WO2019025888A1

WO2019025888A1 - Fuel filtration cartridge assembly with a support group

Info

Publication number: WO2019025888A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/055150
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giorgio Girondi
Original assignee: Ufi Filters S.P.A.
Priority date: 2017-08-03
Filing date: 2018-07-12
Publication date: 2019-02-07
Also published as: IT201700089944A1

Abstract

The invention is a cartridge assembly (1) of a filtration assembly (900) for a fuel, preferably diesel. The cartridge assembly (1) extends along a main axis (X- X) and comprises a cartridge body (2) which defines a filtration chamber (20) comprising a bowl element (21) with a bottom wall (211) and a bowl opening (210) opposite the bottom wall (211) and comprising a cover element (22) suitable to close said bowl opening (210). The cartridge assembly (1) also comprises a filter insert (3) housed in the filtration chamber (20) and comprising a filter medium (30) having a bottom plate (31) and a head plate (32) at its axial ends. The cartridge assembly (1) further comprises a support group (4) suitable to support the filter insert (3) in an elevated axial position with respect to the bottom wall (211).

Description

DESCRIPTION

"FUEL FILTRATION CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY WITH SUPPORT GROUP"

Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge assembly for a filtration system of a fuel, preferably diesel and said fuel filtration system comprising said cartridge assembly wherein said cartridge assembly is suitable to filter from the fuel both suspended particles and water.

[0002] The context which the cartridge assembly and fuel filtration system of the present invention lie in is that of the automotive field, both being suitable to be fluidically joined to the fuel circulation system which flows from the tank to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.

[0003] In addition, it is to be noted that in the present discussion, the term "filtration" means both the ability of the cartridge assembly to separate the dirt from the fuel eliminating from it any suspended particles and the ability of the cartridge assembly to separate the fuel from the water comprised in it.

[0004] In this regard, in the prior art cartridge assembly solutions are known of with a filtration chamber in which a filter insert specifically adapted to filter the fuel flowing through it is housed, so that the dirty fuel enters (containing in it suspended particles of water) and comes out clean.

[0005] The known cartridge assembly solutions, however, have a substantial drawback, that of presenting particularly complex geometries and shapes to ensure the engagement and the seal between the various components; in particular the above problem is exacerbated with reference to the main component in the cartridge assembly, that is the filter insert.

[0006] In fact, the more complex the geometry and shape of the filter insert, the greater the production costs and the more complex the maintenance and replacement operations of the cartridge assembly and filtration system comprising it, turn out to be.

[0007] One example of an embodiment of a cartridge assembly having such drawback is illustrated in the document EP3042709.

Solution according to the invention

[0008] In the light of the above, the need is strongly felt to provide a cartridge assembly with a simple shape and geometry, in particular comprising a filter insert with a simple geometry.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cartridge assembly and a fuel filtration system which comprises such a cartridge assembly, which fully resolve the aforementioned requirement while effectively and efficiently meeting the needs of the specific field of application. In other words, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an alternative cartridge assembly to those of the prior art with a shape and a geometry which entail low manufacturing costs, but above all which requires simple maintenance operations.

[0010] Such purpose is achieved by a cartridge assembly as claimed in claim 1 and by the fuel filtration system according to claim 13. The dependent claims show preferred embodiment variants having further advantageous aspects .

Description of the drawings

[0011] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will, in any case, be evident from the description given below of its preferred embodiments, made by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

Figures la and lb respectively represent two perspective views of a cartridge assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a perspective view in separate parts of the cartridge assembly in figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the cartridge assembly in figure 1; - Figure 4 shows a longitudinal cross-section view of the cartridge assembly in figure 1 in an operating configuration in which it is part of a fuel filtration system, in turn, object of the present invention.

- Figures 5a and 5b respectively show two perspective views of the support group, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description

[0012] In the appended drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, reference numeral 900 denotes a filtration system for a fuel, preferably diesel, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said system 900 comprises the cartridge assembly 1.

[0013] According to the present invention, the cartridge assembly 1 extends along a main axis X-X. In particular, the cartridge assembly 1 extends in length along the main axis X-X, having a substantially axial-symmetric shape to such axis, as shown by way of example in the attached figures .

[0014] The main purpose of the cartridge assembly 1 is to filter the fuel, separating from it unwanted suspended particles, and at the same time separating from it the water present in the fuel, such as, for example, water and/or ice and/or mixed paraffin crystals in the fuel.

[0015] To such purpose the cartridge assembly 1 comprises a cartridge body 2 which defines a filtration chamber 20 in which the fuel is filtered.

[0016] Said cartridge body 2 comprises a bowl element 21 and a cover element 22 the mutual interaction of which delimits the filter chamber 20.

[0017] The bowl element 21 comprises a bottom wall 211, side walls 212 and a bowl opening 210 opposite the bottom wall 211 and peripherally defined by said side walls 212.

