Fluid filter with localized flow attachment
A fluid filter device is described, where a flow attachment member provides a unique interface between the filtering element and a filter head. The fluid filter described herein generally provides a flow structure that is localized and sealed. The flow attachment member is configured to communicate fluid into and out of the fluid filter, and is configured to localize fluid flow both into and out of the fluid filter within a separating structure of the flow attachment member. The flow attachment member further includes a seal structure configured to substantially prevent or at least confine leakage to a localized area away from proximity of the edges of the housing.
1. A fluid filter device comprising:
a housing;
a filter cartridge disposed in the housing, the filter cartridge including a filter media, a first endplate, a second endplate, and a center tube, wherein a sidewall of the center tube includes a plurality of openings configured to allow fluid filtered by the filter media to enter the center tube; and
an outer cap attached to the housing and configured to communicate a fluid to be filtered to the filter media, and configured to communicate the fluid filtered by the filter media out of the fluid filter device, the outer cap comprises
a stem configured to localize fluid flow both into and out of the fluid filter,
a separating structure configured to maintain separate flow channels for the fluid flowing into and out of the outer cap, such that the stem and separating structure are formed within the outer cap, such that the outer cap is formed as a single component separate from the filter cartridge, and
a seal structure disposed about an outer surface of the stem, the seal structure configured to substantially prevent or confine leakage from the stem,
wherein at least a portion of the housing is configured to contact the fluid.
2. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the separating structure is disposed generally proximate a center region of the fluid filter device and generally away from proximity of an outer edge of the housing.
3. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the stem is generally disposed at a center region of the fluid filter device, where fluid flow into and out of the fluid filter device is concentrated proximate the center.
4. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the outer cap further comprises an inlet and outlet confined within the stem, the inlet and outlet respectively are configured to allow the fluid into the housing and allow the fluid to exit the housing.
5. The fluid filter device of claim 4 , wherein the inlet and outlet are configured so as to have adjacent flow passages.
6. The fluid filter device of claim 5 , wherein the inlet and outlet have a common wall.
7. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the housing and the outer cap are connected in a fluid tight seal.
8. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the outer cap and the filter cartridge are connected in a fluid tight seal.
9. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the seal structure includes at least one sealing member circumferentially disposed on the outer surface of the stem.
10. The fluid filter device of claim 9 , wherein the sealing member is at least one of a resilient o-ring or a flange seal with gasket member.
11. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the seal structure includes a dual seal member,
where the sealing members are selected from one of a single resilient o-ring and a single flange seal with gasket member, dual o-rings, or dual flange seals each having a resilient gasket member, and
where the seal members are disposed circumferentially about stem, the seal members are axially disposed of one another.
12. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the outer cap is configured to allow the housing to be pre-filled in an unfiltered region of the device.
13. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the filter media comprises a plurality of filter media.
14. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid filter device is fully disposable.
15. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the filter media is connected to the first endplate and the second endplate.
16. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid cartridge engages the outer cap to form a fluid-tight seal.
17. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the first endplate engages the outer cap to form a fluid-tight seal.
18. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the first endplate and the center tube are integrally formed as a single piece.
19. The fluid filter device of claim 1 , wherein the center tube is disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate.