CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application Serial No. 61/898,549, filed November 1, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to strainer assemblies that may be used in fluid lubrication systems, including a strainer assembly having a plurality of funnel-shaped members that can be configured in an axially spaced arrangement relative to one another.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Strainer assemblies can be used in a wide-range of fluid systems, including fluid lubrication systems, to remove particles and other types of debris from fluid circulating through the system. For example, a strainer assembly may typically include a strainer element disposed within a housing. The strainer element may comprise a screen or mesh. As fluid passes through the strainer element, the screen or mesh can be configured to capture and separate unwanted particles and other types of debris from the fluid.

[0004] However, although known strainer assemblies function in an acceptable manner, it may be desirable to provide a strainer assembly that can improve the separation and

accumulation of debris, can reduce or limit pressure drops across the strainer, and/or can improve flow dynamics in the system.

SUMMARY

[0005] A strainer assembly may include a strainer disposed in a housing. The strainer can have an outer perimeter and an interior portion. A plurality of funnel-shaped members may be disposed in the strainer. The funnel-shaped members can be configured in an axially spaced arrangement relative to one another. A debris collector may be provided at or about an end of the funnel-shaped members and can be configured to collect debris gathered by the funnel- shaped members. [0006] Various aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the various embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strainer assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the strainer assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein a housing of the strainer assembly is shown in cross-section.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the strainer assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein various internal components of the strainer assembly are shown in cross-section.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the strainer assembly illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein a debris collector is shown removed from the housing.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of various internal components of a strainer assembly, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein an operation of the strainer assembly is generally illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of various internal components of a strainer assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, a strainer assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally illustrated at 10. The strainer assembly 10 can be used in a wide- range of fluid systems, including fluid lubrication systems for example, to separate and remove unwanted particles and other types of debris from fluid circulating through the system. The strainer assembly 10 may also be configured to limit or reduce pressure drops across the strainer and improve flow dynamics in the system. It should be appreciated, however, that the strainer assembly 10 can be used in other suitable environments and for other suitable purposes.

[0016] In a non- limiting embodiment, the strainer assembly 10 may include a housing 12. The housing 12 can be a generally cylindrical-shaped member having a first end 12A and a second end 12B. In other embodiments, however, the housing 12 may comprise other suitable shapes or configurations, and can have a variety of suitable dimensions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] As generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 12 may include an inlet port 14 and an outlet port 16. The inlet port 14 and the outlet port 16 may be in fluid communication with an internal chamber 18 of the housing 12. In a non-limiting embodiment, the inlet port 14 may extend through the first end 12A of the housing 12. In such an embodiment, for example, a supply of fluid may enter the internal chamber 18 through the inlet port 14 in a generally axial direction relative to the housing 12, as will be generally described below.

[0018] The outlet port 16 may generally extend through a side wall of the housing 12, such as between the first end 12A and the second end 12B. For example, the outlet port 16 can be configured to discharge fluid from the internal chamber 18 in a generally radial direction relative to the housing 12, which, if desired, may be generally perpendicular to the inlet port 14. In such an example, the housing 12 may define a generally L-shaped flow path from the inlet port 14 to the outlet port 16. In another non-limiting example, as generally shown, the outlet port 16 may be axially spaced from the second end 12B of the housing 12. In this example, the housing 12 may define a generally J-shaped flow path from the inlet port 14 to the outlet port 16. In other embodiments, the inlet port 14 and the outlet port 16 can extend through various other locations of the housing 12 or may be arranged in other configurations relative to one another.

