CN101421013A - Filter arrangement and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A primary and secondary filter are combined into a single housing, and two elements are combined into a single element. The primary and secondary filters are fluidly isolated from each other. The primary filter is configured for radial flow, and the secondary filter is configured for axial flow. The filter arrangement can be a top load arrangement or, in another embodiment, a bottom load arrangement. This combination is useable in any system that has a filter upstream of a pump and a filter downstream of a pump. The example described is a fuel system. Methods of servicing include simultaneously removing the housing cover along with both the primary and secondary filters.

Description

Filter and maintenance thereof

[0001] the application is to be the pct international patent application on January 29th, 2007 applying date, for all designated states except that the U.S. with the Donaldson Company of u s company, Inc. (Donaldson Company, Inc) is the applicant, for only being designated state with the U.S., with United States citizen Patrick Clint, John R.Hacker, Jodi Billy, with Kurt B.Joscher be the applicant, and it is the U.S. Provisional Patent Application number 60/763 on January 30th, 2006 that the application requires the applying date, 743, the applying date is the U.S. Provisional Patent Application number 60/775 on February 22nd, 2006,467 and the applying date be the priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application number 60/822,974 on August 21st, 2006.

Technical field

[0002] the present invention relates to filter, system and method.Specifically, the present invention relates to the synthetic single assembly of at least two filter set, one of them filter bits is in the upstream side of pump, and second filter bits is in the downstream of pump.In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to can be used for the filtration system of fuel system.

Background technology

[0003] Fig. 1 shows prior art system.Vehicle for much being started by diesel engine uses two fuel filters, so that provide suitable protection to fuel system component (pump and injector).These systems utilize delivery pump 14 that fuel is transmitted by first (oil suction) filter 12 from fuel tank 10.From pump 14, fuel is by second (pressurization) filter 16 and on fuel injection system 18.At intake side, first filter 12 removes usually and anhydrates and some particulate matter.Because water overweights fuel, if flow velocity reduces (expansion chamber) before arriving filter medium, then most water can separate with fuel apace.Medium in first filter 12 is handled with making medium have hydrophobic material, and it is used for before by medium a part of water being separated from fuel.Another kind method is to add the special media layer in the reference fluid upstream of oil suction filter 12, and it is designed to the outer water of coalescent fuel.Described water to the dirty side shifting of medium and final settlement in sedimentation or collecting chamber 20.

[0004] result who changes as emissions of diesel engines, fuel system pressure significantly increases.The pressure of this increase produces thinner injected fuel spray in the combustion chamber, cause burning more completely, thereby help to reduce discharging.Because higher pressure, fuel injector has littler gap in their moving component.These littler gaps depend on fuel and go to keep lubricated (preventing the noticeable wear between the moving component) in these gaps and the operating process very much.Water has lower film-strength than fuel, and this significantly reduces lubricated and provides the chance of contact each other for moving component.Under described higher pressure, even the wear rate that a spot of water also can the accelerating jet parts.For existing systems, in regular maintenance, have two independent filter assemblies to need to be serviced, and they are usually located at the diverse location of vehicle.Need to improve.

Summary of the invention

[0005] the invention provides a kind of filter element, it comprises first dielectric structure with first filter medium, described first filter medium has tubular form, forms open filter interior, and described first dielectric structure is set for radial flow and crosses first filter medium.Described filter element also comprises second dielectric structure, axially aligns with first dielectric structure.Second filtration has second filter medium, is set for axial flow.First dielectric structure and second dielectric structure be fluid isolation each other.

[0006] the invention provides a kind of filter, it comprises filter element, as above characterizes, and is removably disposed in the enclosure.Lid is removably disposed on the shell, so that the selectivity passage to filter element is provided.

[0007] the invention provides a kind of filtration system, it comprises filter, as above characterizes fuel tank, fuel injection system and fuel-pumping device.At least the part of fuel pumping installations is in shell, and first filter medium is around the fuel-pumping device.

[0008] a kind of method of safeguarding filter comprises and removes lid and take out filter element from shell.Filter element comprises the above-mentioned type that characterizes.

Description of drawings

[0009] Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of prior art fuel filter system;

[0010] Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of the system of constructed in accordance with the principles;

[0011] Fig. 3 is the decomposition diagram of an embodiment of the filter of constructed in accordance with the principles;

[0012] Fig. 4 is the horizontal frontal plane view of filter shown in Figure 3;

[0013] Fig. 5 is the right side view of filter shown in Figure 3;

[0014] Fig. 6 is the perspective view of shell, comprises internal part, can be used for filter shown in Figure 3;

[0015] Fig. 7 is another perspective view of shell shown in Figure 6;

[0016] Fig. 8 is the decomposition diagram of the filter housing of Fig. 6 and 7, and comprises internal part;

[0017] Fig. 9 is the plan view from above of the filter housing that comprises internal part of Fig. 8;

[0018] Figure 10 is the cross sectional view of filter housing and the internal part of Fig. 6-8, and described cross section is cut open along the line 10-10 of Fig. 9;

[0019] Figure 11 is the decomposition diagram that can be used for the filter element in the filter of Fig. 3;

[0020] Figure 12 is the face upwarding view of the filter element after the assembling of Figure 11;

[0021] Figure 13 is the cross sectional view of filter element shown in Figure 12, and described cross section is cut open along the line 13-13 of Figure 12;

[0022] Figure 14 is the plan view from above of end cover structure that is used for the filter element of Figure 11-13;

[0023] Figure 15 is the side view of end cover structure shown in Figure 14;

[0024] Figure 16 is the plan view from above of the central core structure used by the filter element of Figure 11-13;

[0025] Figure 17 is the cross sectional view of central core structure shown in Figure 16, and described cross section is cut open along the line 17-17 of Figure 16;

[0026] Figure 18 is the plan view from above of the lid that can use with the filter of Fig. 3;

[0027] Figure 19 is the cross sectional view of lid shown in Figure 180, and described cross section is cut open along the line 19-19 of Figure 18;

[0028] Figure 20 is the perspective view of the part of shell shown in Figure 3;

[0029] Figure 21 is the plan view from above of the filter of Fig. 3;

[0030] Figure 22 is the cross sectional view of the filter of Figure 21, and described cross section is cut open along the line 22-22 of Figure 21;

[0031] Figure 23 is the cross sectional view of the filter of Figure 21, and described cross section is cut open along the line 23-23 of Figure 21;

[0032] Figure 24 is the side view of self-draining another embodiment, can be used for substituting the water tank with manual drainage valve;

[0033] Figure 25 is a self-draining plan view from above shown in Figure 24;

[0034] Figure 26 is the self-draining cross sectional view of Figure 24, and described cross section is cut open along the line 26-26 of Figure 25;

[0035] Figure 27 is the cross sectional view of the filter of another embodiment, element is shown is connected to lid, and its middle section is cut open along the line 27-27 of Figure 30;

[0036] Figure 28 is the zoomed-in view of the part of filter shown in Figure 27, and the connection between filter element and the lid is shown;

[0037] Figure 29 is the perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 27 and 28, and the step of maintenance process is shown, when element along with removing of lid is removed;

[0038] Figure 30 is the rearview of the filter of Figure 27-29 illustrated embodiment;

[0039] Figure 31 is the decomposition diagram of second embodiment of the filter of constructed in accordance with the principles;

[0040] Figure 32 is the horizontal frontal plane figure of filter shown in Figure 31;

[0041] Figure 33 is the left side view of filter shown in Figure 31;

[0042] Figure 34 is the perspective view of shell lid, can use with filter shown in Figure 31;

[0043] Figure 35 is the perspective view of end cover structure shown in Figure 42 and 43, and can be used for the filter element of Figure 39-41;

[0044] Figure 36 is the decomposition diagram of the filter housing of Figure 37, and comprises internal part;

[0045] Figure 37 is the plan view from above of filter housing, comprises internal part;

[0046] Figure 38 is the cross sectional view of the filter housing and the internal part of Figure 36 and 37, and described cross section is cut open along the line 38-38 of Figure 37;

[0047] Figure 39 is the decomposition diagram that can be used for the filter element in the filter of Figure 31;

[0048] Figure 40 is the face upwarding view that Figure 39 assembles the back filter element;

[0049] Figure 41 is the cross sectional view of filter element shown in Figure 40, and described cross section is cut open along the line 41-41 of Figure 40;

[0050] Figure 41 A is the amplification cross sectional view of the A-A part of filter element shown in Figure 41;

[0051] Figure 42 is the plan view from above of end cover structure that is used for the filter element of Figure 39-41;

[0052] Figure 43 is the cross sectional view of end cover structure shown in Figure 42, and described cross section is cut open along the line 43-43 of Figure 42;

[0053] Figure 44 is the plan view from above of the central core structure used by the filter element of Figure 39-41;

[0054] Figure 45 is the perspective view of central core structure shown in Figure 44;

[0055] Figure 46 is the side view of the lid that can use with the filter of Figure 31;

[0056] Figure 47 is the cross sectional view of lid shown in Figure 46, and described cross section is cut open along the line 47-47 of Figure 46;

[0057] Figure 48 is the perspective view of the part of shell shown in Figure 31;

[0058] Figure 49 is the plan view from above of the filter of Figure 31;

[0059] Figure 50 is the cross sectional view of the filter of Figure 49, and described cross section is cut open along the line 50-50 of Figure 49;

[0060] Figure 51 is the cross sectional view of the filter of Figure 49, and described cross section is cut open along the line 51-51 of Figure 49;

[0061] Figure 52 is the cross sectional view of the filter of Figure 49, and described cross section is cut open along the line 52-52 of Figure 49;

[0062] Figure 53 is the cross sectional view of the filter of Figure 49, and described cross section is cut open along the line 53-53 of Figure 49;

[0063] Figure 54 is the perspective view of the filter of Figure 32 and 33;

[] 0064[Figure 55 is the decomposition diagram of another embodiment of the filter of constructed in accordance with the principles;

[0065] Figure 56 is the right side view of filter shown in Figure 55 of assembling form;

[0066] Figure 57 is the front view of the back of assembling shown in Figure 56 filter;

[0067] Figure 58 is the face upwarding view of filter shown in Figure 56;

[0068] Figure 59 is the sectional view of the back of assembling shown in Figure 56-58 filter;

[0069] Figure 60 is the plan view from above that can be used for the filter element in the filter of Figure 55;

[0070] Figure 61 is the cross sectional view of filter element shown in Figure 60, and described cross section is cut open along the line 61-61 of Figure 60;

[0071] Figure 62 is the perspective view of end cover structure that is used for the filter element of Figure 60 and 61;

[0072] Figure 63 is the face upwarding view of end cover structure shown in Figure 62;

[0073] Figure 64 is the amplification cross sectional view of the part 64-64 of filter element shown in Figure 61;

[0074] Figure 65 is the cross sectional view of end cover structure shown in Figure 62 and 63, and described cross section is cut open along the line 65-65 of Figure 63;

[0075] Figure 66 is the medium part being used by filter element shown in Figure 60 and 61 and the perspective view of central core structure;

[0076] Figure 67 is the medium part of Figure 66 and the plan view from above of central core structure;

[0077] Figure 68 is the perspective view of the central core structure used by the filter element of Figure 60 and 61;

[0078] Figure 69 is another perspective view of the central core structure of Figure 68;

[0079] Figure 69 A is the side view of central core structure shown in Figure 68 and 69;

[0080] Figure 69 B is the cross sectional view of central core structure, and described cross section is cut open along the line B-B of Figure 69 A;

[0081] Figure 70 is the cross sectional view that comprises the filter housing of internal part, and described cross section is cut open along the line 70-70 of Figure 72;

[0082] Figure 71 is the cross sectional view of filter housing and internal part, and described cross section is cut open along the line 71-71 of Figure 72;

[0083] Figure 72 is the front view of filter housing, comprises internal part, is the part of the filter of Figure 55;

[0084] Figure 73 is the decomposition diagram of another embodiment of the filter of constructed in accordance with the principles;

[0085] Figure 74 is the front view that Figure 73 assembles the back filter;

[0086] Figure 75 is the right side view of filter shown in Figure 74;

[0087] Figure 76 is the plan view from above of filter shown in Figure 74 and 75;

[0088] Figure 77 is the cross sectional view of filter shown in Figure 74-76, and described cross section is cut open along the line 77-77 of Figure 76;

[0089] Figure 78 is the cross sectional view of filter shown in Figure 74-76, and described cross section is cut open along the line 78-78 of Figure 76;

[0090] Figure 79 is the cross sectional view of filter shown in Figure 74-76, and described cross section is cut open along the line 79-79 of Figure 76; With

[0091] Figure 80 is the cross sectional view of filter shown in Figure 74-76, and described cross section is cut open along the line 80-80 of Figure 74.

