Keyed latch valve for fuel filter

Abstract

A fuel filter includes mating housing portions defining an interior cavity. A pipe in the housing includes a central flow passage with an opening along the length of the pipe, and an exterior groove. A latch device with discrete fingers closely surrounds the pipe and is engageable with the groove to prevent the latch device ( 68 ) from moving axially along the pipe. The latch device has an annular sleeve, radially-outwardly spaced from the fingers. A moveable valve device surrounds the pipe and has a valve sleeve normally covering the opening in the pipe. An annular base on the sleeve includes radially projecting tabs defining a plurality of slots. A filter element is removeably located in the housing and has an end cap with a valve actuating portion. The valve actuating portion includes a cylindrical portion and an annular base projecting radially inward from the cylindrical portion. The valve actuating portion includes a plurality of thin, flat keys spaced around the annular base and projecting radially inward from the cylindrical portion and axially outward from the base. The keys have first portions which project through the slots in the valve device and engage the sleeve of the latch device to unlock the latch device from the pipe, and second portions which engage the base of the valve device and move the valve device to uncover the opening in the pipe, when the filter element is inserted into the housing.

1 . A filter element having a ring of filter media defining a central cavity and circumscribing a central axis, said ring of filter media having a first end and a second end; first and second end caps fixed to said first and second ends, respectively, of said filter media, the second end cap having an annular end cap portion sealingly bonded to the second end of said filter media, wherein the second end cap has a valve-actuating portion, including an axially-extending cylindrical portion connected to the annular end cap portion and circumscribing the inner diameter of said annular end cap portion and an annular base connected to the cylindrical portion and extending radially inward from said cylindrical portion to define a first central opening, the base having a surface facing inwardly toward the first end, and a plurality of keys supported by and extending away from said valve-actuating portion in an axially inward direction from said base toward said first end cap, each of said keys having a free engaging portion positioned radially inward to an inner surface of said cylindrical portion and axially spaced away from said annular base.  
   
   
       2 . The filter element as in  claim 1 , wherein each of said keys includes a step including a first edge portion terminating axially a first distance from said annular base and radially inward a first distance from said cylindrical portion, and a second edge portion terminating axially a second distance from said annular base and radially inward a second distance from said cylindrical portion.  
   
   
       3 . The filter element as in  claim 1 , wherein said keys are each thin and flat strips connected to the valve actuating portion.  
   
   
       4 . The filter element as in  claim 1 , wherein each of said keys is connected directly to both the cylindrical portion and said annular base, and the keys extend radially inward from said cylindrical portion to terminate radially outward from the first central opening, and extend axially away from said annular base.  
   
   
       5 . The filter element as in  claim 1 , wherein said annular end cap portion, cylindrical portion, base and said keys are unitary, in one piece.  
   
   
       6 . The filter element as in  claim 1 , further including a key device for defining said keys, said key device being supported against said annular base as a separate component from the cylindrical portion, and is sealingly attached thereto.  
   
   
       7 . A filter element comprising: 
 a ring of filter media defining a central cavity and circumscribing a central axis, said ring of filter media having a first end and a second end;    first and second end caps fixed to said first and second ends, respectively, of said filter media, the second end cap having an annular end cap portion sealingly bonded to the second end of said filter media and a valve-actuating portion, the valve-actuating portion including: i) a cylindrical portion connected at one end to and circumscribing the inner diameter of said annular end cap portion and extending inward into the central cavity from the second end cap toward the first end cap and terminating prior to the first end cap; ii) an annular base connected to the cylindrical portion and extending radially inward from said cylindrical portion to define a first central opening which can receive a pipe, the base having a surface facing inwardly toward the first end; and iii) a plurality of discrete keys supported at one end by the surface of the base and projecting axially outward from the surface of said annular base toward the said first end cap and terminating prior to the first end cap, the keys having a free engaging end radially inward of an inner surface of said cylindrical portion and axially spaced outwardly from said annular base.    
   
   
       8 . The filter element as in  claim 7 , wherein said first central opening is internal to the central cavity.  
   
   
       9 . The filter element as in  claim 8 , wherein said free engaging end of each key is an edge.  
   
   
       10 . The filter element as in  claim 7 , wherein the edges of the keys face the annular end cap.  
   
   
       11 . The filter element as in  claim 7 , wherein the free engaging ends of the keys are internal the central cavity and face toward the first end cap.  
   
   
       12 . The filter element as in  claim 7 , wherein the keys are fixed to the annular base.  
   
   
       13 . The filter element as in  claim 12 , wherein the keys are unitary with the base.  
   
   
       14 . The filter element as in  claim 7 , wherein the keys have a width projecting radially inward from the cylindrical portion to an inner edge in bounding relation to the first central opening.  
   
   
       15 . The filter element as in  claim 7 , wherein the keys are fixed to the cylindrical portion.  
   
   
       16 . The filter element as in  claim 7 , wherein the cylindrical portion is unitary with the annular end cap portion.  
   