[0019] As generally shown in FIG. 2, the internal chamber 18 may axially extend within the housing 12 and can be generally cylindrical in shape, although such a shape is not required. A first end of the internal chamber 18 may be in fluid communication with the inlet port 14. A second end of the internal chamber 18 may define an opening in the second end 12B of the housing 12, for purposes which will be generally explained below. In a non- limiting embodiment, the internal chamber 18 may be concentrically aligned with the inlet port 14 along a centerline CL. It should be appreciated, however, that the internal chamber 18 may comprise other suitable shapes or configurations, and can have a suitable size (i.e., dimensions) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The strainer assembly 10 may also include a strainer 20, which may be disposed within the internal chamber 18 of the housing 12. In a non-limiting embodiment, the strainer 20 may include a support frame 22, although such is not required. The support frame 22 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may include, for example, a pair of annular rings defining opposite ends of the strainer 20 and a plurality of axial support legs extending between the rings. The support frame 22 may, however, have various other shapes, designs, or structural configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] The strainer 20 may also include a strainer element 24 that can be supported by the support frame 22. The strainer element 24 may be configured to capture and remove particles and other types of debris from fluid that passes through the strainer 20. For example and without limitation, the strainer element 24 can be a screen, a mesh, or other suitable type of filtering element. In an embodiment, the strainer element 24 may extend around a circumference of the support frame 22 in a generally cylindrical fashion to define an outer perimeter or wall and an interior portion of the strainer 20. The strainer element 24 can be secured to or otherwise supported by the support frame 22 in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one non-limiting example, the strainer element 24 may be molded-in-place with the support frame 22. In other examples, the strainer element 24 may be adhered to or otherwise mechanically attached to the support frame 22.

[0022] As generally shown in FIG. 2, the strainer 20 may be attached to or otherwise provided on a strainer support 26. The strainer support 26 may, in turn, be attached to the second end 12B of the housing 12 such that the strainer 20 can be disposed within the internal chamber 18. It should be appreciated that the strainer 20 may be attached to the strainer support 26 using a press-fit connection, an adhesive, a welded connection, a threaded connection, or other suitable connections. In other embodiments, the strainer 20 and the strainer support 26 may be integrally formed using, for example, various molding processes or other suitable manufacturing methods, although such is not required.

[0023] In a non-limiting embodiment, the strainer support 26 may be configured to close-off and seal the open end of the internal chamber 18. For example, a portion of the strainer support 26 may generally correspond in shape with the open end of the internal chamber 18. As such, the corresponding portion of the strainer support 26 may be partially inserted within or otherwise mated with the open end of the chamber 18 to, among other things, help secure the strainer support 26 to the housing 12 and close the open end of the chamber 18. The strainer support 26 can be secured to the housing 12 using a press-fit connection, an adhesive, a welded connection, a threaded connection, or other suitable connections. A sealing member (e.g., an o-ring) may be optionally provided on the strainer support 26 to create a sealed connection with the housing 12. Some additional features that may be associated with the strainer support 26 are described below.

[0024] As generally illustrated in FIG. 2, the strainer 20 can be supported within the housing 12 such that the strainer 20 may be concentrically aligned with the inlet port 14 and the internal chamber 18 along the centerline CL, although such is not required. Furthermore, an outer diameter of the strainer 20 may be relatively smaller than an inner diameter of the internal chamber 18. Thus, a generally cylindrical-shaped gap may be formed between an outer surface of the strainer 20 and an inner wall of the housing 12, which forms the internal chamber 18. The cylindrical-shaped gap may be in fluid communication with the outlet port 16 for purposes which will be generally described below. It should be appreciated that the internal chamber 18 and the strainer 20 may have various suitable dimensions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 5, the strainer assembly 10 and, more particularly, the strainer 20, may also include a plurality of funnel-shaped members 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D (collectively referred to as "the funnel-shaped members 28"). As generally shown, the funnel- shaped members 28 may be disposed within an internal portion of the strainer 20. Although a quantity of four funnel-shaped members 28 are generally shown, it should be appreciated that the strainer 20 may include other suitable numbers of funnel-shaped members 28.

[0026] In a non-limiting embodiment, each of the funnel-shaped members 28 may define an inlet opening (i.e., nearest the inlet port 14) having a first diameter and an outlet opening (i.e., nearest the strainer support 26) having a second diameter. The first diameter may be smaller than the second diameter so as to respectively form the funnel-shaped member 28. The funnel- shaped members 28 may have suitable dimensions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] As generally shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the funnel-shaped members 28 may be supported within the strainer 20 in an axially spaced configuration relative to one another. For example and without limitation, the funnel-shaped members 28 may be supported by a plurality of support legs 29. The support legs 29 may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another around an outer perimeter of the funnel-shaped members 28. In turn, the funnel-shaped members 28 may be attached to the support legs 29 using a wide-variety of suitable connections, some examples of which will be generally described below. The support legs 29 and the funnel- shaped members 28 may, in turn, be attached to or otherwise provided on the strainer support 26 and disposed within the strainer 20.

