GB1586802A - Filter - Google Patents

Description

(54) FILTER (71) We, MASSEY-FERGUSON SERVICES NV, a Corporation of the Netherlands, Antilles, located at Abraham de Veerstraat 7a, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates generally to stackable filters, and more particularly to an improved modular construction wherein a plurality of substantially identical stackable filter head units may be interconnected adjacent to each other to provide parallel flow through filter elements mounted within filter bowls, there being one filter element and one filter bowl secured to each of the filter head units.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved stackable filter head unit to which a filter element and filter bowl may be secured, the filter head unit being so constructed that it can be readily secured to other like filter head units to provide for parallel flow through two or more filtering elements.

In accordance with this object we provide a stackable filter head unit for use with a filter element having an axially extending interior chamber and a filter bowl adapted to surround the element to define a chamber therearound, the filter head unit comprising a body member having first and second oppositely facing generally planar end surfaces adapted to co-operate with corresponding end surfaces of like filter head units to permit stacking of the filter head units during use of the units, a first annular mounting zone adapted to receive one end of the filter element and a second annular mounting zone disposed generally concentrically outside first mounting zone and adapted to receive the rim of the filter bowl, generally parallel inlet and outlet passageways whose longitudinal axes lie in a first common plane generally parallel to the plane or planes of the mounting zones, the inlet and outlet passageways extending between the first and second end surfaces, a first passage extending between the outlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the first mounting zone to place the outlet passageway in communication with the chamber within the filter element when the body member is in use, the centre lines of the outlet passageway and the first passage lying in a second common plane, and a second passage extending between the inlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the second mounting zone to place the inlet passageway in communication with the chamber surrounding the filter element when the body member is in use, the passageways and passages all being orientated with respect to each other so as to facilitate die casting of the unit and all being dimensional so that die casting moulding cores may be withdrawn therefrom.

In the above construction since the longitudinal axes of the inlet and outlet passageways lie in a common plane generally parallel to the planes of the mounting zones it is possible to connect the inlet and outlet passageways with the appropriate portion of the exterior of the body member by relatively short and simply shaped first and second passages. This greatly simplifies the manufacture of filter head of the present invention.

Also a filter head in accordance with the invention can be readily secured to the like filter head units. In a preferred arrangement said second common plane is generally normal to the plane or planes of the mounting zones.

Said first common plane may be normal to said end surfaces and the passageways may extend at right angles to the first and second end surfaces.

The filter head unit may include relief valve means extending between the inlet and outlet passageways with the centre line of the relief valve means lying in said first common plane.

The invention also provides a stackable filter comprising a filter element having an axially extending interior chamber, a filter bowl adapted to surround the element to define a chamber therearound, a filter head unit comprising a body member having first and second oppositely facing generally planar end surfaces adapted to co-operate with corresponding end surfaces of like filter head units to permit stacking of the filter head units during use of the units, a first annular mounting zone adapted to receive one end of the filter element and a second annular mounting zone disposed generally concentrically outside said first mounting zone and adapted to receive the rim of the filter bowl, generally parallel inlet and outlet passageways whose longitudinal axes lie in a first common plane generally parallel to the plane or planes of the mounting zones, the inlet and outlet passageways extending between the first and second end surfaces, a first passage extending between the outlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the first mounting zone to place the outlet passageway in communication with the chamber within the filter element, the centre lines of the outlet passageway and the fist passage lying in a second common plane, a second passage extending between the inlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the second mounting zone to place the inlet passageway in communication with the chamber surrounding the filter element, the passageways and passages all being orientated with respect to each other so as to facilitate die casting of the unit and all being dimensional so that die casting moulding cores may be withdrawn therefrom, and means to mount the filter element and bowl in fluid tight relationship with the first and second mounting zones.

The invention further provides a filter assembly comprising a plurality of filters in accordance with the preceding paragraph and means operable to interconnect the filters in a stacked relationship with the inlet and outlet passageways of each filter in fluid communication respectively with the inlet and outlet passageways of the or each adjacent filter of the assembly.

One embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a filter assembly comprising three filter head units stacked adjacent each other, each of the filter head units carrying a filter bowl in which a filter element is mounted; Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of one of the filter head units shown in Figure 1 and its associated bowl and element; Figure 3 is a section taken generally along the line 3-3 in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a section taken along line 4--4 in Figure 3, the filter element and bowl being eliminated for purposes of clarity, and Figure 5 is a section taken generally along the line 5-5 in Figure 4.

