Vented Filter Cartridge Integrated into the Upper Flange and Filtration

Abstract

A filter cartridge (1) comprising a filter medium (2) of cylindrical shape defining a central axis (3), a first flange (4), said first flange (4) being a flange plate which comprises a central opening (5) defining a fluid outlet, a first face (4a) and a second face (4b) opposite the first face (4a), said face (2) being fixed to the second face (4b) of the first flange (4), and a filtering medium (6) extending from said first face (4a) along the central axis and projecting outwardly from said central opening (5), said cylindrical extension (6) having an outer face (6a) and an inner face (6b); characterized in that said cylindrical extension (6) is traversed by at least one vent (7), and in that a first joint element (8) is provided at a first position of the cylindrical extension (6) and a second sealing element (9) is provided on a second position of the cylindrical extension (6), the first joint element (8) being axially offset from the second joint member (9) with respect to the central axis so that said at least one at least one vent (7) is positioned between the first seal member (8) and the second seal member (9) with respect to the central axis (3). Filtration system incorporating such a cartridge.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A filtration system comprising: a filtration head comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and an air bleed; a cylindrical housing extending from the &aid filtration head; and a filter cartridge comprising: a filter medium of cylindrical shape defining a central axis, a first flange being an open flange and comprising: a central opening defining a filtered fluid outlet, a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, the filter medium being fixed to the second face of the first flange, a cylindrical extension extending from the first face along the central axis and projecting outwardly from the central opening, the cylindrical extension having an outer face and an inner face, at least one vent traversing the cylindrical extension, a first joint element provided at a first position of the cylindrical extension, and a second joint element provided at a second position of the cylindrical extension; wherein the first joint element is sealingly engaged with a first portion of the filtration head and the second joint element is in leaktight contact with a second portion of the filtration head, thereby isolating a clean side of the filter cartridge which is in communication with the fluid outlet from a dirty side of the filter cartridge which is in communication with the fluid inlet; wherein the first flange and the filtration head define an air bleed compartment in communication with the air bleed, the first joint element isolating the air bleed compartment from the clean side and the second joint element substantially isolating the air bleed compartment from the dirty side, the at least one vent connecting the air bleed compartment with the dirty side; and wherein the first joint element is axially offset from the second joint element with respect to the central axis so that the at least one vent is positioned between the first joint element and the second joint element with respect to the central axis.

12. The filtration system of claim 11, wherein the cylindrical housing cooperates in a removable manner with the filtration head.

13. A filter cartridge comprising: a filter medium; a flange having a first side interfacing with the filter medium and a second side opposite the first side, the flange comprising a cylindrical extension extending from the second side, the cylindrical extension comprising a vent configured to facilitate passage of air therethrough; a first sealing element interfacing with the cylindrical extension; and a second sealing element interfacing with the cylindrical extension; wherein the vent is positioned in the cylindrical extension between the first sealing element and the second sealing element.

14. The filter cartridge of claim 13, further comprising a breather valve positioned within the vent such that air passes through the vent only by passing through the breather valve.

15. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein: the cylindrical extension defines an end face opposite the second side of the flange; and the vent extends into the end face such that the vent is only partially defined by the cylindrical extension.

16. A filter cartridge comprising: a filter medium; a flange having a first side interfacing with the filter medium and a second side opposite the first side, the flange comprising: a first cylindrical wall extending from the second side, and a second cylindrical wall extending from the second side; and a member positioned between the first cylindrical wall and the second cylindrical wall, the member configured to selectively move with respect to the flange.

17. The filter cartridge of claim 16, further comprising a clip removably coupled to one of the first cylindrical wall and the second cylindrical wall, the clip configured to limit movement of the member with respect to the flange.

18. The filter cartridge of claim 17, wherein: the member comprises a projection extending from the member and defining a ledge; and the clip is configured to contact the ledge to limit movement of the member with respect to the flange.

19. The filter cartridge of claim 16, wherein: the first cylindrical wall comprises a first opening contiguous with the flange; the second cylindrical wall comprises a second opening contiguous with the flange; and the first opening and the second opening are at least partially aligned with the member when the member contacts the flange between the first cylindrical wall and the second cylindrical wall.

