surface of the nutplate 106. In this embodiment, in which threads are used, the exterior surface of the nutplate 106 (e.g., composite material) is threaded. It should be appreciated that the connection structure 130 may be other than a threaded structure. For example, the attachment structure 130 can be a quarter-turn fastener or any suitable mechanical structure known, and the attachment structure 130 can be used to attach the outer surface of the nutplate to other equipment.

In one embodiment, the exterior side of the connecting structure 130 is on a surface other than the end surface. As shown, the outer side surface is perpendicular to the end surface.

The configuration of the connection structure 130 allows the fluid filter 100 to be coaxially connected to other equipment in a filtration system. The nutplate 106 can be designed to conform to a filter housing or shell of varying lengths.

With further reference to the filter element 104, one embodiment of a used filter element is one in which the filter media 120 is attached to two endplates. One of the end plates 122 includes an opening in fluid communication with the outlet 134. A center tube 126 connects the two end plates. In one embodiment, the center tube is part of the endplate 122. The filter media 120 surrounds the center tube 126 in a cylindrical arrangement. The center tube 126 includes a flow passage 128 extending through the center tube 126, the flow passage 128 being in fluid communication with the opening in the end plate 122. The center tube 126 also includes openings 129, the openings 129 allowing the working fluid to flow from the filter media 120 and through the flow passage 128 of the center tube 126. It should be understood that this is not meant to limit the particular filter element arrangement or configuration. Other filter elements may have different configurations that conform to the nutplate 106 and housing 102, as long as fluid flow and filtering capabilities are achieved.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, fig. 5 and 6 illustrate a fluid filter 200. As with the fluid filters 10, 100, the fluid filter 200 generally includes a housing 202, a filter element 204, and a nutplate 206. The housing 200 has a generally open end (see fig. 6). The filter element 204 is disposed within the housing 202. The filter element 204 has a filter medium 220 through which the working fluid is filtered. The fluid filter 200 includes many similar features as those of the fluid filters 10, 100, but with some differences as described below.

The nut plate 206 is an open end that is attached to the housing 202. As a preferred embodiment, the nut plate 206 is attached to the housing 202 by a spin welding process. Such a connection is readily achieved, for example, in a fluid filter having a composite shell and nutplate. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid filter 200 is also a composite material that does not include metal components, particularly where the nutplate 206 and the housing 202 are made of a composite material. Examples of composite filters, which can be found in the past products of cummins filtration, are well known for the production of user-friendly filters.

The nutplate 206 has an end face (see the top of the nutplate 206 in FIGS. 3 and 4) that includes an inlet 232 and an outlet 234. Generally, the inlet 232 allows the working fluid to be filtered to enter the open end of the housing 202 and flow to the filter media 220. As shown, the inlet 232 can be, for example, a plurality of openings in the end face of the nutplate 206. It should be understood that the number of inlets 232 is not intended to be limiting as long as working fluid can flow into (or out of) the fluid filter 200. The outlet 234 generally allows the working fluid filtered by the filter media 220 to exit the open end of the housing 202. As shown, the outlet 234 is disposed centrally on the end face of the nutplate 206, and the inlet 232 is disposed coaxially around the outlet 234. It will be appreciated that the particular inlet 232/outlet 234 positioning arrangement is not intended to be limiting and that other modifications may be equally suitable and/or desirable. As with the fluid filters 10, 100 described above, for example, the inlet 232 and outlet 234 on the fluid filter 200 may be switched over if desired and/or necessary, so long as the fluid flow is reversed.

With further reference to the end face of the nutplate 206, the end face includes inner and outer seals 238, 236 disposed thereon. As shown, the inner seal 238 surrounds the outlet 234 and is disposed between the inlet 232 and the outlet 234. The outer seal 236 surrounds the inlet 232. In operation, the inner seal 238 isolates the working fluid to be filtered from the working fluid that has been filtered through the filter media 220, and the outer seal 236 isolates the working fluid from the external environment.

In one embodiment, the end face of the nutplate 206 is configured such that the inner and outer seals 238, 236 are disposed on the end face. As shown, the outer seal 236 is disposed in a groove on the end face of the nutplate 206 and the inner seal 238 is disposed on a projection of the outlet 234. In fig. 5 and 6, the inner and outer seals 238, 236 are slightly offset in position but remain on the end face of the nutplate 206.

In one embodiment, the inner and outer seals 238, 236 are coaxially disposed, wherein the inlet 232 and outlet 234 and the respective seals 238, 236 occupy a majority of the end face of the nutplate 206. Such a configuration may provide a face seal and face-like fluid flow for the fluid filter 200 and filtration system that may be attached thereto.

