阅读说明：本技术 歧管组件和使用方法 (Manifold assembly and method of use ) 是由 孙鹏 K·E·布朗 于 2020-08-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种歧管组件和将过滤器胶囊接合在所述歧管组件中的方法,所述歧管组件包括线性引导件。(A manifold assembly and method of engaging a filter capsule in the manifold assembly is provided, the manifold assembly including a linear guide.)

1. A manifold assembly for use with a filter capsule having a first fitting and a second fitting, the manifold assembly comprising:

(a) an upper adjustable frame means comprising a block comprising a through hole for receiving the first fitting, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall and a rear wall, the rear wall comprising a locking pin opening and a cavity for receiving a linear guide comprising a slotted plate, wherein the linear guide is mounted to the block and arranged to vertically guide the upper adjustable frame means between a first position and a second position; a slidable handle disposed on the first sidewall; a slot in the first sidewall; a slidable locking pin disposed in the block, the slidable locking pin having an end, wherein the slidable locking pin is extendable from the block through the locking pin opening upon slidable horizontal movement of the slidable handle, wherein the slidable handle is connected to the slidable locking pin by at least one retainer through the slot in the first side wall, wherein the slidable handle is movable the slidable locking pin to slide the end of the slidable locking pin into a first opening to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the first position and slide the end of the slidable locking pin into a second opening to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the second position, wherein when the end of the slidable locking pin is not in the first opening or the second opening, said upper adjustable frame means being movable along said linear guide between said first position and said second position;

(b) a lower frame means including a through hole for receiving the second fitting; and

(c) a manifold frame connected to the upper adjustable frame means and to the lower frame means, the manifold frame including the first opening and the second opening.

2. The manifold assembly of claim 1, further comprising an indicator showing to an operator of the manifold assembly that the filter capsule has been installed in a correct position, and/or that the upper adjustable frame means is locked in the second position.

3. A method for engaging a filter capsule in a manifold assembly, the method comprising placing a filter capsule into a manifold assembly, the filter capsule having a first fitting and a second fitting, the manifold assembly comprising:

(a) an upper adjustable frame means comprising a block comprising a through hole for receiving the first fitting, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall and a rear wall, the rear wall comprising a locking pin opening and a cavity for receiving a linear guide comprising a slotted plate, wherein the linear guide is mounted to the block and arranged to vertically guide the upper adjustable frame means between a first position and a second position; a slidable handle disposed on the first sidewall; a slot in the first sidewall; a slidable locking pin disposed in the block, the slidable locking pin having an end, wherein the slidable locking pin is extendable from the block through the locking pin opening upon slidable horizontal movement of the slidable handle, wherein the slidable handle is connected to the slidable locking pin by at least one retainer through the slot in the first side wall, wherein the slidable handle is movable the slidable locking pin to slide the end of the slidable locking pin into a first opening to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the first position and slide the end of the slidable locking pin into a second opening to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the second position, wherein when the end of the slidable locking pin is not in the first opening or the second opening, said upper adjustable frame means being movable along said linear guide between said first position and said second position;

(b) a lower frame means including a through hole for receiving the second fitting; and

(c) a manifold frame connected to the upper adjustable frame means and to the lower frame means, the manifold including the first opening and the second opening;

placing the second fitting into the through hole of the lower frame device; moving the upper adjustable frame assembly from the first position to the second position and placing the first fitting in the through hole of the upper adjustable frame assembly; and moving the slidable handle to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the second position.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising passing fluid through the filter capsule.

Background

The manifold assembly may be used to replace the filter. However, there is a need for an improved manifold assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide a manifold assembly for use with a filter capsule having a first fitting and a second fitting, the manifold assembly comprising: (a) an upper adjustable frame device comprising a block comprising a through hole for receiving the first fitting, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall, the rear wall comprising a locking pin opening and a cavity for receiving a linear guide, the linear guide comprising a slotted plate, wherein the linear guide is mounted to the block and arranged to vertically guide the adjustable frame device between a first position and a second position; a slidable handle disposed on the first sidewall; a slot in the first sidewall; a slidable locking pin disposed in the block, the slidable locking pin having an end, wherein the slidable locking pin may extend from the block through the locking pin opening when the handle is slidably moved horizontally, wherein the slidable handle is connected to the slidable locking pin by at least one retainer passing through the slot in the first side wall, wherein the slidable handle may move the slidable locking pin to slide the locking pin end into the first opening to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the first position and slide the locking pin end into the second opening to lock the adjustable frame means in the second position, wherein the upper adjustable frame means is movable along the linear guide between the first position and the second position when the locking pin end is not in the first opening or the second opening; (b) a lower frame means including a through hole for receiving a second fitting; and (c) a manifold frame connected to the upper adjustable frame means and to the lower frame means, the manifold frame comprising a first opening and a second opening.