20. A filtration system comprising: a filter medium; a filtration head comprising an aperture communicable with an air purge; a first flange having a first side interfacing with the filter medium and a second side opposite the first side and adjacent the filtration head, the first flange comprising: a first cylindrical wall extending from the second side towards the filtration head, and a second cylindrical wall extending from the second side towards the filtration head; and a valve assembly movable between a first position, where air may pass from between the filtration head and the first flange through the aperture to the air purge, and a second position, where air may not pass from between the filtration head and the first flange through the aperture to the air purge, the valve assembly comprising a first member positioned within the aperture, the first member configured to move with respect to the filtration head in response to accumulation of fluid between the filtration head and the first flange.

21. The filtration system of claim 20, wherein the aperture is defined by a central axis that intersects the first flange between the first cylindrical wall and the second cylindrical wall such that the aperture is positioned between the first cylindrical wall and the second cylindrical wall.

22. The filtration system of claim 20, wherein: the first member comprises: a head positioned on a first side of the filtration head and defining a first sealing surface proximate the filtration head, a shaft coupled to the head through the aperture, a second flange positioned on a second side of the filtration head opposite the first side and proximate to the first flange, the second flange coupled to the shaft opposite the head and defining a second sealing surface proximate the filtration head, and a protrusion extending from the first flange opposite the shaft; and the aperture defines a first countersink configured to selectively receive the first sealing surface when the valve assembly is in the first position and a second countersink configured to selectively receive the second sealing surface when the valve assembly is in the second position.

23. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein: the first sealing element interfaces with an inner surface of the cylindrical extension; and the second sealing element interfaces with a lateral surface of the cylindrical extension.

24. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein: the filter medium is centered on a central axis; and the first sealing element is axially offset from the second sealing element with respect to the central axis so that the vent is positioned between the first sealing element and the second sealing element with respect to the central axis.

25. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein the first sealing element and the second sealing element are formed as separate pieces.

26. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein: the first sealing element is a circular sealing element with a first diameter; and the second sealing element is a circular sealing element with a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

27. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein: the cylindrical extension comprises a stop; and the second sealing element is inserted in the stop.

28. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein the first sealing element is disposed radially inward of the second sealing element.

29. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein the first sealing element interfaces with the flange in addition to interfacing with the cylindrical extension.

30. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein the first sealing element is disposed radially inward of the cylindrical extension.

31. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein: the cylindrical extension comprises a stop; the second sealing element is inserted in the stop; and the first sealing element interfaces with the flange in addition to interfacing with the cylindrical extension.

32. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein: the first sealing element is disposed radially inward of the cylindrical extension; and the first sealing element interfaces with the flange in addition to interfacing with the cylindrical extension.

33. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein: the first sealing element is disposed radially inward of the cylindrical extension; and the first sealing element and the second sealing element are formed as separate pieces.

Description

LISTS OF FIGURES

[0048] The invention, as well as the different advantages displayed by it, will be included more easily thanks to the description that will follow a method of its creation that is given as an example and is non-exhaustive in reference to the figures in which:

[0049] FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a filter cartridge according to the current invention;

[0050] FIG. 2 depicts a view in perspective of the upper part of the filter cartridge depicted in FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of the upper part of the cartridge depicted according to FIG. 2;

[0052] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a filtration assembly according to the invention accommodating a filter cartridge according to FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0053] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of the upper part of the filtration assembly depicted in FIG. 4.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter cartridge according to another example embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 6;

[0056] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter cartridge according to yet another example embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 8; and

[0058] FIG. 10 is another detailed view of the filter cartridge shown in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Description of the Filter Cartridge

[0059] In reference to FIG. 1, filter cartridge 1 according to the invention consists of a filtration medium 2 in a cylindrical form defining a cylindrical light 3a along a central axis 3. Within the framework of the current implementation method, this medium is in (to be completed). This device is essentially air-impermeable.

[0060] This filtration medium 2 is attached at each of its ends to a flange in rigid plastic material displaying a coaxial opening to the light of filtration medium 2.

[0061] More precisely, a flange, known as first flange 4 displaying opening 5, is provided in the upper part of filter cartridge 1, and another flange, known as second flange 40 displaying opening 5a, is provided in its lower part.

