WO2023014568A1

WO2023014568A1 - In-line double lock cartridge endplate for filtration systems

Info

Publication number: WO2023014568A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/038655
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sonia Rajendra KASBEKAR; Anuradha PAWALE; Sandeep T. THAKARE; Kavya YADAV; Mayur H. HOGADE
Original assignee: Cummins Filtration Inc.
Priority date: 2021-08-02
Filing date: 2022-07-28
Publication date: 2023-02-09

Abstract

A filter cartridge includes a media pack defining a central cavity, and an endplate coupled to a first axial end of the media pack. The endplate includes a base, an extension, a first plurality of locking elements, and a second plurality of locking elements. The extension extends axially away from the base at a central position along the base. The extension defines a central axis. The first plurality of locking elements are spaced radially apart from the extension and are distributed along a first curve that extends around the central axis. The second plurality of locking elements extend axially away from the base and are distributed along a second curve that extends around the central axis. The second curve is disposed radially inside of the first curve.

Description

IN-LINE DOUBLE LOCK CARTRIDGE ENDPLATE FOR FILTRATION

SYSTEMS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[00011 The present application claims the benefit of and priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202141034621, filed August 2, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to filtration systems for internal combustion engine systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an endcap design for fuel and lube filter cartridges.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Internal combustion engine systems require various fluids (e.g., lubricating oil, fuel, etc.) to operate. The fluids are generally passed through a filter cartridge to remove water and other contaminants. The filter cartridge may include a particulate filter cartridge and/or a fuelwater separator. The filter cartridge may form part of a multi-piece filter assembly that includes a filter head and a housing that secures the filter cartridge to the filter head. In some instances, the filter cartridge may also include various connecting elements to secure the filter cartridge into the housing separately from the filter head. For example, the filter cartridge may include an endcap having fasteners that facilitate engagement with the housing and to pre-align the filter cartridge with the filter head. The fasteners may include ramps and/or other features designed to prevent the use of non-genuine filter cartridges within the filter assembly, and may require the user to pre-align and/or rotate the filter cartridge to ensure proper engagement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a media pack defining a central cavity, and an endplate coupled to a first axial end of the media pack. The endplate includes a base, an extension, a first plurality of locking elements, and a second plurality of locking elements. The extension extends axially away from the base at a central position along the base. The extension defines a central axis. The first plurality of locking elements are spaced radially apart from the extension and are distributed along a first curve that extends around the central axis. The second plurality of locking elements extend axially away from the base and are distributed along a second curve that extends around the central axis. The second curve is disposed radially inside of the first curve.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter cartridge that includes a media pack and an endplate coupled to a first axial end of the media pack. The endplate includes a first plurality of locking elements and a second plurality of locking elements that both extend axially away from the media pack. The first plurality of locking elements is configured to couple to a first housing structure. The second plurality of locking elements is spaced radially apart from the first plurality of locking elements. The second plurality of locking elements is configured to couple to a second housing structure that is different from the first housing structure.

[0006] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a filter cartridge endplate that includes a base having a first side and a second side, an extension, a first plurality of locking elements, and a second plurality of locking elements. The second side of the base is configured to be coupled to a media block. The extension, the first plurality of locking elements, and the second plurality of locking elements are all engaged with and extend axially away from the first side of the base. The extension extends axially away from the base at a central position along the base and defines a recessed area therein. The first plurality of locking elements is spaced radially apart from the extension and is configured to couple to a first housing structure. The second plurality of locking elements is spaced radially apart from the extension and from the first plurality of locking elements. The second plurality of locking elements is configured to couple to a second housing structure that is different from the first housing structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several implementations in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. l is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.

|0010] FIGS. 3A-3B are side cross-sectional views of a filter-housing interface portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIGS. 4A-4B are side cross-sectional views of a filter-housing interface portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 2.

[00121 FIGS. 5-6 are top perspective views of a filter housing of the filter assembly in FIG. 1.

[0013 [ FIGS. 7-8 are top perspective views of a filter cartridge endplate installed in the filter housing of FIGS. 5-6.

[0014 [ FIGS. 9-10 are top perspective views of a filter housing of the filter assembly in FIG. 2.