[0018] In other words, the bowl element 21 has at the two axial ends a bottom wall 211 and a bowl opening 210.

Between the two axial ends the side walls 212 extend parallel to the main axis X-X.

[0019] At the same time, the cover element 22 is suitable to close said bowl opening 210, preferably so as to seal it.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, both the bowl element 21 and the cover member 22 are made of metal and are suitable to be mutually integrally joined, for example by means of a chamfering operation.

[0021] According to the present invention, moreover, the cover element 22 has centrally (that is at the main axis X-X) a cover opening 220 through which the fuel flows in input to the filtration chamber 20 or in output from the filtration chamber 20. Not necessarily said cover opening 220 is axial-symmetric with respect to the main axis X-X, as in fact is shown, by way of example, in the attached figures .

[0022] In addition, the cartridge assembly 1 comprises a filter insert 3 housed in the filtration chamber 20. Such filter insert 3 comprises a filter medium 30 of a tubular shape having a central cavity 300 which extends along the main axis X-X.

[0023] According to the present invention, the filter medium 30 is specifically suitable for filtering fuel, separating from it suspended particles and water.

[0024] For example, in a preferred embodiment, the filter medium 30 is a pleated filter medium or a depth filter medium.

[0025] In addition, the filter insert 3 comprises a bottom plate 31 and a head plate 32 positioned at the two axial ends of the filter medium 30.

[0026] Preferably, both the bottom plate 31 and the head plate 32 are in a material non-permeable by the fuel (or water), for example in polymeric material.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, at the main axis X-X, the bottom plate 31 has a bottom opening 310.

[0028] Preferably, said bottom opening 310 is axial- symmetric with respect to the main axis X-X. [0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom plate 31 has a radial extension substantially planar, for example extends in a planar direction, except for any lateral abutments of the bottom 318 having an axial extension to engage the filter medium 30.

[0030] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, at the main axis X-X, the head plate 32 has a head opening 320.

[0031] Preferably, said head opening 320 is axial-symmetric to the main axis X-X.

[0032] In addition, the head plate 32 comprises a tubular collar 325 which delimits the head opening and extends in length along the main axis X-X beyond the cover element 22.

[0033] In addition to the tubular collar, similarly to the bottom plate 31, the head plate 32 also has, in a preferred embodiment, lateral abutments of the head 328 having an axial extension to engage the filter medium 30.

[0034] In addition, the head plate 32 also presents specific head ribs 326 which extend axially in height and which are suitable to support the cover element 22 when tightened onto the bowl element 21. Preferably, the head plate 32 has a plurality of head ribs 326 mutually angularly spaced, for example, angularly equidistant.

[0035] In accordance with the above, the filter insert 3, along the main axis X-X, presents in its entirety a through opening formed by the combination of the bottom opening 310 of the central cavity 300 and the head opening 320, the latter extending inside the tubular collar 325. That is to say that the filter insert 3 has along its entire axial height, a cavity, for example housing other components.

[0036] The cartridge assembly 1 of the present invention further comprises a support group 4 suitable to support the filter insert 3 in an elevated axial position relative to the bottom wall 211. That is to say that a support group 4 is at least partially housed inside the filtration chamber 20 having the purpose of maintaining the filter insert 3 in an elevated position.

[0037] Specifically, in fact, thanks to the support group 4 it is possible to identify a portion of the filtration chamber 20 suitable to perform the function of collecting water .

[0038] The support group 4 comprises a support base 40 on which the bottom plate 32 rests.

[0039] Preferably, such engagement between the support base 40 and the bottom plate 32 is sealed.

[0040] For example, the seal is ensured by a preferably annular gasket 5. Preferably said gasket 5 is comprised in the support group 4. [0041] In a preferred embodiment, the support base 40 comprises an annular groove 405 suitable for housing the gasket 5.

[0042] Preferably, the support base 40 is substantially axial-symmetric with respect to the main axis X-X, having a substantially discoidal shape.

[0043] The support group 4 further comprises support feet 41 which extend axially from the support base 40 to the bottom wall 211.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, said support feet 41 are a plurality and are arranged in a mutually angularly equidistant manner with respect to the main axis X-X.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, moreover, the support feet 41 extend axially in height differently from each other.

[0046] Preferably, in fact, in one embodiment of the cartridge body 2 in which the bottom wall 211 extends radially with respect to the main axis X-X in an irregular manner, presenting respective portions at different axial heights, the support feet 41 extend in height differently from each other, to engage the respective portions of the bottom wall 211. In this manner, the support base 40 is therefore suitable to remain in a position substantially perpendicular to the main axis X-X.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, moreover, the support group 4 comprises a tubular body 42 which extends axially from the support base 40. The tubular body 42 extends in height beyond the cover element 22, that is through the bottom opening 310, the central cavity 300, the tubular collar 325, the head opening 320 of the filter insert 3 and the cover opening 220 of the cover element 22.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the support group 4 is made of a material not traversable by the fuel and/or water. For example, the support group 4 in its entirety is made of metal and/or plastic material.