   
       17 . The filter element as in  claim 7 , wherein said keys are axially elongated.  
   
   
       18 . A filter element comprising: 
 a ring of filter medial defining a central cavity and circumscribing a central axis, said ring of filter media having a first end and a second end;    first and second end caps fixed to said first and second ends, respectively, of said filter medial, the second end cap having an annular end cap portion sealingly bonded to the second end of said filter media and a valve-actuating portion including i) a cylindrical portion connected at one end to and circumscribing the inner diameter of said annular end cap portion and extending inward into the central cavity from the second end cap toward the first end cap and terminating prior to the first end cap, ii) an annular base connected to the cylindrical portion and extending radially inward from said cylindrical portion to define a first central opening which can receive a pipe, the base having a surface facing inwardly toward the first end; and iii) a plurality of discrete keys supported by the surface of the base of the cylindrical portion in outwardly bounding relation to the first central opening, the keys each having a free engaging end facing the first end cap, radially inward of an inner surface of said cylindrical portion and axially spaced outwardly from said annular base.    
   
   
       19 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein said first central opening is internal to the central cavity.  
   
   
       20 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein said free engaging end of each key is an edge.  
   
   
       21 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein the free engaging ends of the keys are internal to the central cavity and face toward the first end cap.  
   
   
       22 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein the keys are fixed to the annular base.  
   
   
       23 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein the keys are unitary with the cylindrical portion.  
   
   
       24 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein the cylindrical portion is unitary with the annular end cap portion.  
   
   
       25 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein said keys are axially elongated.  
   
   
       26 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein said first end cap is annular and imperforate.  
   
   
       27 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein the cylindrical portion and annular base are imperforate.  
   
   
       28 . The filter element as in  claim 18 , wherein an end wall encloses one end of the cylindrical portion to define a cup-shaped valve structure receiving cavity.  
   
   
       29 . A filter assembly including a filter element having a ring of filter media defining a central cavity and circumscribing a central axis, said ring of filter media having a first end and a second end; first and second end caps fixed to said first and second ends, respectively, of said filter media, the second end cap having an annular end cap portion sealingly bonded to the second end of said filter media, wherein the second end cap has a valve-actuating portion, including an axially-extending cylindrical portion connected to the annular end cap portion and circumscribing the inner diameter of said annular end cap portion and an annular base connected to the cylindrical portion and extending radially inward from said cylindrical portion to a define a first central opening which can receive a pipe, and a plurality of keys projecting from said valve-actuating portion, each of said keys having an engaging portion radially inward spaced from said cylindrical portion and radially spaced away from said annular base, 
 and a cylindrical housing formed of mateable housing portions defining a filter cavity in the housing, and a cylindrical pipe in the housing extending axially from a distal end toward one end of the housing, the pipe including a central passage and an opening along the length of the pipe providing fluid communication with the filter cavity, and an outwardly-opening groove extending circumferentially around the exterior of the pipe;    a latch device normally moveable axially along the pipe, said latch device having a plurality of discrete fingers closely surrounding the pipe and engageable with the groove in the pipe to prevent the latch device from moving axially along the pipe, the latch device further having an annular sleeve spaced radially outward from the fingers, which when engage, moves the fingers out of engagement with the groove to allow the latch device to move axially along the pipe,    a valve device also moveable axially along the pipe, the valve device having a valve sleeve closely surrounding the pipe which normally covers the flow opening in the pipe to prevent flow therethrough, and an annular base extending radially outward from the valve sleeve and having a plurality of radially-projecting tabs defining a plurality of slots,    a biasing device urging the latch device and valve device toward the distal end of the pipe,    the pipe received in the central opening of the filter element, a portion of at least some of keys projecting through the slots in the base of the valve device and engaging the sleeve of the latch device, and another portion of at least some of said keys engaging the valve device to maintain the flow opening in the pipe in an open condition.    
   
   
       30 . A filter assembly including a cylindrical housing, a lid removeably connectable to an open end of the housing and defining a filter cavity in the housing, and a cylindrical standpipe in the housing extending axially from a distal end toward the open end of the housing, the standpipe including a central passage and an opening along the length of the standpipe providing fluid communication with the filter cavity, and an outwardly-opening groove extending circumferentially around the exterior of the standpipe, 
 a latch device normally moveable along the standpipe, said latch device having a plurality of discrete fingers closely surrounding the standpipe and engageable with the groove in the standpipe to prevent the latch device from moving axially along the standpipe, the latch device further having an annular sleeve spaced radially outward from said fingers which when engaged moves the fingers out of engagement with the groove to allow the latch device to move axially along the standpipe,    a valve device also moveable axially along the standpipe, the valve device having a valve sleeve closely surrounding the standpipe which normally covers the flow opening in the standpipe to prevent flow therethrough, and an annular base extending radially outward from the sleeve and having a plurality of radially-projecting tabs defining a plurality of slots,    a biasing device urging the latch device and valve device toward the distal end of the standpipe, and    a filter element disposed within the housing, the filter element including a ring of filter media defining a central cavity and circumscribing a central axis, said ring of media having a first end and a second end;    first and second circular end caps at said first and second ends, respectively, of said filter media, the second end cap having an annular end cap portion fixed to the second end of said filter media, the second end cap further having a valve-actuating portion, the valve-actuating portion including an axially-extending cylindrical portion unitary with and bounding the inner diameter of said annular end cap portion, and an annular base connected to the cylindrical portion and projecting radially inward from said cylindrical portion to define a first central opening, the central opening receiving the standpipe, and a plurality of keys located internally of the cylindrical portion, a portion of at least some of said keys projecting through the slots in the base of the valve device and engaging the sleeve of the latch device, and another portion of at least some of said keys engaging the valve device to maintain the flow opening in the standpipe in an open condition.    
   