[0015 [ FIGS. 11-12 are top perspective views of the filter cartridge endplate of FIGS. 7-8 installed in the filter housing of FIGS. 9-10.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a filter cartridge endplate of the filter assemblies of FIGS. 1-2.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 13. [0018] FIG. 15 is a top view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 13.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a side view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 13.

[0020] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.

|0021] FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.

[0022] FIGS. 19A-19B are side cross-sectional views of a filter-housing interface portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 17.

[0023] FIGS. 20A-20B are side cross-sectional views of a filter-housing interface portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 18.

[0024] FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a filter cartridge endplate of the filter assemblies of FIGS. 17-18.

[0025] FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 21.

[0026] FIG. 23 is top perspective view of a locking element portion of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 21.

[0027] FIG. 24 is a side view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 21.

[0028] FIG. 25 is a top view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 21.

[0029] FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.

|0030] FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly, according to another embodiment.

[0031] FIGS. 28A-28B are side cross-sectional views of a filter-housing interface portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 26. [0032] FIGS. 29A-29B are side cross-sectional views of a filter-housing interface portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 27.

|0033] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of a filter cartridge endplate of the filter assemblies of FIGS. 26-27.

[0034] FIG. 31 is another top perspective view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 30.

[0035] FIG. 32 is a top view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 30.

[0036] FIG. 33 is a side view of the filter cartridge endplate of FIG. 30.

10037] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Embodiments described herein relate generally to endplate (e.g., end cap, etc.) designs for removable filter cartridges used in internal combustion engine systems. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

I. Overview [0039] Filter assemblies for oil and lube filtration applications may include a filter head, a housing (e.g., shell, etc.) that is detachably coupled to the filter head, and a replaceable filter cartridge contained between the filter head and the housing. The filter cartridge may include fasteners (e.g., clips, latches, etc.) that couple the filter cartridge to the housing. Thee fasteners may align the filter cartridge with the housing so as to ensure proper sealing between the filter cartridge and the housing. These fasteners may also support the filter cartridge in a central position within the housing to facilitate alignment between the filter cartridge and the filter head during assembly. The fasteners may be designed to ensure that the filter cartridge is fully supported in the housing, and the fasteners may also prevent various non-genuine filter cartridges from being used in the filter assembly. For example, the fasteners may include ramps, latches at different positions and/or of different dimensions to prevent the use of certain non-genuine filter cartridges.

[0040] To couple the filter cartridge to the housing, the technician may need to move the filter cartridge in multiple directions during assembly (e.g., rotation of the filter cartridge, prealignment of the filter cartridge with the housing, etc.). For example, the technician may need to pre-align the filter cartridge with fastening features in the housing, press the filter cartridge into the housing, and then rotate the filter cartridge to engage the fastening features. Multiple movements may make assembly between the filter cartridge and the housing difficult. Moreover, because of unique engagement and/or fastening features in the housing, the filter cartridges are generally designed to fit with a single housing model design only, and often cannot be used in other filter assemblies.

II. Example Filter Cartridge Endplates

[0041] FIGS. 1-2 show filter assemblies (e.g., filtration system, etc.), shown as assembly 10 and assembly 12, that each include a filter cartridge 100 (e.g., filter element, etc.) that is designed for used with multiple filter assemblies including filter assemblies having different fastening features, according to an embodiment. The filtration assemblies may be a liquid filter assemblies such as a lube oil filters, or another filter type. (0042] Each filter assembly includes a filter head, a housing, and the filter cartridge 100. The filter cartridge 100 is disposed within the housing, namely within an internal cavity of the housing. The housings are coupled to the filter heads and hold the filter cartridge 100 in engagement with the filter head. The filter heads deliver dirty fluid (e.g., oil, etc.) to the filter cartridge 100 and directs clean, filtered fluid away from the filter cartridge 100. In other embodiments, the filter assemblies may include additional, fewer, and/or different components.