In one embodiment as shown in fig. 5 and 6, the inner seal 238 and the outer seal 236 are each shown as a rectangular gasket seal. As noted above, it should be understood that the inner and outer seals are not limited to the specific seals shown in the figures in general. Other seals and materials may be used so long as an end-face seal of the nutplate is achieved. Further, it should be appreciated that the materials of such inner and outer seals 238, 234 are well known and need not be further described herein.

The outer surface of the nut plate 206 also includes a connection structure 230. Generally, the connection structure 230 is used to connect other devices, such as another component of a filtration system. In one embodiment, the connection structure 230 is a threaded portion of an outer side of the nutplate 206. In a composite fluid filter, for example, the attachment structure 230 can be molded to the outer surface of the nutplate 206. In this embodiment, in which threads are used, the outer surface of the nutplate 206 (e.g., composite material) is formed with threads. It should be appreciated that the connection structure 230 may be other than a threaded structure. For example, the attachment structure 230 can be a quarter-turn fastener or any suitable mechanical structure known, and the attachment structure 230 can be used to attach the outer surface of the nutplate to other equipment.

In one embodiment, the exterior side of the connection structure 230 is on a surface other than the end surface. As shown, the outer side surface is perpendicular to the end surface.

The configuration of the connection structure 230 allows the fluid filter 200 to be coaxially connected to other equipment in a filtration system. The nutplate 206 can be designed to conform to a filter housing or shell of varying lengths.

In fig. 5 and 6, the nutplate 206 is attached to the filter element 204 and retains the filter element 204 within the housing 202.

With further reference to the filter element 204, one embodiment of a used filter element is one in which the filter media 220 is attached to two endplates. One of the end plates 222 includes an opening in fluid communication with the outlet 234. A center tube 226 is connected to and between the two endplates, and, similar to fluid filter 100, the center tube 226 may be part of the endplate 122. The filter media 220 surrounds the center tube 226 in a cylindrical arrangement. The center tube 226 includes a flow passage 228 extending through the center tube 226, the flow passage 228 being in fluid communication with the opening in the end plate 222. The center tube 226 also includes openings 229, the openings 229 allowing the working fluid to flow through the filter media 220 and through the flow passages 228 of the center tube 226. It should be understood that this is not meant to limit the particular filter element arrangement or configuration. Other filter elements may have different configurations that conform to the nutplate 206 and housing 202, as long as fluid flow and filtering capabilities are achieved.

While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims (12)

1. A fluid filter, comprising:

a housing having an open end;

a filter element disposed within the housing, the filter element having a filter media through which a working fluid to be filtered flows; and

a nutplate connected to the open end of the housing, the nutplate having an end face that includes an inlet port that allows working fluid to be filtered to enter the open end of the housing and flow to the filter media and an outlet port that allows working fluid that has been filtered by the filter media to flow out of the open end of the housing,

said end face including an inner seal and an outer seal disposed thereon, said inner seal surrounding one of said inlet and outlet and being disposed between said inlet and outlet and said outer seal surrounding the other of said inlet and outlet, said inner seal isolating working fluid to be filtered from working fluid that has been filtered through the filter media during operation and said outer seal isolating working fluid from the external environment, said inner and outer seals being coaxially disposed and said inner and outer seals being in the same plane,

the nutplate includes a connection structure on an exterior surface thereof that connects to other devices, wherein, in a cross-section of the fluid filter, only one of the outer seal and the inner seal is disposed between the inlet and the outlet.

2. The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the liquid filter is a spin-on filter.

3. The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the shell and nutplate are joined by a spin-welded connection.

4. The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer seals are disposed in grooves on an end face of the nutplate.

5. The fluid filter of claim 1 wherein said end face is configured such that said inner and outer seals are disposed on said end face in a planar arrangement.

6. The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the internal seal is one of a rectangular sealing gasket, an O-ring, or a crush-rib seal.

7. The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the external seal is a rectangular sealing gasket or an O-ring.

8. The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the connection structure is a threaded portion on an outer side surface of the nutplate, the outer side surface being a surface other than an end surface.

9. The fluid filter of claim 8, wherein the outer side surface is perpendicular to the end surface.

10. The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the nutplate is coupled to the filter element and retains the filter element within the housing.

11. The fluid filter of claim 1 wherein said filter media is attached to two endplates, one of which includes an opening in fluid communication with said outlet and a center tube is attached between the two endplates, said filter media surrounding said center tube in a cylindrical arrangement, said center tube including a flow passage therethrough in fluid communication with the opening in said one of the endplates, and said center tube including openings for passage of working fluid from said filter media through the flow passage of said center tube.

12. The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the nutplate is a composite material.