Referring first to Figure 1, a filter assembly is illustrated which includes three stackable filter head units which have been secured to each other to provide for parallel flow through three filter elements, the filter assembly being indicated generally at 10, and the filter head units each being indicated generally at 12. Each of the filter head units 12, as can best be seen from Figures 3 and 4, includes a body member 14 having first and second oppositely facing generally planar end surfaces 16, 18 respectively, the first and second end surfaces being formed on the exterior surfaces of first and second mounting flanges 20, 22, respectively. The first mounting flange 20 is provided with a plurality of apertures 24 (Figure 5) which extend through the mounting flange, and the second mounting flange is provided with a corresponding plurality of threaded recesses 26 formed in bosses 28, corresponding apertures 24 and recesses 26 being in alignment with each other. Fastening means or bolts 30 pass through the apertures 24 and are screwed into the threaded recesses 26 to secure adjacent filter head units to each other.

the head of each bolt bearing against the inner surface 32 of the flange 20. Suitable sealing means (not shown) may be disposed between adjacent surfaces 16, 18.

An array of filter head units which have been secured to each other are in turn secured to a special mounting member 34 which is provided with passageways which are in communication with the inlet and outlet passageways 36, 38, respectively, of the adjacent filter head unit. The special mounting member 34 is customarily disposed between the surface 18 of one of the end filter head units of an array and a mounting bracket 40.

The bracket 40 is in turn secured in a suitable manner to appropriate framework 42 of a tractor or the like. The mounting bracket 40 is also provided with suitable apertures which permit the special mounting member 34 to be secured to appropriate inlet and outlet lines (not shown). In a typical installation the outlet line will extend to a hydraulic pump, and the inlet line will extend to return lines and the hydraulic reservoir. The surface 16 of the other of the end filter head units may receive a closure plate 44 which blocks the inlet and outlet passageways 36, 38.

The inlet and outlet passageways 36, 38 of each of the filter head units 12 are formed in the body member 14 and are generally parallel to each other and extended between the first and second end surfaces 16, 18. Each of the inlet and outlet passageways is defined by a generally cylindrical wall surface 37, 39, respectively, the cylindrical wall surfaces being generated about the centre lines 46, 48 for the inlet and outlet passageways 36, 38, respectively. The wall surfaces and the centre lines 46, 48 are disposed at right angles to the planar end surfaces 16, 18.

The body member 14 is provided with first and second generally concentric mounting zones (not numbered) which include inner and outer annular surfaces 50 and 52, respectively. One end 54 of a conventional cylindrical filter element, indicated generally at 56, is mounted in fluid tight relationship with the first mounting zone with an O-ring 50a compressed between a recess (not numbered) in the end 54 of the element and the inner annular surface 50. A cylindrical filter bowl 58 is mounted in fluid tight relationship with the second mounting zone, the upper end of the bowl contacting the outer annular surface 52 and an O-ring 52a contacting the inside of the bowl.

The filter bowl and filter element are mounted concentrically about each other and, when mounted, have a common centre line 60. The filter element 56 and bowl 58 are secured to the filter head unit in a conventional manner. Thus, a rod 62 is provided, the rod being concentric with the centre line 60, the upper end of the rod being threaded into a threaded bore 64 on the upper surface of the filter head unit. A retaining member 66 is pinned or otherwise rigidly secured to the lower end of the rod 62, a surface of the retaining member bearing against the lower surface of the bowl to force it into contact with the surface 52 as the rod 62 is threaded into its secured position shown in Figure 2.

A spring 68 is disposed between the lower inner surface of the bowl 58 and bears against the lower face of a washer 70, the upper surface of which in turn bears against the lower surface of the filter to hold the upper end of the filter against the O-ring 50a.

As can best be seen from Figure 2 the filter element 56 has spaced apart inner and outer cylindrical walls, the inner cylindrical wall defining a chamber 72. A second chamber 74 is defined by the outer surface of the filter element and the inner cylindrical wall surface of the filter bowl 58. As can best be seen from Figure 2 a first short passage 76 extends from the outlet passageway 38 and opens through the exterior of the body member inside the part of the body member encompassed by the first mounting zone with its O-ring seal 50a to place the outlet passageway 38 in communication with the first chamber 72. Similarly, a second passage 78 is provided in the member 14 which extends from the inlet passageway 36 and opens into an annular recess in the lower face of member 14 which lies inside the part of the body member encompassed by the second mounting zone with its O-ring seal 52a, to place the inlet passageway in communication with the second chamber 74. The first passage has a generally cylindrical wall surface, the axis of which is also concentric with the centre line 60.