[0028] In a non-limiting embodiment, such as generally shown in FIG. 5, the funnel-shaped members 28 may each include a plurality of radially extending support arms, which may be configured to attach the funnel-shaped members 28 to the support legs 29. For example, the radially extending support arms may be secured to the support legs 29 using structural support features, adhesives, fasteners, or other suitable connections.

[0029] In another embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 6, the support legs 29 may be configured to support each funnel-shaped member 28 in a nested arrangement. For example, each support leg 29 may define a generally zig-zag shaped leg. As such, the support legs 29 may collaborate to form funnel-shaped sections that generally correspond in shape with the respective funnel-shaped members 28. In doing so, the funnel-shaped members 28 may be supported within the funnel-shaped sections of the support legs 29. It should be appreciated, however, that the support legs 29 may have other suitable designs and structural configurations to, among other functions, support the funnel-shaped members 28 within the strainer 20 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] In another embodiment, the funnel-shaped members 28 may each include axially extending legs such that individual funnel-shaped members 28 can be connected to one another in a stacked configuration. In yet another embodiment, the funnel-shaped members 28 and the support legs 29 may be integrally formed as a unitary component using suitable molding processes or other manufacturing processes.

[0031] As generally shown in FIG. 6, the funnel-shaped members 28 may be supported relative to one another such that an axial gap may exist between adjacent funnel-shaped members 28. For example, the outlet opening of the first funnel-shaped member 28 A may be axially spaced from the inlet opening of the adjacent second funnel-shaped member 28B and so on, thereby forming an axial gap between adjacent funnel-shaped members 28. The axial gap between adjacent funnel-shaped members 28 may be configured to direct fluid flow out of the strainer 20 in a generally radial direction, which can be generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow entering the inlet port 14 of the housing 12.

[0032] In another embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 5, the funnel-shaped members 28 may be supported relative to one another such that an annular gap may exist between adjacent funnel-shape members 28. For example, the outlet opening of the first funnel-shaped member 28A may be at least partially inserted within the inlet opening of an adjacent second funnel- shaped member 28B. Since a diameter of the outlet opening of the first funnel-shaped member 28A is smaller than a diameter of the inlet opening of the adjacent second funnel-shaped member 28B, an annular gap is formed between adjacent funnel-shaped members 28. In such an example, the annular gap between adjacent funnel-shaped members 28 may be configured to direct fluid flow out of the strainer 20 in a generally radial direction, which can be generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow entering the inlet port 14 of the housing 12. All of the adjacent funnel-shaped members 28 or any combination or subset thereof can be arranged as described herein or above.

[0033] As generally shown in FIG. 5, the funnel-shaped members 28 may be concentrically aligned with one another along an axis or centerline CL of the strainer 20. In other

embodiments, however, the funnel-shaped members 28 may be radially offset from one another in a staggered arrangement or may otherwise be arranged to form a spiral flow path, in addition to various other suitable configurations.

[0034] In a non-limiting embodiment, such as generally shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, the funnel-shaped members 28 may progressively decrease in size, respectively, from a first end of the strainer 20 (i.e., nearest the inlet opening 14) to a second end of the strainer 20 (i.e., nearest the strainer support 18). For example, the respective diameters of the second funnel-shaped member 28B can be relatively smaller than the respective diameters of the first funnel-shaped member 28A. Likewise, the respective diameters of the third funnel-shaped member 28C can be relatively smaller than the respective diameters of the second funnel-shaped member 28B, and so on. It should also be appreciated that the funnel-shaped members 28 can have various suitable dimensions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, the strainer assembly 10 may also include a debris collector 30. For example, as generally shown in FIG. 4, the debris collector 30 may be removably attached to the strainer support 26 for purposes which will be generally explained below. In a non- limiting example, the debris collector 30 may be removably attached to the strainer support 26 in a suitable manner including, but not limited to, a tongue-and-groove connection, a threaded connection, or a quick-disconnect connection.