|0043] The filter cartridge 100 is structured to remove particulate contaminants from a working and/or lubricating fluid for an internal combustion engine system (e.g., a lubricating engine oil, hydraulic oil, fuel, etc.). The filter cartridge 100 includes a media pack 102 defining a central cavity 104, a first endplate 200 (e.g., first end cap, lower endplate, lower end cap, etc.) coupled to a first axial end 106 of the media pack 102, and a second endplate 108 (e.g., upper endplate, etc.) coupled to a second axial end 110 of the media pack 102.

|0044] The media pack 102 is configured to filter fluid passing therethrough. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the media pack 102 may be arranged in an enclosed shape (e.g., circular, oval, racetrack, elliptical, or any other suitable shape) that defines the central cavity 104 extending along an axial direction through the media pack 102 between opposing axial ends of the media pack 102. The media pack 102 includes filter media 112 that is configured to filter particulate matter and/or other contaminants from a fluid flowing therethrough so as to produce a filtered fluid (e.g., a clean fluid).

[0045] The media pack 102 may be formed from a variety of types of filter media 112 in different configurations. The media pack 102 may be formed from a pleated and/or corrugated filter media 112. The filter media 112 may be a paper-based filter media, a fiber-based filter media, a foam-based filter media, or the like.

[0046] The first endplate 200 is coupled to a first axial end 106 (e.g., a lower end as shown in FIGS. 1-2) of the media pack 102 and the second endplate 108 is coupled to a second axial end 110 of the media pack 102. The first endplate 200 and the second endplate 108 may be bonded to the media pack 102 using a suitable adhesive product to sealingly engage the first endplate 200 and the second endplate 108 with the media pack 102. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the first endplate 200 may be configured to engage (e.g., sealingly engage) with a closed end of the housing, while the second endplate 108 may be configured to engage (e.g., sealingly engage) the filter cartridge 100 with the filter head.

[0047] The first endplate 200 includes a double locking feature 202 structured to couple the filter cartridge 100 to at least two different filter housing models, designs, and/or housing fastener arrangements. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-2, the first endplate 200 is structured to engage housing fasteners (e.g., clips, tabs, latches, snaps, etc.) in the housings at two different radial positions along a closed end of the housings. The first plurality of locking elements 206 may be configured to fully engage with a first housing structure, shown as first housing 15 (in FIG. 2) under a first force applied in a substantially axial direction (e.g., parallel to the central axis 116). The second plurality of locking elements 208 may be configured to fully engage with a second housing structure, shown as second housing 17 (in FIG. 1) that is different from the first housing 15 under a second force applied in the substantially axial direction. In some embodiments, the first force is approximately the same as the second force. In other embodiments, the first force and the second force are different.

[00481 In the assembly 10 of FIG. 1, the double locking feature 202 engages a plurality of movable latches, shown as latches 14 at a closed, lower (e.g., inner) end of the second housing 17. The latches 14 may be received in an opening 214 (e.g., slot, window, passage, etc.) of the double locking feature 202, between a first plurality of locking elements 206 of the double locking feature 202 and a second plurality of locking elements 208 spaced radially apart from the first plurality of locking elements 206. The first plurality of locking elements 206 and the second plurality of locking elements 208 may comprise tabs, slots, clips, and/or another suitable mechanical fastener that is configured to engage with the latches 14.

[0049] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each one of the second plurality of locking elements 208 include a second hooking element 209 (e.g., hooking tooth, protrusion, latch, rib, etc.) that extends toward a respective one of the latches 14 to secure the filter cartridge 100 within the second housing 17. The second hooking element 209 may engage with the latches 14 during assembly. The interaction between the second hooking elements 209 and the latches 14 may produce an audible click sound that indicates that the filter cartridge 100 is fully seated (e.g., installed, etc.) within the second housing 17.

10050 In the filter assembly of FIG. 2, the double locking feature 202 engages a latch 16 of the first housing 15 along an outer perimeter portion of the second plurality of locking elements 206. The latch 16 may be disposed on a housing extension (e.g., tab, rib, etc.) that extends axially away from a closed end of the first housing 15. The latch 16 may be disposed along a free upper end of the housing extension and may extend continuously along a circumferential direction along the housing extension. The first plurality of locking elements 206 may each include a first hooking element 207 (e.g., hooking tooth, protrusion, latch, rib, etc.) that extends toward the latch 16 (e.g., radially away from the central axis 116 of the filter cartridge 100 as shown in FIG. 2). The first hooking element 207 may engage with the latch 16 during assembly. The interaction between the first hooking element 207 and the latch 16 may produce an audible click sound that indicates that the filter cartridge 100 is fully seated (e.g., installed, etc.) within the first housing 15.