In another embodiment, a method for engaging a filter capsule in a manifold assembly is provided, the method comprising: placing a filter capsule having a first fitting and a second fitting into a manifold assembly, the manifold assembly comprising (a) an upper adjustable frame means comprising a block comprising a through hole for receiving the first fitting, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall and a rear wall, the rear wall comprising a locking pin opening and a cavity for receiving a linear guide, the linear guide comprising a slotted plate, wherein the linear guide is mounted to the block and arranged to vertically guide the adjustable frame means between a first position and a second position; a slidable handle disposed on the first sidewall; a slot in the first sidewall; a slidable locking pin disposed in the block, the slidable locking pin having an end, wherein the slidable locking pin may extend from the block through the locking pin opening when the handle is slidably moved horizontally, wherein the slidable handle is connected to the slidable locking pin by at least one retainer passing through the slot in the first side wall, wherein the slidable handle may move the slidable locking pin to slide the locking pin end into the first opening to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the first position and slide the locking pin end into the second opening to lock the adjustable frame means in the second position, wherein the upper adjustable frame means is movable along the linear guide between the first position and the second position when the locking pin end is not in the first opening or the second opening; (b) a lower frame means including a through hole for receiving a second fitting; and (c) a manifold frame connected to the upper adjustable frame means and to the lower frame means, the manifold frame comprising a first opening and a second opening; placing the second fitting into the through hole of the lower frame assembly; moving the upper adjustable frame assembly from the first position to the second position and placing the first fitting in the through hole of the upper adjustable frame assembly; and moving the movable handle to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the second position.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a manifold assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention with an upper adjustable frame assembly locked in a second position. Fig. 1 also shows exemplary upper and lower connection port fittings.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the manifold assembly shown in fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the upper adjustable frame assembly of the manifold assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the lower frame assembly of the manifold assembly shown in FIG. 1, further illustrating a lower connection port fitting including a second fluid fitting fluid port, wherein a lower connection port fitting nut is also shown in cross-sectional view.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connection port fitting connected to a manifold assembly, further including a portion of a conduit passing through the fitting, wherein the conduit is in fluid communication with the manifold assembly.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the manifold assembly shown in FIG. 1, wherein the movable handle has been moved to unlock the upper adjustable frame set, and the upper adjustable frame set is unlocked in the second position.

Figure 5B shows a filter capsule to be placed in the manifold assembly shown in figure 5A, the filter capsule having a first fitting and a second fitting, wherein the upper adjustable frame means has been moved vertically upwards to a first position and the moveable handle has been moved to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the first position prior to placing the filter capsule in the manifold assembly.

Fig. 5C shows in side view that the filter capsule remains moved vertically and horizontally for placement in the manifold assembly, wherein the movable handle has been moved to unlock the upper adjustable frame means in the first position and the second fitting is engaged with the second fitting flow port.

FIG. 5D shows a filter capsule placed in the manifold assembly shown in FIG. 5C, wherein the upper adjustable frame means has been moved vertically downward to a second position, the moveable handle has been moved to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the second position, and the first fitting is engaged with the first fitting flow port such that a radial seal is formed between the first fitting and the first fitting flow port and between the second fitting and the second fitting fluid flow port.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the embodiment of the manifold assembly shown in fig. 1, showing the filter capsule in the correct position when the top wall of the upper adjustable frame means is aligned with the inward facing arrow labeled "locked" and the upper adjustable frame means is locked in the second position, if the filter capsule has been inserted.

Detailed Description

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a manifold assembly for use with a filter capsule having a first fitting and a second fitting, the manifold assembly comprising: (a) an upper adjustable frame device comprising a block comprising a through hole for receiving the first fitting, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall and a rear wall, the rear wall comprising a locking pin opening and a cavity for receiving a linear guide, the linear guide comprising a slotted plate, wherein the linear guide is mounted to the block and arranged to vertically guide the adjustable frame device between a first position and a second position; a slidable handle disposed on the first sidewall; a slot in the first sidewall; a slidable locking pin disposed in the block, the slidable locking pin having an end, wherein the slidable locking pin may extend from the block through the locking pin opening when the handle is slidably moved horizontally, wherein the slidable handle is connected to the slidable locking pin by at least one retainer through the slot in the first side wall, wherein the slidable handle may move the slidable locking pin to slide the locking pin end into the first opening to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the first position and slide the locking pin end into the second opening to lock the adjustable frame means in the second position, wherein the upper adjustable frame means is movable between the first position and the second position along the linear guide when the locking pin end is not in the first opening or the second opening; (b) a lower frame means including a through hole for receiving a second fitting; and (c) a manifold frame connected to the upper adjustable frame means and to the lower frame means, the manifold frame comprising a first opening and a second opening.