A relief valve, indicated generally at 80, is disposed between the inlet and outlet passageways 36, 38. The relief valve includes a valve seat 82, a valve plate 84 which is adapted to bear against the valve seat 82, a machine screw 86 the head 88 of which is adapted to bear against the plate 84, a nut 90 which is received on one end of the screw 86, a support member 92, the screw 86 passing through a central aperture in its support member 92, a spring 94 disposed between the support member and a washer 96 which is in turn disposed between the spring 94 and the nut 90. The support member 92 has additional apertures which are circumferentially spaced about the central aperture, these additional apertures permitting the flow of oil from the inlet passageway to the outlet passageway in the event that the filter elements 56 become clogged.

It is a feature of this invention that the filter heads are so designed that they can be easily manufactured, as for example, by a die casting process. In accordance with this feature it is necessary that the various portions of each of the body members 14 are related to each other in such a manner that the member 14 can be easily die cast.

In addition, various relationships must also be maintained so identical filter head units can be easily stacked adjacent each other.

Thus the first and second annular mounting zones with their annular mounting surfaces 50, 52 lie in planes which are perpendicular to the end surfaces 16 and 18 so that when the units are assembled adjacent to each other one filter bowl will not interfere with another filter bowl.

In order to provide for ease of manufacture and facility of stacking adjacent units the passageways 36, 38 should also be disposed at right angles to the end surfaces 16, 18. In order to facilitate the die casting of the structure the passageways 36, 38 should lie with their longitudinal axes 46, 48 in a plane generally parallel to the planes of the first and second mounting zones. The planes of the first and second mounting zones can be considered, for example, to be indicated by the planes of the surfaces 50 and 52. In addition the centre line 60 of the filter element should intersect the centre line 48 of the outlet passageway 38. In accordance with these relationships the plane established by the centre lines 60 and 48 is at right angles to the plane established by the centre lines 46 and 48 for the inlet and outlet passageways and is in addition at right angles to the planar end surfaces 16, 18. Similarly, the plane established by the centre lines 46, 48 is also at right angles to the planar end surfaces 16, 18.

Although in the construction described above the first and second annular mounting zones extend in two generally parallel planes indicated, for example, by the planes of the surfaces 50 and 52, it is envisaged that the first and second annular mounting zones could be generally co-planar in certain forms of filter head in accordance with the invention.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A stackable filter head unit for use with a filter element having an axially extending interior chamber and a filter bowl adapted to surround the element to define a chamber therearound, the filter head unit comprising a body member having first and second oppositely facing generally planar end surfaces adapted to co-operate with corresponding end surfaces of like filter head units to permit stacking of the filter head units during use of the units, a first annular mounting zone adapted to receive one end of the filter element and a second annular mounting zone disposed generally concentrically outside said first mounting zone and adapted to receive the rim of the filter bowl, generally parallel inlet and outlet passageways whose longitudinal axes lie in a first common plane generally parallel to the plane or planes of the mounting zones, the inlet and outlet passageways extending between the first and second end surfaces, a first passage extending between the outlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the first mounting zone to place the outlet passageway in communication with the chamber within the filter element when the body member is in use, the centre lines of the outlet passageway and the first passage lying in a second common plane, and a second passage extending between the inlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the second mounting zone to place the inlet passageway in communication with the chamber surrounding the filter element when the body member is in use, the passageways and passages all being oriented with respect to each other so as to facilitate die casting of the unit and all being dimensional so that the die casting moulding cores may be withdrawn therefrom.

2. The stackable filter head unit according to claim 1 wherein said second common plane is generally normal to the plane or planes of the mounting zones.

3. The stackable filter head unit according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said first common plane is normal to said end surfaces.

4. The stackable filter head unit according to any preceding claim wherein each of the inlet and outlet passageways has a generally cylindrical wall surface.

5. The stackable filter head unit according to any preceding claim wherein each of the passageways extends at right angles to the first and second end surfaces.

6. The stackable filter head unit according to any preceding claim wherein relief valve means extend between the inlet and outlet passageways with the centre line of the relief valve means lying in said first common plane.

7. A stackable filter comprising a filter element having an axially extending interior chamber, a filter bowl adapted to surround the element to define a chamber therearound; a filter head unit comprising a body member having first and second oppositely facing generally planar end surfaces adapted to co-operate with corresponding end surfaces of like filter head units to permit stacking of the filter head units during use of the units, a first annular mounting zone adapted to receive one end of the filter element and a second annular mounting zone disposed generally concentrically outside said first mounting zone and adapted to receive the rim of the filter bowl, generally parallel inlet and outlet passageways whose longitudinal axes lie in a first common plane generally parallel to the plane or planes of the mounting zones, the inlet and outlet passageways extending between the first and second end surfaces, a first passage extending between the outlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the first mounting zone to place the outlet passageway in communication with the chamber within the filter element. the centre lines of the outlet passageway and the first passage lying in a second common plane, a second passage extending between the inlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the second mounting zone to place the inlet passageway in communication with the chamber surrounding the filter element, the passageways and passages all being orientated with respect to each other so as to facilitate die casting of the unit and all being dimensional so that die casting moulding cores may be withdrawn therefrom; and means to mount the filter element and bowl in fluid tight relationship with the first and second mounting zones.

