WO2018036934A1

WO2018036934A1 - Filter assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018036934A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/070970
Authority: WO
Inventors: Madhu KUMAR RAJAGOPAL; Prashanth Mari Ambanna
Original assignee: Mann+Hummel Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-08-25
Filing date: 2017-08-18
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Also published as: GB2553138A; GB201614521D0

Abstract

There is provided a filter assembly comprising a filter body having a surface feature. The filter body further comprises support means cooperatively engageable with the filter body and configured to support the filter body on a substrate to which the support means is attachable. Securing means moveable between an unsecuring condition and a securing condition enable the filter body to be releasably secured to the support means when the filter body is cooperatively engaged with the support means and the securing means is in the securing condition. With the filter body releasably secured to the support means at least one relative movement of the filter body and the support means is limited by abutment of the surface feature and the support means. The filter assembly may facilitate quick and easy replacement and/or servicing of fuel filters for cleaning fuel in a fuel supply.

Description

Filter Assembly

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a filter assembly. The invention particularly, but not necessarily, relates to filter assembly for filtering fuel in a fuel supply of an internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND

Fuel filters are well known for removing contaminant particles from a fuel supply of internal combustion engines. Typically, a fuel filter is fluidly connected to a fuel supply line supplying fuel to an engine. The fuel from which contaminants are to be removed is supplied to the filter and the filter separates the contaminant particles therefrom. The separated contaminant particles are retained in the filter and the cleansed fuel is supplied to the engine for combustion. As the retained contaminant particles agglomerate in the filter, it is necessary to replace or service the filter at suitably regular intervals to ensure its continued cleaning effectiveness and to prevent blocking of the fuel supply. Moreover, failure to remove the contaminant particles from the fuel supply may result in damage to or failure of parts of the engine. The filter may also improve the performance of the engine, as the fuel may burn more efficiently with fewer contaminant particles contained therein.

It is desirable that the process of removing the filter from the fuel supply line for servicing or replacement is quick and easy and minimises the risk of damage to the filter and other parts of the fuel supply line. It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a filter assembly comprising: a filter body having a surface feature; support means cooperatively engageable with the filter body and configured to support the filter body on a substrate to which the support means is attachable; and securing means moveable between an unsecuring condition and a securing condition, the filter body being releasably secured to the support means when the filter body is cooperatively engaged with the support means and the securing means is in the securing condition, wherein with the filter body releasably secured to the support means at least one relative movement of the filter body and the support means is limited by abutment of the surface feature and the support means. The support means may be provided in the form of a support. The securing means may be provided in the form of a securing mechanism. The surface feature may be attached to or integral with the filter body. The filter assembly may facilitate quick and easy replacement and/or servicing of fuel filters for cleaning fuel in a fuel supply. Additionally, or alternatively, the filter assembly may minimise incorrect positioning of the filter body relative to the support means. In turn, minimising incorrect positioning may minimise the risk of damage to a fuel filter during servicing or repair.

In certain embodiments, one of the at least one relative movements of the filter body and the support means may be a translation of the filter body relative to the support means. In certain embodiments one of the at least one relative movements of the filter body and the support means may be a rotation of the filter body relative to the support means.

Optionally, the filter body may include a substantially cylindrical portion and the support means may include a substantially annular potion, the annular portion being at least in part complementary to the cylindrical portion.

In certain embodiments, the support means may include attachment means for attaching the support means to the substrate. The attachment means may be provided in the form of one or more attachment mechanisms.

The surface feature may be a radially outward protrusion having an abutment surface for abutment with the support means. The radially outward protrusion may be an annular ridge extending at least partially around a circumference of the filter body. The support means may include a recess, the recess being complementary to the radially outward protrusion such that the radially outward protrusion is receivable in the recess.

In certain embodiments, the recess may be an annular groove extending along at least a portion of the support means. The at least one relative movement of the filter body and the support means may be limited by abutment of the radially outward protrusion and the recess.

The securing means may comprise one or more latch mechanisms. The securing means may be selectively engageable with the filter body to releasably secure the filter body to the support means. The support means may include a fixed portion and a hinged portion, the hinged portion being hingedly connected to the fixed portion. The securing means may selectively engageable with the hinged portion to releasably secure the filter body to the support means.

In certain embodiments, the hinged portion is made of or includes at least one of a flexible and an elastomeric material. The hinged portion may comprise at least in part the annular groove.