The specific embodiment

A. example fuel circuit system, Fig. 2

[0092] Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram of fuel circuit system 22.Although show fuel system 22, should be appreciated that and to use any system that adopts filter in the suction side of pump and adopt filter at the pressure side of pump.Shown fuel system 22 is an example just.

[0093] in Fig. 2, suction side or upstream side that the suction or first filter 24 are positioned at pump installation 26 are shown, and the pressurization or second filter 28 are illustrated in the downstream of pump installation 26.Pump installation 26 can be a delivery pump, priming pump or both combinations.If pump installation 26 only is a delivery pump, then also can adopt priming pump 27 in the upstream of first filter 24.In Fig. 2, first filter 24 and second filter 28 are parts of single monolithic case 30.In a preferred embodiment, hereinafter further describe, first filter 24 and second filter 28 are combined and are become single filter element.The manufacturing cost of described single filter element is lower than the manufacturing cost of two individual components.In addition, safeguard that the required time ratio of single combination filter element safeguards that two separate unit required times shown in the prior art of Fig. 1 are short.

[0094] still referring to Fig. 2, pump installation 26 is delivery pump or priming pump.In many application, delivery pump and priming pump all use.Delivery pump is mounted to engine, and provides power by the mechanical device that is connected to the motor driven axle (being generally one group of gear).Priming pump is mounted to filter element usually, and is used in particular for starting system after changing filter.After changing filter, air trapping is in fuel system, and priming pump is used for the starting fuel system.Because delivery pump by motor driven, may need several minutes with the battery rolling motor so that fuel system fully start so that pilot engine.In Fig. 2, electricity drives delivery pump and can be used as pump installation 26, eliminates the needs for independent priming pump.Electricity drives delivery pump and also can be used for starting system, and need not rolling motor.

[0095] Fig. 2 also illustrates fuel tank 32, drain assembly 34 and fuel injection system 36.Pump installation 26 extracts fuel and sends into first filter 24 from fuel tank 32.First filter 24 is removed to small part moisture content from fuel.Water is discharged into drain assembly 34.First filter 24 is also removed at least some particles from fuel.Fuel after the filtration is promoted by second filter 28 by pump installation 26 subsequently.Second filter 28 filtered fuel before fuel is transported to fuel injection system 36.

B. the example embodiment of filter, Fig. 3-10,22 and 23

[0096] Fig. 3 illustrates the decomposition diagram of an embodiment of filter 40.Filter 40 can be used for the fuel system 22 of Fig. 2, but it also can be used in the system of other types.In Fig. 3, the shell 42 with removable cap 44 is shown comprises filter element 46.Filter element 46 parts are shown take out, and lid 44 is shown removes from shell 42 and filter element 46 from shell 42.

[0097] filter element 46 of illustrated embodiment totally comprises first dielectric structure 48 and second dielectric structure 50.In an illustrated embodiment, as seen from Figure 3, first dielectric structure 48 and second dielectric structure 50 are axially aligned; In other words, they one be stacked on another.In an illustrated embodiment, second dielectric structure 50 being shown is stacked on first dielectric structure 48.Obviously, filter element 46 can be along any direction orientation in the space, and first and second dielectric structures 48,50 are axially aligned.

[0098] existing referring to Fig. 3-8,20,22 and 23, shell 42 and different internal parts are shown.Shell 42 comprises outer wall 52, forms enclosure 54.Shell 42 has imports and exports 56, allows filter element 46 to be inserted into and to take out.When lid 44 when shell 42 is removed, import and export 56 and be exposed, expose filter element 46.

[0099] in an illustrated embodiment, shell 42 comprises internal part 58 (Fig. 8).In an illustrated embodiment, internal part 58 comprises pump installation 60, bowl 62 and following end housing 64.Employed in this article term " shell 42 ", expression outer enclosure wall 52, pump installation 60, the assembly of bowl 62 and following end housing 64, the perhaps anyon of these parts combination.

[0100] down end housing 64 is contained in the outer wall 52, and wall 52 and following end housing 64 pass through securing member, and for example screw 65, are fixed together.Bowl 62 is fixed to down end housing 64 by screw thread 66 screw threads.

[0101] wall 52 that resulting indicator (restriction indicator) 68 is installed by shell 64 is shown, here so that the indication across the restriction of first dielectric structure 48 (being first filter) is provided.

[0102] 70 installations of drain spool assembly and threads turn with thumb-knob 72 are shown and pass through end housing 64 down.When safeguarding filter 40, drain spool assembly 70 is opened port, to allow first and second dielectric structures 48,50 fuel is flow back to fuel tank 32.

[0103] bowl 62 is collected by first filter 48 isolated water from fuel.Bowl 62 comprises bleed valve assembly 80 (Figure 10), in an illustrated embodiment, this assembly is the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number No.11/202 that do not conclude on August 11st, 2005 according to the commonly assigned applying date, and 736 are constructed, and above-mentioned patent application is incorporated into this paper reference at this.In Figure 10, can see along the cross section of the bowl 62 of bleed valve assembly 82.Bleed valve assembly 82, as be incorporated into described in the patent application serial numbers 11/202,736 of this paper, comprising knob 84, it can rotate with respect to bowl 62.Bowl 62 has collecting chamber 86, in case and turning knob 84, passage can align, and opens to allow water 86 dischargings and by bleed valve assembly 82 from the catchment area.

[0104] Figure 24-26 illustrates another embodiment of bowl and Exhaust assembly at Reference numeral 226.Bowl and bleed valve assembly 226 comprise bowl 228, sensor 230 and have the automatic discharge device of electric connector 232.If do not wish manually water to be discharged from bowl 62, as shown in figure 10, can adopt the device of Figure 24-26.Water is collected in the bowl 228, and water sensor 230 sensings are collected in the horizontal plane in the bowl 228.Termly, when horizontal plane is enough high, the self-draining arrangement that its guarantees to have electric connector 232 starts and from bowl 228 discharge waters.Can see that in Figure 24 and 26 bowl 228 has and is threaded 234, allow bowl 228 to be advantageously connected to down end housing 64.

[0105] refer again to Fig. 8, pump installation illustrates at 60 places.As mentioned above, pump installation 60 can be a priming pump, delivery pump, or both combinations.Shown in example embodiment in, pump installation 60 is as priming pump 74.Heater 76 is operationally fixing by carriage 78.Carriage 78 is priming pump 74 and heater 76 fixedly.At fuel by from fuel tank 32 (Fig. 2) when delivering into shell 42, heater 76 heating fuels.Carriage 78 limits inlet devices 80, at Fig. 1, can be more clearly visible in 5 and 22, thereby fuel is transmitted through carriage 78 and by heater 76 heating from fuel tank 32.When fuel was diesel fuel, the heating of fuel was helpful.

[0106] in Figure 20, show shell 42 parts, comprise wall 52.In the view of Figure 20, can see around wall 52 how to have integral-type flange 88, be V-arrangement in an illustrated embodiment.Flange 88 limiting holes 90 are used to accept securing member, and bolt for example is to be fixed to whole filter 40 on the vehicle.In Figure 20 and 10, can see around wall 52 how to limit outer most surrounding edge 92.In a preferred embodiment, edge 92 is used to receive seal, so that form sealing with lid 44.This will be described hereinafter.

[0107] referring now to Figure 10, visible other features comprise a portion 94 among Figure 10, are used for first dielectric structure 48 and take up space 95.Can see the fluid passage at 96 places, as the access road 98 of second dielectric structure 50.Fluid passage 100 is passed through priming pump 74 and is used as the access road 102 of first dielectric structure 48.In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, acceptance division that is threaded or shrinkage pool 104 also are the parts of shell 42, and are specifically limited by following end housing 64.The bolt 106 (Figure 19 and 22) that shrinkage pool 104 receive threaded are extended in the inside 108 of lid 44.

[0108] in the embodiment shown in Figure 19, lid 44 comprises that rotating knob 110 is fixed to bolt 106.Bolt 106 comprises screw thread 112, the threaded engagement in it and the shrinkage pool 104 (Figure 10).Combination with shrinkage pool 104 in the bolt 106 of rotatable knob 110 and the shell 42, allow with lid 44 optionally fixing or lock onto shell 42 and with lid 44 optionally from shell dismounting or release.Can use other fixtures, for example lock pin or other securing members.

[0109] refer again to Fig. 3, another feature of lid 44 illustrated embodiments comprises air or gas port 114.Gas port 114 helps the discharging of filter 40 during safeguarding, to allow air to flow into shell 42.

[0110] referring now to Fig. 3,18 and 19, lid 44 limits outward flange 116, makes outer rim 118 near flange 116.In use, flange 116 can cooperate with the seal 182 on the filter element 46, and forms with the edge 92 of shell 42 and to seal 183.Among the embodiment that will describe, sealing 183 can be the axial shrinkage sealing between flange 116 and the edge 92 hereinafter, and edge 118 is as guard member.As seen from Figure 18, edge 118 only partly extends around the periphery of lid 44.

[0111] in Fig. 9 and Figure 18, should be appreciated that shell 42 and lid 44 are non-circular structures.In an illustrated embodiment, lid 44 is Long Circles or oval substantially.The import and export 56 of shell 42 are the shape of lid 44 substantially, and in an example shown, are cardinal principle ellipse or Long Circle.

[0112] refers again to Fig. 3-10, describe the inlet device and the outlet device of shell 42 now.As mentioned above, inlet device 80 comprises first inlet, 120 (Fig. 3,5,10 and 22).First inlet, the 120 and first filter inlet path 10,2 fluid flow communication, and cross heater 76.First inlet 120 also with fuel tank 32 (Fig. 2) fluid flow communication, make fuel extract and enter first inlet 120 from fuel tank 32, cross heater 76, and enter the first filter inlet path 10 2.Therefrom, fuel marches to first dielectric structure 48, and this will further describe hereinafter.

