CN210543733U

CN210543733U - Filter assembly and filter element

Info

Publication number: CN210543733U
Application number: CN201921003884.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·P·阿拉克里; W·阿布达拉
Original assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc
Current assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc
Priority date: 2019-03-14
Filing date: 2019-06-28
Publication date: 2020-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-28
Also published as: WO2020185572A1

Abstract

The present application relates to filter assemblies and filter elements. The filter assembly includes a filter housing defining an interior volume. A filter element is positioned within the interior volume and includes a filter media, a first end cap coupled to a first end of the filter media, and a second end cap coupled to a second end of the filter media. The second end cap includes a base. The second end of the filter media is coupled to the base. A first circumferential wall extends from the radially outer edge of the base toward the first end, and a second circumferential wall extends from the radially outer edge of the base away from the first end and has a second end cap coupling feature defined on a radially inner surface thereof. The filter assembly also includes a reservoir having a reservoir coupling feature that engages the second end cap coupling feature to couple the reservoir to the second end cap.

Description

Filter assembly and filter element

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to filters for use with internal combustion engine systems.

Background

Internal combustion engines typically use various fluids during operation. For example, the engine is operated using a fuel (e.g., diesel, gasoline, natural gas, etc.). The air may be mixed with fuel to produce an air-fuel mixture, which is then used by the engine to operate under stoichiometric or lean conditions. Further, one or more lubricants may be provided to the engine to lubricate various components of the engine (e.g., piston cylinders, crankshafts, bearings, gears, valves, cams, etc.). These fluids may be contaminated with particulate matter (e.g., carbon, dust, metal particles, etc.) that may damage various portions of the engine if not removed from the fluid.

Some filter assemblies include a filter element positioned within a filter housing (e.g., a shell-like housing). Such filter assemblies typically have a number of components to secure the filter element within the filter housing, including, for example, springs, coupling elements, or other elements, which increase the manufacturing complexity and cost of the filter assembly.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a filter assembly including a filter element having filter media and an end cap coupled to the filter media, the end cap including a coupling feature for coupling the end cap to a reservoir and an anti-rotation feature for rotationally locking the filter element to a filter housing in which the filter element is disposed.

In one set of embodiments, a filter assembly includes a filter housing defining an interior volume. A filter element is disposed within the interior volume. The filter element includes a filter media, a first end cap coupled to a first end of the filter media, and a second end cap coupled to a second end of the filter media opposite the first end. The second end cap includes: a base to which the second end of the filter media is coupled; a first circumferential wall extending from a radially outer edge of the base toward the first end of the filter media; and a second circumferential wall extending from the radially outer edge of the base away from the first end of the filter media and having a second end cap connection feature defined on a radially inner surface thereof. The filter assembly includes a reservoir having a reservoir coupling feature defined at an end thereof proximate to the filter housing. The reservoir coupling feature engages the second end cap coupling feature to couple the reservoir to the second end cap.

In some embodiments, the second end cap coupling feature and the reservoir coupling feature comprise threads.

In some embodiments, the second end cap further comprises a first sealing member disposed circumferentially about or at an intersection of the first and second circumferential walls, the first sealing member forming a radial seal with an inner surface of the filter housing.

In some embodiments, the first seal member comprises a lip seal overmolded onto the second end cap.

In some embodiments, the first sealing member comprises an O-ring disposed about the outer surface.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly further comprises: a locking ring disposed circumferentially within the filter housing proximate the second end cap and coupled with the second end cap, the locking ring having a plurality of tabs extending from the locking ring toward the second end cap, wherein a plurality of slots are defined on the outer surface of the second circumferential wall, the plurality of tabs being disposed in corresponding slots of the plurality of slots and configured to prevent rotation of the filter housing relative to the filter element.

In some embodiments, the filter housing comprises a plurality of housing tabs extending from an inner surface thereof toward the second circumferential wall of the second endcap, and wherein a plurality of slots are defined on the outer surface of the second circumferential wall, the plurality of housing tabs being disposed in corresponding slots of the plurality of slots and configured to prevent rotation of the filter housing relative to the filter element.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly further comprises a second sealing member disposed between the filter housing and the second circumferential wall proximate the reservoir, the second sealing member forming a radial seal between an inner surface of the filter housing and an outer surface of the second circumferential wall.

In some embodiments, the second sealing member comprises a rectangular gasket.

In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a center tube disposed axially within a central channel defined by the filter media, the center tube defining a plurality of openings to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly further comprises a hydrophobic screen disposed radially within the central tube and extending axially from the first end cap to the second end cap.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly further comprises a nutplate coupled to a filter housing first end of the filter housing distal from the reservoir.

In some embodiments, the filter housing comprises a housing flange extending radially inward from a filter housing second end of the filter housing proximate the reservoir, and wherein the reservoir comprises a reservoir flange projecting radially outward from an outer surface of the reservoir such that the reservoir flange is disposed axially adjacent the housing flange.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly further comprises a third sealing member disposed axially between the housing flange and the reservoir flange.

In another set of embodiments, a filter element includes a filter media, a first end cap coupled to a first end of the filter media, and a second end cap coupled to a second end of the filter media opposite the first end. The second end cap includes: a base to which the second end of the filter media is coupled; a first circumferential wall extending from a radially outer edge of the base toward the first end of the filter media; and a second circumferential wall extending from a radially outer edge of the base away from the first end of the filter media and having a second end cap connection feature defined on a radially inner surface thereof, the second end cap connection feature configured to couple the second end cap to the reservoir.

In some embodiments, the second end cap coupling feature comprises threads.

In some embodiments, the second end cap further comprises a first sealing member disposed circumferentially about or at an intersection of one of the first and second circumferential walls, the first sealing member configured to form a radial seal with an inner surface of a filter housing in which the filter element is disposed.

In some embodiments, a plurality of slots are defined on an outer surface of the second circumferential wall, the plurality of slots configured to receive corresponding tabs formed on an inner surface of a filter housing or a locking ring disposed within the filter housing to rotationally lock the filter element with the filter housing.

In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a hydrophobic screen disposed radially within the central tube and extending axially from the first end cap to the second end cap.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided that these concepts do not contradict each other) are considered to be part of the subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations that appear in the claimed subject matter in this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Drawings

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 embodiments 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.

Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly including a filter element disposed in a filter housing according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a second end cap coupled to the filter media of the filter element of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the second endcap of fig. 2.

FIG. 4 is another side perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the flow path of fluid through the filter element.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 indicated by arrow A in FIG. 4.

Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the second end cap of fig. 2 indicated by arrow B in fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of a locking ring disposed in the filter assembly of fig. 1 according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is yet another side cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of fig. 1 showing a hydrophobic screen disposed in a central passage of the filter media of the filter element of fig. 1, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a side perspective view of a filter housing that may be used in the filter assembly of fig. 1, according to an embodiment.

3 FIG. 3 10 3 is 3 a 3 side 3 cross 3- 3 sectional 3 view 3 of 3 a 3 portion 3 of 3 the 3 filter 3 housing 3 of 3 FIG. 39 3 taken 3 along 3 line 3 A 3- 3 A 3 indicated 3 in 3 FIG. 39 3. 3

Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter assembly including the filter housing of fig. 9 with the filter element of fig. 1 disposed therein, according to a particular embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for forming a filter element, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for forming a filter assembly according to another embodiment.

Throughout the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numerals generally identify like components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments 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 make part of this disclosure.

Detailed Description

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a filter assembly including a filter element having a filter media and an end cap coupled to the filter media, the end cap including a coupling feature for coupling the end cap to a reservoir, and an anti-rotation feature for rotationally locking the filter element to a filter housing in which the filter element is disposed.

