Filter head and liquid filter assembly with valve arrangements

Details Filter head and liquid filter assembly with valve arrangements Filter head and liquid filter assembly with valve arrangements

1998-01-22

2001-05-01

Walker, W. L. (Department: 1723)

Liquid purification or separation

Flow, fluid pressure or material level, responsive

Fluid pressure responsive by-pass

C210S133000, C210S111000, C210S433100, C210S440000, C210S443000, C210SDIG009

Reexamination Certificate

active

06224754

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fluid filters, filter heads, and valve arrangements for such systems. More particularly, the invention concerns filter heads adapted for use with spin-on filters, wherein the filter head includes bypass valve and back pressure flow valve assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Spin-on filter arrangements have been employed in a variety of applications including, for example, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, and lubrication systems. Such filter arrangements can generally include a filter element positioned within a can, casing, or housing having a cover or top plate at one end thereof, by which the filter can be mounted on a filter head or filter base. A central opening and several surrounding openings in the cover are usually provided to direct flow through the filter and filter element therein, which flow can be either an inside/out (reverse flow) or an outside/in (forward flow) pattern.
Spin-on filters are typically intended to be used for a limited period, with follow up removal and replacement during servicing. Herein, the combination of can, element, and other components which are “spun” (i.e. threaded) or are otherwise mounted onto the filter head will sometimes be referred to as the removable and replaceable filter cartridge or cartridge assembly.
Fluid filters which are part of systems having components downstream from the filter itself are of a concern. Particularly, it is of concern to prevent cavitation of pumps in such systems. Conditions such as cold starts, flow surges, or occluded elements can result in damaged downstream components. Improvements are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a filter head for use in cooperative engagement with an associated liquid filter. The filter head comprises a block member defining an inlet port, an inlet channel oriented or positioned for fluid communication between the inlet port and the associated liquid filter, a first outlet port, an outlet channel oriented or positioned for fluid communication between the first outlet port and an associated liquid filter, and a second outlet port. A first valve assembly is provided within the block member. The first valve assembly has an open and a closed orientation. When in the open orientation, the first valve assembly provides fluid communication between the inlet channel and the second outlet port. When in the closed orientation, the first valve assembly blocks fluid communication between the inlet channel and the second outlet port. In this way, when the filter head is used with a liquid filter, the first valve assembly acts as a bypass, or relief, valve to allow for liquid to bypass the filter element and proceed to the second outlet, and to components downstream of the overall filter assembly. This protects the filter element structure from collapse.
In a preferred embodiment, a second valve assembly is also provided within the block member. The second valve assembly has open and closed orientations. When in the open orientation, the second valve assembly provides fluid communication between the outlet channel and the second outlet port. When in the closed orientation, the second valve assembly blocks fluid communication between the outlet channel and the second outlet port. In this way, the second valve assembly functions as a back pressure flow valve. That is, during typical operation, the fluid pressure in the filtered liquid volume is sufficient to move the second valve assembly into an open orientation, and the resistance of the second valve assembly against the flow of liquid therethrough creates a positive pressure in the filtered liquid volume. This positive pressure pushes always filtered liquid through the first outlet port and to sensitive downstream components.
Preferably, the first valve assembly includes a first bore, most preferably cylindrical in cross-section, defined by the block member, a first spring loaded valve head positioned within the first bore, and a first valve seat defined by the block member. In preferred embodiments, the first valve assembly, when in the closed orientation, has the first valve head biased against the first valve seat by a first spring member to block fluid communication between the inlet channel and the second outlet port. When in the open orientation, the first valve assembly has the first valve head biased against the first spring member and away from the first valve seat to permit fluid communication between the inlet channel and the second outlet port.
Preferably, the second valve assembly comprises a second bore, most preferably cylindrical in cross-section, defined by the block member, a second spring loaded valve head positioned within the second bore, and a second valve seat defined by the block member. In preferred embodiments, the second valve assembly, when in the closed orientation, has the second valve head biased against the second valve seat by a second spring member to block fluid communication between the outlet channel and the second outlet port. The second valve assembly, when in the open orientation, has the second valve head biased against the second spring member and away from the second valve seat to permit fluid communication between the outlet channel and the second outlet port.
In one preferred arrangement, the first valve seat and the second valve seat are on opposite sides of a common wall defined by the block member.
The invention is also directed to a liquid filter assembly comprising a filter housing and a filter head in fluid communication with the filter housing. A filter media construction is positioned within the housing. The filter media construction, in combination with the housing, defines an unfiltered liquid volume and a filtered liquid volume. The filter head is preferably as described above.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.


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