The surface feature may be an attachable part of the filter body. The surface feature may be welded or bonded to the filter body. The support means may comprise at least in part the securing means. Additionally or alternatively, the filter body may comprise at least in part the securing means.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided vehicle comprising a filter assembly as described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an industrial apparatus comprising a filter assembly as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figures 1 A and 1 B show a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in an unsecured and secured configuration, respectively;

Figures 2A and 2B show a filter assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention in an unsecured and secured configuration, respectively;

Figures 3A and 3B show a filter assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention in an unsecured and secured configuration, respectively;

Figures 4A and 4B show a filter assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention in an unsecured and secured configuration, respectively; Figures 5A and 5B show a filter assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention in an unsecured and secured configuration, respectively; Figure 6 shows an industrial apparatus having a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7 shows a vehicle having a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 A and 1 B show a filter assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The filter assembly 10 has particular application in a motor vehicle (shown in Figure 7) for cleaning fuel in a fuel supply. However, other applications are contemplated, e.g. in industrial apparatus (shown in Figure 6), such as diesel generators or tractors. The filter assembly 10 comprises a filter body 12 and a support means 14, e.g. a bracket, the support means 14 being cooperatively engageable with the filter body 12. Figure 1 A shows the filter body 12 separate from the support means 14. Figure 1 B shows the filter body 12 cooperatively engaged with the support means 14. The filter body 12 and the support means 14 may each have a respective engaging portion, each of which being complementary to the other. More specifically, the filter body 12 may have a substantially cylindrical portion 12A and the support means 14 may have a substantially annular surface portion 14A, the annular surface portion 14A being complementary to the cylindrical portion 12A. Thus, the filter body 12 and the support means 14 may at least partially interlock with one another when the filter body 12 is cooperatively engaged with the support means 14. The annular surface portion 14A may at least partially contact the filter body 12 when the filter body 12 is cooperatively engaged with the support means 14.

The annular surface portion 14A may at least partially extend about a circumference of the filter body 12, at least when the filter body 12 is cooperatively engaged with the support means 14. In certain embodiments, the annular surface portion 14A may extend about less than half the circumference of the filter body 12. In certain alternative em- bodiments, the annular surface portion 14A may extend around at least half of the circumference of the filter body 12 and may extend around substantially the entire circumference of the filter body 12, i.e. forming at least a partial loop within which the filter body 12 may be received. The support means 14 may include a pair of opposing free ends 14B, 14C between which the annular surface portion 14A may extend. The opposing free ends 14B, 14C may comprise a first free end 14B and a second free end 14C. Additionally, or alternatively, the support means 14 may have a pair of opposing edges 15A, 15B. The opposing edges 15A, 15B may comprise an upper edge 15A and a lower edge 15B. Together, the free ends 14B, 14C and the opposing edges 15A, 15B may bound the annular surface portion 14A. The filter body 12 has a longitudinal axis 50. The axis may extend through a centre of the filter body 12. References herein (which will be understood to include the accompanying claims) to radial directions are relative to the longitudinal axis 50. Similarly, references herein to axial directions and axial movements are movements and directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 50. References herein to rotations are about the longitudinal axis 50.

The support means 14 is configured to support the filter body 12 on a substrate (not shown), e.g. a vehicle chassis, to which the support means 14 is attachable. To this end, the support means 14 may include attachment means 16. In certain embodiments, the attachment means 16 may comprise one or more apertures through which respective fastening means may extend to attach the support means 14 to the substrate. The fastening means may be provided in the form of one or more fasteners, e.g. mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or screws. However, it will be understood that the support means 14 may be attachable to the substrate by any suitable means, e.g. the support means 14 may be chemically bonded to the substrate, or the support means 14 may be integrally formed with the substrate. In certain embodiments, the support means 14 may comprise a fixed portion 18 and a hinged portion 19. The fixed portion 18 may include the attachment means 16. Additionally, or alternatively, the fixed portion 18 may include the first free end 14B and/or may include at least in part each of the opposing edges 15A, 15B. The hinged portion 19 may be hingedly connected to the fixed portion 18 and/or may include the second free end 14C and/or may also include at least in part each of the opposing edges 15A, 15B. The hinged portion 19 may be moveable relative to the fixed portion 18 to facilitate cooperative engagement of the filter body 12 with the support means 14. The fixed portion 18 may be made of or include a substantially rigid material. The hinged portion 19 may be made of or include one of a substantially rigid material, a flexible material and an elastomeric material. The hinged portion 19 may be made of or include one of a plastic, sheet metal or an elastomer.