   
       31 . The filter assembly as in  claim 30 , wherein said keys are each thin and flat strips.  
   
   
       32 . The filter assembly as in  claim 30 , wherein each of said keys has a first edge connected to the cylindrical portion and a second edge connected to said annular base, and the keys extend radially inward from said cylindrical portion to terminate radially outward from the first central opening and extend radially away from said annular base.  
   
   
       33 . The filter assembly as in  claim 30 , wherein said keys extend from said annular base in an axial outward direction from said filter ring and terminate prior to said annular end cap portion.  
   
   
       34 . The filter assembly as in  claim 30 , wherein said keys extend from said annular base in an axial outward direction into said filter ring.  
   
   
       35 . The filter assembly as in  claim 30 , wherein said keys are connected to and project axially away from said annular base.  
   
   
       36 . The filter assembly as in  claim 30 , wherein said keys are connected to and project axially inward from said cylindrical portion.  
   
   
       37 . The filter assembly as in  claim 30 , wherein said annular end cap portion defines a second central opening co-axial with and radially larger than first said opening, and said keys extend radially-inward of the second central opening.  
   
   
       38 . The filter assembly as in  claim 30 , wherein said annular end cap portion, cylindrical portion, annular base and said keys are unitary, in one piece.  
   
   
       39 . A filter assembly including a housing formed from a pair of mateable hosing portions defining an interior cavity, and an inlet pipe in the housing extending axially toward one end of the housing, the inlet pipe including a central passage and an opening along the length of the pipe providing fluid communication with the interior cavity, and an outwardly-opening groove extending circumferentially around the exterior of the inlet pipe, 
 a latch device normally moveable axially along the pipe, said latch device having a plurality of discrete fingers closely surrounding the pipe and engageable with the groove in the pipe to prevent the latch device from moving axially along the pipe, the latch device further having an annular sleeve, which when engaged, moves the fingers out of engagement with the groove to allow the latch device to move axially along the pipe,    a valve device also moveable axially along the pipe, the valve device having a valve sleeve closely surrounding the pipe which normally covers the flow opening in the pipe to prevent flow therethrough, and an annular base extending radially outward from the sleeve and having a plurality of radially-projecting tabs defining a plurality of slots around the periphery of the base,    a biasing device urging the latch device and valve device toward the distal end of the pipe; and    a filter element disposed within the housing, the filter element including a ring of filter media defining a central cavity and circumscribing a central axis, said ring of filter media having a first end and a second end;    first and second end caps at said first and second ends, respectively, of said filter media, the second end cap having an annular end cap portion fixed to the second end of said filter media, the second end cap further having a valve-actuating portion, the valve-actuating portion including an axially-extending cylindrical portion connected to and bounding the inner diameter of said annular end cap portion, and an annular base connected to the cylindrical portion and projecting radially inward from said cylindrical portion to define a central opening, the central opening receiving the pipe to communicate flow with the central cavity of the cylindrical portion, at least some of said keys projecting through the slots in the base of the valve device and engaging the sleeve of the latch device, and at least some of said keys also engaging the base of the valve device to maintain the flow opening in the pipe in an open position.    
   
   
       40 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said keys are each thin and flat strips.  
   
   
       41 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said keys each has a first edge connected to the cylindrical portion and a second edge connected to said annular base, and the keys extend radially inward from said cylindrical portion to terminate radially outward from the first central opening and extend axially away from said annular base.  
   
   
       42 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said keys extend from said annular base in an axial outward direction from said filter ring and terminate prior to said annular end cap portion.  
   
   
       43 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said keys extend from said annular base in an axial inward direction into said filter ring.  
   
   
       44 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said keys are connected to and project axially away from said annular base.  
   
   
       45 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said keys are connected to and project radially inward from said cylindrical portion.  
   
   
       46 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said annular portion defines a second central opening, co-axial with and radially larger than said first opening, and said keys extend radially inward of the second central opening.  
   
   
       47 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said annular end cap portion, cylindrical portion, annular base and said keys are unitary, in one piece.  
   
   
       48 . The filter assembly as in  claim 39 , wherein said cylindrical portion is enclosed at an end opposite from the keys by an end wall.