WO2014179853A1

WO2014179853A1 - Structural arrangement for fuel filter lid assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2014179853A1
Application number: PCT/BR2014/000150
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno DE AGUIAR; Raphael RASCIO; Everaldo GONÇALVES
Original assignee: Mahle Metal Leve S.A.; Mahle International Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-05-10
Filing date: 2014-05-09
Publication date: 2014-11-13
Also published as: BR102013011664A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lid (1) and body (11) assembly with a structural arrangement that makes it easier to close or open the assembly for servicing the fuel filter. In this assembly, the lid (1) and the body (11) are cylindrical and designed to prevent or at least reduce the occurrence of an imperfect fitting between the two parts. The lid (1) comprises a first slot (5) in the cylindrical body which is accessible and visible to a user and has an orthogonal projection that is inclined relative to a geometric axis (x) of the assembly, and the body (11) comprises at least one guide pin (12) that can be detachably coupled to the first slot (5).

Description

CONSTRUCTIVE ARRANGEMENT OF FUEL FILTER COVER.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a filter cover, particularly a fuel filter of a motor vehicle, provided with a constructive arrangement capable of facilitating its closing or opening when maintaining said filter.

The present invention also relates to a lid and housing assembly. More specifically, the present invention also relates to a lid and housing assembly, particularly for automotive fuel filters, configured to prevent or at least reduce the incidence of incomplete closure between these two parts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The fuel supply system of a motor vehicle has the function of allowing fuel to be driven from the tank to the combustion chamber at substantially constant pressure.

Typically, such a system comprises a feed pump, a fuel filter, a manifold, a pressure regulator and injection valves. In operation, the feeder pump makes it possible to transport fuel from the tank to the manifold through the fuel line. The pressure regulating valve controls the pressure in said line. In this route, the fuel also passes through a filter, positioned anywhere between the fuel pump and the injection valves, which will be detailed below.

As is well known in the art, filters consist of means capable of permitting the flow of a necessary substance such as combustible fluid and at the same time blocking the passage of undesirable substances such as solid particles. or liquid. Particularly with respect to a fuel filter, it is intended to retain impurities contained in the fuel by means of a filter element, such as paper, surrounded by a housing normally made of nylon, steel, aluminum or plastic.

In other words, fuel filters protect the fuel supply system by eliminating or at least reducing the impurities present in the fuel from transport, storage and / or the tank itself, preventing clogged nozzle orifices. Thus, the filters provide better engine performance and therefore an increased engine life.

Ideally, the filter should provide high contaminant retention efficiency and low fuel flow resistance. In addition, the filter must be designed to ensure good sealing and high resistance to internal pressures.

Today, due to the change from the carburized system to the electronic injection system, the filter has become an essential part as unwanted particles in the fuel can cause excessive wear on the injection system components.

In this regard, it should be noted that the absence of the filter would surely cause engine starting problems and significantly impair vehicle drivability, causing increased fuel consumption and component wear despite possible malfunctions.

Note that the filter life depends on the amount of impurities contained in the fuel and varies according to the indicated mileage for each model / type of vehicle. In any case, the filter must be changed periodically for preventive maintenance.

During these maintenances, the filter is normally discarded. entirely at the end of its useful life, as it is not possible to separate the filter element from the housing for replacement, since the filter consists of a part comprising a permanently enclosed housing, with the filter element already mounted inside it. Of course, this is not the most environmentally / environmentally sound procedure as the carcass material is not usually biodegradable. Moreover, since the fuel filter is made of different materials, namely the shell material and the filter element material, as they are a single piece, it is difficult or even impossible to separate these materials into one. proper disposal destination that is environmentally sustainable.

In order to solve this problem, the applicant of the present patent application has published in WO 2012/083405 a fuel filter whose filter element can be separated from the housing. This filter is provided with a detachable cover to the housing, allowing replacement of the filter element without the need to discard the housing and also without the need to disconnect the filter from the fuel line.