The filter assembly 10 further comprises securing means 20. The securing means 20 is moveable between an unsecuring condition and a securing condition. In the unsecuring condition the filter body 12 is not secured to the support means 14. In the securing condition the filter body 12 is releasably secured to the support means 14, so long as the filter body 12 is cooperatively engaged with the support means 14. Figure 1 B shows the securing means 20 in the securing condition. In certain embodiments, the securing means 20 may comprise one or more latch mechanisms. More specifically, the securing means 20 may comprise one or more over-centre type latch mechanisms, i.e. a toggle latch. In certain embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B, the securing means 20 may be attached to the first free end 14B of the support means 14 and may be selectively engageable with the second free end 14C of the support means 14. Thus, the securing means 20 may be selectively engageable with the hinged portion 19. To this end, the second free end 14C may include a hook or protrusion 21 or any means suitable for selective engagement with the securing means 20. In certain embodiments, with the securing means 20 engaged with the second free end 14C the securing means 20 may be moved from the unsecuring condition to the securing condition to pull together the free ends 14B, 14C. As described above, the support means 14 may extend around substantially the entire circumference of the filter body 12. Thus, pulling together the free ends 14B, 14C may pull the support means 14 tight about the circumference of the filter body 12. In other words, pulling together the free ends 14B, 14C may result the support means 14 imparting a radially inward force upon the filter body 12. This action releasably secures the filter body 12 to the support means 14.

The filter body 12 also has one or more surface features 24. The one or more surface features 24 may be attached to or integral with the filter body 12. The one or more surface features 24 may comprise at least one radially outward protrusion 26. In certain em- bodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B, the at least one radially outward protrusion 26 may be an annular ridge 27 extending at least partially around the circumference of the filter body 12. The annular ridge 27 may by continuous or discontinuous. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more surface features 24 may comprise at least one radially inward recess (not shown). In certain embodiments, each of the one or more surface features 24 may provide an abutment surface for abutment with the support means 14.

The support means 14 may include at least one recess 28, the recess 28 being complementary to the one or more surface features 24 of the filter body 12. In certain em- bodiments, the support means 14 may include at least one protrusion (not shown), the at least one protrusion being complementary to the one or more surface features 24 of the filter body 12, e.g. the at least one protrusion being complementary to the at least one radially inward recess of the filter body. The recess 28 may be configured to at least partially receive the one or more surface features 24 therein. More specifically, the recess 28 may be an annular groove 29 configured to at least partially receive the annular ridge 27 therein, at least when the filter body 12 is releasably secured with the support means 14. The annular groove 29 may extend around at least a portion of the support means 14. The annular groove 29 may be formed at least partially in the hinged portion 19 of the support means 14. Additionally or alternatively, the annular groove 28 may be formed at least partially within the fixed portion 18 of the support means 14. With the annular ridge 27 received in the annular groove 29 the annular ridge may abut the annular groove 29 if the filter body 12 is moved in an axial direction. Thus, with the filter body 12 releasably secured to the support means 14, i.e. with the securing means 20 in the securing condition, a relative movement of the filter body 12 and the support means 14 is limited or prevented by abutment of the one or more surface features 24 and the support means 14. More specifically, as in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B, a relative axial movement, i.e. a translation, of the filter body 12 and the support means 14 may be limited or prevented by abutment of the annular ridge 27 and the annular groove 29. Moreover, with the annular ridge 27 received in the annular groove 29 the filter body 12 may be correctly axially located relative to the support means 14. This may facilitate easy and/or correct attachment of other parts, e.g. a fuel supply line, to the filter assembly 10.