[0049] In other words, the fuel does non-radially cross the tubular body 42 which is, in fact, suitable to form a radial barrier.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, but above all in accordance with the above, the filter medium 30 is traversable by the fuel in the radial direction from the outside to the inside so that the fuel enters the filtration chamber 20 through the cover opening 220 (in the radial space outside the tubular collar 30) and comes out of the filtration chamber 20 again through the cover opening 220 inside the tubular collar 30, in particular in the radial space between the tubular collar 30 and tubular body 42.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge assembly 1 on the bottom wall 211 has a purge hole 2110 through which the water separated from the fuel is purgeable.

[0052] In other words, in the vicinity of the region of the filtration chamber 20 which acts as a collection chamber of the water separated by the filter medium 30, the cup- shaped body 21 defines a purge hole through which the water accumulated in the filtration chamber 20 is purgeable .

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, said purge hole 2110 is concentric to the main axis X-X.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, it identifies an operating configuration in which the cartridge assembly 1 is assembled in the filtration system 900, in which said purge hole 2110 is plugged, and a purge configuration in which the purge hole 2110 is open.

[0055] In particular, in fact, the purge hole 2110 is plugged by a purge rod 950 included in the fuel filtration system which is housed in the tubular body 42 of the cartridge assembly 1.

[0056] In the operating configuration it extends inside the filtration chamber, inside the openings and cavities described above comprised in the filter insert, to plug the purge hole 2110.

[0057] Preferably, therefore, in the purge configuration the purge rod 950 is extracted in an axial direction from the cartridge assembly 1 opening the purge hole 2110, while the cartridge assembly 1 is kept in position. After emptying the water from the filtration chamber, the cartridge assembly is completely removable, for example, to proceed with the replacement of the cartridge assembly .

[0058] According to such preferred embodiment, the tubular body 42 comprises within it centring ribs 425 suitable to engage said purge rod 950 to axially centre it along the main axis X-X.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, moreover, the cartridge assembly 1 further comprises an elastic thrust element 6 placed between the support base 40 and the bottom wall 211 suitable to improve the engagement between the support group 4 and the bottom plate 32 of the filter insert 3. In other words, by means of the elastic thrust element 6 the support group 4 is pushed upwards in such a way that it securely engages the filter insert 3.

[0060] As mentioned, the present invention also relates to system 900 for filtering fuel, preferably diesel, from suspended substances and water comprising a cartridge assembly 1 as described above.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the fuel filtration system 900 comprises a purge rod 950 which in an operating configuration plugs the purge hole 2110 comprised in the cartridge assembly 1 according to the modality described above.

[0062] Preferably, said purge rod 950 is a separable component from the filtration system 900, so that a purge configuration may be provided for in which the cartridge assembly 1 remains engaged to the filtration system while the purge rod 950 is extracted individually in the axial direction opening the purge hole 2110.

[0063] In addition, the fuel filtration system 900 further comprises a heater group 920 positioned fluidically upstream of the cartridge assembly 1 so that the fuel enters the filtration chamber 200 at a temperature already set by said heater group 920. Preferably, said heater group 920 is suitable to raise the temperature of the fuel in entrance to the filtration chamber so as to avoid the presence of ice and/or paraffin crystals which could obstruct and make the filtering medium 30 inefficient .

[0064] Innovatively, the cartridge assembly and the fuel filtration assembly described above fully absolve the purpose of the present invention overcoming the drawbacks typical of the prior art.

[0065] Advantageously, in fact, the cartridge assembly has a simple and efficient geometry. In particular, advantageously, the shape and geometry of the filter insert turn out to be extremely simplified.

[0066] Advantageously, it is the support group, which performs the sealing function with the filter insert, besides the fact of keeping it in an elevated position with respect to the bottom wall so as to define a region for the collection of water. Advantageously, it is thanks to the support group that the purge rod can pass through. Also advantageously, it is the support group which is suitable to engage the purge rod along the main axis to centre the purge hole.

[0067] Moreover, advantageously, the support group, in its lower position, is minimally invasive, presenting only its feet in contact with the bottom wall, and therefore not occupying space in the water collection area of the filtration chamber.

[0068] Advantageously, thanks to the support group and the presence of integrated ribs on its inner surface, the purge rod is guided in a more reliable manner during its insertion/extraction phases from the cartridge assembly.

[0069] Advantageously, thanks to the simplification of the cartridge assembly and the presence of a support group able to provide guiding and hermetic sealing functions, the sealing system used to ensure the separation of the dirty side of the filter from the clean side is simplified without compromising the closure of the purge hole provided on the bottom of the filtration chamber.

