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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 129,350 filed on May 2, 2002, which is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT / US00 / 31329 filed on Nov. 15, 2000 and which designated the United States, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 168,941 filed on Dec. 3, 1999 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 452,857 filed on Dec. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,042, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to fluid filters, and more particularly to fuel filters for vehicles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many types of fuel filters (also referred to as “separators”) are known in the prior art. A popular type of fuel filter has a housing that encloses a replaceable ring-shaped filter element. The filter element ensures that impurities are removed from f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] A new and unique fuel filter is thereby provided that prevents an improper filter element from being used in the filter and prevents operation of the filter without a filter element in place. The filter is simple and low-cost to manufacture and assemble, and prevents air from entering the system.

Problems solved by technology

However, problems may arise when such filter elements are replaced.

One problem is that filter elements with different sizes and / or filtration capabilities often have identical mounting configurations and can fit on the same filter head.

However, use of the wrong filter can cause poor engine performance and allow undesirable amounts of contaminants to pass through the fuel system.

Another problem is that individuals may remove a spent filter element and simply re-attach the housing portions without a fresh element.

While the engine may operate (at least for a short period of time), this can be detrimental to the engine.

A still further problem is that disturbance of the spent element during replacement may cause collected impurities to fall off the element.

If this happens, some impurities may still reach the downstream components of the fuel system.

This is undesirable from a conservation and solid waste standpoint.

The cover also represents a portion of the cost of the replacement element.

As a result this design adds cost to the replacement element.

As such, it still does not fully address the problems associated with operating an engine without a filter element installed.

The assembly also prevents operation of the engine without an appropriate element in place.

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