DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of hydraulics and in particular to an integrated hydraulic oil filter and breather.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typically, fluid power is the use of fluids under pressure to generate, control, and transmit power. Fluid power is subdivided into hydraulics using a liquid such as mineral oil or water, and pneumatics using a gas such as air or other gases. Moreover, there are distinct types of hydraulic circuits used in fluid power applications. The two types are described as Open Loop (or Open Circuit) and Closed Loop (or Closed Circuit). Closed Loop Circuits are circuits where the motor return is connected directly to the hydraulic pump inlet. Open Loop Circuits are circuits where both the inlet to the hydraulic pump and the motor (or valve) return are connected to a hydraulic reservoir.
A return line filter refers to a type of filter that is common in open loop circuits. The return line filter serves the function of filtering the fluid before it flows back to the hydraulic reservoir. By doing this, return line filters help in keeping the reservoir clean by removing all the dirt particles. Further, Open loop circuit hydraulic systems need breathers so air can exit and enter the reservoir as the fluid level rises and falls, respectively. The function of the breathers is to clean any air that enters the reservoir as fluid level drops from normal system cycling, and extract fluid suspended in air when the air leaves the reservoir.
Conventional hydraulic reservoirs have a different return filter valve and a breather. Thus, using separate breather and return line filter because of which Customer requires two openings on tank which cause multiple weld joints. Furthermore, due to two openings there is reduction in tank strength and leads to leakage problem.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Some of the objects of the presently disclosed invention, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein, are as follows.
An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a single device or apparatus which facilitates filtering of oil along with breathing of oil tank.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a single device or apparatus which does not require configuration of two separate holes one each for a breather and an oil filter.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single device or apparatus which is simple in construction, easy to manufacture, maintain and operate.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a single device or apparatus which is compact.
Other objects and benefits of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to bind the scope of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates an integrated hydraulic oil filter and breather. The integrated hydraulic oil filter and breather of the present invention includes a connector member cum housing wherein the housing is divided into two portions an upper portion and a lower portion by using a partitioning member. The upper portion houses an air filter, and the lower portion is configured to receive an oil filter. The upper portion is covered by a perforated cap, which allows passage of air to and from a tank to atmosphere via the air filter. The lower portion has an inlet to receive oil to be filtered, which is then allowed to pass through the oil filter, and then back to the tank through an outlet configured on an operative bottom end of the lower portion. The assembly further includes a barrel, which receives a dip stick. The barrel is in fluid communication with the upper portion through which the barrel receives filtered air, and also facilitates egress of unfiltered air therethrough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The present invention will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an integrated breather and oil filter assembly in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 1B illustrates another schematic cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic top view of the assembly of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic diagram of a bowl of the assembly of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1E illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector member cum housing of the assembly of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1F illustrates a schematic side view of the connector member cum housing of FIG. 1E.
FIG. 1G illustrates an isometric view of the connector member cum housing of FIG. 1E.
FIG. 1H illustrates an isometric view of the integrated breather and oil filter assembly of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic top view of a partitioning member of the assembly of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the partitioning member of the assembly of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C illustrates an isometric view of the partitioning member of the assembly of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3 illustrates the schematic diagram of the assembly of FIG. 1A being fitted to an oil tank in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
LIST OF NUMERALS
100 - Filter assembly
102 - Connector member-cum-housing
104 - Body
104a - Oil inlet aperture
104ap - Air passage
104b - Bottom seat
104d - Barrel
104d1 - First end
104d2 - Second end
104dh - Through hole
104e1 - Open first end
104e2 - Open second end
104i - Inner surface
104o - Outer surface
104p - Partitioning member
104p1 - Circular disc
104p2 - Pair of collars
104p3 - Protrusion
104p4 - Groove
104p5 - Notch
104s - Space
104s1 - Upper space
104s2 - Lower space
104t - Top seat
104w - Wall
106 - Air filter
108 - Perforated cap
110 - Plastic bowl
110b - Body
110bs - Bottom seat
110e1 - Upper open end
110e2 - Lower closed end
110f - Flange
110o - Filtered oil outlet
110s - Interior space
112 - Oil filter element
114 - Dip-stick
116 - Oil tank

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
All technical terms and scientific expressions used in the present invention have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless and otherwise specified.