[0062] The first flange 4 displays a first side 4a and a second side 4b. The filtration medium is attached to the second side 4b of this first flange 4. The second flange 40 displays a first side 40a and a second side 40b. The filtration medium is attached to the second side 40b of this first flange 40.

[0063] A tubular element 50, consisting of a mesh in plastic material, connects flanges 4 and 40 between them and ensures the rigidity of filter cartridge 1.

[0064] As it can be seen more precisely in FIG. 2, the first flange 4 displays a cylindrical extension 6 that is extending from the first face 4a along central axis 3 and making a protrusion towards the exterior of said central opening 5. This cylindrical extension 6 displays an external side 6a and an internal side 6b and it is, according to the current invention, provided with vent 7 traversing it, said vent consisting of a channel leading to one of its ends of the external side 6a and to the other of its ends on the internal side 6b of cylindrical extension 6.

[0065] In reference to FIG. 3, a first seal 8 is provided in a first position of cylindrical extension 6, and a second seal 9 is provided in a second position of cylindrical extension 6. According to the invention, the first seal 8 is axially offset from the second seal 9 with respect to axis 3. Thus, vent 7 is positioned between the first seal 8 and the second seal 9 with respect to central axis 3.

[0066] The first seal 8 is a circular seal in nitrile positioned as a support on the first side 4a of the first flange 4 and on the internal wall 6b of cylindrical extension 6. It displays a gasket 8a.

[0067] The second seal 9 is a circular seal in nitrile inserted on a stop 10 extended towards said high cylindrical extension 6. It displays a gasket 9a.

[0068] (It should be noted that in other implementation modes, seals 8 and 9 can be carried out in materials other than the nitrile, namely in hydrogenated nitrile, Viton® FKM or thermoplastic elastomer, vulcanized thermoplastic, or polyurethane thermoplastic).

[0069] As it can be seen also in FIG. 3, vent 7 is extended radially with respect to axis 3. Furthermore, it displays an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is located on the external wall 6a of the cylindrical element while the air outlet 6b is located on its internal wall 6b. The diameter of the air outlet of the vent is smaller than the diameter of the air inlet. Within the framework of the current method of implementation, the diameter of the air outlet is 0.2 mm.

Description of the Filtration System

[0070] In reference to FIG. 4, the filtering system according to the invention consists of filtration head 20 equipped with an inlet 21 of the fluid to be filtered and an outlet 22 of the filtered fluid. This filtration head 20 is also provided with an air purge 23 including a vertical conduit connected to the container of the liquid to be filtered (not shown).

[0071] The filtration head 20 works together with a cylindrical housing 24 operating in detachable manner together with said filtration head 20. Seals 20a and 20b guarantee air-tightness between filtration head 20 and cylindrical housing 24. (It should be noted that in other methods of implementation the cylindrical housing can form only one single piece with the filtration head 20).

[0072] The cylindrical housing 24 is mounted by means of a screw-on fixture on a cover 25 equipped with a drainage system (not shown).

[0073] Furthermore, the system consists of a filter cartridge 1 such as the one described in the reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 below, which is press-fitted onto a tubular component 20c of the filtration head.

[0074] In reference to FIG. 5, the first seal 8 of the filter cartridge 1 is in airtight contact, thanks to its gasket 8a, with a first portion of the filtration head 20, and the second seal 9 of filter cartridge 1 is in airtight contact, thanks to its gasket 9a, with a second portion of filtration head 20. Therefore, the clean side of filter cartridge 1, which is adjoining the fluid outlet, is insulated from the dirty side of filter cartridge 1 which is adjoining fluid inlet 21. The “dirty side” of the cartridge is understood to mean the side of the cartridge that receives the fluid to be filtered and by the “clean side” of the cartridge, it is the side of the cartridge that receives the filtered fluid.

[0075] According to this implementation, the first flange 4 and the filtration head 20 define a compartment of circular air purge 25 adjoining the duct of the purge of the air passing from a tank (not shown) into the atmosphere. The first seal 8 insulates this air purge compartment 25 on the clean side and the second seal 9 essentially insulates this air purge compartment 25 on the dirty side, with only vent 7 allowing said air purge compartment 25 to be adjoined on the dirty side of the filter cartridge.