Various filter assemblies include a filter element positioned within a filter housing (e.g., a shell-like housing). Such filter assemblies typically have a number of components to secure the filter element within the filter housing, including, for example, springs, coupling elements, or other elements, which add to the manufacturing complexity and cost of the filter assembly.

Embodiments of filter elements and filter assemblies including such filter elements described herein provide one or more advantages, including, for example: 1) providing coupling features, such as threads, on the end cap of the filter element, thereby avoiding the use of a separate component that includes coupling threads; 2) providing an anti-rotation feature in the end cap and a corresponding feature in the housing such that a separate anti-rotation component is not used; 3) providing the flexibility to over-mold the sealing member on the end cap, or to provide a separate sealing member around the end cap; 4) allowing removal of the biasing member from the filter assembly; 5) providing a hydrophobic screen formed into the tube and coupled to the end cap such that a separate overmolded component is not used; and 6) reduced manufacturing complexity and cost via the removal of various components from the filter assembly.

Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter assembly 100 according to an embodiment. The filter assembly 100 may be used to filter a liquid (e.g., lubricant, fuel, etc.) or another fluid provided to an engine. Filter assembly 100 includes a filter housing 102, a filter element 110 including filter media 120, a first end cap 114, a second end cap 130, and a reservoir 105.

The filter housing 102 defines a filter housing interior volume within which the filter element 110 is positioned. The filter housing 102 may be formed from a robust and rigid material, such as plastic (e.g., polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.), metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), polymer (e.g., reinforced rubber, silicone), or any other suitable material. In particular embodiments, filter housing 102 may comprise a cylindrical housing having a substantially circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the filter housing 102 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a racetrack shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, and so forth. In particular embodiments, filter housing 102 may comprise a shell-like housing.

As described herein, the reservoir 105 is coupled to the filter element 110. The reservoir 105 has a bowl-like shape, for example, to collect any water separated from the fluid filtered through the filter assembly 100. For example, fig. 4 illustrates the flow path of the fluid through the filter element 110 and the collection of water in the reservoir 105, the water being separated from the fluid by a hydrophobic screen 118 included in the filter assembly 100. A discharge port 128 may be provided in the reservoir 105. The drain plug 121 may be coupled to the drain port 128. The drain plug 121 may be selectively removed from the drain port 128 to allow accumulated water to drain from the reservoir 105. In some embodiments, the reservoir 105 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material (e.g., a transparent or translucent plastic) such that a user may view the level of water collected in the reservoir 105 from outside the reservoir 105.

In some embodiments, a water-in-filter (WIF) sensor 126 may be positioned in the reservoir 105 and connected to a controller (e.g., WIF monitor, engine control unit) via an electrical connector. The WIF sensor 126 may be configured to sense a level of water accumulated in the reservoir. In some embodiments, the WIF sensor 126 may transmit a water level signal to the controller. The controller may notify the user that the water level in the reservoir 105 is above a predetermined threshold so that the user can remove the drain plug 121 and drain water from the reservoir 105 via the drain port 128. In other embodiments, valve 129 may be positioned in discharge port 128. WIF sensor 126 may be configured to transmit a valve signal to valve 129 causing valve 129 to move to an open position in response to the level of water accumulating in reservoir 105 exceeding a predetermined threshold.

The reservoir 105 includes a reservoir coupling feature 127, the reservoir coupling feature 127 defined at an end of the reservoir 105 proximate the filter housing 102 and configured to couple to a second end cap 130 of the filter element 110, as described in further detail herein. The reservoir coupling feature 127 can include threads defining an outer surface of a wall of the reservoir 105 that protrude toward the filter housing 102. In other embodiments, the reservoir coupling feature 127 may include a snap-fit mechanism, a slot, a protrusion, a notch, a stop, or any other suitable coupling feature.