[0036] In an embodiment, the debris collector 30 may include a tip portion 32, which can be configured to be inserted within an internal portion of the strainer 20. For example, when the debris collector 30 is attached to the strainer support 26, the tip portion 32 may extend through an aperture formed in the strainer support 26. As generally shown in FIG. 3, the tip portion 32 may be positioned at or near an outlet opening of the fourth funnel-shaped member 28D. In a non-limiting embodiment, the tip portion 32 of the debris collector 30 may include a magnetic or electro-magnetic element to facilitate the collection and accumulation of particles, such as metallic particles or shavings, and other types of magnetic debris. In other embodiments, however, the debris collector 30 need not be magnetic. A sealing member (e.g., an o-ring) may optionally be provided on the debris collector 30 or the strainer support 26 to create a sealed connection between the debris collector 30 and the strainer support 26.

[0037] The strainer assembly 10 may also include a valve assembly 40. In a non-limiting embodiment, the valve assembly 40 may be configured to close the aperture in the strainer support 26 when the debris collector 30 is removed from the housing 12. For example, as generally shown in FIG. 3, the valve assembly 40 may include a valve housing that can be supported on the strainer support 26. As such, when the strainer support 26 is attached to the housing 12, the valve housing may be positioned within the strainer 20. A valve member 42 may be movably supported within the valve housing and configured to close the aperture in the strainer support 26 when the debris collector 30 is removed from the housing 12. A biasing member 44, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 4, may be provided to bias the valve member 42 in the closed position. For example, the biasing member 44 can be an extension spring or the like and may be disposed between an inner surface of the valve housing and the valve member 42. As such, when the debris collector 30 is removed from the strainer support 26, the biasing member 44 may automatically close the valve member 42, thereby preventing or reducing the release of fluid that may otherwise escape through the aperture in the strainer support 26. It should appreciated that the valve assembly 40 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, but can be other suitable types of valves and can have other suitable configurations to accomplish these and other functions.

[0038] An operation of the strainer assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure will now be generally described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6. A supply of fluid may enter the strainer assembly 10 through the inlet port 14 of the housing 12 and flow in a generally axial direction into the strainer 20. As the fluid enters the strainer 20, relatively heavier particles and larger debris may be funneled or otherwise directed by the funnel-shaped members 28 to a collection site, which can be located near the debris collector 30. The funneled particles and debris can be collected by the tip portion 32 of the debris collector 30.

[0039] The fluid may then be directed in a generally outward direction (i.e. , a radial direction) through the gaps provided between adjacent funnel-shaped members 28. The fluid may then pass through the strainer element 24, which may remove remaining particles and debris from the fluid. As the fluid exits the strainer 20, it enters the internal chamber 18 of the housing 12 and subsequently exits the housing 12 through the outlet port 16.

[0040] Among other things, the design of the strainer assembly 10 may be configured to reduce or limit a pressure drop across the strainer assembly 10 while also improving flow dynamics in the system. For example, by separating the relatively heavier particles and larger debris from the fluid prior to the fluid passing through the strainer element 24, the funnel-shaped members 28 may help to reduce or limit pressure drops across the strainer element 24 that may otherwise be caused by excessive buildup of particles and debris. Moreover, the arrangement of the funnel-shaped members 28 may allow fluid to generally flow outward and against the direction of system flow, which may limit adverse effects of flow dynamics in the fluid system. [0041] The funneled particles and debris that are collected by the debris collector 30 can be removed from the strainer assembly 10 by disconnecting the debris collector 30 from the strainer support 26. When the debris collector 30 is detached from the strainer support 26 and the tip portion 32 is removed from the strainer 20, the valve assembly 40 may automatically close the aperture in the strainer support 26, thereby preventing or reducing the release of fluid from the strainer assembly 10. Thus, among other things, the strainer assembly 10 may be configured to enable the debris collector 30 to be cleaned and/or replaced as needed during continuous operation of the fluid lubrication system in which the strainer assembly 10 is being used.

[0042] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their equivalents.