Description of the Operation of the Filtration System

[0076] During operation, the fluid to be filtered arrives under pressure in the system through fluid inlet 21 and penetrates in the peripheral space managed between filter cartridge 1 and the internal wall of cylindrical housing 24 in order to be filtered by passing through filtration medium 2.

[0077] The filtered fluid is recovered in cylindrical light 3a of filter cartridge 1 and is evacuated from the system through outlet 22 of the filtered fluid.

[0078] Since the filtration medium is essentially airtight, the air that is eventually present in the fluid to be filtered cannot cross it. This air goes up and passes through the vent communicating with circular compartment 25, which is airtight, thanks to seals 8 and 9, in order to be evacuated through air purge duct 23 to the tank for the liquid to be filtered that is in the atmosphere.

Description of Various Embodiments of the Filter Cartridge

[0079] In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 1 includes a valve positioned within the vent 7 such that any air passing from the compartment 25, through the vent 7, to the dirty side of the filter cartridge 1 is passed, or selectively passed, through the valve. This valve may be, for example, a button valve, an umbrella valve, a breather fitting (e.g., a stone breather fitting, a sintered bronze breather fitting, breather vent, air vent zerk fitting, etc.), or divots in the filter cartridge 1 itself.

[0080] An embodiment of the filter cartridge 1 previously described where the vent 7 is replaced with an elongated vent 60 (e.g., air vent, etc.) is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. While the elongated vent 60 may be formed in any combination of the second seal 9 and the cylindrical extension 6 of the first flange 4, the elongated vent 60 is shown as being formed in the cylindrical extension 6. The elongated vent 60 defines a gap between the cylindrical extension 6 of the first flange 4 and the second seal 9 such that air may flow from between the first flange 4 and the filtration head 20, through the elongated vent 60, into the compartment 25, and to the tank through the air purge 23. The elongated vent 60 is defined along an end face 62 of the cylindrical extension 6 such that the elongated vent 60 is inset into the end face 62. The end face 62 is a surface of the cylindrical extension 6 that is opposite the first face 4a. In some embodiments, the end face 62 may be disposed along a plane that is parallel a plane upon which the first face 4a is disposed.

[0081] The gap defined by the elongated vent 60 has a volume that is related to a circumferential length (e.g., along the circumference of the cylindrical extension 6, etc.) of the elongated vent 60 and an axial height (e.g., as measured along an axis parallel to the central axis 3. As the volume of the gap defined by the elongated vent 60 increases, the amount of air that may pass through the elongated vent 60 similarly increases. Similarly, as the volume of the gap defined by the elongated vent 60 decreases, the amount of air that may pass through the elongated vent 60 similarly decreases. While the filter cartridge 1 is only shown as including one of the elongated vents 60, it is understood that the filter cartridge 1 may include two, three, four, or more of the elongated vents 60. In these embodiments, the multiple elongated vents 60 may be spaced equidistantly about the circumference of the cylindrical extension 6.

[0082] An embodiment of the filter cartridge 1 previously described where the vent 7 is replaced with a valve assembly 80 is shown in FIGS. 8-10. The valve assembly 80 controls the flow of air from between the first flange 4 and the filtration head 20, through the valve assembly 80, and to the tank through the air purge 23.

[0083] The first flange 4 includes a first cylindrical wall 82 (e.g., extension, protrusion, protuberance, projection, etc.) extending from the first face 4a of the first flange 4 such that the first cylindrical wall 82 contacts a first face 84 of the filtration head 20. The first flange 4 also includes a second cylindrical wall 86 extending from the first face 4a of the first flange 4 such that the first cylindrical wall 82 contacts the first face 84 of the filtration head 20. The first cylindrical wall 82 is disposed closer to the central axis 3 than the second cylindrical wall 86, such that the second cylindrical wall 86 is radially offset from the first cylindrical wall 82 forming a gap therebetween. The first cylindrical wall 82 defines an opening 88 positioned along the first face 4a of the first flange 4. Similarly, the second cylindrical wall 86 defines an opening 90 along the first face 4a of the first flange 4. The opening 88 is aligned with the opening 90. In operation, air flows from between the second cylindrical wall 86 and the filtration head 20, through the opening 90, into the gap between the first cylindrical wall 82 and the second cylindrical wall 86, through the opening 88, and to the tank through the air purge 23.