[00511 FIGS. 3 A-4B compare engagement between genuine filter cartridges, shown as genuine cartridge 20 and genuine cartridge 22, with housings for each filter assembly (second housing 17 in FIG. 3 A and first housing 15 in FIG. 4A) with engagement between the filter cartridge 100 and housings for each filter assembly (second housing 17 in FIG. 4 A and first housing 15 in FIG. 4B). As shown, the filter cartridge 100 is configured to engage each assembly using the existing housing fasteners (without modifying the housings for each filter assembly).

[0052| FIGS. 5-8 and 9-12 show a method of installing (e.g., engaging, etc.) the first endplate 200 of the filter cartridge into the two different housing constructions shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 5-8 and 9-12, installing the filter cartridge into the housing (the second housing 17 in FIGS. 5-8 and first housing 15 in FIGS. 9-12) includes pressing the filter cartridge (and endplate 200) along a single direction (e.g., an axial direction) until the double locking feature 202 is fully engaged with latches in the housing. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, the installation may further include rotationally aligning the double locking feature 202 with latches 14 at the closed end of the second housing 17. Among other benefits, requiring only a single unidirectional application of force reduces complexity and can minimize operator error. To remove the filter cartridge from the housing, a user may simply pull axially outwards on the filter cartridge with the housing held in position.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the first endplate 200 includes a base 210, an extension 212 disposed at a central position 215 along the base 210, and the double locking feature 202 disposed radially between the extension 212 and an outer perimeter 216 of the base 210. The base 210 may comprise a substantially disc-shaped plate structured to sealingly engage and substantially enclose the first axial end 106 of the media pack 102 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 16, the base 210 may include a first side 211 and a second side 213 spaced apart from and arranged substantially parallel to the first side 211. The second side 213 may be configured to be coupled to the media pack 102 (see FIG. 1) and may include one or more recessed areas to receive an adhesive product therein to sealingly engage the first endplate 200 to the media pack 102.

[0054] The extension 212 and the double locking feature 202 are engaged with and extend axially away from the first side 211 of the base 210. The extension 212 may define a central axis, which may be aligned with a central axis 116 of the filter cartridge 100 and media pack 102. The extension 212 may be a substantially cylindrically-shaped extension defining a recessed area 218 therein (e.g., depression, cavity, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, the filter cartridge 100 may be structured to sealingly engage a portion of the first housing 15 at the extension 212. For example, the extension 212 may define a radially outwardly facing channel 220 (e.g., a slot, etc.) extending in a circumferential direction along an outer perimeter at an upper end of the extension 212 and sized to receive an O-ring and/or another sealing member therein to sealingly engage the extension 212 to the first housing 15.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the first endplate 200 includes a double locking feature 202 that is disposed radially away from (e.g., outwardly from, etc.) the extension 212. The double locking feature 202 extends axially away from the base 210 in substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base 210 (e.g., substantially parallel to the extension 212). The double locking feature 202 is structured to couple the filter cartridge to at least two different filter housing designs (e.g., two different housing fastener designs). The double locking feature 202 also facilitates assembly of the filter cartridge to the housing, by requiring only an axial force (e.g., unidirectional force, a manual axial push/pull force) to fully engage the first endplate 200 with the housing fasteners. Similarly, the double locking feature 202 allows removal (e.g., disengagement) of the filter cartridge from the housing by requiring only a single force oriented in a substantially axial direction as described with reference to FIGS. 5-8 and 9- 12.

