阅读说明：本技术 用于歧管组件中的套筒过滤器的具有过滤器保护器的机器流体系统 (Machine fluid system with filter protector for sleeve filter in manifold assembly ) 是由 K·E·马龙 S·R·赫罗尔德 T·J·卡西迪 M·法伦克鲁格 D·I·兰德威尔 于 2020-03-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于机器(10)的流体系统(22),包括管组件(28)和包围管组件(28)的套筒过滤器(30)。该流体系统(22)还包括过滤器保护器(40),该过滤器保护器邻近该管组件(28)中的紧固件(38)并且包括与第一管(34)配合的第一连接器(42)、与第二管(36)配合的第二连接器(44),以及壁(46),其在第一连接器(42)和第二连接器(44)之间形成弧形,并限制包围管组件(28)的套筒过滤器(30)和紧固件(38)之间的接触。(A fluid system (22) for a machine (10) includes a tube assembly (28) and a sleeve filter (30) surrounding the tube assembly (28). The fluid system (22) also includes a filter protector (40) adjacent the fastener (38) in the tube assembly (28) and including a first connector (42) mated with the first tube (34), a second connector (44) mated with the second tube (36), and a wall (46) forming an arc between the first connector (42) and the second connector (44) and limiting contact between the sleeve filter (30) surrounding the tube assembly (28) and the fastener (38).)

1. A fluid system (22) for a machine (10), comprising:

a tank (24);

a tube assembly (28, 228, 328) positioned at least partially within the canister (24), the tube assembly (28, 228, 328) defining a longitudinal central axis and including a first tube (34), a second tube (36), and a fastener (38, 238) attached to the first tube (34), and the first tube (34) and the second tube (36) being circumferentially offset from one another about the longitudinal central axis;

a sleeve filter (30) surrounding the tube assembly (28, 228, 328); and

a filter protector (40, 240, 340) positioned adjacent the fastener (38, 238) and including a first connector (42, 242, 342) mated with the first tube (34), a second connector (44, 244, 344) mated with the second tube (36), and a wall (46, 246, 346) that arcs around the longitudinal central axis between the first connector (42, 242, 342) and the second connector (44, 244, 344) and limits contact between the sleeve filter (30) and the fastener (38, 238).

2. The fluidic system (22) of claim 1, comprising a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system (22), wherein the tube assembly (28, 228, 328) further comprises a DEF intake tube (48) extending parallel to the first tube (34) and the second tube (36);

the filter protector (40, 240, 340) deforms against a spring bias of at least one of the wall (46, 246, 346), the first connector (42, 242, 342), or the second connector (44, 244, 344).

3. The fluid system (22) of claim 2, wherein the tube assembly (28, 228, 328) further comprises:

a coil section (50) connecting the first tube (34) to the second tube (36) to form a fluid circuit for conveying a temperature control fluid through the tank (24);

a sensor tube (52) extending parallel to the first tube (34) and the second tube (36) and axially through the helical tube section (50); and

a sensor float (54) axially slidable on the sensor tube (52) relative to the first and second tubes (34, 36);

the fastener (38, 238) includes a clamp (70) that clamps the first tube (34) to the DEF intake tube (48).

4. The fluid system (22) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the wall has a C-shape, and the first connector (42) and the second connector (44) each have a C-shape abutting one of the tips of the C-shape;

the wall (46) having a slot (104) formed therein, and the fastener (38) being positioned at least partially within the slot (104);

the first connector (42) includes an upper connector section (100)

And a lower connector section, and a slot (104) is formed between the upper connector section (100) and the lower connector section (102).

5. A filter protector (40, 240, 340) for a tube assembly (28, 228, 328) in a fluid system (22), comprising:

a one-piece protector body (80) including a first connector (42, 242, 342), a second connector (44, 244, 344), and a body wall (46, 246, 346) defining a body central axis, the body wall (46, 246, 346) being arcuate in a circumferential direction about the body central axis between the first connector (42, 242, 342) and the second connector (44, 244, 344) and extending in an axial direction between a first axial body end (90) and a second axial body end (92);

the first connector (42, 242, 342) extending in an axial direction between the first and second axial body ends (90, 92) and having an inner connector wall (84, 94) and an outer connector wall (86, 96) that together form a first tube channel (88) for fitting the first connector (42, 242, 342) with a first tube (34) in the tube assembly (28, 228, 328);

the second connector (44, 244, 344) extends in an axial direction between the first and second axial body ends (90, 92) and has an inner connector wall (84, 94) and an outer connector wall (86, 96) that together form a second tube channel (98) for fitting the second connector (44, 244, 344) with a second tube (36) in the tube assembly (28, 228, 328);

the first connector (42, 242, 342) defining a first central opening direction that travels outwardly from the first tube passage (88) and away from the one-piece protector body (80); and

the second connector (44, 244, 344) defines a second central opening direction that travels outwardly from the second tube passage (98) and intersects the one-piece protector body (80).

6. The filter protector (40, 340) of claim 5 wherein the first tube channel (88) defines a first channel axis and the first central opening direction (114) intersects the first channel axis, and the second tube channel (98) defines a second channel axis and the second central opening direction intersects the second channel axis.

7. The filter cartridge (40) of claim 6 wherein:

by the one-piece protector body (80), the circumferential offset between the first channel axis and the second channel axis is greater than 180 °; and is

An angle formed between the first central opening direction and the second central opening direction is less than 90 °;

the walls have a C-shape and a uniform radius of curvature between them:

the first connector (42) and the second connector (44), and the first connector (42) and the second connector (44) each have a c-shape;

the first connector (42) includes an upper connector section (100)

And a lower connector section, and a slot (104) is formed between the upper connector section (100) and the lower connector section (102).

8. The filter protector (40) of claim 7, wherein a tie-down hole (106) extends through the body wall (46) at a location adjacent the first connector (42);

the tie hole (106) being located adjacent the upper connector section (100),

and wherein the upper connector section (100) comprises a first tie channel (108) formed in the inner connector wall (84) and a second tie channel (110) formed in the outer connector wall (86), and the first tie channel (108), the second tie channel (110), and tie bore (106) together define a tie path for guiding a zipper tie circumferentially around the upper connector section (100) and first tube (34);

the slot (104) is formed partially between the upper connector section (100) and the lower connector section (102) and partially within the body wall (46).

9. A filter protector system (41) for a fluid system (22) in a machine (10), comprising:

a filter protector (40, 240, 340) including a one-piece protector body (80) having a first connector (42, 242, 342), a second connector (44, 244, 344), and a body wall (46, 246, 346) defining a body central axis, the body wall (46, 246, 346) being arcuate in a circumferential direction about the body central axis between the first connector (42, 242, 342) and the second connector (44, 244, 344) and extending in an axial direction between a first axial body end (90) and a second axial body end (92);

the first connector (42, 242, 342) extending in an axial direction between the first and second axial body ends (90, 92) and having an inner connector wall (84, 94) and an outer connector wall (86, 96) that together form a first tube channel (88) for fitting the first connector (42, 242, 342) around a first tube (34) in the tube assembly (28, 228, 328);

the second connector (44, 244, 344) extends in an axial direction between the first and second axial body ends (90, 92) and has an inner connector wall (84, 94) and an outer connector wall (86, 96) that together form a second tube channel (98) for fitting the second connector (44, 244, 344) with a second tube (36) in the tube assembly (28, 228, 328); and is

The first connector (42, 242, 342) defines a first central opening direction and the second connector (44, 244, 344) defines a second central opening direction, and the single-piece protector body (80) defines a third central opening direction that makes a larger angle with the first opening direction and a larger angle with the second opening direction.

10. The filter protector system (41) of claim 9, wherein a tie-hole (106) extends through the body wall (46) at a location adjacent the first connector (42), and further comprising a tie-piece (74) configured to extend through the tie-hole (106) for securing the first connector (42) to the first tube (34), and a bag (79) containing a filter protector (40) and a tie-piece (74);

the walls have a C-shape and a uniform radius of curvature between them:

a first connector (42) and a second connector (44), and each of the first connector (42) and the second connector (44) has a c-shape; and

the first tube passage (88) defines a first passage axis and the first central opening direction intersects the first passage axis, and the second tube passage (98) defines a second passage axis and the second central opening direction (118) intersects the second passage axis;

by the one-piece protector body (80), the circumferential offset between the first channel axis and the second channel axis is greater than 180 °; and is

The first connector (42) comprises an upper connector section (100) and a lower connector section (102), and a slot (104) is formed between the upper connector section (100) and the lower connector section (102).

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to fluid systems in machines, and more particularly to a filter protector in a fluid system for limiting contact between a sleeve filter and a fastener in a tube assembly.

Background

Many fluid systems are used in machines ranging from fuel systems to lubrication systems, temperature control systems, and the like. One known fluid system for controlling certain internal combustion engine emissions in a machine is coupled to an exhaust system of the machine and delivers a reductant for catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. In a typical system, a fluid reductant, commonly referred to as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or similar term, includes a urea-based aqueous solution that is injected into the exhaust stream from an internal combustion engine upstream of a catalytic reduction module. The injected DEF produces ammonia, which reacts at the catalyst according to well-known pathways to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas to produce nitrogen and water.

Various reductant delivery systems are known and used in many different mechanical applications, particularly mobile vehicles of the off-highway and on-highway truck nature. The machine carries a fluid tank that stores a reductant (typically DEF as described above) that is delivered to the engine exhaust system in prescribed amounts. Typically, the tank in reductant delivery systems of this general type is refilled with DEF fluid periodically, and from time to time once per day, depending on the manner and extent of operation of the machine. One known reductant delivery system is set forth in U.S. patent publication No. 2017/0122170 to Fahrenkrug et al. A fluid reservoir for containing a fluid reductant for use in a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust treatment process includes a bag filter to filter debris and contaminants from the reductant prior to delivery to an exhaust system for delivery therein.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a fluid system for a machine includes a tank and a tube assembly positioned at least partially within the tank. The tube assembly defines a longitudinal central axis and includes a first tube, a second tube, and a fastener attached to the first tube. The first tube and the second tube are offset from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal center axis. The fluid system further includes a sleeve filter surrounding the tube assembly, and a filter protector positioned adjacent to the fastener. The filter protector includes a first connector that mates with a first tube, a second connector that mates with a second tube, and a wall that arcs about a longitudinal center axis between the first connector and the second connector and limits contact between the sleeve filter and the fastener.

In another aspect, a filter protector for a tube assembly in a fluid system includes a one-piece protector body having a first connector, a second connector, and a body wall defining a body central axis. The body wall is arcuate in a circumferential direction about the body central axis between the first connector and the second connector and extends in an axial direction between a first axial body end and a second axial body end. The first connector extends in an axial direction between the first and second axial body ends and has an inner connector wall and an outer connector wall that together form a first tube channel for fitting the first connector with a first tube in the tube assembly. The second connector extends in an axial direction between the first and second axial body ends and has an inner connector wall and an outer connector wall that together form a second tube channel for fitting the second connector with a second tube in the tube assembly. The first connector defines a first central opening direction that travels outwardly from the first tube passage and away from the single-piece protector body. The second connector defines a second central opening direction that travels outwardly from the second tube passage and intersects the single-piece protector body.

In yet another aspect, a filter protector system for a fluid system in a machine includes a filter protector having a one-piece protector body having a first connector, a second connector, and a body wall defining a body center axis. The body wall is arcuate in a circumferential direction about the body central axis between the first connector and the second connector and extends in an axial direction between a first axial body end and a second axial body end. The first connector extends in an axial direction between the first and second axial body ends and has an inner connector wall and an outer connector wall that together form a first tube passage for fitting the first connector with a first tube in the fluid system. The second connector extends in an axial direction between the first and second axial body ends and has an inner connector wall and an outer connector wall that together form a second tube channel for fitting the second connector with a second tube in the fluid system. The first connector defines a first central opening direction and the second connector defines a second central opening direction, and the single-piece protector body defines a third central opening direction that forms a smaller angle with the first opening direction and a larger angle with the second opening direction.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side diagrammatic view of a machine according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a manifold assembly for a fluid system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view through a tube assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a filter protector according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a packaged filter protector system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view through a filter protector according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a tube assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a filter protector according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view through a tube assembly according to one embodiment; and is

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a filter protector according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, a machine 10 is shown according to one embodiment including a frame 12 having a cab 14 and a dump bed 15 mounted on the frame 12. Machine 10 includes a plurality of ground engaging members 16, in the illustrated case ground engaging wheels. Machine 10 also includes an internal combustion engine 18, such as a compression ignition diesel engine, coupled with an exhaust system 20. A temperature control system or cooling system 21 is provided which includes a heat sink 25 mounted to the front end of the frame 12. Machine 10 is illustrated in the context of a mining truck, however, the present disclosure is not thereby limited, and a variety of on-highway and off-highway machines may benefit from application of the present disclosure, including trucks, tractors, excavators, backhoes, and many others. Machine 10 is also not limited to mobile machine applications and may be a stationary machine application such as a generator set or a generator set, a compressor, a pump, or otherwise.

Machine 10 also includes a fluid system 22 coupled to exhaust system 20 and temperature control system 21. The fluid system 22 may include a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system configured to provide a reductant in liquid form to the exhaust system 20 for delivery via a DEF intake valve or injector 23 in a generally known manner. By way of this description, no particular type of fluid reductant is intended. The fluid system 22 also includes a tank 24 configured to store DEF. A fluid conduit (not numbered) extends between the canister 24 for carrying a temperature control fluid, such as engine coolant, between the canister 24 and a radiator 25 or other element of the temperature control system 21. In one implementation, the heated engine coolant is routed between the tank 24 and the radiator 25 or other portion of the cooling system 21 to heat the DEF stored in the tank 24 at cold start. The temperature control fluid circulating through the tank 24 will separate from the DEF fluid stored therein. A separate fluid connection may extend between the tank 24 and the DEF injector 23.

Fluid system 22 also includes a plurality of manifold assemblies 26 positioned at least partially within canister 24. Each manifold assembly 26 (referred to hereinafter in the singular) includes a tube assembly 28 positioned at least partially within canister 24, and a sleeve filter 30 surrounding tube assembly 28. Various sleeve filters are known and commercially available. The sleeve filter 30 has a flexible form generally similar to a sleeve or bag, and may be slid over one end of the tube assembly 28 and secured near or at an opposite end of the tube assembly 28 to filter debris and particles from DEF stored in the tank 24 prior to delivery to the DEF injector 23. Other fluid systems may employ different plumbing, valves, injectors, air intake mechanisms, or other hardware than those described herein. As will be further apparent from the following description, fluid system 22 is uniquely configured to eliminate or retard wear of sleeve filter 30, which may otherwise cause debris or particles to enter other portions of fluid system 22, which may lead to performance degradation.

Referring now also to fig. 2-4, additional details of the manifold assembly 26 are shown. The tube assembly 28 defines a longitudinal central axis 32 and may include a first tube 34, a second tube 36, and a fastener 38 attached to the first tube 34. The first tube 34 and the second tube 36 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal center axis 32. The fluid system 22 also includes a filter protector 40 positioned adjacent the fastener 38 and including a first connector 42 mating with the first tube 34, a second connector 44 mating with the second tube 36, and a wall 46 that arcs about the longitudinal center axis 32 between the first connector 42 and the second connector 44 and limits contact between the sleeve filter 30 and the fastener 38. The first and second connectors 42, 44 may be shaped complementary to the first and second tubes 34, 36, as discussed further herein.

Manifold assembly 26 also includes a header section 56 and a plurality of coolant connectors 58 and 60, coolant connectors 58 and 60 mounted to header section 56 and configured to deliver coolant to and from temperature control system 21. It has been found that low temperatures at start-up of the machine 10 may be associated with frozen or partially frozen DEF, and thus, once the engine 18 is started, warmed engine coolant may be circulated through the tank 24 to thaw DEF therein. One or more DEF connectors may also be provided for delivering DEF or another fluid stored in the inlet 24 to a target location in the machine 10. Manifold assembly 26 also includes a plug 64, such as an electrical plug, for establishing data and power communication between manifold assembly 26 and the on-board electrical system in machine 10. A band clamp 66 may be provided to clamp the sleeve filter 30 to the header section 56.