[0113] first outlet limits (Fig. 3,5 and 7) by shell 122.After fuel was by first dielectric structure 48 that is arranged in a portion 94 and space 95 (Figure 10), the fuel after the filtration was by first outlet 122.In the present embodiment, the fuel that is filtered by first dielectric structure 48 flows out by shell 42 and to delivery pump.In another embodiment, when pump installation 60 (Fig. 8) was used as priming pump and delivery pump simultaneously, the fuel after then filtering did not need to discharge shell 42.Figure 22 and 23 illustrates first dielectric structure and operationally is installed in the shell 42.

[0114] shell 42 also comprises second inlet device 124 (Fig. 6).In an illustrated embodiment, second inlet device 124 comprises second fluid intake 126.Second fluid intake 126 and second access road 98 (Fig. 9 and 10) fluid flow communication.Fuel flows through second inlet 126 from delivery pump, enters the second filter inlet passage 98 and to second dielectric structure 50, this will be described below.

[0115] shell 42 also comprises second outlet device 128 (Fig. 6).In an illustrated embodiment, second outlet device 128 comprises second outlet 130, with second exit passageway 132 (Fig. 9 and 23) fluid flow communication.Fuel flows through second inlet 126 from delivery pump, by the second filter passage 98, by second dielectric structure 50 (will be described below), discharges shell by second exit passageway 132 (Figure 23) and by second outlet, 130 (Fig. 6).From second outlet 130, the direction of flow fuel injection system 36 (Fig. 2) after the filtration.

C. the example filter element 46, Fig. 3,11-17,22 and 23

[0116] as mentioned above, example filter element 46 comprises first dielectric structure 48 and second dielectric structure 50.As seen from Figure 3, filter element 46 is operationally installed, takes out and is changed with respect to shell 42.

[0117] Figure 11 shows the exploded view of example filter element 46.Shown filter element 46 comprises first dielectric structure 48, comprises first filter medium 136, has tubular form 137." tubular form " is meant that first filter medium has closed periphery, has the hollow inside 138 of opening.Tubular form 137 can be general cylindrical or non-cylindrical.In an illustrated embodiment, the tubular form 137 of first filter medium 136 is non-circular, and particularly Long Circle or ellipse.Many dissimilar filter mediums can be used for first filter medium 136, but general, and medium 136 is configured to Radial Flow to be passed through wherein.A kind of medium of Radial Flow available types is a pleated media 140.Pleated media 140 preferably includes the medium with hydrophobic coating, so that water is separated from the fuel by first dielectric structure 48.In the system of other types, can use the medium of other types, select by the filter engineer.

[0118] in an illustrated embodiment, first dielectric structure 48 also comprises outer lining 142, fixes or support first filter medium 136.When using pleated media 140, outer lining 142 can help to prevent that fold from caving in.In an illustrated embodiment, outer lining 142 generally is a grid 144, and it is around the outside 145 of first filter medium 136.In a preferred embodiment, outside 145 meetings are in the downstream of first filter medium 136, because fluid to be filtered flows through first filter medium 136 from filter interior 138.

[0119] in an illustrated embodiment, first dielectric structure 48 also comprises bottom end cover 148.Bottom end cover 148 is the end 149 of pleated media 140 fixedly.Opposite end 150 is fixed to end cover structure 152, and it is axially between first dielectric structure 48 and second dielectric structure 50.Bottom end cover 148 is open end cap, limits opening 154.Opening 154 allows first dielectric structure 48 that covering can be set and centers on the internal part 58 around following end housing 64.In other words, opening 154 allows first dielectric structure, 48 couplings to cover and around internal part 58, makes internal part 58 be arranged in the open filter interior 138.

[0120] second dielectric structure 50 and first dielectric structure 48 are axially aligned, and be as indicated above.Second dielectric structure comprises second filter medium 156.Although can use multiple different filter medium, in an illustrated embodiment, second filter medium 156 is set to axial flow, and entrance and exit is positioned at the end to axial of second filter medium 156.Shown in device in, second filter medium 156 has arrival end at axial end 158, and has the port of export at relative axial end 160.

[0121] in an illustrated embodiment, second filter medium 156 has non-pleated media, is provided for axial flow of fluid and flows.Described medium for example can comprise at U.S. Patent number 6,783, the Z-filter medium described in 565, and the document is incorporated into this paper reference at this.In addition, medium 156 can comprise the multiple filtration material, and is stacked or be wound into helical form, and wherein every layer is separated by screen cloth (screen), and relative alternately axial end stops up by closure.In the embodiment shown in fig. 13, fluid to be clean, as be positioned at the downstream of delivery pump or the fuel of pressure side, enter shell by second inlet 126, advance by second access road 98 (Fig. 9,10, with 23), and be transported to the arrival end 158 of second dielectric structure 50.Fuel to be clean flows through the axial end not closed, opening of medium 156 subsequently.Fluid flows through medium 156 and leaves axial end not closed, opening at the port of export 160.Therefrom, the fuel that has purified is transferred by second exit passageway 132 (Fig. 9 and 23) and by second outlet 130 and discharges.

[0122] first dielectric structure 48 and second dielectric structure 50 be fluid isolation each other.Term " fluid isolation " is meant that the fluid that flows through first dielectric structure 48 and second dielectric structure 50 is separated by filter medium at least, and first inlet 120 separates with second outlet 130 with second inlet 126 fully with first outlet 122 simultaneously.

[0123] in the embodiment shown in fig. 11, second filter medium 156 has the shape of non-cylindrical.Specifically, in an illustrated embodiment, shape is oval, Long Circle, or runway shape.Generally, the periphery of second filter medium 156 has the shape identical with the periphery of first filter medium 136, although overall dimensions may be different.

[0124] in a preferred embodiment, filter element 46 also comprises central core structure 162 (Figure 13,16 and 17).In an illustrated embodiment, central core structure 162 by second filter medium 156 around.In preferred device, central core structure 162 comprises at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare 164.In a preferred embodiment, fluid to be filtered as the fuel of pump pressure side, is carried by second access road 98 (Fig. 9 and 10), by fluid delivery tube shape spare 164, and subsequently to the arrival end 158 of second filter medium 156.By Figure 11,13 and 17 as seen, and fluid delivery tube shape spare 164 has neck 166 in the end.Neck 166 limits groove 167,168, is used for fixing seal 169,170 (Figure 13), so that form sealing with adjacent component.In the situation of groove 168 and seal 169, form sealing 214 (Figure 23) with end cover structure 152, will further describe hereinafter.In the situation of groove 167 and seal 170, form sealing 215 (Figure 23) with the second filter inlet passage 98 (Fig. 9 and 10).

[0125] in an illustrated embodiment, fluid delivery tube shape spare 164 174 forms through hole or passage completely from the end 173 of center cored structure 162 to the end.

[0126] in Figure 17, central core structure 162 generally has outer wall 163 and inwall 165, to help to form fluid delivery tube shape spare 164.In a preferred embodiment, except that fluid delivery tube shape spare 164, central core structure 162 limits handle and receives tube-like piece 172 (Figure 17 and 22).Handle receives tube-like piece 172 and limits through hole completely from relative axial end 173 and 174.Handle receives tube-like piece 172 and operationally receives handle, and in the present embodiment, bolt 106 (Figure 19 and 22) is outstanding from lid 44.Shown in the embodiment of Figure 22, bolt 106 is allowed to by second dielectric structure 50 via receiving tube-like piece 172 by handle.Bolt 106 is allowed to connect into the shrinkage pool 104 of shell 42 subsequently.

[0127] handle reception tube-like piece 172 comprises neck 176, extends at the one end.Neck 176 limits a pair of groove 177,178, and it receives seal 179,180 (Figure 13).Seal 179 forms sealing 218 (Figure 22) between central core structure 162 and end cover structure 152, seal 180 forms sealing 219 (Figure 22) between central core structure 162 and shrinkage pool 104 (Figure 10) simultaneously.

[0128] as seen from Figure 16, central core structure 162 has non-circular periphery, for example Long Circle or runway shape periphery.If second filter medium 156 needs other shapes, then the shape of central core structure 162 can change.

[129] filter element 46 also comprises seal 182, around first and second dielectric structures 48,50.When having served as filter element part 46 and operationally being installed in the shell 42, seal 182 forms sealing between filter element 46, shell wall 52 and lid 44.Shown in example embodiment in, seal 182 forms collapsed seal 183 (Figure 22 and 23) by the axial compression between lid 44 and the shell 42.In example embodiment, seal 182 can be made by rubber, compressible polyurethane foam and other suitable materials.In a preferred embodiment, seal 182 is by end cover structure 152 fixing and supports.

[0130] end cover structure 152 is described now in further detail.Figure 11-15 illustrates the preferred embodiment of end cover structure 152.Shown end cover structure 152 comprises outer annular edge (outer band) 184 fixing seals 182.Can see that in Figure 13 the cross section of seal is a U-shaped, have first side 186 and second side 188, the flange 185 that makes outer annular edge 184 is between first and second sides 186,188.When having served as filter element part 46 and operationally being installed in the shell 42, the flange 116 of lid 44 engages first side 186, and the edge 92 of shell 44 engages second side 188.Edge 118 covers the outer radial face 190 of seal 182.When knob 110 rotates, its rotating bolt 106, the screw thread 105 in the bolted joints shrinkage pool 104 and lid 44 axially moved towards shell 42.This makes and produce compression stress between the edge 92 of second side 188 of first side 186 of flange 116, seal 182 and seal 182 and shell 42.The flange 185 of end cover structure 152 keeps supporting sealing member 182 these axial forces of opposing.This axial compression forms sealing 183 with seal 182 between lid 44 and shell 42.

[0131] in Figure 11, end cover structure 152 limits a pair of wall 192,193, and it is used for fixing the end 150 of pleated media 140.Wall 192 is generally outer wall and surrounding wall 193.These walls support the end 150 of pleated media 140, and can keep adhesive here, or potting compound (potting compound), or in the other types mode that the fold end of medium 140 is fastening and be fixed on the end cover structure 152.

[0132] Figure 12 illustrates the face upwarding view of filter element 46.In Figure 12, can see some feature of end cover structure 152.Specifically, end cover structure 152 has the first surface 196 and the opposing second surface 198 (Figure 14) of substantitally planar.End cover structure 152 limits at least one hole 200, holds at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare 164 of central core structure 162.Specifically, hole 200 holds the neck 166 of cored structure 162.As shown in figure 13, seal 169 is at end cover structure 152 with by forming radial seal 214 (Figure 23) between the neck 166 in hole 200.

[0133] in a preferred embodiment, end cover structure 152 also comprises hole 202, is used to hold the neck 176 that handle receives tube-like piece 172.In Figure 13 and 22, can see how the neck 176 of tubulose receiving element 172 extends through hole 202 and form sealing 218 between seal 179 and end cover structure 152.

[0134] in preferred device, end cover structure 152 also comprises at least one outlet opening 204, is used to carry the fluid by after 156 filtrations of second dielectric structure.In an illustrated embodiment, end cover structure 152 comprises pipe 206 (Figure 11 and 23), from first surface 196 extensions on plane.Manage 206 limited holes 204, be used to transport fluid from the second surface 198 of end cap 152 by end cap 152.Second exit passageway 132 (Fig. 9 and 23) can be operated and be detachably connected to pipe 206.Can see that in Figure 15 pipe 206 is fixing seals 208 how, so that between pipe 206 and second exit passageway 132, form releasable sealing 220 (Figure 23).

[0135] referring now to Figure 13,14 and 22, end cover structure 152 also comprises media support (standoff) 210.Media support 210 supports second filter medium 156 and be fixed on second surface 198 tops of end cover structure 152.Fluid after this make to filter is discharged and is collected in the space that limits between the end 160 of medium 156 and the second surface 198 from downstream 160.Liquid flows through hole 204 then after discharging downstream 160 and being collected in the filtration in this zone, by managing 206, arrives second exit passageway 132, and discharges by second outlet 130.Therefrom, use (Fig. 2) by fuel injection system 36.

[0136] Figure 27-29 illustrates another embodiment of filter 40, totally with 40 ' illustrate.In the embodiment of Figure 27-29, lid 44 ' removably is connected to filter element 46 '.Figure 29 illustrates a step safeguarding filter 40 ', and this moment, lid 44 ' was removed from shell 42 ', and filter element 46 ' is removed with lid 44 '.Figure 27 is the sectional view of filter 40 ', and Figure 28 illustrates the enlarged drawing of removable connection 238 between filter element 46 ' and the lid 44 '.Specifically, latch gear 240 is arranged between end cover structure 152 ' and lid 44 '.End cover structure 152 ' has hook 242, and its engage cover 44 ' goes up corresponding hook-holding part (catch) 244.Lid 44 ' limits U-shaped depression 246, and it forms hook-holding part 244.Hook 242 engages with hook-holding part 244 in depression 246, but and described hook be the part of deflection flange 248.This joint between element 46 ' and the lid 44 ' makes element 46 ' to remove with lid 44 ' during safeguarding.Then, element 44 ' can be removed from lid 44 ' by deflection flange 248, so that detaching hook 242 and hook-holding part 244.

D. method

[0137] filter 40 can be used for filtering multiple fluid.Fluid can be the system of any type, and wherein there is a filter upstream of pump, and in the downstream of pump one filter is arranged.Shown example embodiment is used for fuel system.For the fuel in the filtering fuel system, fuel is pumped from fuel tank 32 to first filter 24, and here separated and at least some particles of water are removed.In an example shown, fuel enters filter 40 by first inlet 120, is transferred there by access road 102.Therefrom, it flows into the open filter interior 138 of first filter medium 136.Water is separated from fuel by filter medium 136.Water is discharged and is collected in the bowl 62 of water collecting zone 86 by passage 222 (Figure 23) downwards.Bleed valve assembly 82 can be opened, so that water is removed from filter 40.In addition, shown in Figure 24-26, can adopt self-draining valve assembly 226, wherein water sensor 230 can detect when be with water from the time that filter 40 removes, and self-draining valve 232 can start, so that water is removed from filter 40.

[0138] fuel passes through filter medium 136, and is extracted by first outlet 122 then.Therefrom, fuel also passes second inlet 126 subsequently by delivery pump.Fuel by second access road 98, by fluid delivery tube shape spare 164, and arrives the upstream side 158 of second filter medium 156 from second inlet 126.Therefrom, the fuel axial flow is crossed medium 156, and discharges downwards by the port of export 160.Fuel after the filtration is collected in the zone between the second surface 198 of the port of export 160 and end cover structure 152 then.Fuel after the filtration flows through the hole 204 of outlet 206 then and passes through second exit passageway 132 then.Therefrom, fuel is discharged shell 42 by second outlet 130.Fuel after the filtration is used by fuel injection system 36 then.

[0139] termly, filter 40 needs to safeguard.In order to safeguard filter 40, lid 44 is removed from shell 42, and filter element 46 is removed from shell 42.The step that filter element is removed from shell comprises removes first filter and second filter simultaneously, in an illustrated embodiment, is first dielectric structure 48 and second dielectric structure 50.The step that filter element 46 is removed from shell 42 can be included in removes lid 44 (44 ') and element 46 (46 ') (shown in Figure 27-30) the single step, perhaps in separation steps, remove, wherein lid 44 is removed from shell 42, with exposed components 46, element 46 is removed from shell 42 then.

[0140] step of removing lid 44 comprises turning knob 110, so that rotating bolt 106, it can support lid 44 axially to leave shell 42.This has discharged the compression between lid 44 and the shell 42, has removed the sealing 183 between the edge 92 of edge 116 (116 '), seal 182 and shell 42 of lid 44.When turning knob 110, bolt 106 rotates, and extends through second dielectric structure 50 and enter acceptance division or shrinkage pool 104 in the shell 42.Axial seal between this meeting relief cap 44 and the shell 42.

[0141] as mentioned above, lid 44 (44 ') can be removed with the filter element 46 (46 ') that is connected, and perhaps it can be removed in independent step.Served as filter element part 46 when shell 42 is removed, first dielectric structure 48 is removed and is removed around the internal part 58 that comprises fluid passage 98,102 and 132 around pump installation 60.Filter element 46 goes out of use subsequently and changes with new filter element 46.If use the embodiment of Figure 27-30, then filter element 46 ' also goes out of use subsequently from lid 44 ' separation.New filter element 46 passes opening 56 and directed open filter interior 138 with around pump installation 60 and internal part 58 by making it, comprises fluid passage 98,102 and 132, operationally is installed in the shell 42.First dielectric structure 48 operationally is oriented in the filter seat 94.Second side, 188 edges 92 against shell 42 in place of seal 182.

[0142] in the step that operationally filter element 46 is oriented in the shell 42, utilize seal 170 between the fluid delivery tube shape spare 164 and the second filter inlet passage 98, to form connection, to form sealing 215.In addition, receive formation connection between tube-like piece 172 and the shrinkage pool 104 by seal 180 at handle, to form sealing 219.In addition, between pipe 206 and second exit passageway 132, form connection, to form sealing 220 by seal 208.

[0143] the operationally directed filter element 46 that covers of lid 44.Lid 44 is provided with and covers second dielectric structure 50.Flange 116 second sides 188 against seal 182 in place of lid 44.Turning knob 110 is threadedly engaged with so that make to form between the screw thread 105 in the screw thread 112 of bolt 106 and the shrinkage pool 104.This makes lid move axially against shell 42, so that produce the compression of seal 182 between flange 116 and edge 92, to form axial seal 183.

[0144] when adopting the embodiment of Figure 27-30, filter element 46 ' can join to by the hook 242 with element 46 ' in the hook-holding part 244 of lid 44 ', at first be connected to lid 44 ', the assembly of lid 44 ' and element 46 ' operationally is installed in the shell 42 ' subsequently.In addition, in the embodiment of the embodiment of Fig. 1-2 3 or Figure 27-29, filter element 46 is installed in first step in the shell 42, follows independent installation by lid 44 cladding elements 46.

[0145] filter 40 now should can be used for filtration operation.

E. another example embodiment of filter, Figure 31-54

[0146] Figure 31 shows the decomposition diagram of another embodiment of filter 340.Filter 340 can be used in the fuel system 22 of Fig. 2, but it also can be used in the system of other types.At Figure 31, show shell 342 and comprise filter element 346 with removable lid 344.Filter element 346 is shown removes, and lid 344 is shown removes from shell 342 and filter element 346 from shell 342.

[0147] in an illustrated embodiment, filter element 346 comprises first dielectric structure 348 and second dielectric structure 350 substantially.As seen from Figure 31, in an illustrated embodiment, first dielectric structure 348 and second dielectric structure 350 are axially aligned; In other words, in them one be stacked on above another.In an illustrated embodiment, the top that second dielectric structure 350 is stacked on first dielectric structure 348 is shown.Obviously, filter element 346 can be along any direction orientation in the space, and first and second dielectric structures 348,350 are axially aligned.

[0148], shows shell 342 and different internal parts referring now to Figure 31-38.Shell 342 comprises outer wall 352, limits enclosure 354.Shell 342 has imports and exports 356, and it allows filter element 346 to insert and take out.When lid 344 when shell 342 is removed, import and export 356 and expose, expose filter element 346.

[0149] in an illustrated embodiment, shell 342 comprises internal part 358 (Figure 36).In an illustrated embodiment, internal part 358 comprises pump installation 360, bowl 362, following end housing 364 and water sensor and valve module 384.Outer enclosure wall 352 can be represented in term used herein " shell 342 ", pump installation 360, bowl 362, the combination of following end housing 364 and assembly 384 or the combination of the anyon of these parts.

[0150] down end housing 364 is contained in the outer wall 352, and wall 352 and following end housing 364 pass through securing member, and for example bolt 365 is fixed together.Bowl 362 is parts of foundry goods, is fixed to down end housing 364 and wall 352 by bolt 365.

[0151] illustrate that the drain spool assembly 370 with thumb-knob 372 is mounted and threads turn by following end housing 364.When safeguarding filter 340, drain spool assembly 370 is opened port, allows first and second dielectric structures 348,350 that fuel is flow back to fuel tank (Fig. 2).

[0152] bowl 362 is collected by first filter 348 isolated water from fuel.Bowl 362 has water collecting chamber 386.Water sensor and valve module 384 communicate with collecting chamber 386.Assembly 384 comprises drain solenoid valve 382 and water sensor 383.These parts help to discharge the water of being collected by first filter 384 together from fuel.

[0153] refer again to Figure 36, pump installation illustrates at 360 places.As mentioned above, pump installation 360 can be a priming pump, delivery pump, or both combinations.Shown in example embodiment in, pump installation 360 is as priming pump 374.

[0154] in Figure 48, show the part of shell 342, comprise wall 352.In the view of Figure 48, can see around the flange 388 of wall 352 with one, in an illustrated embodiment, be V-arrangement.Flange 388 limiting holes 390 are used to accept securing member, and bolt for example is so that be fixed to vehicle with whole filter 340.In Figure 48 and 38, can see around wall 352 limit outer around edge 392.In a preferred embodiment, edge 392 is used to receive seal, so that form sealing 489 (Figure 50) with lid 344.This will be described hereinafter.

[0155] referring now to Figure 38, visible other features comprise a portion 394 among Figure 38, are used for first dielectric structure 348 and 395 occupy in the space.Can see the fluid passage at 396 places, as the access road 398 of second dielectric structure 350.Fluid passage 400 is passed through priming pump 374 and is used as the access road 402 of first dielectric structure 348.In embodiment shown in Figure 38, acceptance division that is threaded or shrinkage pool 404 also are the parts of shell 342, and are specifically limited by following end housing 364.Shrinkage pool 404 receive threaded bolts 406 (Figure 47 and 50), described bolt extends in the inside 408 of lid 344.

[0156] in embodiment shown in Figure 47, lid 344 exposes bolt head 410.Bolt 406 comprises screw thread 412, the threaded engagement in it and the shrinkage pool 404 (Figure 38).Have the lid 344 is optionally fixing or lock onto shell 342 and lid is optionally opened or release from shell of the bolt 406 of rotatable knob 410 and the shrinkage pool 404 in the shell 342 in conjunction with allowing.Can use other fixtures, for example lock pin or other securing members.