In another embodiment, a method for engaging a filter capsule in a manifold assembly is provided, the method comprising: placing a filter capsule having a first fitting and a second fitting into a manifold assembly, the manifold assembly comprising (a) an upper adjustable frame means comprising a block comprising a through hole for receiving the first fitting, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall and a rear wall, the rear wall comprising a locking pin opening and a cavity for receiving a linear guide, the linear guide comprising a slotted plate, wherein the linear guide is mounted to the block and arranged to vertically guide the adjustable frame means between a first position and a second position; a slidable handle disposed on the first sidewall; a slot in the first sidewall; a slidable locking pin disposed in the block, the slidable locking pin having an end, wherein upon slidably moving the handle horizontally, the slidable locking pin can extend from the block through the locking pin opening, wherein the slidable handle is connected to the slidable locking pin by at least one retainer through the slot in the first side wall, wherein the slidable handle can move the slidable locking pin to slide the locking pin end into the first opening to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the first position and slide the locking pin end into the second opening to lock the adjustable frame means in the second position, wherein when the locking pin end is not in the first opening or the second opening, the upper adjustable frame means can move along the linear guide between the first position and the second position; (b) a lower frame means including a through hole for receiving a second fitting; and (c) a manifold frame connected to the upper adjustable frame means and to the lower frame means, the manifold frame comprising a first opening and a second opening; placing the second fitting into the through hole of the lower frame assembly; moving the upper adjustable frame assembly from the first position to the second position and placing the first fitting in the through hole of the upper adjustable frame assembly; and moving the movable handle to lock the upper adjustable frame means in the second position.

Advantageously, the filter capsule can be installed in the manifold assembly, can be easily connected and disconnected, and can be quickly replaced in a limited space. In addition, the filter capsule can be easily installed without the need to separately connect each filter capsule fitting to the manifold assembly. Further, the filter capsule may be inserted into the manifold assembly and engaged without rotating the filter capsule.

Embodiments of the present invention may be used with a variety of filters and filter capsules, including, for example, filter and filter capsules available from Pall Corporation (East Hills, NY). The filters and filter capsules are suitable for filtering various fluids including, but not limited to, various slurries and liquids, such as Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) slurries.

Each of the components of the present invention will now be described in greater detail below, with like components having like reference numerals.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a manifold assembly 600, the manifold assembly 600 comprising: upper adjustable frame set 100, upper adjustable frame set 100 comprising block 150, block 150 comprising top wall 151 and bottom wall 152, through hole 101 (shown in fig. 3) for receiving a first fitting, first side wall 153, second side wall 154, front wall 155 and rear wall 156, the through hole passing through the top and bottom walls, the rear wall comprising locking pin opening 156A and cavity 156B for receiving linear guide 190, linear guide 190 comprising slotted plate 191 sliding on track 192, wherein the linear guide is mounted to the block via track 192 (wherein the track is mounted to the block via retainers 193A and 193B such as bolts and/or screws or press fits) and arranged to vertically guide the adjustable frame set between a first position and a second position; a slidable handle 175, the slidable handle 175 being disposed on the first side wall, the slidable handle having a front wall or face 171; a slot 176, the slot 176 in the first side wall; a slidable locking pin 177 disposed in the block, the slidable locking pin 177 having an end 177A that can be retracted toward (e.g., into) the block and extended from the block (e.g., through locking pin opening 156A) when the handle is slidably moved horizontally, wherein the slidable handle is connected to the slidable locking pin by at least one retainer (two retainers 175A and 175B, such as bolts and/or screws (or press fit pieces) are shown connected to the locking pin 177 at openings 175C and 175D) passing through a slot in the first side wall, wherein the slidable handle can move the slidable locking pin to slide the locking pin end into the first opening 195A to lock the upper adjustable frame work in the first position and slide the locking pin end into the second opening 195B to lock the adjustable frame work in the second position, wherein the upper adjustable frame means is movable along the linear guide between the first and second positions when the locking pin end is not in the first opening or the second opening; (b) a lower frame device 200, the lower frame device 200 comprising a through hole 201 for receiving a second fitting; and (c) a manifold frame 300, the manifold frame 300 being connected to the upper adjustable frame means and to the lower frame means, the manifold frame comprising a first opening and a second opening.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper adjustable frame arrangement has a general "L" shape such that the block includes a lower second front wall 155A and a lower second bottom wall 152A, and portions of the side walls 153 and 154 facing the manifold frame 300 extend from the top wall 151 to the lower second bottom wall 152A, and other portions of the side walls 153 and 154 extend from the top wall 151 to the bottom wall 152.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 1 and 3, the slidable locking pin 177 is prevented from exiting the locking pin opening 154A by the retaining ring 178, and an optional positioning pin 177 'is connected to the locking pin 177 (e.g., by a threaded or press fit), wherein the positioning pin 177' provides an end 177A, and the locking pin 177 can slide through the retaining ring 178, and the end 177A can slide into the first opening 195A or the second opening 195B. Alternatively, the slidable locking pin 177 may itself have an end 177A.