As described above, fluid system 22 may be a variety of different fluid systems for machines. In a diesel exhaust fluid system implementation, the tube assembly 28 may further include a DEF inlet tube 48 extending parallel to the first and second tubes 34, 36 for delivering filtered DEF out of the tank 24. Tube assembly 28 may further include a coil section 50 connecting first tube 34 to second tube 36 to form a fluid circuit for conveying a temperature control fluid through tank 24. The tube assembly 28 may also include a sensor tube 52, the sensor tube 52 extending parallel to the first and second tubes 34, 36 and axially through the coil section 50. The sensor float 54 is axially slidable on the sensor tube 52 relative to the first tube 34, the second tube 36, and the intake tube 48. The sensor float 54 may include, for example, a magnet whose position or movement may be monitored by a sensing device in the sensor tube 52. The fastener 38 may include a clamp 70 that clamps the first tube 34 to the air inlet tube 48, and the fastener 38 may further include a bolt 72 coupled with a nut to engage the clamp 70 around the first tube 34 and the air inlet tube 48.

It should be understood that the composition and arrangement of the tube assembly may vary significantly from that disclosed and illustrated. In other cases, a different number of tubes, a different shape of tubes, or a different functional purpose than that described may be used. For example, the fastener 38 may clamp the first tube 34 to a different structure in the manifold assembly 26, or the fastener 38 is not a clamp at all. In particular, it will be noted from FIG. 2 that the fastener 38 is generally midway between the opposing axial ends of the tube assembly 28 and the sleeve filter 30. It should also be appreciated that sleeve filter 30 is flexible and generally stretchable and deformable to an extent such that sloshing of liquid, changes in negative or positive pressure, tilting of machine 10, or other factors may cause sleeve filter 30 to impact fastener 38, but not filter protector 40. It has been observed in some earlier systems that jamming or friction or other forms of impact of the sleeve filter on the fastener may cause the aperture. Although generally more widely applicable, the filter protector 40 may be specially shaped and adapted to protect the sleeve filter 30 from such wear phenomena.

Referring now also to FIG. 5, features of the filter protector 40 are shown in greater detail. The filter protector 40 includes a one-piece protector body 80, the body 80 having a first connector 42, a second connector 44, and a body wall 46 defining a body central axis 82. The body wall 46 is arcuate in a circumferential direction about the body central axis 82 between the first connector 42 and the second connector 44. The body wall 46 extends in an axial direction between a first axial body end 90 and a second axial body end 92. A first axial body end 90 is formed in part on each of first connector 42, second connector 44 and body wall 46, as is a second axial body end 92. First connector 42 extends in an axial direction between first and second axial body ends 90 and 92 and has inner and outer connector walls 84 and 86, with inner and outer connector walls 84 and 86 together forming a first tube channel 88 for fitting first connector 42 with a first tube of a tube assembly, such as first tube 34 of tube assembly 28. Second connector 44 extends in an axial direction between first and second axial body ends 90 and 92 and has an inner connector wall 94 and an outer connector wall 96, inner connector wall 94 and outer connector wall 96 together forming a second tube channel 98 for fitting second connector 44 with a second tube in a tube assembly (e.g., second tube 36 in tube assembly 28). Each tube passage 88 and 98 can have an arcuate shape in axial cross-section through the filter protector 40.

The first connector 42 may include an upper connector section 100 and a lower connector section 102, each forming a portion of the second tube passageway 98. A slot 104 is formed between the upper connector section 100 and the lower connector section 102. The slot 104 receives at least a portion of the fastener 38, and in the illustrated embodiment a portion of the bolt 72 and a portion of the clamp 70, wherein the body wall 46 and the outer connector wall 86 are positioned generally radially outward of the portion of the fastener 38. Thus, when the sleeve filter 30 is deformed to access the tube assembly 28, the filter protector 40 will shield the fastener 38 and generally prevent contact between the fastener 38 and the sleeve filter 30. It should be understood that the filter protector 40 may have other protective functions relative to other components of the tube assembly 28, such as preventing the protective sleeve filter 30 from contacting the sensor float 54 or other components. In addition, the shape, size, and proportions of the filter protector 40 may help protect the sleeve filter 30 from contact with components of the tube assembly 28 by different means than the fasteners 38 within the shield slots 104. The filter protector 40 will typically mate with the spatial envelope of the tube assembly 28, which is defined axially by the axial length of several tubes and circumferentially by the diameter of the helical tube section 50.