As used in the present specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The term "comprising” as used in the present specification will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable things, for instance one or more additional feature(s), part(s), component(s), process step(s), sub-step(s), and /or constituent(s) as applicable.
Further, the terms “about” and “approximately" used in combination with ranges of sizes of parts, particles, compositions of mixtures, and/or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges
Disclosed is an integrated hydraulic oil filter and breather, which overcomes one or more drawbacks of the prior art. The present invention is now described with reference to the figures, wherein FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an integrated breather and oil filter assembly in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 1B illustrates another schematic cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic top view of the assembly of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic diagram of a bowl of the assembly of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1E illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector member cum housing of the assembly of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1F illustrates a schematic side view of the connector member cum housing of FIG. 1E, FIG. 1G illustrates an isometric view of the connector member cum housing of FIG. 1E, FIG. 1H illustrates an isometric view of the integrated breather and oil filter assembly of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic top view of a partitioning member of the assembly of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the partitioning member of the assembly of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C illustrates an isometric view of the partitioning member of the assembly of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 3 illustrates the schematic diagram of the assembly of FIG. 1A being fitted to an oil tank in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, an integrated breather and oil filter assembly (100) is disclosed. The integrated breather and oil filter assembly (100) overcomes one or more drawbacks of the existing prior art and provides a solution to the technical problem of having two different apertures, one each for the breather and the oil filter on a tank such as a hydraulic tank, which may lead to weaking of the tank and add to an unnecessary operation. Further, the integrated breather and oil filter assembly of the present invention is simple, economic, easy to manufacture, operate and maintain.
The present invention envisages an integrated breather and oil filter assembly (100), wherein the structure or construction thereof is such that the disadvantages of the prior art or the conventions devices are either reduced or eliminated.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated breather and oil filter assembly (100) comprises a connector member-cum-housing (102). The connector member-cum-housing (102) as the name suggests is a component that connects other components of the integrated breather and oil filter assembly together and with the oil tank and peripherals, which is described herein in detail.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the connector member-cum-housing (102) comprising a body (104). The body (104) may be made of a suitable material, which may be capable of withstanding the stresses and forces that might be generated during the operation of filtration and breathing.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the material can be one selected from the group consisting of plastic, thermoplastic, metal, alloy, composites, and any combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the body (104) is made of plastic. In another embodiment, the body (104) is made of metal.
The body (104) may have a tubular shape defined by a wall (104w) and enclosing a space (104s) therewithin. The body (104) may have any other shape other than tubular shape. For example, the body (104) may have a circular cross-section, a square shaped cross-section, or a rectangular shaped cross-section. The body (104) comprising an operative open first end (104e1), and an operative open second end (104e2) the body (104) defined therebetween. The body (104) has an oil inlet aperture (104a) configured thereon in proximity of the operative open second end (104e2), the oil inlet aperture (104a) configured to receive oil to be filtered from a source of oil. The oil inlet aperture (104a) having a protrusion extending from a periphery thereof in an operative outward direction, the protrusion facilitates in coupling of a hose or pipe thereto, wherein the hose or pipe is connected to the source of oil which may be a utility such as hydraulic pump.
The wall (104w) of the body (104) is having an inner surface (104i) and an outer surface (104o), each of the inner surface (104i) and the outer surface (104o) having certain features which are described herein in detail.
The inner surface (104i) of the wall (104w) comprising an operative bottom seat (104b) configured in proximity of the operative open second end (104e2) and operatively below the inlet aperture (104a). Further, an operative top seat (104t) is configured operatively above the inlet aperture (104a) and in spaced apart configuration from the operative open first end (104e1). The operative bottom seat (104b) and the operative top seat (104t) each may be in form of a groove or trench or a step or any other feature which may be capable of holding one or more components therein or thereon.