[0157] refer again to Figure 31, other features of lid 344 comprise air or gas port 414 in the illustrated embodiment.Gas port 414 helps the discharging of filter 340 during safeguarding, to allow air to flow into shell 342.

[0158] referring now to Figure 31,46 and 47, lid 344 limits outward flange 416.In use, flange 416 cooperates with seal 482 (Figure 41) on the filter element 346 and forms sealing 483 (Figure 50) with element 346.

[0159] in Figure 37 and Figure 46, is appreciated that shell 342 and lid 344 are non-circular structures.In an illustrated embodiment, lid 344 is Long Circles or oval substantially.Import and export 356 in the shell 342 are shapes of cardinal principle lid 344, and in an example shown, are cardinal principle ellipse or Long Circle.

[0160] refers again to Figure 31-38, describe the entrance and exit device in the shell 342 now.As mentioned above, inlet device 380 comprises first inlet, 420 (Figure 31,32,36 and 38).First inlet, 420 and first filter inlet passage 402 (Figure 38) the fluid flow communication.First inlet 420 also with fuel tank 32 (Fig. 2) fluid flow communication, make fuel extract and enter first inlet 420, and enter the first filter inlet passage 402 from fuel tank 32.Therefrom, fuel advances to first dielectric structure 348, and this will further describe hereinafter.

[0161] first outlet limits (Figure 31 and 48) by shell 422.After fuel was by first dielectric structure 348 that is arranged in a portion 394 and space 395 (Figure 38), the fuel after the filtration was by first outlet 422.In this embodiment, delivery pump is discharged and arrived to the fuel that is filtered by first dielectric structure 348 by shell 342.In another embodiment, when pump installation 360 (Figure 36) was used as priming pump and delivery pump, the fuel after the filtration did not need to discharge from shell 342.Figure 50-53 illustrates first dielectric structure 348 and operationally is installed in the shell 342.

[0162] shell 342 also comprises second inlet device 424 (Figure 54).In an illustrated embodiment, second inlet device 424 comprises second fluid intake 426.Second inlet 426 and second access road, the 398 fluid flow communication (Figure 37,38,50 and 51).Fuel flows through second inlet 426 from delivery pump, enters the second filter inlet passage 398 and arrives second dielectric structure 350, and this will further describe hereinafter.

[0163] shell 342 also comprises second outlet device 428 (Figure 54).In an illustrated embodiment, second outlet device 428 comprises second outlet 430, with second exit passageway, 432 fluid flow communication (Figure 37 and 52).Fuel flows through second inlet 426 from delivery pump, by the second filter passage 398, by second dielectric structure 350 (will be described below), discharges shell by second exit passageway 432 (Figure 52) and by second outlet, 430 (Figure 54).From second outlet 430, the fuel that has filtered flows to fuel injection system 36 (Fig. 2).

F. the example filter element 346, Figure 31,39-45, and 50-53

[0164] as mentioned above, example filter element 346 comprises first dielectric structure 348 and second dielectric structure 350.As seen from Figure 31, filter element 346 is operationally installed, takes out and is changed with respect to shell 342.

[0165] Figure 39 illustrates the exploded view of example filter element 346.Shown filter element 346 comprises first dielectric structure 348, and it comprises first filter medium 436, has tubular form 437." tubular form " expression first filter medium has closed periphery, the hollow inside 438 of band opening.Tubular form 437 can be roughly cylindrical or non-cylindrical.In an illustrated embodiment, the tubular form 437 of first filter medium 436 is non-circular, and particularly, is Long Circle or ellipse.Many dissimilar filter mediums can be used for first filter medium 436, but general, and medium 436 is set for during Radial Flow passes through.The medium of a kind of available types of Radial Flow is a pleated media 440.Pleated media 440 preferably includes the medium with hydrophobic coating, so that water is separated from the fuel by first dielectric structure 348.In the system of other types, can use the medium of other types, select by the filter engineer.

[0166] in an illustrated embodiment, first dielectric structure 348 also comprises outer lining 442, fixes or support first filter medium 436.When using pleated media 440, outer lining 442 can help prevent fold to cave in.In an illustrated embodiment, outer lining 442 generally is a grid 444, and it is around the outside 445 of first filter medium 436.In a preferred embodiment, outside 445 can be the downstream of first filter medium 436, because fluid to be filtered flows through first filter medium 436 from filter interior 438.

[0167] in an illustrated embodiment, first dielectric structure 348 also comprises bottom end cover 448.Bottom end cover 448 is the end 449 of pleated media 440 fixedly.Relative end 450 is fixed to end cover structure 452, and it is axially between first dielectric structure 348 and second dielectric structure 350.Bottom end cover 448 is open end cap, limits opening 454.Opening 454 allows first dielectric structure 348 to be provided with to cover and around the internal part 358 of end housing 364 down.In other words, opening 454 allows first dielectric structure, 348 couplings to cover and around internal part 358, makes internal part 358 be arranged in the open filter interior 438.

[0168] as indicated above, second dielectric structure 350 and first dielectric structure 348 are axially aligned.Second dielectric structure comprises second filter medium 456.Although can adopt multiple different filter medium, in an illustrated embodiment, second filter medium 456 is set for axial flow, and entrance and exit is positioned at the end to axial of second filter medium 456.Shown in device in, second filter medium 456 has at the arrival end of axial end 458 and the port of export at relative axial end 460.

[0169] in an illustrated embodiment, second filter medium 456 has non-pleated media, is provided for axial flow of fluid and flows.Described medium for example can comprise at U.S. Patent number 6,783, the Z-filter medium that discloses in 565, and the document is incorporated into this paper reference at this.In addition, medium 456 can comprise that the multiple filtration material is stacked or be wound into helical form, wherein every layer is separated by screen cloth, and relative alternately axial end stops up by closure, as the applying date is the U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/804 on June 12nd, 2006,477 is described, and this application is by commonly assigned and be incorporated into this paper reference at this.In embodiment shown in Figure 41, fluid to be clean, as be positioned at the downstream of delivery pump or the fuel of pressure side, enter shell by second inlet 426, advance by second access road 398 (Figure 37,38,50 and 51), and be transported to the arrival end 458 of second dielectric structure 350.Fuel to be clean flows through the axial end not closed, opening of medium 456 then.Fluid flows through medium 456 and is discharged by axial end not closed, opening at the port of export 460.Therefrom, the fuel after the purification is carried by second exit passageway 432 (Figure 37 and 52) and by second outlet 430 and is discharged (Figure 54).

[0170] first dielectric structure 348 and second dielectric structure 350 be fluid isolation each other.Term " fluid isolation " is meant that the fluid that flows through first dielectric structure 348 and second dielectric structure 350 is separated by filter medium at least, and first inlet 420 separates with second outlet 430 with second inlet 426 fully with first outlet 422 simultaneously.

[0171] in embodiment shown in Figure 39, second filter medium 456 has the non-cylindrical shape.Specifically, in an illustrated embodiment, be shaped as ellipse, Long Circle, or runway shape.Generally, the periphery of second filter medium 456 has the shape identical with the periphery of first filter medium 436, although overall dimensions may be different.

[0172] in a preferred embodiment, filter element 346 also comprises central core structure 462 (Figure 41,44 and 45).In an illustrated embodiment, central core structure 462 by second filter medium 456 around.In preferred device, central core structure 462 comprises at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare 464.In a preferred embodiment, fluid to be filtered for example is positioned at the fuel of pump pressure side, be transferred by second access road 398 (Figure 37 and 38), and by fluid delivery tube shape spare 464, and the arrival end 458 of second filter medium 456 that arrives soon after.By Figure 39,41,41A, 44 and 45 as seen, and fluid delivery tube shape spare 464 has neck 466 in the end.Neck 466 limits groove 467,468, is used for fixing seal 469,470 (Figure 41 A), so that form sealing with adjacent component.In the situation of groove 468 and seal 470, form sealing 514 (Figure 50 and 51) with end cover structure 452, this will further describe hereinafter.In the situation of groove 467 and seal 469, form sealing 515 (Figure 50,51) with the second filter inlet passage 398 (Figure 37 and 38).

[0173] in an illustrated embodiment (Figure 45), fluid delivery tube shape spare 464 474 form through hole or passage completely from the end 473 of center cored structure 462 to the end.

[0174] in Figure 45, central core structure 462 generally has outer wall 463 and inwall 465, to help to form fluid delivery tube shape spare 464.In a preferred embodiment, except fluid delivery tube shape spare 464, central core structure 462 limits bolt and receives tube-like piece 472 (Figure 40,41,44,45 and 50).Bolt receives tube-like piece 472 and limits through hole completely from relative axial end 473 to 474.Bolt receives tube-like piece 472 and operationally receives handle, and in this embodiment, bolt 406 (Figure 47 and 50) is outstanding from lid 344.Shown in the embodiment of Figure 50, bolt 406 passes through second dielectric structure 350 by receiving tube-like piece 472 via bolt.Spiral 406 is connected to the shrinkage pool 404 of shell 342 then.

[0175] bolt reception tube-like piece 472 communicates with neck 466 at the one end.Neck 466 around and communicate with tube- like piece 464 and 472.

[0176] as seen, central core structure 462 has non-circular periphery, for example the periphery of Long Circle or runway shape by Figure 44 and 45.If second filter medium 456 needs other shapes, then the shape of central core structure 462 can change.

[0177] filter element 346 also comprises seal 482,487, around first and second dielectric structures 348,350.When having served as filter element part 346 and operationally being installed in the shell 342, seal 482 and 487 forms sealing 483,489 respectively between filter element 346, shell wall 352 and lid 344.Shown in example embodiment in, by the axial compression between lid 344 and the shell 342, seal 482 forms collapsed seal 483, and seal 487 forms collapsed seal 489 (Figure 50 and 51).In example embodiment, seal 482,487 can be made by rubber, compressible polyurethane foam and other suitable materials.In a preferred embodiment, seal 482,487 is by end cover structure 452 fixing and supports.

[0178] end cover structure 452 is described in further detail now.Figure 39-43 illustrates the preferred embodiment of end cover structure 452.Shown end cover structure 452 comprises outer annular edge 484, seal 482,487 is fixed on the opposite side 486,488 of outer annular edge 484.Can see that in Figure 41 in concrete illustrated embodiment, the cross section of seal 482,487 is circular, for example O shape ring.When having served as filter element part 346 and operationally being installed in the shell 342, the flange 416 of lid 344 engages first side 486, and the edge 392 of shell 344 engages second side 488.Edge 418 engages seal 482.When bolt head 410 rotates, the bolt 406 of screw thread 405 and lid 344 axially moved towards shell 342 in its rotational engagement shrinkage pool 404.This is at lid flanges 416, seal 482, seal 487, and produces compression stress between the edge 392 of shell 342.The ring limit 484 of end cover structure 452 keeps supporting sealing member 482,487 these axial forces of opposing.This axial compression forms sealing 483,489 with seal 482,487 between lid 344 and shell 342.