However, it has been found that the filter disclosed in patent application WO 2012/083405 enables the lid not to be completely closed to the casing due to operator negligence during maintenance, which may cause unwanted leaks, reducing system performance. as well as the risk of fire due to the combustion of this fuel. Also, considering that the filter is integrated in the fuel line, it is often observed that the operator finds it difficult to rotate the cap completely (360 ° or more) when it is closed or opened.

In other words, although the filter object of patent application WO 2012/083405 represents a significant technical advance over common fuel filters, it still has potential for improvement, particularly in facilitating and assisting the operator in handling them, reducing the incidence of possible assembly errors, such as incomplete closure between the cover and the housing.

OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lid and a lid and housing assembly which are capable of eliminating or at least reducing the known limitations of the state of the art.

Furthermore, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a lid, particularly a fuel filter, which is easier to close and open when mounting or dismounting the filter, respectively, with respect to filter caps known in the prior art. .

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lid and housing assembly that allows its parts to be easily or simply and quickly associated or dissociated.

Additionally, the present invention aims to provide a lid and a lid and housing assembly having a constructive arrangement capable of assisting and facilitating the assembly or disassembly of said filter, eliminating or at least reducing possible mounting errors, such as the incomplete closure between the cover and the housing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid and a lid and housing assembly that are capable of maintaining it (eg changing filter paper of the filter) in an easy, simple and quick manner without risk of incomplete closure between cover and housing.

One or more of the above-mentioned objectives of the present invention (s), among others, is achieved through a cap comprising a cylindrical body provided with an upper end, the body being The cylindrical groove is provided with a first groove accessible and visible to an operator, and said first groove being inclined with respect to the upper end of the cylindrical body.

According to additional or alternative variations of the lid of the present invention, the following characteristics, alone or in combination, may also be comprised:

an upper surface configured to at least partially close the upper end of the cylindrical body, the upper surface and the cylindrical body forming one piece;

- the cylindrical body comprises a lower end disposed parallel to the upper end;

- an output connector that protrudes from the top surface to the outside of the lid;

- the first slot has a total length consisting of the extension of the semicircle of the cylindrical body;

- the first slot has a geometric shape of a parallelogram;

- a second slot arranged diametrically opposite to the first slot; and

- a lower hook configured to allow limiting the opening or closing movement of the lid.

One or more of the above-mentioned objectives of the present invention, among others, is also achieved through a lid and housing assembly having a cylindrical shape, the lid comprising a first slot whose orthogonal projection is arranged inclined with respect to a longitudinal geometrical axis of said assembly, and further wherein the housing comprises at least one guide pin removably associable with the first slot. According to additional or alternative variations of the lid and housing assembly of the present invention, the following characteristics, alone or in combination, may also be comprised:

- the housing is provided with an inlet connector capable of allowing any fluid to enter, the housing being capable of housing a filter element;

the cap is provided with an outlet connector capable of allowing fluid to escape;

- the first tear of the lid is delimited by:

- an upper stop;

- a lower stop arranged parallel and opposite to the upper stop;

a first side stop disposed angularly to the upper stop and the lower stop; and

- a second side stop arranged parallel and opposite to the first side stop;

- the upper stop, the lower stop, the first side stop and the second side stop define an inner raceway to the first slot, the guide pin being slidable on said inner raceway of the first slot;

- the guide pin is positioned adjacent to the first side stop when the closing movement between the cover and the housing begins;

- the guide pin is positioned adjacent to the second side stop at the end of the closing movement of the lid and the housing;

the lid comprises a lower auxiliary opening configured to allow the guide pin to pass into the inner raceway of the first slot;

- a locking subassembly configured to secure the lid to the housing upon closing of these parts; - the locking subassembly is provided with a lower hook comprising the cover;

- the locking sub-assembly is provided with a support element comprising the housing;

- the support element is associated with the lower hook when closing the lid on the housing;

the lid comprises a second slot disposed diametrically opposite the first slot;

the housing comprises a second guide pin removably associable with the second slot;

- comprises at least one reinforcement clip configured to lock the lid securely to the housing;