The body (104) having a partitioning member (104p) being operatively disposed therein. More particularly, the partitioning member (104p) is received and sealably disposed in the operative top seat (104t). The partitioning member (104p) is disposed such that the space (104s) is divided into two parts or portions, namely, an operative upper space (104s1), and an operative lower space (104s2). The partitioning member (104p) is having a dimension such that the partitioning member (104p) spans and operatively seals a horizontal cross-sectional area within the perimeter of the inner surface (104i). The partitioning member (104p) may be provided with one or more sealing members (not shown in the figures) to improve sealing.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the partitioning member (104p) comprises a circular disc (104p1) having an operative upper surface, and an operative lower surface. The circular disc (104p1) further includes a groove (104p4) configured along a periphery thereof, the groove (104p4) configured to engage with the operative top seat (104t). There may be one or more sealing members provided which may be in contact with the partitioning member (104p). The sealing members may be received along the periphery or the groove (104p4).
The partitioning member (104p) may further include a protrusion (104p3) extending operatively downward from the operative lower surface, the protrusion (104p3) having a notch (104p5) configured thereon. The protrusion (104p3) facilitates engagement of other components such as a spring thereat which is described herein below with reference to the oil filter.
The partitioning member (104p) includes a pair of collars (104p2) extending from the operative upper surface of the circular disc (104p1). The pair of collars (104p2) disposed diametrically opposite to each other along the periphery of the circular disc (104p1). The collars may provide additional support and engagement means to secure the partitioning member (104p) within the seat.
The wall (104w) further includes an air passage (104ap) configured thereon. In particular, the air passage (104ap) is configured on the wall at a position operatively above the partitioning member (104p). In one embodiment, the air passage (104ap) is configured on the wall (104w) opposite to the oil inlet aperture (104a). The function of the air passage (104ap) is described herein in below along with the working configuration of the assembly (100).
The body (104) is further provided with a barrel (104d) which is coupled to an operative outer surface (104o) of the body (104). The barrel (104d) may be formed as an integral part of the body (104) or may be formed non-integrally and coupled to the outer surface (104o) of the body (104) using suitable coupling means.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the barrel (104d) comprises an operative first end (104d1), and having an operative second end (104d2) opposite to the operative first end (104d1) and a body defined therebetween. A through hole (104dh) is configured from the operative first end (104d1) to the operative second end (104d2). The air passage (104ap) formed in the wall (104w) is configured such that the air passage (104ap) is connected to and in fluid communication with the upper space (104s1) and with the through hole (104dh). Furthermore, the through hole (104dh) is configured to receive and hold a dip-stick (114) therewithin, wherein the dip-stick is configured to be dipped in the tank containing the oil and facilitates in measurement of oil height within the tank, which is described herein below in the detail in the working configuration.
The operative upper space (104s1) is configured to receive an air filter (106) operatively above the partitioning member (104p). The air filter (106) is supported by and secured to the partitioning member (104p). The air filter (106) may be a filter well known in the art. For example, the air filter (106) may be a filter having paper as filter media which may be pleated or non-pleated type. Furthermore, the air filter may have one or more meshes or net or the like for supporting the air filter. The operative open first end (104e1) of the connector member-cum-housing (102) may be covered with a cover. In particular, a perforated cap (108) sealably disposed on the operative open first end (104e1) of the connector member-cum-housing (102). The perforated cap as the name indicates may have one or more air passages to facilitate ingress or egress of air therethrough into the and out of the air filter.