[0179] at Figure 39, in 43, end cover structure 452 limits a pair of wall 492,493, and it is used to support the end 450 of pleated media 440.Wall 492 generally is outer wall and surrounding wall 493.These walls support the end 450 of pleated media 440, and can keep adhesive, or potting compound, or in the other types mode that the fold end of medium 440 is fastening and be fixed to end cover structure 452.

[0180] Figure 40 illustrates the face upwarding view of filter element 346.In Figure 40, can see some feature of end cover structure 452.Specifically, end cover structure 452 has the first surface 496 and the opposing second surface 498 (Figure 42) of substantitally planar.End cover structure 452 limits at least one hole 500, holds at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare 464 of central core structure 462.Specifically, hole 500 holds the neck 466 of cored structure 462, make tube- like piece 464 and 472 by hole 500 around and communicate by hole 500.As shown in figure 41, seal 470 forms radial seal 514 (Figure 41 A, 51) by hole 500 between end cover structure 452 and neck 466.

[0181] in preferred device, end cover structure 452 also comprises at least one outlet opening 504, is used to carry the fluid that is filtered by second dielectric structure 456.In an illustrated embodiment, end cover structure 452 comprises pipe 506 (Figure 41-43), from first surface 496 extensions on plane.Manage 506 limited holes 504, be used for carrying fluid by end cap 452 from the second surface 498 of end cap 452.Pipe 506 operationally and be detachably connected to second exit passageway 432 (Figure 37 and 52).In Figure 43, can see, manage 506 supporting sealing member 508, so that between pipe 506 and second exit passageway 432, form releasable sealing 520 (Figure 52).

[0182] referring now to Figure 41, end cover structure 452 also comprises media support 510.Media support 510 supports second filter medium 456 and be fixed on second surface 498 tops of end cover structure 452.Fluid after this make to filter is discharged and is collected in the space that limits between the end 460 of medium 456 and the second surface 498 from downstream 460.The filter liquide of discharging downstream 460 and being collected in this zone flows through hole 504 then, by managing 506, arrives second exit passageway 432, and discharges by second outlet 430.Therefrom, use by fuel injection system 36 (Fig. 2).

[0183] in a preferred embodiment, lid 344 removably is connected to filter element 346.Specifically, between end cover structure 452 and lid 344, latch gear 540 is arranged.But end cover structure 452 has a pair of outstanding deflection flange 548, has hook 542 separately, with hook-holding part 544 joints corresponding on the lid 344.Lid 344 limits a pair of depression 546 that forms hook-holding part 544.Hook 542 engages corresponding hook-holding part 544 in the depression 546.Joint between element 346 and the lid 344 allows element 346 to remove with lid 344 during safeguarding.Then, element 346 can be removed from lid 344 by deflection flange 548 so that hook 542 is separated with hook-holding part 544.

[0184] in some applications, heating fuel may be helpful, and is special if diesel fuel.Can adopt multiple mode to come heating fuel.In one embodiment, the warm fuel that circulates by cylinder head can enter at second fluid intake 426, makes that it and second fluid inlet channel 398 are " heat is gone into formula (hot in) " mouths.This fuel can heat end housing foundry goods 364 down successively.The fuel that comes self cooling fuel tank 400 flows into by identical following end housing foundry goods 364 in the fluid passage, and around " heat is gone into formula " mouthfuls 426,398.The operation that this can heat the fuel of introducing and be similar to shell and tube heat exchanger.In second embodiment, wax valve (wax valve) can be mounted into shell at following end housing foundry goods 364 places, so that make the fuel recycle from cylinder rail (rail) enter first filter 348.In another embodiment, 420 places use electric heater near inlet, so that make it heating during from cold fuel tank access to plant 340 at fuel.

G. method

[0185] filter 340 can be used for filtering multiple fluid.Fluid can be the system of any type, wherein has the filter of pump upstream and the filter in pump downstream.Shown example embodiment is used for fuel system.For the fuel in the filtering fuel system, fuel is pumped to first filter 24 from fuel tank 32, and here separated and at least some particles of water are removed.In an example shown, fuel enters filter 340 by first inlet 420, and it is transferred by access road 402 there.Therefrom, it flows into the open filter interior 438 of first filter medium 436.Water is separated from fuel by filter medium 436.Water is discharged and is collected in the bowl 362 of water collecting zone 386 by passage 522 (Figure 53) downwards.Water sensor 383 can detect when to remove from filter 340 and anhydrate, and drain solenoid valve 382 can start water is removed from filter 340.

[0186] fuel is by first medium 436 and 422 be extracted by first outlet subsequently.Therefrom, fuel also is pushed over second inlet, 426 (Figure 31 and 36) subsequently by delivery pump.Fuel by second access road 398 (Figure 37,38,50,51), by fluid delivery tube shape spare 464, and arrives the upstream side 458 of second filter medium 456 from second inlet 426.Therefrom, the fuel axial flow is crossed medium 456, and discharges by the port of export 460 downwards.Fuel after the filtration is collected in the zone between the second surface 498 of the port of export 460 and end cover structure 452 subsequently.Fuel after the filtration flows through the hole 504 of outlet 506 then and passes through second exit passageway 432 (Figure 52) subsequently.Therefrom, fuel is discharged shell 342 by second outlet, 430 (Figure 33,54).Fuel after the filtration is used by fuel injection system 36 (Fig. 2) subsequently.

[0187] termly, filter 340 needs to safeguard.In order to safeguard filter 340, lid 344 is removed and filter element 346 is taken out from shell 342 from shell 342.The step that filter element is taken out from shell comprises takes out first filter and second filter simultaneously, in an illustrated embodiment, is first dielectric structure 348 and second dielectric structure 350.The step that filter element 346 is taken out from shell 342 can be included in removes lid 344 and element 346 single step, this is because locking pin member 540 is connected to lid 344 with element 346.

[0188] step of removing lid 344 comprises rotating bolt head 410, so that rotating bolt 406, it can support lid 344 and axially leave shell 342.The compression that this has discharged between lid 344 and the shell 342 has discharged the edge 416 of lid 344, seal 482,487, and the sealing 483,489 between the edge 392 of shell 342.When rotary head 410, bolt 406 is rotated, and extends through second dielectric structure 350 and enter acceptance division or shrinkage pool 404 in the shell 342.Axial seal 483,489 between this meeting relief cap 344 and the shell 342.

When [0189] having served as filter element part 346 and take out from shell 342, first dielectric structure 348 is removed and is removed around the internal part 358 that comprises fluid passage 398,402 and 432 around pump installation 360.Filter element 346 goes out of use subsequently and changes with new filter element 346.Filter element 346 also goes out of use subsequently from lid 344 separation.New filter element 346 passes opening 356 and directed open filter interior 438 with around pump installation 360 and internal part 358 by making it, comprises fluid passage 398,402 and 432, operationally is installed in the shell 342.First dielectric structure 348 operationally is oriented in the filter seat 394.Seal 482,487 is in place respectively against the edge 416,392 of lid 344 and shell 342.

[0190] in the step process that filter element 346 operationally is oriented in the shell 342, utilize seal 469 between the neck 466 and the second filter inlet passage 398, to form connection, to form sealing 515.In addition, between pipe 506 and second exit passageway 432, form connection, to form sealing 520 by seal 508.

[0191] the operationally directed filter element 346 that covers of lid 344.Lid 344 is placed on second dielectric structure 350.The flange 416 of lid 344 is in place against seal 482.Rotating bolt head 410 is threadedly engaged with so that form between the screw thread 412 of bolt 406 and the screw thread 405 in the shrinkage pool 404.This makes lid move axially against shell 342, so that cause the compression of seal 482,487 between flange 416 and edge 392, to form axial seal 483,489.

[0192] join in the hook-holding part 544 of lid 344 by hook 542, filter element 346 is connected to lid 344, and the combination of lid 344 and element 346 operationally is installed in the shell 342 subsequently element 346.

[0193] filter 340 can be used for filtration operation now.

H. another example embodiment of filter, Figure 55-72

[0194] Figure 55 illustrates the decomposition diagram of another embodiment of filter 640.Filter 640 can be used for the fuel system 22 of Fig. 2, but it also can be used in the system of other types.In Figure 55, the shell 642 with removable cap 644 is shown comprises filter element 646.Filter element 646 is shown takes out, and lid 644 is shown removes from shell 642 and filter element 646 from shell 642.

[0195] filter 640 is similar to the filter 340 of Figure 31-54, but filter 640 has further feature, to allow advantageously to discharge fluid (for example, fuel) during safeguarding.Many parts of describing in conjunction with Figure 31-54 are identical with the embodiment of Figure 55-72, are incorporated herein by reference for their description.The summary of some described parts will be discussed hereinafter.More fully discussion about the feature of exhaust system will be carried out hereinafter.

[0196] as described in the above-mentioned embodiment, filter element 646 generally comprises first dielectric structure 648 and second dielectric structure 650, and wherein first and second dielectric structures 648,650 are axially aligned (one is stacked on above another).In this embodiment, identical with previous embodiment, the top that second dielectric structure 650 is stacked on first dielectric structure 648 is shown.In addition, with previous embodiments, first dielectric structure 648 and second dielectric structure 650 be fluid isolation each other.

[0197] shell 642 comprises outer wall 652, limits enclosure 654.Shell 642 has imports and exports 656, and it allows the insertion and the taking-up of filter element 646.When lid 644 when shell 642 is removed, import and export 656 and be exposed, expose filter element 646.

[0198] in Figure 59, shows some internal part 658.In an illustrated embodiment, some internal part 658 comprises pump installation 660, following end housing 664, and water sensor and valve module (Figure 58).

[0199] down end housing 664 is contained in the outer wall 652, and wall 652 and following end housing 664 pass through securing member, and for example bolt 665 is fixed together.In addition, can see that in Figure 58 Reference numeral is 683 water sensor.Reference numeral is that 660 pump installation can be a priming pump, delivery pump or both combinations.In this example, pump installation 660 is as priming pump 674.

[0200] entrance and exit device in the shell 642 is described now.First inlet is represented with 720 in Figure 55 and 57-59.First inlet, the 720 and first filter inlet passage, 702 fluid flow communication (Figure 59).First inlet 720 also with fuel tank 32 (Fig. 2) fluid flow communication, make fuel be pumped into first inlet 720, and enter the first filter inlet passage 702 from fuel tank 32.Therefrom, fuel advances to first dielectric structure 648, and this will be further described below.

[0201] first outlet limits (Figure 55-57 and 72) by shell at 722 places.By after first dielectric structure 648, the fuel after the filtration is by first outlet 722 at fuel.In this embodiment, delivery pump is discharged and arrived to the fuel that is filtered by the first medium mechanism 648 by shell 642.In another embodiment, when pump installation 760 was used as priming pump and delivery pump simultaneously, the fuel after then filtering did not need to discharge from shell 642.

[0202] shell 642 also comprises second inlet, 726 (Figure 58), it and second access road 698 (Figure 71) the fluid flow communication.Fuel flows through second inlet 726 from delivery pump, enters the second filter inlet passage 698, and arrives second dielectric structure 650, and this will be described below.

[0203] shell 642 also comprises second outlet, 730 (Figure 58).Fuel flows through second inlet 626 from delivery pump, by second access road 698 (Figure 71), by second dielectric structure 650, by exit passageway 732 (Figure 71), and discharges from shell by second outlet 730.From second outlet 730, the fuel after the filtration flow to fuel injection system 36 (Fig. 2).