In some embodiments, filter housing 102 further includes a housing flange 103 (e.g., a circumferential flange) extending radially inward from filter housing second end 108 proximate reservoir 105. Further, the reservoir 105 includes a reservoir flange 106 (e.g., a circumferential flange) that projects radially outward from an outer surface of the reservoir 105 such that when the reservoir 105 is coupled to the second end cap 130, the reservoir flange 106 is disposed axially proximate to, e.g., abuts, the housing flange 103.

In some embodiments, a third sealing member 107 (e.g., an O-ring or gasket) is disposed between the reservoir flange 106 and the housing flange 103 and forms an axial seal between the reservoir flange 106 and the housing flange 103. For example, a circumferential groove may be defined in the reservoir flange 106, and a portion of the third sealing member 107 is disposed in the circumferential groove.

The filter element 110 is along the longitudinal axis A of the filter assembly 100_LPositioned within the filter housing interior volume. The filter element 110 includes a filter media 120. The filter media 120 comprises a porous material having a predetermined pore size and is configured to filter particulate matter from a fluid flowing therethrough. The filter media 120, or any other filter media described herein, may include pleated media, tetrahedral media, fluted filter media, corrugated filter media, or variants thereof. U.S. patent No. 8,397,920 entitled "PLEATED FILTER ELEMENT WITH taberingbend LINES" filed on 14.2011.2011.2011 and issued on 19.3.2013 describes various embodiments of such tetrahedral filter media, which is assigned to Cummins Filtration IP corporation. Some configurations of tetrahedral filter media include a plurality of inlet tetrahedral flow channels and a plurality of outlet tetrahedral flow channels. The inlet tetrahedra are fused to the central portion of the filter material, thereby allowing axial cross-flow of fluid between the inlet tetrahedra channels before the fluid passes through the filter medium. The arrangement being on a mediumThe upstream side provides additional particulate loading which increases filtration capacity.

In some embodiments, the filter media 120 may be caged. For example, the filter element 110 may further include a porous rigid structure (e.g., a wire mesh) positioned around the filter media 120, the porous rigid structure configured to prevent damage to the filter media 120 during insertion of the filter element 110 into the filter housing interior volume.

The center tube 116 may be positioned axially within a central channel defined by the filter media 120, for example, the filter media 120 may be positioned around the center tube 116. In particular embodiments, the center tube 116 may be included in the filter element 110, for example, the filter media 120 may be wrapped around the center tube 116 or otherwise coupled to the center tube 116. The center tube 116 defines a center tube passage in fluid communication with the fluid outlet 125, through which the filtered fluid is delivered out of the filter housing 102. The center tube 116 may define a plurality of openings 117, the plurality of openings 117 configured to allow filtered fluid to flow through the filter media 120 into the center tube 116 and from there to the fluid outlet 125.

The first end cap 114 is coupled to a filter media first end of the filter media 120 distal from the reservoir 105, e.g., bonded thereto via an adhesive. In some embodiments, the nutplate 170 is positioned in the filter housing interior volume proximate the filter housing first end 104. The nut plate 170 comprises a generally circular member that surrounds the longitudinal axis A_LRadially positioned and having a diameter or cross-section corresponding to the diameter or cross-section of the filter housing 102. The nutplate 170 includes a nutplate outer portion 171 positioned adjacent the sidewall of the filter housing 102. In some embodiments, the threads can be defined on the edge of the nutplate outer portion 171 of the nutplate 170. The threads may be configured to mate with mating threads defined on an inner surface of a sidewall of the filter housing 102 proximate the filter housing first end 104. In other embodiments, the edges of nutplate outer portion 171 can be welded to the inner surface of filter housing 102.

A plurality of through holes 172 are defined in the nutplate outer portion 171. The plurality of through-holes 172 may be configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough into the filter housing interior volume surrounding the filter media 120. As shown in fig. 4, fluid flows radially through the filter media 120 into the central passage defined by the filter media 120 and is filtered thereby. The nut plate 170 also includes a nut plate inner portion 174. The nutplate inner portion 174 is positioned on the filter element 110 and may be configured to secure the filter element 110 in the filter housing 102.