The assembly (100) further includes a bowl (110) or a U-shaped vessel or container or the like. The bowl (110) is suitably coupled to the operative open second end (104e2) of the body (104). The bowl (110) receives an oil filter element (112) therein. The bowl (110) comprises a body (110b) which includes an operative upper open end (110e1), and an operative lower closed end (110e2) having a filtered oil outlet (110o) configured thereon. Furthermore, the bowl (110) includes a flange (110f) which extends outwardly horizontally from a periphery of the operative upper open end (110e1), the flange facilitates in coupling the bowl (110) to the connector member-cum-housing (102). The bowl (110) is configured to pass through the operative open second end (104e2) of the body (104) and the flange (110f) of the bowl (110) being received in and held by the operative bottom seat (104b) in a sealable manner.
The bowl (110) encloses an interior space (110s), wherein the oil filter is housed or disposed in. The bowl (110) further includes a bottom seat (110bs) configured in proximity of the operative lower closed end (110e2), wherein the bottom seat (110bs) facilitates in positioning and securing of the oil filter element to the bowl (110).
The oil filter element (112) is operatively disposed within the bowl and received in the bottom seat (110bs) operatively below the partitioning member (104p), such that the oil filter element (112) in conjunction with the bottom seat (110bs) divides the interior space (110s) into an upper space, and a lower space such that the upper space is in fluid communication with the oil inlet aperture (104a) and the lower space is in fluid communication with the filtered oil outlet (110o).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each of the connector member-cum-housing (102), the bowl (110), the perforated cap (108) is each independently made of one material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, glass, composite, fiber reinforced plastic, and combinations thereof.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present, the body (104) is coupled to the perforated cap (108), and the plastic bowl (110), independently by one of a screw, clamp, threading, and combinations thereof.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly (100) being fitted to a hydraulic tank or oil tank (116) for facilitating breathing of the tank and filtering of the hydraulic oil within the tank.
The oil filter element (112) may be fitted within the bowl by employing one or more springs and other supporting components which are not described in as these components are well known in the art.
Working configuration:
The working or functioning of the integrated breather and oil filter assembly (100) of the present invention is now described with reference to FIG. 3 illustrates the schematic diagram of the assembly of FIG. 1A being fitted to an oil tank in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the oil tank (116) may contain hydraulic oil stored therein to be supplied to a utility and the oil may be pumped from the oil tank (116) to the utility using a suitable means such as an oil pump not shown in the figure.
The assembly (100) is fitted on to the oil tank (116) wherein only one single hole is configured on an operative upper wall of the oil tank (116). The assembly (100) may be fitted by using suitable fastening means such as screws and bolts or by gluing the assembly to the tank surface or the like. The assembly (100) is fitted such that only open second end (104e2) of the body (104) is received on the upper wall of the tank (116) and is sealably fixed or secured thereto, wherein a substantial portion of the bowl (110) is received within the tank.
The inlet aperture (104a) is coupled to a source of unfiltered oil, wherein the unfiltered oil is pumped into the inlet aperture (104a). The unfiltered oil enters into the bowl (110) and is filtered by the oil filter and the filtered oil is received in the central passage configured within the oil filter element. The filter oil passes through the filter oil outlet (110o) and is received in the tank.
As the oil within the tank is received or is removed from the source or from the utility as the case may be, the level of the oil keeps on changing. As the level of the oil in the tank changes, the volume of air above the oil level also changes. For this reason, a breather is required, which is integrated in the present assembly (100) as described herein below. When the oil level increases the air is expelled out through the barrel (104d) via the air passage (104ap) and through the air filter out to environment via the perforated cap (108). Further, when the oil level decreases, the air from the atmosphere is drawn into the tank through the path defined by the perforated cap, the air filter, the air passage, and the barrel. The dip-stick aids in determining the level of the oil within the tank and is received in the tank through the barrel.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present invention provides the following technical advances or advantages and economical significance, The integrated breather and oil filter of the present invention:
- facilitates in filtering of oil along with breathing of oil tank.
- does not require configuration of two separate holes one each for a breather and an oil filter.