10056] As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the double locking feature 202 includes a first plurality of locking elements 206 that partially surround the extension 212, and a second plurality of locking elements 208 offset (e.g., in a radial direction) from the first plurality of locking elements 206. The second plurality of locking elements 208 may at least partially surround the first plurality of locking elements 206. In particular, the first plurality of locking elements 206 may be positioned (e.g., distributed) along a first curve 222 (see FIG. 15) extending around the central axis 116 of the base and/or the filter cartridge. The second plurality of locking elements 208 may be positioned along a second curve 224 that is concentric with the first curve 222 and that is disposed radially inside of the first curve 222 (e.g., at a smaller radial position than the first curve 222). In other words, the second plurality of locking elements 208 is disposed radially between the extension 212 and the first plurality of locking elements 206. The first plurality of locking elements 206 and the second plurality of locking elements 208 may each include axial extensions (e.g., tabs, etc.) that extend axially away from base 210 and hooking elements (e.g., hooking teeth, etc.) extending radially away from a free end of the tabs that are structured to engage with corresponding housing fasteners, as will be further described.

[0057] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16, the first plurality of locking elements 206 includes two diametrically opposed (e.g., symmetric) outer locking sectors (e.g., portions, etc.), shown as first outer sector 226 and second outer sector 228 that is spaced apart from the first outer sector 226 along a circumferential direction. The first outer sector 226 may be circumferentially aligned with the second outer sector 228. The first outer sector 226 may be positioned approximately 180 degrees apart from the second outer sector 228 along a circumferential direction along the base 210. The outer sectors may each include at least two axially extending tabs, shown as first outer tab 230 and second outer tab 232, and a gap and/or recessed area therebetween. The gap may be sized to receive a supporting rib of the housing (a rib supporting one or more housing fasteners as shown in FIGS. 5-8, to facilitate alignment/clocking of the filter cartridge 100 within the second housing 17 as shown in FIG. 1, etc.).

[0058] The outer sectors may be identical or non-identical to one another. For example, a first width 234 of a first outer gap 236 in the first outer sector 226 may be less than a second width 238 of a second outer gap 240 in the second outer sector 228 (e.g., the first width 234 may be approximately 5 mm and the second width 238 may be approximately 6 mm, etc.). The difference in the gap width between the two outer sectors increases the flexibility of the second outer sector 228 relative to the first outer sector 226 which can, beneficially, facilitate assembly operations between the filter cartridge 100 and the housing (e.g., the user can engage the first outer sector 226 with a respective fastener in the housing and then tilt the filter cartridge to engage the more flexible second outer sector 228). In other embodiments, only one of the outer sectors may include a gap, while the other may be a solid tab without a gap. In yet other embodiments, an angular extent of each outer sector of the first plurality of locking elements 206 may be different. The number and position of each outer sector may be different in other embodiments.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the second plurality of locking elements 208 also include two inner locking sectors, which may also be non-identical to one another in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the inner locking sectors may be identical to one another. Each of the inner sectors, shown as first inner sector 242 and second inner sector 244, may include an arcuate rib 246 that is suspended above the base 210 by a respective one of the outer sectors. The inner sectors may be coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to the outer sectors at circumferential ends of the outer sectors, via extension pieces 247 that extend radially between the inner sectors and the outer sectors. The arcuate ribs 246 may also include a hooking element, shown as inner hooking elements 248, extending radially from the inner sectors toward the outer sectors. [0060] As shown in FIG. 15, each one of the first plurality of locking elements 206 (e.g., each one of the outer sectors) may be spaced apart from a respective one of the second plurality of locking elements 208 (e.g., a respective one of the inner sectors) forming an opening 214 (e.g., a slot, a window, a passage, etc.) therebetween. The opening 214 may extend along an axial direction between the first plurality of locking elements 206 and the second plurality of locking elements 208 and may be sized to receive a respective one of the housing fasteners therein. In at least one embodiment, the opening 214 is enclosed on either circumferential end of the inner and outer sectors by the extension pieces 247. Among other benefits, the double locking feature 202 simplifies servicing by minimizing the number and/or types of motions needed to remove and replace the filter cartridge. The double locking feature 202 also reduces the material requirements for the first endplate 200 in that each sector may be less than 90 degrees in angular extent along a circumferential direction along the base 210. Moreover, the inner sectors (e.g., the first inner sector 242 and the second inner sector 244)may be suspended above the base 210 by the outer sectors (e.g., the first outer sector 226 and the second outer sector 228, respectively) and may not have any fully enclosed cylindrical surfaces. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the inner sectors and the outer sectors may be reversed.