[0070] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make modifications to the cartridge assembly and fuel filtration system described above so as to satisfy contingent requirements , all contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

List of reference numbers:

1 cartridge assembly

2 cartridge body

20 filtration chamber

21 bowl element

210 bowl opening

211 bottom wall

2110 purge hole

212 side walls

22 cover element

220 cover opening

3 filter insert

30 filter medium

300 central cavity

31 bottom plate 310 bottom opening

318 bottom lateral abutments 32 head plate

320 head opening

325 tubular collar

326 spacer ribs

328 head lateral abutments

4 support group

40 support base

405 annular groove

41 support feet

42 tubular body

425 centring ribs

5 gasket

6 elastic thrust element

900 fuel filtration system 920 heater group

950 purge rod

X-X main axis

Claims

1. A cartridge assembly (1) of a filtration system (900) for a fuel, preferably diesel, from suspended substances and water, wherein said cartridge assembly (1) extends along a main axis (X-X) and comprises:

i) a cartridge body (2) defining a filtration chamber (20) comprising:

- a bowl element (21) comprising a bottom wall (211), side walls (212) and a bowl opening (210) opposite the bottom wall (211) and peripherally defined by said side walls (212) ;

a cover element (22) suitable to close said bowl opening (210) presenting centrally a cover opening (220) through which the fuel flows ;

ii) a filter insert (3) housed in the filtration chamber (20) and comprising:

a filter medium (30) of a tubular shape having a central cavity (300) which extends along the main axis (X-X) ;

- a bottom plate (31) and a head plate (32) placed at both axial ends of the filter medium (30) having at the main axis (X-X) respectively a bottom opening (310) and a head opening (320), in which the head plate ( 32) comprises a tubular collar (325) which defines the head opening and extends in length along the main axis (X-X) beyond the cover element (22) ;

iii) a support group (4) suitable to support the filter insert (3) in an elevated axial position from the bottom wall (211), wherein said support group (4) comprises: - a support base (40) which the bottom plate (32) rests on;

- support feet (41) which extend axially from the support base (40) to the bottom wall (211) ;

- a tubular body (42) extending axially from the support base (40) beyond the cover element (22) through the bottom opening (310), the central cavity (300), the head opening (320) and the cover opening (20) .

2. Cartridge assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the engagement between the support base (40) and the bottom plate (31) is sealed by a gasket (5), preferably annular .

3. Cartridge assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the support base (40) comprises an annular groove (405) suitable for housing the gasket (5) .

4. Cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support base (40) is basically axial-symmetric to the main axis (X-X) , having substantially a discoidal shape.

5. Cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an elastic thrust element (6) placed between the support base (40) and the bottom wall (211) suitable to improve the engagement between the support group (4) and the bottom plate (32) of the filter insert (3) .

6. Cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom wall (211) has a purge hole (2110) concentric to the main axis (X-X) through which the water separated from the fuel is purgeable, wherein, in an operating configuration in which the cartridge assembly (1) is fitted in the filtration system, said purge hole (2110) is plugged by a purge rod (950) comprised in the fuel filtration system which is housed in the cartridge assembly (1), extending through the tubular body (42) .

7. Cartridge assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein the tubular body (42) comprises within it centring ribs (425) suitable to engage said purge rod (950) to axially centre it along the main axis (X-X) .

8. Cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom wall (211) extends radially with respect to the main axis (X-X) in an irregular manner, presenting respective portions at different axial heights, wherein the support feet (41) of the support group (4) extend in height to engage the respective portions of the bottom wall (211) .

9. Cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support group (4) comprises a plurality of support feet (41) mutually angularly equidistant .

10. Cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter medium (30) is traversable by the fuel in the radial direction from the outside to the inside so that the fuel enters the filtration chamber (20) through the cover opening (220) and comes out of the filtration chamber (20) through the tubular collar (30), in particular in the radial space between the tubular collar (30) and tubular body (42) .

11. Cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter medium (30) is a pleated filter medium or a depth filter medium.

12. Cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel filtration system

(900) comprises a heater group positioned fluidically upstream of the cartridge assembly (1) so that the fuel enters the filtration chamber (200) at a temperature already set by said heater group.

13. Filtration system (900) for a fuel, preferably diesel, of the suspended substances and water comprising a cartridge assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

14. Fuel filtration system (900) according to claim 13 in conjunction with claims 6 or 7, comprising a purge rod

(950) which in an operating configuration plugs the purge hole (2110) comprised in the cartridge assembly (1) .

15. Fuel filtration system (900) according to claim 13 or 14 in conjunction with claim 12 comprising a heater group

(920) positioned fluidically upstream of the cartridge assembly (1) so that the fuel enters the filtration chamber (200) at a temperature already set by said heater group (920) .