[0084] The valve assembly 80 includes a biasing member 92 (e.g., float, etc.) positioned between the first cylindrical wall 82 and the second cylindrical wall 86 and between the first face 4a of the first flange 4 and a valve member 94 (e.g., diaphragm valve, etc.). The biasing member 92 translates (e.g., slides, moves, etc.) along an axis parallel to the central axis 3 between the first cylindrical wall 82 and the second cylindrical wall 86. Translation of the biasing member 92 is limited by a retaining clip 96. In an example embodiment, the retaining clip 96 is removably coupled to the second cylindrical wall 86. For example, the retaining clip 96 may be snapped over the second cylindrical wall 86. The retaining clip 96 selectively contacts a ledge 98 on the biasing member 92 to limit translation of the biasing member 92.

[0085] The biasing member 92 includes a projection 100 that contacts the valve member 94. Specifically, the projection 100 of the biasing member 92 contacts a projection 102 of the valve member 94. Similar to the biasing member 92, the valve member 94 translates along an axis parallel to the central axis 3. In an example embodiment, the valve member 94 translates along the same axis along which the biasing member 92 translates. The valve member 94 includes a shaft 104 that translates within an aperture 106 in the filtration head 20.

[0086] The valve member 94 includes a lower sealing face 108 that selectively contacts a countersink 110, a head 111 having an upper sealing face 112 that selectively contacts a countersink 114, and a flange 116 that selectively contacts a second face 118 of the filtration head 20. In an example embodiment, translation of the shaft 104 within the aperture 106 is limited by the upper sealing face 112 and the countersink 114, and at least one of contact between the lower sealing face 108 and the countersink 110 and contact between the flange 116 and the second face 118 of the filtration head 20.

[0087] The valve member 94 is operable between a first position, shown in FIG. 9, and a second position, shown in FIG. 10. The position of the valve member 94 is determined between an interaction, or lack thereof, between the biasing member 92 and the valve member 94. The biasing member 92 is configured to translate between the first position and the second positioned in response to the presence of fluid between the biasing member 92 and the first face 4a of the first flange 4.

[0088] When an amount of fluid between the biasing member 92 and the first face 4a of the first flange 4 is below a first threshold amount, the valve member 94 is in the first position. In the first position, air may pass (e.g., flow, leak, etc.) from between the filtration head 20 and the first face 4a of the first flange 4, through the opening 90, between the biasing member 92 and the first cylindrical wall 82, between the first cylindrical wall 82 and the second face 118 of the filtration head 20, between the lower sealing face 108 and the countersink 110, between the shaft 104 and the aperture 106, and between the upper sealing face 112 and the countersink 114 into the air purge 23. Also in the first position, air may, additionally or alternatively, pass from between the filtration head 20 and the first face 4a of the first flange 4, around (e.g., above, etc.) the first cylindrical wall 82, between the first cylindrical wall 82 and the second face 118 of the filtration head 20, between the lower sealing face 108 and the countersink 110, between the shaft 104 and the aperture 106, and between the upper sealing face 112 and the countersink 114. While not shown, the air passes between the upper sealing face 112 and the countersink 114 via gaps (e.g., voids, holes, channels, etc.) in at least one of the upper sealing face 112 and/or the countersink 114.

[0089] As fluid accumulates between the biasing member 92 and the first face 4a, the biasing member 92 translates towards the valve member 94. Continued collection of fluid between the biasing member 92 and the first face 4a eventually causes contact between the projection 100 of the biasing member 92 and the projection 102 of the valve member 94 which thereby causes the valve member 94 to be transitioned towards the second position. When an amount of fluid between the biasing member 92 and the first face 4a of the first flange 4 is above a second threshold amount, the valve member 94 is in the second position. In the second position, fluid is substantially blocked (e.g., prevented, impeded, etc.) from passing from the filtration head 20 into the air purge 23. Specifically, in the second position, the first cylindrical wall 82 may contact the second face 118 of the filtration head 20 and/or the lower sealing face 108 of the valve member 94 may contact the countersink 110. The flange 116 may include a sealing ring 120 positioned along an outer circumference of the flange 116. The sealing ring 120 may aid the first cylindrical wall 82 in preventing the flow of fluid into the air purge 23.

[0090] It should be noted that any use of the term “example” herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0091] 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 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.