Air/oil separator assemblies, components; and, methods

Abstract

Crankcase ventilation filter assemblies, features, components, and methods of assembly and use provide for convenient assembly; efficient space usage; and/or preferred operation.

1 . A filter cartridge for use in gas/liquid separation; the filter cartridge comprising:
 (a) an extension of filter media surrounding an open filter interior; the filter media having an inside surface, an outside surface, a first axial end section, and second axial end section;   (b) first and second end pieces;
 (i) the media being positioned between the first and second end pieces; 
 (ii) the first end piece having a central flow aperture therethrough in gas flow communication with the open filter interior; 
 (iii) the first end piece including a perimeter rim;
 (A) the perimeter rim having a portion projecting radially from a position adjacent the filter media inside surface and partially in extension along the first axial end section toward the filter media outside surface; 
 (B) the first axial end section having an exposed media section extending from the perimeter rim to the filter media outside surface; the exposed media section forming a seal with a housing, when the filter cartridge is operably oriented in a housing; and 
 
 (iv) the second end piece being on the second axial end section of the filter media. 
   
     
     
         2 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the second end piece is a closed end piece. 
 
     
     
         3 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 2  wherein:
 (a) the second end piece has a closed external receiver therein projecting into the open filter and toward the first end piece a distance from the second axial end section. 
 
     
     
         4 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 (a) a liner supporting the media along the filter media inside surface. 
 
     
     
         5 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 4  wherein:
 (a) the liner extends between the first end piece and second end piece. 
 
     
     
         6 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 4  wherein:
 (a) the liner is integral with the first end piece. 
 
     
     
         7 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 4  wherein:
 (a) the liner and the second end piece are snap-fit together. 
 
     
     
         8 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 (a) a handle projecting from the filter cartridge. 
 
     
     
         9 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 8  wherein:
 (a) the handle is projecting from the second end piece. 
 
     
     
         10 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 9  wherein:
 (a) the handle is projecting from the closed external receiver of the second end piece. 
 
     
     
         11 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 8  wherein:
 (a) the second end piece includes a media cover surrounding the closed external receiver; the media cover extending over the second axial end section of the media; and 
 (b) the handle extends from the filter cartridge an axial distance no greater than the media cover of the second end piece. 
 
     
     
         12 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the perimeter rim of the first end piece includes drainage apertures. 
 
     
     
         13 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the perimeter rim has a free edge adjacent to the exposed media section;
 the free edge including a plurality of spaced projections. 
 
 
     
     
         14 . A filter cartridge according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the media comprises a multi-layer coil of media or pre-formed media. 
 
     
     
         15 . A gas/liquid separation assembly comprising:
 (a) a filter cartridge according to  claim 1 ; and   (b) a housing including a housing body having an open end and a removable cover over the open end;
 (i) the filter cartridge being operably positioned in the housing body with the exposed media section of the first axial end section of the media being compressed against a wall of the housing to form a seal therebetween. 
   
     
     
         16 - 60 . (canceled) 
     
     
         61 . A gas/liquid separation assembly according to  claim 15  further including:
 (a) a key arrangement to align the filter cartridge and the housing body. 
 
     
     
         62 . A system for gas/liquid separation for an engine crankcase comprising:
 (a) an engine having cylinders and producing blow-by gases;   (b) a cylinder head cover oriented over the cylinders; and   (c) the gas/liquid separation assembly according to  claim 15  operably assembled on the cylinder head cover in fluid communication with the blow-by gases of the engine.   
     
     
         63 . A system according to  claim 62  wherein:
 (a) the cylinder head cover includes a latch keeper constructed and arranged to receive and engage a latch member on the housing. 
 
     
     
         64 . A gas/liquid separation assembly comprising:
 (a) a housing including an inlet, an gas outlet, a liquid drain arrangement, and a connection arrangement;
 (i) the connection arrangement constructed and arranged to permit the housing to be selectively attached and removed from a cylinder head cover of an engine without the use of tools; and 
   (b) a filter cartridge removably sealed within the housing.   
     
     
         65 . A gas/liquid separation assembly according to  claim 64  wherein:
 (a) the housing includes a removable cover selectively exposing an open end of the housing to allow access to the filter cartridge.