The filter protector 40 may also include a tie down hole 106, the tie down hole 106 extending through the body wall 46 at a location adjacent the first connector 42. The tie-down hole 106 is shown axially between the slot 104 and the first axial body end 90, however, other locations are contemplated. The tie hole 106 is more particularly shown positioned adjacent the upper connector section 100. The upper connector section 100 includes a first tie member channel 108 formed in the inner connector wall 84 and a second tie member channel 110 formed in the outer connector wall 86. The first tie channel 108, the second tie channel 110, and the tie hole 106 together define a tie path for guiding a tie, such as a zipper tie, circumferentially around the upper connector section 100 and the first tube 34. The slot 104 is formed axially between the upper and lower connector sections 100, 102 and is formed partially within the body wall 54. The tie 74 may comprise a zipper tie as described above, and includes a head 76 and a strap 78. The tie 74 may comprise a metal zipper tie, such as a steel zipper tie in one embodiment, and is otherwise typically formed of DEF compatible material. Referring to fig. 6, a filter protector 40 is shown which may be present in a filter protector system 41 provided as a machine or fluid system service pack. The filter protector system 41 includes the filter protector 40, a tie 75, and a bag 79, such as a box or envelope, and may be provided as a service bag for installing the filter protector in a field crowd of machines.

Referring now to fig. 7, a cross-sectional view through the filter protector 40 is shown. The filter protector 40 may be a molded, non-metallic and DEF compatible component formed, for example, from a glass filled nylon composite comprising glass fibers integrally molded in a nylon matrix. Body wall 46 has an inner arcuate surface 126, an outer arcuate surface 127, and a generally uniform wall thickness. The inner arcuate surface 126 may have a uniform radius of curvature, such as a radius of curvature of about 30 millimeters in one embodiment. As used herein, the term "about" should be understood in the context of conventional rounding to a consistent number of significant figures. Thus, "about 30" means 29.5 to 30.4, and so on. The first connector 42 may have an inner arcuate surface 122 with a radius of curvature of about 5 millimeters. The second connector 44 may have an inner arcuate surface 124 with a radius of curvature of about 6 millimeters. The body wall 46 has a first wall end 128 and a second wall end 130. The first connector 42 abuts the first wall end 128 and the second connector 44 abuts the second wall end 130. The inner connector wall 84 has a wall tip 134 and the outer connector wall 86 has a wall tip 132. Inner connector wall 94 has a wall tip 138 and outer connector wall 96 has a wall tip 136. The first connector 42 defines a first channel axis 111, which may be the center point of a circle defined by the inner arcuate surface 122. The second connector 44 defines a second channel axis 116, which second channel axis 116 may be the center point of a circle defined by the inner arcuate surface 124. The body central axis 82 may be the center of the circle defined by the body wall 46. It may be noted that the body wall 46 has a C-shape and each of the first and second connectors 42, 44 has a C-shape that abuts one of the tips of the C-shape, in this case the wall ends 128 and 130. It may also be noted that the orientation of the c-shape formed by first connector 42 and second connector 44 is asymmetrical with respect to the circle defined by body wall 46. Thus, the first connector 42 and the second connector 44 may have a non-mirrored spatial orientation about the bisecting body wall 46 and including the body central axis 82, wherein the first connector 42 rotates relatively more outwardly than the second connector 44. This general configuration enables the filter protector 40 to be easily installed on the tube assembly 28 in a manner that cooperates with the tube assembly 28, and positions the body wall 46 to prevent undesired deformation and contact of the sleeve filter 30 with components of the tube assembly 28, as discussed herein.