- comprises two reinforcing clips 180 ° apart; and

- the reinforcement clip is 90 ° spaced from the guide pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects, technical effects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description referring to the accompanying figures illustrating an exemplary but not limiting embodiment of the lid and lid and housing assembly, objects of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a lid according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the lid illustrated in figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lid and housing assembly according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a detail of the assembly illustrated in figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the assembly shown in Figure 3 at the beginning of the closing movement between the lid and the housing;

Figure 6 shows a side view of the assembly shown in Figure 3 in the middle of the closing movement between the lid and the housing;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the assembly shown in Figure 3 at the end of the closing movement between the lid and the housing;

Figure 8 shows a partial side view of a lid and housing assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 9 shows a detail of figure 8.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Firstly, it should be noted that the lid and lid and housing assembly, objects of the present invention, will be described hereinafter according to a particular (but not limited) embodiment (since their embodiments may be implemented in different ways and variations and according to the desired application.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the lid and lid and housing assembly of the present invention are applicable to automotive fuel filters. Alternatively, the lid and lid and housing assembly may be used in other types of automotive vehicle filters and even in non-automotive applications such as water filters, packaging, food and other areas and branches. activity.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, and according to As can be seen from Figures 3, 5, 6 and 7, the housing 11 is provided with an inlet connector 13 capable of allowing any fluid, preferably a fuel, to enter. The housing 11 is capable of housing a filter element (not shown) suitable for said fluid, such as a filter paper.

On the other hand, the cap 1 is provided with an outlet connector 3 capable of allowing the filtered fluid to escape from the filter element, as can be seen from figures 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7.

Thus, the lid 1, the housing 11 and the filter element particularly comprise a fuel filter installed in a fuel supply system by means of the inlet connector 13 and the outlet connector 3.

As can be seen from figures 1 to 7, the lid 1 and the housing 11 have a substantially cylindrical shape. More specifically, the lid 1 comprises a cylindrical body 2 provided with a substantially circular shaped upper end 15 and a substantially circular shaped lower end 16 arranged parallel to the upper end 5 as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 3. 2.

Still according to figures 1 and 2, the lid 1 also comprises an upper surface 4 configured to at least partially close the upper end 15 of the cylindrical body 2. In particular, the upper surface 4 and the cylindrical body 2 form a single piece. It is noteworthy that the output connector 3 projects from the upper surface 4 to the outside of the lid 1.

As can be seen from figures 1 to 7, the cylindrical body 2 is provided with a first slot 5 accessible and visible to an operator. This first slot 5 is arranged inclined with respect to the upper end 15 of the cylindrical body 2. In other words, the first slot 5 has an orthogonal projection inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis x of said assembly of the present invention.

On the other hand, and according to Figures 3 to 7, the housing 11 comprises at least one guide pin 12 removably associable with the first slot 5.

Still according to figure 1, the first slot 5 of the lid 1 is delimited by a subset of stops, namely:

- an upper stop 6;

a lower stop 7 disposed parallel and opposite to the upper stop 6;

a first side stop 8 disposed angled to the upper stop 6 and the lower stop 7, the first side stop 8 associating the upper stop 6 to the lower stop 7; and

a second side stop 9 disposed parallel and opposite to the first side stop 8, the second side stop 9 also associating the upper stop 6 with the lower stop 7.

The aforementioned upper stop 6, lower stop 7, first side stop 8 and second side stop 9 define an inner raceway to first slot 5 into which guide pin 12 is slidable. In other words, the guide pin 12 moves in the inner raceway of the first slot 5 when the operator opens or closes the lid 1 relative to the housing 11. In particular, the inner raceway delimited by the stops characterizes a geometric shape from a parallelogram to the first one. tear 5. Of course, other geometric shapes may be used, provided they are suitable for the application.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the lid 1 further comprises a lower auxiliary opening 17 configured to allow the guide pin 12 to pass into the inner raceway of the first slot 5 before the operator begins the operation. closing movement between cover 1 and housing 11. On the other hand, the lower auxiliary opening 17 also allows guide pin 12 of the inner raceway of first slot 5 to exit cover 1 after the operator has finished

The opening movement between the lid 1 and the housing 11.