Figures 2A and 2B show a filter assembly 210 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with reference numerals offset by a factor of 200 identifying like features described herein with reference to Figures 1 A and 1 B. Figure 2A shows the filter body 212 separate from the support means 214. Figure 2B shows the filter body 212 cooperatively engaged with the support means 214 and also shows the securing means 220 in the securing condition. As described above, and as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the filter body 212 may comprise one or more radially outward protrusions 226. Each of the one or more radially outward protrusions 226 may provide an abutment surface for abutment with the support means 214. Figures 2A and 2B show the one or more radially outward protrusions 226 attached to the filter body 212. It will be understood that any one or more surface feature 224, e.g. a recess, may be attached to the filter body 212. More specifically, the surface features 224 may be provided as an attachable part 240, e.g. a snap-on part, attached to the filter body 212. The attachable part 240 may comprise a collar configured to attach to the filter body 212. Thus, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the attachable part 240 may surround the filter body 212 when attached thereto. The attachable part 240 may include one or more clips 241 engageable with the filter body 212 to fix the relative position of the attachable part 240 and the filter body 214. The attachable part 240 may enable simple adaption of standard fuel filter for use as part of the filter assembly 210, i.e. permits easy retrofit. The support means 214 may comprise the securing means 220. More specifically, the securing means 220 may be attached to or integral with each of the free ends 214B, 214C of the support means 214. The securing means 220 may comprise at least two latch mechanisms configured to selectively engage the filter body 212. To this end, the filter body 212 may include at least two hooks or protrusions 221 or any means suitable for selective engagement with the securing means 220. With the securing means 220 engaged with filter body 212 the securing means 220 may be moved from the unsecuring condition to the securing condition to pull together the filter body 212 and the support means 214. This action releasably secures the filter body 212 to the support means 214. Additionally, with the securing means 220 engaged with filter body 212 rotation of the filter body 212 may be limited or prevented.

In certain embodiments, the filter body 212 may comprise pairs of diametrically opposed surface features 224. A first pair 242 of the surface features 224 may provide an abut- ment surface for abutment with the upper edge 215A of the support means 214. A second pair 244 of the surface features 224 may provide an abutment surface for abutment with the lower edge 215B of the support means 214. Thus, with the filter body 212 releasably secured to the support means 214, i.e. with the securing means 220 in the securing condition, a relative movement, e.g. a relative axial movement, of the filter body 212 and the support means 214 is limited or prevented by abutment of either of the first pair of surface features 242 and the upper edge 215A or the second pair of surface features 244 and the lower edge 215B.

Figures 3A and 3B show a filter assembly 310 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with reference numerals offset by a factor of 300 identifying like features described herein with reference to Figures 1 A and 1 B. Figure 3A shows the filter body 312 separate from the support means 314. Figure 3B shows the filter body 312 cooperatively engaged with the support means 314 and also shows the securing means 320 in the securing condition. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the filter body 312 may comprise the securing means 320. The securing means 320 may comprise at least two latch mechanisms configured to selectively engage the support means 314. The securing means 320 may selectively engage each of the free ends 314B, 314C of the support means 314. To this end, the support means 314 may include at least two hooks or protrusions 321 or any means suitable for selective engagement with the securing means 320. The at least two hooks or protrusions 321 may be attached to or integral with each of the free ends 314B, 314C, respectively. With the securing means 320 engaged with filter body 312 the securing means 320 may be moved from the unsecuring condition to the securing condition to pull together the filter body 312 and the support means 314. This action releasably secures the filter body 312 to the support means 314.

Additionally, with the securing means 320 engaged with filter body 312 rotation of the filter body 312 may be prevented. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the one or more surface features 324 may form part of or be integrated with the securing means 320. In any event, with the filter body 312 releasably secured to the support means 314, i.e. with the securing means 320 in the securing condition, a relative movement, e.g. a relative rotation, of the filter body 312 and the support means 314 may be limited or prevented by abutment of the surface features 324 and the support means 314. More specifically, a relative rotation of the filter body 312 and the support means 314 may be limited or prevented by abutment of the surface features 324, which in Figures 3A and 3B are shown to be radially outward protrusions 326, and the free ends 314B, 314C of the support means 314. Embodiments having the filter body 312 comprising the securing means 320, such as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, may include one or more features described above for limiting or preventing axial movement, i.e. translation, of the filter body 312 and the support means 314.

Figures 4A and 4B show a filter assembly 410 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with reference numerals offset by a factor of 400 identifying like features described herein with reference to Figures 1 A and 1 B. Figure 4A shows the filter body 412 separate from the support means 414. Figure 4B shows the filter body 412 cooperatively engaged with the support means 414 and also shows the securing means 420 in the securing condition. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the one or more surface features 424 may be welded to or bonded to the filter body 412. The embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B shows the filter body 412 comprising the pairs of diametrically opposed surface features 424. The first pair 442 of the surface features 424 may provide an abutment surface for abutment with the upper edge 415A of the support means 414. The second pair 444 of the surface features 424 may provide an abutment surface for abutment with the lower edge 415B of the support means 414. Embodiments having the one or more surface features 424 welded to or bonded to the filter body 412 may include one or more features described above for limiting or preventing axial movement, i.e. translation, of the filter body 412 and the support means 414 and for releasably securing the filter body 412 to the support means 414.