Another way to understand this aspect of the geometry of the filter protector 40 is that the first connector 42 defines a first central opening direction 114 that travels outwardly from the first tube passage 88 and away from the single-piece protector body 80, while the second connector 44 defines a second central opening direction 118 that travels outwardly from the second tube passage 98 and intersects the single-piece protector body 80. The first channel axis 111 may intersect the first central opening direction 114. The second channel axis 116 may intersect a second central opening direction 118. The circumferential offset between the first channel axis 111 and the second channel axis 116 is greater than 180 °. In an axial cross-section, as generally shown in fig. 7, an angle (not labeled) formed between the first center opening direction 114 and the second center opening direction 118 is less than 90 °. The one-piece protector body 80 is further understood to define a third central opening direction 120. The first center opening direction 114, the second center opening direction 118, and the third center opening direction 120 are each oriented perpendicular to the respective C-shape/C-shape center and approximately bisect them. The third central opening direction 120 extends through the body central axis 82 and forms a smaller angle 113 with the first central opening direction 114 and a larger angle 115 with the second central opening direction 118. In the illustrated embodiment, angle 115 is approximately 90 ° and angle 113 is between 30 ° and 60 °.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a tube assembly 228 is shown having some similarities to previously described tube assemblies, including a filter protector 240 and fasteners 238. The fastener 238 and the filter protector 240 will be understood as being axially offset from one another, with the filter protector 240 being shaped and proportioned to still limit contact between a sleeve filter similar to the sleeve filter 30 and the fastener 238. In fig. 9, the filter protector 240 is shown to include a body wall 246 extending between a first connector 242 and a second connector 244. The body wall 246 may be understood as a C-shape and the first connector 242 and the second connector 244 may be understood as a C-shape. It will also be appreciated that the connectors 242 and 244 have relatively more closed c-shapes than those shown in the filter protector 40, potentially enabling a relatively stronger interference fit with the tubes in the tube assembly 228.

Fig. 10 shows another design in which tube assembly 328 is equipped with a filter protector 340. It may be noted in fig. 11 that the filter protector 340 is not understood to be C-shaped, however, the first connector 342 and the second connector 344 may be entirely understood to be C-shaped. The filter protector 340 also includes a non-uniform curvature of the body wall 346, thereby forming a relatively tight body bend region 345. It may also be noted that, in contrast to the filter protector 240, the connector 342 and the connector 344 are not arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner. With regard to the alternative embodiments shown in fig. 8-11, as well as other embodiments discussed herein, it should be understood that many variations in the overall shape of the filter protector according to the present invention are contemplated. In a practical implementation strategy, when installed, the filter protector deforms against the spring bias of at least one of its body wall, its first connector, or its second connector, which helps to maintain the filter protector installed and held in axial position in the tube assembly. The first and second connectors in the described embodiments may be snap-fitted with their respective tube assemblies, however, it should also be appreciated that the resilience of the body wall may additionally or alternatively assist in retention.

Industrial applicability

Referring to the drawings in general, it will be recalled that a filter protector according to the present disclosure may be installed in a manifold assembly of the art. A service technician may receive a packaged filter protector system, such as filter protector system 41, and when servicing fluid system 22, remove sleeve filter 30 and clamp filter protector 40, 240, 340 in place. Although not limited thereto, in a typical installation mode, the first connector 42, 242, 342 may be mated with the first tube 34, and then the filter protector 40, 240, 340 is deformed against the bias of the body wall 46 to slide the second connector 44, 244, 344 over and around the second tube 36 to mate therewith. Before or after clamping the filter protector 40, 240, 340 in place, the zipper tie 75 configured to extend through the tie hole 106 may be passed through the tie hole 106 and fit within the first tie channel 108 and the second tie channel 110, and then the strap 78 passed through the head 76 to complete the securing of the filter protector 40 in place.

This description is intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to narrow the scope of the present invention in any way. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the full and fair scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent upon examination of the following drawings and appended claims. As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with "one or more. Where only one item is desired, the term "one" or similar language is used. Further, as used herein, the terms "having", and the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.