OIL FILTER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A one-piece cast metallic adaptor for a filtering assembly that provides for direct threading of associated components to the adaptor. The adaptor provides an enclosed flow path for lubricant to flow between an engine lubrication network and a filter housing.

Claims

1. An engine oil assembly comprising: a metallic casting having: an elongated body portion with; a lower surface configured to mate with a lubrication network in an engine; an upper surface configured to mate with a cooling component; an oil filter housing defined at a first end of the elongated body; and, a lubrication flow path that establishes a communication channel between the lubrication network and the filter housing; wherein the body includes a plurality of casted apertures that are threaded for mating with a respective threaded component.

2. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the elongated cast metallic body includes a plurality of casted apertures that are threaded for receiving a respective threaded fastener to secure a cooler with the elongated cast metallic body.

3. An adaptor for an engine oil filtering assembly comprising: a metallic casting having: an elongated body portion with; a lower surface configured to mate with a lubrication network in an engine; an upper surface configured to mate with a cooling component; an oil filter housing defined at a first end of the elongated body; and, a lubrication flow path that establishes a communication channel between the lubrication network and the filter housing; wherein the elongated body includes a plurality of casted through passages and a plurality of casted apertures that are threaded for mating with a respective threaded member.

4. An engine oil assembly comprising: a one-piece metallic casting having: an elongated body portion with; a lower surface configured to mate with a lubrication network in an engine; an upper surface with an oil filter housing defined at a first end of the elongated body; and, a lubrication path through the elongated body portion that establishes a flow path between the lubrication network and the filter housing; wherein the elongated body includes a plurality of casted apertures that are threaded for mating with a respective threaded component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art oil filter adaptor and cooler assembly;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a partial rear view of the prior art assembly in FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 3A illustrates the capping of the oil flow path in the prior art adaptor after removal of the core used in the plastic molding;

[0010] FIG. 3B is a section illustrating the flow path in the prior art adaptor;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adaptor according to the invention prior to assembly of any related components;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a section view along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4 showing the linear flow path in an adaptor according to the invention; and,

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adaptor according to the invention in a direction opposite to that of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0014] The prior art oil filter assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3B is typical of the adaptor construction resulting from using moldable plastic materials. The prior art assembly 10 in FIG. 1 has a base 20, a filter housing 30 and an oil cooler 40. The base 20 includes medal inserts 22 that are provided in the plastic construction at designated locations for the attachment of other associated components. The metal inserts and associated components are shown in FIG. 1 at 22 and 24 respectively. Although the metal inserts are frequently molded in situ during the molding of the plastic base, they remain a failure point and can result in oil leakage or worse. The metal inserts 22 are also subject to overtightening during attachment of the associated components 24, which can result in stress cracks in the plastic.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the base 20, due to the molding process requiring the ability to withdrawal a core, has a number of plugs 26 that are retrofitted after the base 20 is molded. The plugs 26 are assembled to the molded base with an adhesive or spin welding. In either event, the plugs 26 are a failure point in the base 20 that can result in oil leaking or worse.

[0016] In addition to the inserts 22 and plugs 26, the base 20 has a number of metal inserts or sleeves, not shown, that are inserted to reinforce the plastic molded apertures for attachment of the various bolts 28 that hold the assembly 10 together. Here again, the inserts or sleeves introduce a potential failure point. Another potential failure point is the attachment of the cap 32 to the plastic filter housing 30. Over tightening of the cap 32 can introduce stress fracture in the threaded housing 30.

[0017] With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, it can be seen that the prior art flow path 50 requires a cover 21, at least partially over the flow path, that is adhered to the base after the molding core is removed by the adhesive or welding 23. With reference to FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the flow path 50 bends or is angular; in other word, the flow path 50 does not have a common longitudinal axis.

[0018] With reference to FIG. 4, the preferred adaptor 110 has a filter housing 130 and base 120 that is formed of a casted metallic material, preferably aluminum. The base 120 and the filter housing 130 are casted together and the apertures 127 for receiving the bolts 128 do not required metal inserts or sleeves to avoid stressing or cracking do to the solid metallic construction. The casting is also threaded at 129 to receive fasteners for securing an oil cooler 40 to the adaptor 110.

[0019] Still with reference to FIG. 4, the casted filter housing 130 has internal threaded 132 that mate with an OEM cap 32 to secure a filter within housing 130. In a similar manner, the apertures 126 have internal threading to preferably mate with NPT plugs that are self-sealing. Depending on the type and construction of related components, such as sensors, it may be necessary to employ a gasket or sealing rings with their assembly.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 5, the flow path 150 for transporting the lubricant in base 120 is centered about the longitudinal axis 160 and consistent throughout the base 120. The flow path 150 is symmetric about the axis 160 and there is no angular component in the flow path 150. The flow path 150 is entirely within the unitary casting so there is no need for adding a closure to the flow path.

[0021] With the exception of the flow path 150, the lubrication galleries and the location positions for associated components are identical to the OEM assembly so the casted metal adaptor is a direct replacement for the OEM part and no modifications or relocations of other components are necessary.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the adaptor 110, including the filter housing 130 and the base 120 outwardly appearance the same as the OEM part and the base accepts the OEM cooler 40 and the filter housing accepts the cap 32 without any modification.