Further expanding, the interface seal member 122 may be positioned on the first end cap 114 or coupled to the first end cap 114. The interface sealing member 122 may be formed from a soft polymeric material (e.g., rubber or polymer). In particular embodiments, the interface sealing member 122 may be integrally formed with (e.g., molded with) the first end cap 114.

As shown in FIG. 1, the nutplate inner portion 174 is configured to contact the interface seal member 122. The filter element 110 is locked in place via a locking feature defined in the second end cap 130, as described in further detail herein. Thus, the interface seal member 122 presses against the nutplate inner portion 174 to form a fluid tight seal therewith and prevent unfiltered fluid from entering the central passage defined by the filter media 120.

The nutplate conduit 176 extends axially away from the filter element 110 from the inner edge of the nutplate inner portion 174. The nutplate conduit 176 is configured to receive the outlet conduit 162 of the filter head 160, the filter assembly 100 is removably coupled to the outlet conduit 162 of the filter head 160, and the nutplate conduit 176 is configured to allow filtered fluid to pass out of the filter assembly 100 from the fluid outlet 125 into the outlet conduit 162. The filter head 160 may include, for example, a receiving structure of a system (e.g., an engine or vehicle) configured to allow the filter assembly 100 to be mounted thereto. Filter head 160 also includes one or more inlet conduits 164, the one or more inlet conduits 164 configured to communicate unfiltered fluid to filter assembly 100 and receive filtered fluid from filter assembly 100 (e.g., via outlet conduit 162). A plurality of threads may be defined on the inner surface of the nutplate conduit 176 and configured to mate with mating threads defined on the outer surface of the outlet conduit 162 of the filter head 160. This may allow the filter assembly 100 to be coupled to the filter head 160.

The second end cap 130 is coupled to a second end of the filter media 120, opposite the first end of the filter media, proximate the reservoir 105. Referring to fig. 2-7, the second end cap 130 includes a longitudinal axis a about which_LA radially disposed base 132. The second end of the filter media 120 is coupled to the base 132, for example, bonded to the base 132 via an adhesive or fusion bonded to the base 132.

The second end cap 130 includes a first circumferential wall 134 that extends from the radially outer edge of the base 132 toward the filter media first end, i.e., toward the first end cap 114. A second circumferential wall 136 extends from a radially outer edge of the base 132 away from the filter media 120. A second end cap coupling feature 137 is defined on a radially inner surface thereof and engages the reservoir coupling feature 127 to couple the reservoir to the second end cap 130. As shown in fig. 1 and 3, the second end cap coupling feature 137 includes threads and the reservoir coupling feature 127 includes mating threads. In other embodiments, the second end cap coupling feature 137 and the corresponding reservoir coupling feature 127 comprise snap-fit features, protrusions, notches, detents, slots, or any other suitable coupling feature.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2-3, the second end cap 130 further includes a first sealing member 133 disposed circumferentially about an outer surface of the first circumferential wall 134. In other embodiments, the first sealing member 133 may be disposed around an outer surface of the second circumferential wall 136, or at an intersection of the first and second

circumferential walls

134, 136. The first seal member 133 forms a radial seal with the inner surface of the filter housing 102 to prevent unfiltered fluid from flowing around the filter element 110. In some embodiments, the first seal member 133 comprises a lip seal overmolded onto the second end cap 130. In other embodiments, the first sealing member 133 comprises an O-ring disposed about the outer surface.

A plurality of slots 135 are defined at predetermined locations on the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 136 and are configured to receive corresponding tabs defined on the inner surface of the filter housing 102 or in a latch disposed in the filter housing 102. For example, referring to fig. 5-7, in some embodiments, the lock ring 140 may be circumferentially disposed within the filter housing 102 and coupled to the filter housing second end 108 proximate the second end cap 130 (e.g., welded, bolted, threaded, or snap-fit to the filter housing second end 108). The locking ring 140 includes a plurality of tabs 145 extending from the locking ring 140 toward the second end cap 130. For example, the locking ring 140 may be stamped or molded to form the tabs 145 thereon.