|006l] The design and arrangement of the first endplate 200 of the filter cartridge 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1-16 should not be considered limiting. Many alternatives and combinations are possible without departing from the inventive principles disclosed herein. For example, FIGS. 17-25 show another example first endplate 300 for a filter cartridge, according to an embodiment. The first endplate 300 is similar to the first endplate 200 of FIGS. 1-16 but also includes a substantially planar wall (e.g., step, ledge, etc.), shown as upper wall 350 (see FIGS. 21-25), at an upper end 352 of each outer sector (at an upper end of each one of the first plurality of locking elements).

[00621 The upper wall 350 may be spaced axially apart from an upper end 354 of the inner sectors (see FIG. 24) and may be substantially parallel to an upper surface of the base 310. In other words there may be a step change in height between the outer sector and the inner sector which, beneficially, allows the first endplate 300 to accommodate housing fasteners of varying heights. The upper wall 350 in each sector may extend from the outer sector, radially inward from the hooking element of the outer sector, and may adjoin the opening between the outer sector and the inner sector.

10063] Additionally, in some embodiments, only one of the two outer sectors includes a gap, and the gap extends only partly through the upper wall 350 from an outer radial side of the upper wall 350. For example and as shown in FIG. 21, the first outer gap 236 may form a slot in the planar wall 350 that extends radially inward from an outer radial edge of the outer sector to an intermediate position between radial sides of the upper wall 350.

[0064] FIGS. 26-33 show another example first endplate 400 for a filter cartridge, according to an embodiment. Unlike the endplate designs of FIGS. 1-25, the double locking feature 402 of the first endplate 400 of FIGS. 26-33 includes inner and outer sectors that are not directly coupled to one another and that are only coupled to one another at a lower end of the inner and outer sectors via the base 410 (see FIGS. 30-32). In particular, both the inner sectors and the outer sectors of the double locking feature 402 are directly coupled to and extend axially away from the base 410. The inner sectors also have a different radial extent, height, and thickness than the outer radial sectors.

[00651 For example, as shown in FIG. 33, a first axial height 450 of a first outer sector 426 may be greater than a second axial height 452 of a first inner sector 428 (e.g., the first axial height 450 may be approximately two times the second axial height 452, so that the first outer sector 426 extends above the extension and a free end of the first inner sector 428 is disposed axially between an upper surface of the extension and the base, etc.). A first thickness 454 of the first outer sector 426 may be less than a second thickness 456 of the first inner sector 428. In other embodiments, the relative dimensions between the inner and outer sectors may be different. The dimensions of the second outer sector and second inner sector may be the same as the dimensions of the first outer sector and the second outer sector, respectively. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the outer and inner sectors on either side of the first endplate 400 may be different (e.g., so as to reduce the axial force required to engage the inner and/or outer sector between opposing sides of the first endplate 400, etc.). Among other benefits, varying the height of different portions of the double locking feature 402 can allow for greater travel of the filter cartridge within the housing (e.g., under a spring force acting between the closed end of the housing and the filter cartridge), which can facilitate filter cartridge replacement operations.

[0066] The angular extent of the inner and outer sectors may also be different in various embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, a first angular extent 458 of the first outer sector 426 along a circumferential direction is less than a second angular extent 460 of the first inner sector 428 and/or second inner sector 444. In other embodiments, the angular extent of the inner and outer sectors may be different.

10067] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the inner or outer sectors may include a gap and/or recessed area therebetween. In the embodiment of FIGS. 30-33, only one of the outer sectors includes a gap 436 so as to reduce a force required to engage the outer sector with a housing fastener and/or to accommodate other features of the housing. Stated differently, one of the outer sectors includes the gap 436 approximately half-way in between opposing ends of the one outer sector, while the other outer sector is continuous along its length. It should be appreciated that the design of the inner and outer sectors of the first endplate 400 of FIGS. 26- 33 may be tailored to ensure that the first endplate 400 is properly supported within the housing regardless of which fastener configuration is used to mount the filter cartridge to the housing.