8. A filter assembly comprising a plurality of filters in accordance with claim 7 and means operable to interconnect the filters in a stacked relationship with the inlet and outlet passageways of each filter in fluid communication respectively with the inlet and outlet passageways of each adjacent filter of the assembly.

9. A stackable filter head constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

10. A stackable filter constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore with

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (11)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. zones extend in two generally parallel planes indicated, for example, by the planes of the surfaces 50 and 52, it is envisaged that the first and second annular mounting zones could be generally co-planar in certain forms of filter head in accordance with the invention. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. A stackable filter head unit for use with a filter element having an axially extending interior chamber and a filter bowl adapted to surround the element to define a chamber therearound, the filter head unit comprising a body member having first and second oppositely facing generally planar end surfaces adapted to co-operate with corresponding end surfaces of like filter head units to permit stacking of the filter head units during use of the units, a first annular mounting zone adapted to receive one end of the filter element and a second annular mounting zone disposed generally concentrically outside said first mounting zone and adapted to receive the rim of the filter bowl, generally parallel inlet and outlet passageways whose longitudinal axes lie in a first common plane generally parallel to the plane or planes of the mounting zones, the inlet and outlet passageways extending between the first and second end surfaces, a first passage extending between the outlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the first mounting zone to place the outlet passageway in communication with the chamber within the filter element when the body member is in use, the centre lines of the outlet passageway and the first passage lying in a second common plane, and a second passage extending between the inlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the second mounting zone to place the inlet passageway in communication with the chamber surrounding the filter element when the body member is in use, the passageways and passages all being oriented with respect to each other so as to facilitate die casting of the unit and all being dimensional so that the die casting moulding cores may be withdrawn therefrom.

2. The stackable filter head unit according to claim 1 wherein said second common plane is generally normal to the plane or planes of the mounting zones.

3. The stackable filter head unit according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said first common plane is normal to said end surfaces.

4. The stackable filter head unit according to any preceding claim wherein each of the inlet and outlet passageways has a generally cylindrical wall surface.

5. The stackable filter head unit according to any preceding claim wherein each of the passageways extends at right angles to the first and second end surfaces.

6. The stackable filter head unit according to any preceding claim wherein relief valve means extend between the inlet and outlet passageways with the centre line of the relief valve means lying in said first common plane.

7. A stackable filter comprising a filter element having an axially extending interior chamber, a filter bowl adapted to surround the element to define a chamber therearound; a filter head unit comprising a body member having first and second oppositely facing generally planar end surfaces adapted to co-operate with corresponding end surfaces of like filter head units to permit stacking of the filter head units during use of the units, a first annular mounting zone adapted to receive one end of the filter element and a second annular mounting zone disposed generally concentrically outside said first mounting zone and adapted to receive the rim of the filter bowl, generally parallel inlet and outlet passageways whose longitudinal axes lie in a first common plane generally parallel to the plane or planes of the mounting zones, the inlet and outlet passageways extending between the first and second end surfaces, a first passage extending between the outlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the first mounting zone to place the outlet passageway in communication with the chamber within the filter element. the centre lines of the outlet passageway and the first passage lying in a second common plane, a second passage extending between the inlet passageway and that part of the exterior of the body member encompassed by the second mounting zone to place the inlet passageway in communication with the chamber surrounding the filter element, the passageways and passages all being orientated with respect to each other so as to facilitate die casting of the unit and all being dimensional so that die casting moulding cores may be withdrawn therefrom; and means to mount the filter element and bowl in fluid tight relationship with the first and second mounting zones.

8. A filter assembly comprising a plurality of filters in accordance with claim 7 and means operable to interconnect the filters in a stacked relationship with the inlet and outlet passageways of each filter in fluid communication respectively with the inlet and outlet passageways of each adjacent filter of the assembly.

9. A stackable filter head constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

10. A stackable filter constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore with

reference to and as shown in Figures 2 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A filter assembly comprising a plurality of stackable filters according to claim 10 interconnected in a stacked relationship substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.