As shown in fig. 2-7, a plurality of slots 135 are defined on an outer surface of the second circumferential wall 136, and a plurality of protrusions 145 are disposed in corresponding slots 135 of the plurality of slots 135 and are configured to prevent rotation of the filter housing 102 relative to the filter element 110. In addition, each protrusion 145 may also limit axial displacement of the filter element 110 away from the filter head 160. Each slot 135 may comprise a flared inlet 139 having an inclined side wall that flares from an end of the slot towards an axial edge of the second circumferential wall 136, such that a first end of the flared inlet 139 axially distal from the corresponding slot 135 has a greater width than a second end of the flared inlet 139 proximal to the corresponding slot 135. The flared inlets 139 guide the corresponding projections 145 into the corresponding slots 135 to facilitate insertion of the filter element 110 into the filter housing 102.

A plurality of protrusions may be defined on the inner surface of the filter housing such that the locking ring 140 may not be included. For example, referring to fig. 9-11, a filter housing 202 is shown according to another embodiment. The filter housing 202 includes a housing flange 203, the housing flange 203 extending radially inward from the filter housing 202 from an end thereof located proximate to the reservoir 105. A plurality of housing tabs 245 extending from the inner surface of the filter housing 202 toward the second circumferential wall 136 are inserted into the corresponding slots 135 to prevent rotation of the filter housing 202 relative to the filter element 110. Thus, the check ring 140 is not included in the filter assembly that includes the filter housing 202.

Further, in some embodiments, the first sealing member 133 disposed on the outer surface of the second end cap 130 may not be included. Rather, the second sealing member 246 is disposed between the filter housing 202 and the second circumferential wall 136 proximate the reservoir 105. The second seal member 246 forms a radial seal between the inner surface of the filter housing 202 and the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 136. In some embodiments, the second sealing member 246 comprises a rectangular gasket. In other embodiments, the second sealing member 246 may comprise an O-ring.

In some embodiments, the filter assembly 100 may include a hydrophobic screen (e.g., a porous mesh formed of a hydrophobic material or having a hydrophobic coating disposed thereon) disposed within the central tube 116 and configured to separate water from fluid flowing therethrough. The separated water collects in the reservoir 105 and can be removed through the drain port 128 by a user by removing the drain plug 121 from the drain port 128. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 4, a perforated tube, such as a screen-mounted tube 180 (e.g., a plastic molded tube), is disposed axially within the central tube 116, and the hydrophobic screen 118 is disposed around the central tube 116. Installing the screen tube 180 adds additional components to the filter assembly 100 and increases the manufacturing complexity and cost of the filter assembly 100.

Referring now to fig. 8, in other embodiments, the hydrophobic screen 118 is disposed radially within the center tube 116 and extends axially from the first end cap 114 to the second end cap 130 such that the screen-mounted tube 180 is not included in the filter assembly 100. For example, the hydrophobic screen 118 may be rolled into a tube. A wall 123 (e.g., a circumferential wall) of the first mounting screen may extend from an inner edge of the first end cap or from the interface seal member 122 toward the second end cap 130, and a first end of the hydrophobic screen 118 is circumferentially disposed about (e.g., wrapped around) the wall 123 of the first mounting screen. In some embodiments, a first end of the hydrophobic screen 118 may be coupled to the first end cap 114 (e.g., adhered to the first end cap 114 or encased in the first end cap 114).

The second end cap 130 includes a second mounting screen wall 138 (e.g., a circumferential wall), the second mounting screen wall 138 being radially inward of the first circumferential wall 134 and projecting axially from the base 132 toward the first end cap 114. As shown in fig. 4, the second end of the hydrophobic screen 118 is circumferentially disposed within the wall 138 of the second mounting screen. Further, the second end of the hydrophobic screen 118 may be coupled to the base 132 (e.g., via an adhesive or encapsulated in the base 132), or to a radially inner surface of the wall 138 of the second mounting screen. Although not shown, an opening may be defined into the base 132 to allow water separated from the fluid by the hydrophobic screen to drain into the reservoir 105.