Figures 5A and 5B show a filter assembly 510 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with reference numerals offset by a factor of 500 identifying like features described herein with reference to Figures 1 A and 1 B. Figure 5A shows the filter body 512 separate from the support means 514. Figure 5B shows the filter body 512 cooperatively engaged with the support means 514 and also shows the securing means 520 in the securing condition. In certain embodiments, the at least one recess 528 may include at least one opening 546 through which the securing means 520 may selectively engage the filter body 512. More specifically, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, with the filter body 512 cooperatively engaged with the support means 514, the hooks or protrusions 521 , the hooks or protrusions 521 being attached to or integral with the filter body 512, may extend through the at least one opening 546 for selective engagement with the securing means 520. With the securing means 520 engaged with filter body 512 the securing means 520 may be moved from the unsecuring condition to the securing condition to pull together the filter body 512 and the support means 514. This action releasably secures the filter body 512 to the support means 514. Additionally, with the securing means 520 engaged with filter body 512 rotation of the filter body 512 may be limited or prevented. Embodiments having the at least one opening 546, such as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, may include one or more features described above for limiting or preventing axial movement, i.e. translation, of the filter body 512 and the support means 514.

Embodiments of the invention may facilitate securing and unsecuring of the filter body without the use of tools, e.g. screwdrivers and wrenches, thus facilitating quick and easy servicing or replacement of a fuel filter. Abutment of the one or more surface features and the support means may also ensure correct positioning, e.g. correct orientation and location, of the filter body relative to the support means. Embodiments of the invention may limit or prevent relative movement of the filter body and the support means in all degrees of freedom. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, the securing means may comprise other than the latch mechanisms, e.g. the securing means may comprise snap-fit or push-fit type connections, or may comprise a mechanical fastening means, such a machine screw. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1 . A filter assembly comprising:

a filter body having a surface feature;

support means cooperatively engageable with the filter body and configured to support the filter body on a substrate to which the support means is attachable; and securing means moveable between an unsecuring condition and a securing condition, the filter body being releasably secured to the support means when the filter body is cooperatively engaged with the support means and the securing means is in the securing condition,

wherein with the filter body releasably secured to the support means at least one relative movement of the filter body and the support means is limited by abutment of the surface feature and the support means.

2. A filter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein one of the at least one relative movements of the filter body and the support means is a translation of the filter body relative to the support means.

3. A filter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the at least one relative movements of the filter body and the support means is a rotation of the filter body relative to the support means.

4. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter body includes a substantially cylindrical portion and the support means includes a substantially annular potion, the annular portion being at least in part complementary to the cylindrical portion.

5. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means includes attachment means for attaching the support means to the substrate.

6. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface feature is a radially outward protrusion having an abutment surface for abutment with the support means.

7. A filter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the radially outward protrusion is an annular ridge extending at least partially around a circumference of the filter body.

8. A filter assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the support means includes a recess, the recess being complementary to the radially outward protrusion such that the radially outward protrusion is receivable in the recess.

9. A filter assembly according to claim 8, wherein the recess is an annular groove extending along at least a portion of the support means.

10. A filter assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one relative movement of the filter body and the support means is limited by abutment of the radially outward protrusion and the recess.

1 1 . A filter assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the securing means comprises one or more latch mechanisms.

12. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing means is selectively engageable with the filter body to releasably secure the filter body to the support means.

13. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means includes a fixed portion and a hinged portion, the hinged portion being hingedly connected to the fixed portion.

14. A filter assembly according to claim 13, wherein the securing means is selectively engageable with the hinged portion to releasably secure the filter body to the support means.

15. A filter assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the hinged portion is made of or includes at least one of a flexible and an elastomeric material.

16. A filter assembly according to claims 13 to 15, when dependent upon claim 9, wherein the hinged portion comprises at least in part the annular groove.

17. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface feature is an attachable part of the filter body.

18. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface feature is welded or bonded to the filter body.

19. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means comprises at least in part the securing means.

20. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter body com- prises at least in part the securing means.

21 . A vehicle comprising a filter assembly according to any preceding claim.

22. An industrial apparatus comprising a filter assembly according to any preceding claim.

23. A filter assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.