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. An outer cap for an exterior of a fluid filter housing, the outer cap comprising:
a stem configured to communicate a fluid to be filtered to the fluid filter housing, configured to communicate the fluid out of the fluid filter housing, and configured to localize fluid flow both into and out of the outer cap;
a flow separator configured to maintain separate flow channels for the fluid flowing into and out of the outer cap, the stem and flow separator formed within the outer cap such that the combination of the stem, flow separator, and outer cap are formed as a single component;
a seal structure disposed about an outer surface of the stem, the seal structure configured to substantially prevent or confine leakage from the stem; and
an endplate sealingly engaged with an outer annular surface of the flow separator, the endplate configured to engage a filter cartridge within the fluid filter housing,
wherein the outer cap is configured to attach to the fluid filter housing, the fluid filter housing is configured to contain the filter cartridge, and at least a portion of the fluid filter housing is configured to contact the fluid.
2. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the stem further comprises an inlet, the inlet allowing the fluid to enter the stem.
3. The outer cap of claim 2 , wherein the stem further comprises an outlet, the outlet allowing the fluid to exit the stem.
4. The outer cap of claim 3 , wherein the inlet and the outlet define adjacent flow passages.
5. The outer cap of claim 4 , wherein the inlet and the outlet have a common wall.
6. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the seal structure includes at least one sealing member circumferentially disposed on the outer surface of the stem.
7. The outer cap of claim 6 , wherein the sealing member comprises at least one of a resilient o-ring or a flange seal with a gasket member.
8. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the flow separator is disposed proximate a center region of the outer cap and away from proximity of an outer edge of the housing.
9. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the stem is disposed at a center region of the outer cap, where fluid flow into and out of the fluid filter device is concentrated proximate the center.
10. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the seal structure includes a plurality of sealing members, and wherein each of the plurality of sealing members are selected from a group consisting of a single resilient o-ring, a single flange seal with a resilient gasket member, or an o-ring.
11. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the seal structure includes a plurality of sealing members, and wherein each of the plurality of sealing members are disposed circumferentially about the stem, and the sealing members are axially disposed relative to one another.
12. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the outer cap is configured to allow the fluid filter housing to be pre-filled in an unfiltered region.
13. The outer cap of claim 1 , further comprising grips disposed on an outer surface of the outer cap radially outward from the stem.
14. The outer cap of claim 13 , wherein the grips comprise saw-tooth grips.
15. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the outer cap is configured to form a fluid tight seal with the fluid filter housing.
16. The outer cap of claim 1 , wherein the outer cap is configured to form a press fit connection to the endplate.
17. The outer cap of claim 16 , wherein the flow separator comprises an outer annular surface configured to sealingly engage an annular surface and shoulder of the endplate.
18. The outer cap of claim 1 , further comprising an external attachment feature configured to engage a fluid filtration system, the external attachment feature disposed on an outer cylindrical surface of the outer cap.
19. The outer cap of claim 18 , wherein the external attachment feature comprises threads.
20. The outer cap of claim 18 , wherein the external attachment feature comprises a bayonet connection.
21. An outer cap for an exterior of a fluid filter housing, the outer cap comprising:
a stem configured to communicate a fluid to be filtered to the fluid filter housing, configured to communicate the fluid out of the fluid filter housing, and configured to localize fluid flow both into and out of the outer cap;
a flow separator configured to maintain separate flow channels for the fluid flowing into and out of the outer cap, the stem and flow separator formed within the outer cap such that the combination of the stem, flow separator, and outer cap are formed as a single component;
a seal structure including means for substantially preventing or confining leakage from the stem;
means for attaching the outer cap to the fluid filter housing, wherein the fluid filter housing is configured to contain a filter cartridge, and at least a portion of the fluid filter housing is configured to contact the fluid; and
an endplate sealingly engaged with an outer annular surface of the flow separator, the endplate configured to engage the filter cartridge within the fluid filler housing.
22. The outer cap of claim 21 , wherein the means for attaching the outer cap to the housing includes a portion of the outer cap configured to spin weld with the fluid filter housing, the portion configured for griping the outer cap during a spin welding process and for forming a fluid tight connection with the filter cartridge.