Figures 3, 5, 6 and 7, in this order, show a sequence of positions when closing between cover 1 and housing 11. In general, the operator first fits guide pin 12 into first slot 5 to then apply a rotational motion to cap 1 to close the assembly. In view of the inclined shape of the first slot 5, such rotational movement also provides an axial movement of the lid 1 with respect to the housing 1 in the closing direction. Naturally, the opposite sequence (figures 7, 6, 5 and 3 in this order) represents the positions of the lid 1 relative to the housing 1 when opening the assembly.

In particular, Figure 3 illustrates an arrangement in which the operator arranges the lid 1 in a position where the guide pin 12 is aligned with the lower auxiliary opening 17 so that said guide pin 12 can be directed to the inner raceway. first slot 5 by applying an axial movement of the lid 1 relative to the housing 11.

Then when the closing movement between the lid

1 and housing 11 begins (Figure 5), guide pin 12 is positioned adjacent to first side stop 8. From this initial position, the operator must rotate cover 1 to slide guide pin 12 into the inner raceway. first tear 5 in the only possible direction. Figure 6 illustrates an intermediate position of the guide pin 12 in the inner raceway of the first slot 5.

At the end of the closing movement between the lid 1 and the housing 11 shown in FIG. 6, the guide pin 12 is positioned adjacent to the second side stop 8.

Still in particular, the first slot 5 has a total length consisting of the semi-circumference extension of the cylindrical body 2 so as to allow the guide pin 12 to move in the inner race of the first slot 5 between zero and 180 degrees. Such a configuration greatly facilitates the operator's opening or closing movement as he no longer has to rotate, for example, 360 degrees or more, in a often limited (tight) space. Optionally, the first slot 5 may be longer or shorter than the length of the semicircle.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the assembly of the invention comprises a locking subassembly configured to allow the cap 1 to be secured to the housing 11 upon closing of these parts. Such a locking subassembly is provided with a lower hook 14 comprised of the lid 1, as can be seen from figures 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7. The lower hook 14 is configured to limit the opening or closing movement of the lid. 1. The locking subassembly is also provided with a support element 10 comprised of the housing 11, as can be seen from figures 5 to 7. The support element 10 is associated with the lower hook 14 when closing the lid 1 on the housing 11 (figure 7).

In particular, the lid 1 further comprises a second slot 18 disposed diametrically opposite the first slot 5, as shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, the housing 11 comprises a second guide pin removably associable with the second slot 18. The second slot 18 and the second guide pin have the same characteristics as the first slot 5 and guide pin 12 described above, respectively, and these elements provide greater security in closing the lid 1 on the housing 11.

As regards the material, the lid 1 and the housing 11 are made of plastic. Optionally, the lid 1 and the housing 11 may be made of other types of materials, such as nylon, steel and aluminum. Thus, the assembly formed by the lid 1 and housing 11 of the invention has a greater simplicity, ease and speed of closing and opening when assembling or disassembling the filter, respectively, in relation to the prior art assemblies, since the first tear 5 and guide pin 12 are always accessible and visible to the operator, guiding and assisting him in performing the closing or opening movement so as to eliminate or at least reduce possible mounting errors such as incomplete closing between cover 1 and housing 11.

In other words, the present invention allows filter maintenance (eg changing filter paper) to be performed easily, simply and quickly without risk of incomplete closure between the lid and the housing.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the assembly comprises at least one reinforcement clip 19 configured to lock the lid 1 to the housing 11. Of course, the reinforcement clip 19 also allows the unlocking of the lid 1 of the housing. housing when maintaining the filter.

In particular, the reinforcing clip 19 is 90 ° spaced from the guide pin 12, as can be seen in figure 8, to provide greater robustness and safety in heavier applications.

Another function of reinforcement clip 19 is to facilitate filter assembly and disassembly for filter paper replacement. Additionally, the reinforcement clip 19 facilitates user perception when the assembly is in the correct configuration (position) to be locked or unlocked.

Preferably, the assembly comprises two reinforcing clips 19 spaced 180 ° apart as can also be seen in figure 8.

Although the descriptions of the particular embodiments above refer to specific embodiments of a lid and a of the lid and housing, the objects of the present invention may have modifications in their implementation, so that the scope of protection of the invention is limited only by the content of the appended claims, including possible equivalent variations therein.

Claims

1. COVER (1), comprising a cylindrical body (2) with an upper end (15), characterized in that the cylindrical body (2) is provided with a first slot (5) accessible and visible to an operator; the first slot (5) being inclined with respect to the upper end (15) of the cylindrical body (2).

COVER (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an upper surface (4) configured to at least partially close the upper end (15) of the cylindrical body (2), the upper surface (4 ) and the cylindrical body (2) forming a single piece.

COVER (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the cylindrical body (2) comprises a lower end (16) disposed parallel to the upper end (15).

COVER (1) according to one of Claims 1 to

3, characterized in that it comprises an output connector (3) protruding from the upper surface (4) to the outside of the lid (1).

COVER (1) according to one of Claims 1 to

4, characterized in that the first slot (5) has a total length consisting of the extension of the semicircle of the cylindrical body (2).

COVER (1) according to one of Claims 1 to

5, characterized in that the first slot (5) has a geometric shape of a parallelogram.

COVER (1) according to one of Claims 1 to

6, characterized in that it comprises a second slot (18) disposed diametrically opposite the first slot (5).

COVER (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a lower hook (14) configured to limit the opening or closing movement of the lid (1).

9. COVER (1) AND HOUSING (11) ASSEMBLY, the lid (1) and the housing (11) having a cylindrical shape, characterized in that the lid (1) comprises a first slot (5) whose orthogonal projection arranged inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis (x) of said assembly, the housing (11) comprising at least one guide pin (12) removably associable with the first slot (5).

ASSEMBLY according to claim 9, characterized in that the housing (1) is provided with an inlet connector (13) capable of allowing any fluid to enter, the housing (11) being capable of housing a filter element.

ASSEMBLY according to Claim 10, characterized in that the cap (1) is provided with an outlet connector (3) capable of allowing fluid to escape.

Assembly according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the first slot (5) of the lid (1) is delimited by:

- an upper stop (6);

- a lower stop (7) disposed parallel and opposite to the upper stop (6);

- a first side stop (8) disposed angularly to the upper stop (6) and the lower stop (7); and

- a second side stop (9) disposed parallel and opposite to the first side stop (8),

wherein the upper stop (6), the lower stop (7), the first side stop (8) and the second side stop (9) define an inner raceway to the first slot (5), the guide pin (12) being sliding on said inner track of the first slot (5).

ASSEMBLY according to claim 12, characterized in that the guide pin (12) is positioned adjacent to the first side stop (8) at the beginning of the closing movement between the cover (1) and the housing (11).

ASSEMBLY according to Claim 13, characterized in that the guide pin (12) is positioned adjacent to the second side stop (8) at the end of the closing movement of the lid (1) and the housing (1). ).

ASSEMBLY according to one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the lid (1) comprises a lower auxiliary opening (17) configured to allow the guide pin (12) to pass into the inner raceway. first tear (5).

Assembly according to one of Claims 9 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking subassembly configured to secure the lid (1) to the housing (11) after closing these parts.

ASSEMBLY according to claim 16, characterized in that the locking subset is provided with:

- a lower hook (14) comprised by the lid (1); and

- a support element (10) comprised of the housing (11), wherein the support element (10) is associated with the lower hook (14) when closing the lid (1) on the housing (11).

A set according to one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that:

the lid (1) comprises a second slot (18) disposed diametrically opposite the first slot (5); and

- the housing (11) comprises a second guide pin removably associable with the second slot (18).

Assembly according to one of Claims 9 to 17, characterized in that it comprises at least one reinforcement clip (19) configured to lock the lid (1) securely to the housing (11).

A set according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises two reinforcing clips (19) 180 ° apart.

Assembly according to Claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the reinforcing clip (19) is 90 ° spaced from the guide pin (12).