[0204] filter element shown in Figure 55 and the 59-61 and above-mentioned filter element 346 are similar, and only difference is to relate to two features of discharge structure, will be described below.The feature that relates to discharge structure is built in the central core structure 762, will further describe hereinafter.

[0205] basis is above for the description of filter element 346, and filter element 646 is non-circular, and especially, is Long Circle or ellipse.The medium 736 that is used for first dielectric structure 648 can be polytype, but in the example shown, it is configured to Radial Flow and uses pleated media 740.First dielectric structure 648 comprises outer lining 742, is specially grid 744, and around outside 745, it is generally in the downstream of first filter medium 736.First filter media construction 648 also comprises bottom end cover 748, is fixed to end cover structure 752 and is positioned at its opposite end.End cover structure 752 is axially between first dielectric structure 648 and second dielectric structure 650.

[0206] second dielectric structure 650 comprises second filter medium 756.Equally, can use different filter mediums, and in a preferred embodiment, second filter medium 756 is set for axial flow, entrance and exit is positioned at relative axial end.Shown in device in, second filter medium 756 have the arrival end of axial end 758 and in the opposite end 760 the port of export.Second filter medium 756 is binding medium 456 described types above preferably, medium 456 be described in this combined reference.

[0207] embodiment with top is identical, and in the present embodiment, first dielectric structure 648 and second dielectric structure 650 be fluid isolation each other.Filter element 646 comprises central core structure 762 (Figure 68 and 69).In an illustrated embodiment, central core structure 762 comprises inlet fluid delivery tube shape spare 764.In a preferred embodiment, fluid to be filtered for example is positioned at the fuel of pump pressure side, be transferred by second access road 698 (Figure 71), and by fluid delivery tube shape spare 764, and the arrival end 758 of second filter medium 756 that arrives soon after.Fluid delivery tube shape spare 764 has neck 766, and its supporting sealing member 769,770 is used for forming sealing with adjacent component.Fluid delivery tube shape spare 764 774 forms passage completely from the end 773 of center cored structure 762 to the end.

[0208] central core structure 762 has outer wall 763 and inwall 765, to help to form fluid delivery tube shape spare 764.Similar with previous embodiment, except fluid delivery tube shape spare 764, in a preferred embodiment, central core structure 762 comprises that bolt receives tube-like piece 772.Bolt receives tube-like piece 772 and limits through hole completely by relative axial end 773,774.Bolt receives tube-like piece 772 and operationally receives the bolt of giving prominence to from lid 644 706.Bolt 706 receives tube-like piece 772 by bolt can pass through second dielectric structure 650.Bolt 706 is allowed to connect into shrinkage pool 704 (Figure 59) subsequently.Neck 766 receives tube-like piece 772 and fluid conveyance member 764 around bolt.

[0209] in the present embodiment, central core structure 762 also comprises the structure that is used for exhaust filtering device 640 during safeguarding.In Figure 66-69, central core structure 762 is shown has stopper element 854.Stopper element 854 is outstanding from the axial component of outstanding neck 766.Stopper element 854 is held by the second drainage element mouth 856 (Figure 59 and 71) and is operationally fitted into the second drainage element mouth 856.Stopper element 854 has O-ring packing 858, and it and the second drainage element mouth 856 form sealing.

[0210] filter element 646 comprises seal 782,787, and is around first and second dielectric structures 648,650, identical around the mode of first and second dielectric structures 348,350 with the described seal 482,487 of previous embodiment.Seal 782,787 seals in the mode identical with the filter 340 of previous embodiment.Seal 782,787 is by end cover structure 752 fixing and supports.

[0211] end cover structure 752 and end cover structure 452 are similar and totally comprise identical feature.Being described in this and being combined as reference about end cover structure 452 described features for end cover structure 752.End cover structure 752 comprises hole 800 (Figure 62,65), holds the neck 766 of central core structure 762.In Figure 64, can see that seal 770 forms radial seal 814 by hole 800 between end cover structure 752 and neck 766.

[0212] end cover structure 752 comprises outlet opening 804, to carry by the fluid after 756 filtrations of second dielectric structure.End cover structure 756 comprises pipe 806, and its limiting hole 804 is to transport fluid from the second surface 798 of end cover structure 752 by end cover structure 752.Second exit passageway 732 (Figure 71) can be operated and be detachably connected to pipe 806.Manage 806 supporting sealing member 808,, in the present embodiment, be similar to releasably sealable 520 (Figure 52) with second exit passageway 732 to form releasable sealing.

[0213] end cover structure 752 also comprises media support 810 (Figure 65).Media support 810 supports and fixes that second filter medium 756 covers and above the second surface 798 of end cover structure 756.This makes the fluid after filtering discharge and be collected in the space that is limited between end 760 and the second surface 798 from downstream 760.Fluid after the filtration flows through hole 804 subsequently, by managing 806, arrives second exit passageway 732 and exports 730 by second and discharge.Therefrom, use by fuel injection system 36 (Fig. 2).

[0214] lid 644 is similar with lid 344, and pins in the mode identical with above-mentioned latch gear 540.Latch gear 540 be described in the reference that this is combined as the latch gear of present embodiment.

[0215] referring now to Figure 59 and 61.First stopper element 860 is axially outstanding from the bottom end cover 748 of first dielectric structure 648.First stopper element 860 relates to the part of the feature of the discharge structure different with previous embodiment.First stopper element 860 comprises O-ring packing 862, and is held (Figure 59) by first discharge outlet 864.

[0216] in operation, the filtration of the normal filtration of filter 640 and filter 340 is similar.Similarly, fuel extracts by first inlet 720 from fuel tank 32 (Fig. 2), and here it is transferred by access road 702.Therefrom, it flows into the opening filtration inner 738 of first filter medium 736.Water separates from fuel by filter medium 736.Water is to discharge downwards with the similar mode of previous embodiment, and wherein water sensor 683 can detect when to remove from filter 640 and anhydrate, and electromagnetic valve component 684 can anhydrate to remove from filter 640 in startup.Fuel by filter medium 736 and be extracted by first the outlet 722.Therefrom, fuel is by delivery pump and pushed subsequently second inlet 726 that passes through.Fuel from second inlet 726 by second access road 698 (Figure 71), by fluid delivery tube shape spare 764 and arrive the upstream side 758 of second filter medium 756.Therefrom, the fuel axial flow is crossed medium 756 and is discharged by the port of export 760 downwards.Fuel after the filtration is collected in the zone between the second surface 798 of the port of export 760 and end cover structure 752 then.Fuel after the filtration flows through the hole 804 of outlet 806 subsequently and passes through second exit passageway 732 (Figure 71) subsequently.Therefrom, fuel is discharged from shell 642 by outlet 730.Fuel after the filtration is used by fuel injection system 36 (Fig. 2) subsequently.

[0217] termly, filter 640 needs to safeguard.In order to safeguard filter 640, lid 644 is removed from shell 642, and filter element 646 takes out from shell 642.Remove the step of lid 644 and above-mentioned to remove the step of lid 344 from shell 342 similar from shell 642.In the present embodiment, as indicated above, have the feature that helps draining during safeguarding.When having served as filter element part 646 from shell 642 taking-ups, discharge outlet 856,864 can discharge before other ports.This is in order to make fuel flee back fuel tank 32 before second filter medium, 756 its fuel of release in lid 644.Do like this is in order to prevent that a large amount of fuel from entering shell 642 and overflowing assembly from lid area 644.Be released before some other sealing release by being sealed in the system of O-ring packing 858 and O-ring packing 862 generations.For example, radial seal 814 (Figure 64) and the sealing that is produced by seal 782 between end cover structure 752 and lid 644 remain unchanged, and the sealing of the sealing between the seal 858 on the stopper element 854 and the second drainage element mouth 856 between the seal 862 and first discharge outlet 864 discharges.Along with lid 644 continues to remove from shell 642, sealing remaining in the system discharges, and any remaining fuel is released and is trapped in the shell 642 in the lid 644.Lid 644 and filter element 646 can be moved to disposal site then.Any fuel that remains in the shell 642 can continue to discharge.

That [0218] is left safeguards step with above similar at filter 340 described steps, and above-mentioned explanation is combined as reference at this.

I. underneath type embodiment, Figure 73-80

[0219] Figure 73-80 illustrates another embodiment of filter 900.In the present embodiment, filter 900 is the embodiment of underneath type.The embodiment of Miao Shuing is a top load arrangement before.In top load arrangement, safeguard filter by entering, normally by the hood of vehicle being raised and being entered from the engine top from the top.In the underneath type device, filter be from engine below or below enter.Except reversing, filter shown in Figure 73-80 900 is closely similar with the filter of Figure 31-54, although there is some other variation on flow channel.

[0220] Figure 73 is the decomposition diagram of filter 900.In Figure 73, can see filter housing 902, lid 904 and filter element 906.Lid 904 is identical with filter element 346 with aforesaid lid 344 with filter element 906.But, by Figure 73 as seen, filter 900 is inversions of device shown in Figure 31.In Figure 31, first filter media construction 436 is positioned at the below of second filter media construction 456, is opposite in the present embodiment.In other words, first filter media construction 908 is positioned at the top of second filter media construction 910.

[0221] still referring to Figure 73, filter housing 902 comprises first inlet, 920, the first outlets, 922, the second inlets, 926, the second outlet 930 and water purification/floss holes 934.Fuel to be filtered enters filter 900 from fuel tank 32 (Fig. 2) by first inlet 920, flows through first filter media construction 908, and discharges from shell 902 by first outlet 922 subsequently.The first filter element structure 908 is according to the mode operation identical with previous embodiment.First filter media construction 908 is removed degranulation and water from fuel.Floss hole 934 is removed and be directed to water from fuel.Fuel after the filtration is conducted through first outlet 922.Therefrom, fuel is by delivery pump and pushed subsequently second inlet 926 that passes through.Fuel also exports 930 by second from second inlet 926 subsequently by second filter media construction 910.Therefrom, the fuel after the filtration is used by fuel injection system 36 (Fig. 2).

[0222] Figure 74-76 shows the external view of the filter 900 after the assembling.Can see that lid 904 is to be fixed to shell 902 with the similar mode of previous embodiment.

[0223] in Figure 77, can see water sensor 936.The horizontal plane of water sensor 936 sensings or detection collected water in water collecting chamber 938.Along with first filter media construction 908 is separated water from fuel, water is collected in the water collecting chamber 938.Sensor 936 is arranged on the position of sensing or detection level face.

[0224] in Figure 78, can see pump 942.In Figure 78, can also see pressure actuated check-valves 944.The fuel that leaves second filter media construction 910 flows through hole 948 on the end cover structure 950 from second filter media construction 910 shown in arrow 947, and by second exit passageway 952, by exporting 930.Check-valves 944 is worked under the pressure of about 15-20psi.