Fig. 12 is a schematic flow diagram of a method 300 for forming a filter element (e.g., filter element 110), according to an embodiment. The method 300 includes providing a filter media at 302. The filter media may include filter media 120.

At 304, a first end cap is coupled to the first end of the filter media. For example, the first end cap 114 is coupled to a first end of the filter media 120. At 306, a second end cap is coupled to a second end of the filter media opposite the first end. The second end cap includes a base to which the second end of the filter media is coupled. A first circumferential wall extends from the radially outer edge of the base toward the first end, and a second circumferential wall extends from the radially outer edge of the base away from the filter media and includes a second end cap coupling feature defined on a radially inner surface thereof. The second end cap may include, for example, a second end cap 130.

Fig. 13 is another schematic flow diagram of a method 400 for forming a filter assembly (e.g., filter assembly 100), according to an embodiment. The method 400 includes providing a filter element at 402. The filter element includes a filter media (e.g., filter media 120). A first end cap (e.g., first end cap 114) is coupled to a first end of the filter media, and a second end cap (e.g., second end cap 130) is coupled to a second end of the filter media opposite the first end. The second end cap includes a base and the second end of the filter media is coupled to the base. A first circumferential wall extends from the radially outer edge of the base toward the first end, and a second circumferential wall extends from the radially outer edge of the base away from the filter media and includes a second end cap coupling feature defined on a radially inner surface thereof. A plurality of slots (e.g., slots 135) may be defined on an outer surface of the second circumferential wall. The filter element may include, for example, filter element 110 or any other filter element described herein.

At 404, a filter element is inserted into a filter housing. The filter housing may include a filter housing 102 or a filter housing 202, the filter housing 102 having a lock ring 140 defining a protrusion 145, the filter housing 202 having a plurality of protrusions 245 defined on an inner surface thereof. Insertion of the filter element into the filter housing causes the plurality of tabs (e.g., tabs 145, 245) to slide into corresponding slots (e.g., slot 135) and rotationally lock the filter element relative to the filter housing.

At 406, a reservoir (e.g., reservoir 105) is coupled to the second circumferential wall of the second end cap. For example, the reservoir includes a reservoir coupling feature (e.g., reservoir coupling feature 127) defined at an end thereof proximate the housing that engages a second end cap coupling feature (e.g., second end cap coupling feature 137) to couple the reservoir to the second end cap. In some embodiments, the second end cap coupling feature and the reservoir coupling feature comprise mating threads.

It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to mean that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments must be specific or best examples).

As used herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like mean that two components are joined to each other either directly or indirectly. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a coupling can be achieved in the following cases: two members or two members and any additional intermediate members are integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or two members and any additional intermediate members are attached to one another.

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 recited 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.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiments or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments 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

1. A filter assembly, comprising:

a filter housing defining an interior volume,

a filter element positioned within the interior volume, the filter element comprising:

a filter medium for a gas turbine, the filter medium,

a first end cap coupled to the first end of the filter media, an

A second end cap coupled to a second end of the filter media opposite the first end, the second end cap comprising:

a base to which the second end of the filter media is coupled,

a first circumferential wall extending from a radially outer edge of the base toward the first end of the filter media, an

A second circumferential wall extending from the radially outer edge of the base away from the first end of the filter media and having a second end cap coupling feature defined on a radially inner surface thereof; and

a reservoir having a reservoir coupling feature defined at an end thereof proximate to the filter housing, the reservoir coupling feature engaging the second end cap coupling feature so as to couple the reservoir to the second end cap.

2. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end cap coupling feature and the reservoir coupling feature comprise threads.