- is simple in construction, easy to manufacture, maintain and operate and further is compact.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. An integrated breather and oil filter assembly (100) characterized by having:
- a connector member-cum-housing (102) having:
o a body (104), the body (104) having:
? a tubular shape defined by a wall (104w) and enclosing a space (104s) therewithin
? an operative open first end (104e1),
? an operative open second end (104e2),
? an oil inlet aperture (104a) configured in proximity of the operative open second end (104e2), the oil inlet aperture (104a) configured to receive oil to be filtered from a source of oil,
? an inner surface (104i) of the wall (104w) having
• an operative bottom seat (104b) configured in proximity of the operative open second end (104e2) and operatively below the inlet aperture (104a),
• an operative top seat (104t) configured operatively above the inlet aperture (104a) and in spaced apart configuration from the operative open first end (104e1),
? a partitioning member (104p)
• received and sealably disposed in the operative top seat (104t),
• spanning and operatively sealing a horizontal cross-sectional area between the perimeter of the inner surface (104i),
• divides the space (104s) into an operative upper space (104s1), and an operative lower space (104s2),
• an air passage (104ap)
o configured on the wall (104w) opposite to the oil inlet aperture (104a),
o being configured operatively above the partitioning member (104p),
• a barrel (104d) coupled to an operative outer surface (104o) of the body (104),
o the barrel (104d):
? having an operative first end (104d1), and
? having an operative second end (104d2) opposite to the operative first end (104d1),
? having a through hole (104dh) running from the operative first end (104d1) to the operative second end (104d2),
? the air passage (104ap) connecting the upper space (104s1) with the through hole (104dh), and
? configured to receive and hold a dip-stick (114) therewithin,
- an air filter (106) operatively received in the operative upper space (104s1) operatively above the partitioning member (104p),
- a perforated cap (108) sealably disposed on and covering the operative open first end (104e1) of the connector member-cum-housing (102),
- a bowl (110) having
o a body (110b), the body (110b) having:
? an operative upper open end (110e1),
? an operative lower closed end (110e2) having a filtered oil outlet (110o) configured thereon,
? a flange (110f) extending outwardly horizontally from a periphery of the operative upper open end (110e1),
? an interior space (110s) enclosed therein,
? a bottom seat (110bs) configured in proximity of the operative lower closed end (110e2),
wherein the bowl (110) is configured to pass through the operative open second end (104e2) of the body (104),
wherein the flange (110f) of the bowl (110) being received in and held by the operative bottom seat (104b) in a sealable manner,
- an oil filter element (112) operatively disposed within the bowl and received in the bottom seat (110bs) operatively below the partitioning member (104p), such that the oil filter element (112) in conjunction with the bottom seat (110bs) divides the interior space (110s) into an upper space, and a lower space such that the upper space is in fluid communication with the oil inlet aperture (104a) and the lower space is in fluid communication with the filtered oil outlet (110o).
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the connector member-cum-housing (102), the bowl (110), the perforated cap (108) is each independently made of one material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, glass, composite, fiber reinforced plastic, and combinations thereof.
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (104) is coupled to the perforated cap (108), and the plastic bowl (110), independently by one of a screw, clamp, threading, and combinations thereof.
4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the partitioning member (104p) having
- a circular disc (104p1) having an operative upper surface, and an operative lower surface, the circular disc (104p1) having a groove (104p4) configured along a periphery thereof, the groove (104p4) configured to engage with the operative top seat (104t),
- a protrusion (104p3) extending operatively downward from the operative lower surface, the protrusion (104p3) having a notch (104p5) configured thereon, and
- a pair of collars (104p2) extending from the operative upper surface of the circular disc (104p1), the pair of collars (104p2) disposed diametrically opposite to each other along the periphery of the circular disc (104p1).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) being fitted to a hydraulic tank (116) for facilitating breathing of the tank and filtering of the hydraulic oil within the tank.
Dated this 12th Day of March 2021
For the Applicant

Deepak Pradeep Thakur
The Applicant’s Patent Agent
IN/PA – 3687
To,
The Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office,
At Mumbai