[0225] in Figure 79, can see that fuel flows through first filter media construction 908.Fuel through port 920 accesss to plant 900 also enter first fuel inlet channel 954.Arrow 956 shows the path that fuel is filtered by first filter media construction 908.Fuel enters the path of second filter media construction 910 and also can see in Figure 79.Fuel enters second access road 958 and illustrates with arrow 960.When fuel arrived second filter media construction 910, it was by the central tube in the central core structure, for example above in conjunction with Figure 45 and 46 described.Fuel axial flow is subsequently crossed second filter media construction 910 and is discharged by hole 948 (Figure 78), and it flows through passage 952 and discharges by second outlet 930 there.

[0226] in Figure 80, can see pressure actuated check-valves 944.In addition, can see second access road 958,, guide to water purification/floss hole 934 as passage 962.

[0227] in order to safeguard filter 900, device 900 enters from the below, and lid 904 is removed.This can also take out filter element 906, and wherein in a preferred embodiment, filter element 906 is detachably connected to lid by lock pin connection (for example, shown in the Reference numeral in Figure 50 and 54 540) between the two.Old filter element 906 goes out of use subsequently, and new replacing part filter element 906 is provided, and it is detachably connected on the lid 904.Lid 904 and new filter element 906 operationally are installed in the shell 902 then, and filter 900 preparation work once more.

Claims (43)

1. a filter element (46,46 ', 346,646,906) comprising:

(a) first dielectric structure (48,348,648,908) has first filter medium, and it has tubular form, limits open filter interior; The radial fluid that is set for described first dielectric structure flows by described first filter medium; With

(b) second dielectric structure (50,350,650,910) is axially aligned with described first dielectric structure; Described second dielectric structure has second filter medium, is provided for axial flow;

(i) described first dielectric structure and second dielectric structure fluid isolation each other.

2. filter element according to claim 1 also comprises:

(a) end cover structure (152,452,752) is axially between described first dielectric structure and second dielectric structure.

3. according to the described filter element of arbitrary claim in claim 1 and 2, also comprise:

(a) outer lining (142,442,742), around and support described first filter medium.

4. according to the described filter element of arbitrary claim among the claim 1-3, wherein:

(a) described first filter medium comprises pleated media.

5. filter element according to claim 1 also comprises:

(a) seal (182,482,487,782,787) is around described first and second dielectric structures.

6. filter element according to claim 5, wherein:

(a) described seal is set for axial compression.

7. according to the described filter element of arbitrary claim in claim 5 and 6, also comprise:

(a) end cover structure (152,452,752) is axially between described first dielectric structure and second dielectric structure.

8. filter element according to claim 7, wherein:

(a) described end cover structure (452,752) comprises outer annular edge (484), supports pair of seal members.

9. filter element according to claim 2, wherein:

(a) described end cover structure (152,452,752) limits inlet (202,500,800) and outlet device (204,504,804).

10. filter element according to claim 9, wherein:

(a) the entrance and exit device of described end cover structure comprises a plurality of holes, is limited by described end cover structure.

11. filter element according to claim 1 also comprises:

(a) central core structure (162,462,762), by second filter medium around; Described central core structure comprises at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare (164,464,764).

12. filter element according to claim 11 also comprises:

(a) end cover structure (152,452,752) is axially between described first dielectric structure and second dielectric structure;

(i) described end cover structure limits at least one hole (202,500,800), holds at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare (164,464,764) of described central core structure; With

(ii) described end cover structure limits at least one outlet opening (204,504,804), to carry the fluid that is filtered by second dielectric structure.

13. filter element according to claim 12, wherein:

(a) described central core structure comprises that bolt receives tube-like piece (172,472,772).

14. filter element according to claim 13, wherein:

(a) at least one outlet opening in the described end cover structure is limited by pipe (206,506,806), and described pipe is outstanding from plane surface; Described guarantee hold and by seal (208,508,808) around.

15. filter element according to claim 13, wherein:

(a) described central core structure (462,762) comprises outstanding neck (466,766), has opening, wherein said opening and (i) described at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare; (ii) described bolt receives tube-like piece and communicates;

(i) described neck keep and by first and second sealing rings around;

(ii) described neck is contained in the end cover structure hole; First seal of described neck forms sealing at the periphery and the end cover structure in end cover structure hole;

When (iii) having served as the filter element part and operationally being installed in the filter housing, second seal of described neck and filter housing form sealing.

16. filter element according to claim 15, wherein:

(a) described central core structure also comprises stopper element (854), and is outstanding from the axial component of outstanding neck;

Described stopper element by seal (858) around.

17., also comprise according to the described filter element of arbitrary claim among the claim 12-16:

(a) bottom end cover (748), it is fixed to an end relative with described end cover structure (752) of first dielectric structure, and comprises that first stopper element (860) is axially outstanding from it.

18. according to the described filter element of arbitrary claim among the claim 1-17, wherein:

(a) cross section of described first dielectric structure and second dielectric structure is non-circular separately.

19. according to the described filter element of arbitrary claim among the claim 1-18, wherein:

(a) each Long Circle naturally of the cross section of described first dielectric structure and second dielectric structure.

20. a filter (40,40 ', 340,640,900) comprises filter element according to claim 1, and comprises:

(a) shell (42,42 ', 342,642,902) limits inner; Described filter element is arranged in the enclosure removedly; With

(b) lid (44,44 ', 344,644,904) removably is arranged on the shell, to provide optionally near filter element.

21. filter according to claim 20, wherein:

(a) described shell limits first inlet device (120,420,720), first outlet device (122,422,722), second inlet device (126,426,726) and second outlet device (130,430,730);

(i) upstream side of described first inlet device and first filter medium forms the fluid flow communication;

The downstream of (ii) described first outlet device and first filter medium forms the fluid flow communication;

The upstream side of (iii) described second inlet device and second filter medium forms the fluid flow communication; With

The downstream of (iv) described second outlet device and second filter medium forms the fluid flow communication.

22. filter according to claim 21, wherein:

(a) described shell also limits tapping equipment (62,362), forms liquid with the upstream side of first filter medium and communicates.

23. according to the described filter of arbitrary claim among the claim 20-22, wherein:

(a) described lid comprises bolt (106,406,706), extends in the inside of lid; Described bolt is received by the acceptance division (104,404,704) that is limited by described shell.

24. filter according to claim 23, wherein:

(a) described bolt has bolt head (110,410), can be approaching from the outside of lid; With

(b) described bolt extends through the acceptance division of second dielectric structure to the shell.

25. according to the described filter of arbitrary claim among the claim 20-24, wherein:

(a) described filter element comprises central core structure (162,462,762), by second filter medium around; Described central core structure comprises at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare (164,464,764), with the second inlet device fluid communication.

26. filter according to claim 25, wherein:

(a) described filter element comprises end cover structure (152,452,752), axially between first dielectric structure and second dielectric structure;

(i) described end cover structure limits at least one hole (202,500,800), holds at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare of central core structure; With

(ii) described end cover structure limits at least one outlet opening (204,504,804), so that will be transported to second outlet device by the fluid that second dielectric structure filters.

27. filter according to claim 26, wherein:

(a) described central core structure comprises that bolt receives tube-like piece (172,472,772);

(b) described lid comprises bolt (106,406,706), extends in the inside of lid; Described bolt extends through the acceptance division reception that bolt receives tube-like piece and limited by shell.

28. filter according to claim 27, wherein:

(a) described central core structure comprises outstanding neck (466,766), has opening, wherein said opening and (i) described at least one fluid delivery tube shape spare; (ii) described bolt receives tube-like piece and communicates;

(i) described neck keep and by first and second sealing rings around;

(ii) described neck is accommodated in the end cover structure hole; First seal of described neck forms sealing at the periphery and the end cover structure in end cover structure hole; With

(iii) second inlet device of second seal of described neck and shell forms sealing.

29. filter according to claim 28, wherein:

(a) described central core structure also comprises stopper element (854), extends axially from neck (766); Described stopper element comprises seal (858); With

(b) described shell limits the second drainage element mouth (856); The seal of described stopper element and the releasable sealing of the second drainage element interruption-forming.

30. filter according to claim 20, wherein:

(a) described filter element also comprises seal assemblies (182,482,487,782,787), around described first and second dielectric structures.

31. filter according to claim 30, wherein:

(a) described seal assemblies comprises pair of seal members (482,487,782,787); Described seal is set up by the seal between compression shell and the lid and shell and lid formation axial seal.

32. filter according to claim 31, wherein:

(a) described lid comprises bolt (106,406,706), extends in the inside of lid; Described bolt is received by the acceptance division that is limited by shell;

(b) described bolt has head (110,410), extends from the outside of lid;

(c) described bolt extends through the acceptance division of second dielectric structure to shell; With

(d) described bolt head is rotatable, so that rotating bolt and fastening lid be against shell, wherein seal is clipped between lid and the shell.

33., also comprise according to the described filter of arbitrary claim among the claim 20-32:

(a) petrolift (74,374,674) is in shell; Described first filter medium is around petrolift.

34. a filtration system comprises the described filter of claim 20; Described system comprises:

(a) fuel tank (32);

(b) fuel injection system (36);

(c) fuel pump apparatus (26); With

(d) filter;

(i) to the described fuel pump apparatus of small part in shell; Described first filter medium is around fuel pump apparatus.

35. system according to claim 34, wherein:

(a) described first inlet device forms the fluid flow communication between the upstream side of the fuel tank and first filter medium;

(b) described first outlet device forms the fluid flow communication between the downstream of first filter medium and fuel pump apparatus;

(c) described second inlet device forms the fluid flow communication between the upstream side of the fuel pump apparatus and second filter medium; With

(d) described second outlet device forms the fluid flow communication between the downstream of second filter medium and fuel injection system.

36. method of safeguarding filter (40,40 ', 340,640,900); Described method comprises:

(a) from shell (42,42 ', 342,642,902) remove lid (44,44 ', 344,644,904) and

(b) take out filter element (46,46 ', 346,646,906) from shell; Described filter element comprises:

(i) first dielectric structure (48,348,648,908) has first filter medium, and it has tubular form, limits open filter interior; The radial fluid that is set for described first dielectric structure flows by first filter medium; With

(ii) second dielectric structure (50,350,650,910) is axially aligned with first dielectric structure; Second dielectric structure has second filter medium, is provided for axial flow;

(A) described first dielectric structure and second dielectric structure fluid isolation each other.

37. method according to claim 36, wherein:

(a) step of removing lid comprises rotating bolt (106,406,706), and it extends through second dielectric structure and enters acceptance division (104,404,704) on the shell, with the securing member between relief cap and the shell.

38. according to the described method of arbitrary claim in claim 36 and 37, wherein:

(a) step of removing lid comprises the axial seal between relief cap and the shell.

39. according to the described method of arbitrary claim among the claim 36-38, wherein:

(a) step of taking out filter element from shell comprise remove pump (74,374,660) on every side with inlet tube and outlet around first dielectric structure.

40. according to the described method of arbitrary claim among the claim 36-39, wherein:

(a) removing the step of lid and the step of taking-up filter element carries out simultaneously.

41., also comprise according to the described method of claim 40:

(a) latch gear (540) between disconnection filter element and the lid.

42. according to the described method of arbitrary claim among the claim 36-41, wherein:

(a) step of removing lid (44,44 ', 344,644) is to carry out from the top of shell (42,42 ', 342,642).

43. according to the described method of arbitrary claim among the claim 36-41, wherein:

(a) step of removing lid (904) is to carry out from the below of shell (902).

Images