In an exemplary embodiment (e.g., as shown in fig. 1 and 2), the lower frame device 200 includes top and bottom walls 251 and 252, a first side wall 253, a second side wall 254, a front wall 255, and a rear wall 256, wherein a through-hole 201 for receiving a second fitting passes through the top and bottom walls.

In an exemplary embodiment (e.g., fig. 1), the manifold frame 300 has a front surface 355 and the back surface 356 includes a gasket 195 disposed in the cavity 196 in the front surface, wherein the gasket has a first opening 195A and a second opening 195B; however, the gasket is optional and the opening may be located directly in the front face 355 of the manifold frame.

The upper and lower adjustable frame means may be connected to the manifold frame, for example by screws and/or bolts, as is known in the art.

Fig. 1 also shows an upper connection port fitting 701 and a lower connection port fitting 702.

As will be discussed in more detail below, each of the upper and lower frame means is configured to receive a filter capsule via the through-hole 101 in the upper frame means and via the through-hole 201 in the lower frame means.

Fig. 1 and 2 show an upper connection port fitting 701 and a lower connection port fitting 702, the upper connection port fitting 701 and the lower connection port fitting 702 comprising nuts 701A and 702A and hollow bodies 701B and 702B, respectively. The exemplary hollow body shown in fig. 3 includes a first fitting fluid flow port 701C, and the exemplary hollow body shown in fig. 4A includes a second fitting fluid flow port 702C. Generally, as shown in FIG. 4B, the hollow body and nut include corresponding threads, and the end of the hollow body is configured to mate to the inner diameter of a conduit (tubing; shown here as having a flared end) such that the conduit can provide fluid communication with the manifold assembly when the nut is tightened on the threads of the hollow body. Although not shown in the figures, the hollow body may be attached to the frame means, e.g. by threads, press fit, etc., as known in the art.

A variety of connection port fittings are suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention and are known in the art.

According to an embodiment of the method for engaging a filter capsule in a manifold assembly, and with reference to fig. 5A to 5D, wherein the upper adjustable frame means 100 of the manifold assembly is initially moved from the second position (fig. 5A) to the first position (fig. 5B), a filter capsule 900 having a first fitting 901 and a second fitting 902 is placed in an embodiment of the manifold assembly, the filter capsule is moved horizontally while being held vertically, and when the second fitting is placed in the through hole 201, the filter capsule is moved downwards while being held vertically (fig. 5C).

As shown in fig. 1, 5B and 5D, when the upper adjustable frame assembly is locked in either the first or second position, the handle surface 171 will be in the same plane as the front wall 155 of the block. Thus, if the handle face is not in the same plane as the front wall of the block, the user will know that: the locking pin is not in the first opening or the second opening and the upper frame means is not locked in place.

When the handle 175 is moved horizontally to unlock the upper adjustable frame mount from the first position (fig. 5C), the upper adjustable frame mount is moved downward to the second position, the first fitting is placed in the through hole 101, and the handle is moved to lock the upper adjustable frame mount in the second position (fig. 5D).

Thus, the filter capsule may be inserted into the manifold assembly and engaged without rotating the filter capsule.

In some embodiments, the manifold assembly comprises an indicator showing to an operator of the assembly that the filter capsule has been installed in the correct position, and/or that the upper adjustable frame means is locked in the second position. If a filter capsule has been inserted, as shown in figure 6, the filter capsule is in the correct position when the top wall 151 of the upper adjustable frame means is aligned with the inward facing arrow marked "locked" and the upper adjustable frame means is locked in the second position.

Preferably, the filter capsule may be mounted in the manifold assembly and form a radial seal between the first fitting and the first fitting fluid flow port and between the second fitting and the second fitting fluid flow port.

In embodiments for filter capsules of different configurations having a filter inlet fitting and a filter outlet fitting, the through-holes may be dimensioned such that the filter capsule can only be unidirectionally mounted in the manifold assembly, thereby ensuring correct orientation of the filter capsule during use.

The fluid may be filtered by the filter capsule. The filter capsule first fitting may be a filter inlet fitting or a filter outlet fitting. Typically, the filter capsule first fitting is an outlet fitting, such that during filtration, filtered fluid passes from the filter outlet fitting and through the first fitting fluid flow port.

Once filtration is complete, after moving the movable plate and rotating the handle, the manifold may be placed in the first fitment disengaged position and the filter capsule may be removed and a new capsule inserted.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and "at least one" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of a and B") should be understood to mean one item selected from the listed items (a or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (a and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.