3. The filter assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second end cap further comprises a first sealing member disposed circumferentially around an outer surface of one of the first and second circumferential walls or at an intersection of the first and second circumferential walls, the first sealing member forming a radial seal with an inner surface of the filter housing.

4. The filter assembly of claim 3, wherein the first seal member includes a lip seal overmolded onto the second end cap.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first sealing member comprises an O-ring disposed about the outer surface.

6. The filter assembly of claim 3, further comprising:

a lock ring disposed circumferentially within the filter housing proximate the second end cap and coupled with the second end cap, the lock ring having a plurality of tabs extending from the lock ring toward the second end cap,

wherein a plurality of slots are defined on the outer surface of the second circumferential wall, the plurality of protrusions being disposed in corresponding slots of the plurality of slots and configured to prevent rotation of the filter housing relative to the filter element.

7. The filter assembly of claim 3, wherein the filter housing includes a plurality of housing tabs extending from an inner surface thereof toward the second circumferential wall of the second endcap, and wherein a plurality of slots are defined on the outer surface of the second circumferential wall, the plurality of housing tabs being disposed in corresponding slots of the plurality of slots and configured to prevent rotation of the filter housing relative to the filter element.

8. The filter assembly of any of claims 1, 2, and 4-7, further comprising a second sealing member disposed between the filter housing and the second circumferential wall proximate the reservoir, the second sealing member forming a radial seal between an inner surface of the filter housing and an outer surface of the second circumferential wall.

9. The filter assembly of claim 8, wherein the second sealing member comprises a rectangular gasket.

10. The filter assembly of any of claims 1, 2, 4-7, and 9, wherein the filter element further comprises a center tube axially disposed within a central passage defined by the filter media, the center tube defining a plurality of openings to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

11. The filter assembly of claim 10, further comprising a hydrophobic screen disposed radially within the central tube and extending axially from the first end cap to the second end cap.

12. The filter assembly of any of claims 1, 2, 4-7, 9, and 11, further comprising a nutplate coupled to a filter housing first end of the filter housing distal from the reservoir.

13. The filter assembly of any of claims 1, 2, 4-7, 9, and 11, wherein the filter housing includes a housing flange extending radially inward from a filter housing second end of the filter housing proximate the reservoir, and wherein the reservoir includes a reservoir flange projecting radially outward from an outer surface of the reservoir such that the reservoir flange is axially disposed adjacent the housing flange.

14. The filter assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a third sealing member axially disposed between the housing flange and the reservoir flange.

15. A filter element, comprising:

a filter medium for a gas turbine, the filter medium,

a first end cap coupled to the first end of the filter media, an

a base to which the second end of the filter media is coupled,

A second circumferential wall extending from the radially outer edge of the base away from the first end of the filter media and having a second end cap coupling feature defined on a radially inner surface thereof, the second end cap coupling feature configured to couple the second end cap to a reservoir.

16. The filter element of claim 15, wherein the second end cap coupling feature comprises threads.

17. The filter element of claim 15 or 16, wherein the second end cap further comprises a first sealing member disposed circumferentially around an outer surface of one of the first and second circumferential walls or at an intersection of the first and second circumferential walls, the first sealing member configured to form a radial seal with an inner surface of a filter housing within which the filter element is disposed.

18. The filter element of claim 17, wherein the first seal member includes a lip seal overmolded onto the second end cap.

19. The filter element of claim 17, wherein the first sealing member comprises an O-ring disposed about the outer surface.

20. The filter element of claim 15, 16, 18, or 19, wherein a plurality of slots are defined on an outer surface of the second circumferential wall, the plurality of slots configured to receive corresponding tabs formed on an inner surface of a filter housing or a locking ring disposed within the filter housing to rotationally lock the filter element with the filter housing.

21. The filter element of claim 20, further comprising a center tube axially disposed within a central passage defined by the filter media, the center tube defining a plurality of openings to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

22. The filter element of claim 21, further comprising a hydrophobic screen disposed radially within the central tube and extending axially from the first end cap to the second end cap.