[0068] It should be noted that the term “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0069[ As utilized herein, the term “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed (e.g., within plus or minus five percent of a given angle or other value) are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

10070] The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

10071] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

10072] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular embodiments. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A filter cartridge, comprising: a media pack defining a central cavity; an endplate coupled to a first axial end of the media pack, the endplate comprising: a base; an extension extending axially away from the base at a central position along the base, the extension defining a central axis; a first plurality of locking elements spaced radially apart from the extension, the first plurality of locking elements distributed along a first curve that extends around the central axis; and a second plurality of locking elements extending axially away from the base, the second plurality of locking elements distributed along a second curve that extends around the central axis, the second curve disposed radially inside of the first curve.

2. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of locking elements are engaged with and extend axially away from the base.

3. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of locking elements are suspended above the base by the first plurality of locking elements.

4. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein a first one of the first plurality of locking elements is non-identical to a second one of the first plurality of locking elements.

5. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein a first locking element of the first plurality of locking elements is adjacent to a respective second locking element of the second plurality of locking elements, and wherein the first locking element is coupled to the second locking element at circumferential ends of the second locking element.

6. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of locking elements are configured to fully engage with a first housing structure under a first force applied in a substantially axial direction, the second plurality of locking elements configured to fully engage with a second housing structure that is different from the first housing structure under a second force applied in the substantially axial direction.

7. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first plurality of locking elements is spaced apart from a respective one of the second plurality of locking elements to define an opening therebetween.

8. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein an angular extent of at least one of the first plurality of locking elements along a circumferential direction is less than an angular extent of a respective one of the second plurality of locking elements along the circumferential direction.

9. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of locking elements includes a first outer sector and a second outer sector that is spaced apart from the first outer sector along a circumferential direction.

10. The filter cartridge of claim 9, wherein the first outer sector includes a gap disposed between opposing ends of the first outer sector, and the second outer sector is continuous along its length.

11. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of locking elements and the second plurality of locking elements each includes a hooking member that extends radially away from an upper end thereof.

12. The filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein an axial height of the first plurality of locking elements is greater than an axial height of the second plurality of locking elements.

13. A filter cartridge, comprising: a media pack having a first axial end and second axial end; an endplate coupled to the first axial end, the endplate comprising: a first plurality of locking elements extending axially away from the media pack, the first plurality of locking elements configured to couple to a first housing structure; and a second plurality of locking elements extending axially away from the media pack, the second plurality of locking elements spaced radially apart from the first plurality of locking elements and configured to couple to a second housing structure that is different from the first housing structure.

14. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein a first one of the first plurality of locking elements is non-identical to a second one of the first plurality of locking elements.

15. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first plurality of locking elements and the second plurality of locking elements includes a hooking element extending radially away from an upper end thereof.

16. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of locking elements is directly coupled to the second plurality of locking elements.

17. A filter cartridge endplate, comprising: a base having a first side and a second side, the second side configured to be coupled to a media block; an extension engaged with and extending axially away from the first side of the base at a central position along the base, the extension defining a recessed area therein; a first plurality of locking elements engaged with and extending axially away from the first side of the base, the first plurality of locking elements spaced radially apart from the extension, the first plurality of locking elements configured to couple to a first housing structure; and a second plurality of locking elements engaged with and extending axially away from the first side of the base, the second plurality of locking elements spaced radially apart from the extension and from the first plurality of locking elements, the second plurality of locking elements configured to couple to a second housing structure that is different from the first housing structure.

18. The filter cartridge endplate of claim 17, wherein the second plurality of locking elements are suspended above the base by the first plurality of locking elements.

19. The filter cartridge endplate of claim 17, wherein a first one of the first plurality of locking elements is non-identical to a second one of the first plurality of locking elements.

20. The filter cartridge endplate of claim 17, wherein a first locking element of the first plurality of locking elements is adjacent to a respective second locking element of the second plurality of locking elements, and wherein the first locking element is coupled to the second locking element at circumferential ends of the second locking element.

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