Claims:We claim:
1. An arrangement for locking an end cap of a fuel filter, comprising:
- at least a pair of collars (11) formed at periphery of one of a central hole (12) of a filter element (30);
- a cutout (13) formed at a lower portion of each collar (11),
wherein each cutout (13) is formed with a lobe (14) at one end and a stopper (15) at the opposite end.
2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collars (11) are arc-shaped.
, Description:[001] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[002] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
[003] Technical Field of the Invention
[004] The present invention relates to a locking arrangement for filter assembly of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an arrangement for locking an end cap for a fuel filter of a vehicle, which is simple to manufacture yet effective in locking and unlocking, while avoiding undesired decoupling.
[005] Background of the Invention
[006] It is very common to find water and/or abrasive particles in vehicle fuels, which are very harmful to fuel injection pump, cause corrosion of engine components and can interrupt fuel injection in freezing condition. A fuel filter is employed to remove foreign particles and separating water from fuel in fuel supply systems of an engine. Fuel filter assemblies include a disposable filter cartridge that is replaceable at regular intervals of filter usage. There are a wide variety of fuel filter cartridge configurations and orientations. The replaceable cartridge is formed with a locking mechanism which is releasable to allow the removal of the cartridge from a filter housing for replacement purpose.
[007] Generally, fuel filters are formed with a locking arrangement in an end cap for locking a top cover of the filter housing. Conventionally, the locking arrangement is formed as a threaded lock, snap lock and the like. For example, U.S. patent document 5,017,285 discloses a fuel filter cartridge that includes a retainer means with a threaded collar engaging with a base of the housing. Even though the threaded collar performs well in locking, it also introduces uneven loading between different filter assemblies and the cartridges based on the torque applied to the collar.
[008] Another U.S. patent document 5,203,994 describes a fuel filter assembly including a collar with a spiral ramp-like structure that complements a similar structure in the base. A spring-loaded washer is used to bias the collar into a locked position with the base. This mechanism is very effective in locking the cartridge to the base, but is highly complex to manufacture. Furthermore, the spring tends to get damaged by the abrasive particles and water.
[009] Hence, there is need of a locking arrangement for the fuel filter, which is simple to manufacture and effective in locking. There is also need of a locking arrangement that is easy to couple and decouple the top cover of the filter housing. Furthermore, there is also need of a locking arrangement that provides uniform loading between the top cover and the cartridge irrespective of the torque applied.
[010] Summary of the Invention
[011] The present invention eliminates all the drawbacks of prior art by providing an arrangement for locking an end cap of a fuel filter, which comprises a pair of collars formed at periphery of one end of a central hole of a filter element. A cutout is formed at a lower portion of each collar, while a lobe and a stopper are formed in each cutout. Each lobe is formed at one end of the corresponding cutout and the stopper is formed at the other end of the cutout.
[012] The collars are formed in an arc-like shape encircling the central hole that receives a sleeve-like conduit to provide a fluid communication between the filter element and a base of a fuel filter housing. The cutouts formed at the bottom of the collars allow a top cover of the filter housing to be easily inserted. The lobes at the end of the corresponding cutouts enable locking of the cover through friction when the filter is twisted with respect to the cover. Furthermore, the stoppers at the other end prevent over-twisting of the filter, and hence even loading is provided between the cover and the filter, irrespective of the level of torque applied while twisting.
[013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
[014] Brief Description of Drawings
[015] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[016] FIGURE 1 shows the perspective view of the fuel filter with the arrangement for locking the end cap, according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[017] FIGURE 2 shows the perspective view of the arrangement for locking the end cap of the fuel filter, according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[018] FIGURE 3 shows the top view of the arrangement for locking the end cap of the fuel filter, according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[019] FIGURE 4 shows the cross sectional view of the cutouts of the locking arrangement, according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[020] Detailed Description of the Invention
[021] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.
[022] The present invention relates to an arrangement for locking an end cap of a fuel filter, which comprises a pair of collars formed at periphery of one end of a central hole of a filter element. A cutout is formed at a lower portion of each collar, while a lobe and a stopper are formed in each cutout. Each lobe is formed at one end of the corresponding cutout and the stopper is formed at the other end of the cutout.
[023] The collars are formed in an arc-like shape encircling the central hole that receives a sleeve-like conduit to provide a fluid communication between the filter element and a base of a fuel filter housing. The cutouts formed at the bottom of the collars allow a top cover of the filter housing to be easily inserted. The lobes at the end of the corresponding cutouts enable locking the cover through friction when the filter is twisted with respect to the cover. Furthermore, the stoppers at the other end prevent over-twisting of the filter, and hence even loading is provided between the cover and the filter irrespective of the level of torque applied while twisting.
[024] FIGURE 1 shows the perspective view of the fuel filter with the arrangement for locking the end cap, according to the first embodiment of the invention. The fuel filter (100) comprises a locking arrangement (10) formed on an end cap (20a) that is coupled to a top end of a filter element (30), wherein another end cap (20b) closes a bottom end of the filter element (30). A pair of collars (11) is formed at periphery of a central hole (12) of the filter element on the end cap (20a). A cutout (13) is formed at a lower portion of each collar (11), while a lobe (14) and a stopper (15) are formed in each cutout (13). Each lobe (14) is formed at one end of the corresponding cutout (13) and the stopper (15) is formed at the other end of the cutout (13).
[025] FIGURE 2 shows the perspective view of the locking arrangement, according to the first embodiment of the invention. The collars (11) are formed in an arc-like shape encircling the central hole (12) that receives a sleeve-like conduit to provide a fluid communication between the filter element (30) and a base of a fuel filter housing. The cutouts (13) formed at the bottom of the collars (11) allow a top cover of the filter housing to be easily inserted. The stoppers (15) project out of the collars (11) as shown in the FIGURE 3. By this way, the stoppers (15) prevent over-twisting of the filter (100), and hence even loading is provided between the cover and the filter (100) irrespective of the level of torque applied while twisting.
[026] FIGURE 4 shows the cross sectional view of the cutouts, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The lobes (14) are formed as cylindrical bumps at the end of the corresponding cutouts (13) to enable locking and unlocking the cover through friction when the filter (100) is twisted with respect to the cover. Furthermore, the friction provided by the lobes (14) prevents the undesired unlocking of the cover when no external twisting force is applied.
[027] The cutouts (13) and the lobes (14) provide an effective locking without complicating the manufacture, and also simplify coupling and decoupling of the cover, while preventing undesired decoupling. Furthermore, the stoppers (15) on the other hand prevent over-twisting of the filter (100) to ensure proper and uniform loading irrespective of the level of torque applied. In practice, the filter (100) may be simply locked to the cover by inserting the end cap (20a) into the cover and rotating with respect to the cover until the stoppers (15) block the rotational movement. Though the stoppers (15) are shown to be rectangular in cross section, they can also be of any shape like cylindrical, conical etc. Similarly, the number of collars (11) and the corresponding cutouts (13) can also be more than two.
[028] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.