Filter cartridge and system using linear actuation

#Filter cartridges are used in a wide variety of applications to filter various liquids such as water. Filter cartridges, especially filter cartridges used to filter water in refrigerators, can be attached to a manifold using a quick disconnect system for easy replacement of the filter cartridge when necessary. Often, the quick disconnect system uses one or more lugs extending from the filter cartridge that mate with corresponding recesses in the manifold. To install a new filter cartridge, the lugs are aligned with the recesses and the filter cartridge is then rotated clockwise to lock the filter cartridge into position. To unlock the filter cartridge, the filter cartridge is rotated counter-clockwise. One issue with the above described system is that sufficient clearance must be provided around the filter cartridge in order to enable a user to grasp and rotate the filter cartridge in both directions when removing and installing a new filter cartridge. In some applications, sufficient space for a user's hand and/or fingers is not present around the filter cartridge for generating the required torque which prevents utilization of the twist and lock style filter system.

#A straight line push/pull filter cartridge system is disclosed in U.S. patent publication number 2007/0199876 dated Aug. 20, 2007 by Tubby. Such a system works well in applications where insufficient clearance is present to use the twist and lock style system that requires filter cartridge rotation. In the straight line push/pull system, the filter cartridge does not rotate during insertion or removal and the filter cartridge is guided in a linear motion. The push/pull filter cartridge system uses rotating latches to secure the filter cartridge to the manifold. One issue with the straight line push/pull filter cartridge system is the complexity of the rotating latches and the inherent cost of producing such a filter cartridge system.

#The present disclosure overcomes the above issues by utilizing a filter cartridge system that converts linear force into rotational motion to advance and secure the filter cartridge onto the manifold. Once installed in the service position, additional linear force causes the filter cartridge to release and continue rotating in the same direction to remove the filter cartridge from the manifold. Unlike the straight line push/pull filter cartridge system, the present invention uses lugs and a cam track thereby greatly simplifying the complexity and reducing the cost.

#It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary construction.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter cartridge and a manifold.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve assembly.

#Repeated use of reference characters in the specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

#As used herein, forms of the words “comprise”, “have”, and “include” are legally equivalent and open-ended. Therefore, additional non-recited elements, functions, steps or limitations may be present in addition to the recited elements, functions, steps, or limitations.

#Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid filtration assembly 20 is shown. The filtration assembly 20 includes a manifold 21 and a filter cartridge 22. The filtration assembly 20 utilizes a quick disconnect system in order to enable the filter cartridge 22 to be quickly replaced by a user without the need for tools. The manifold 21 includes a valve assembly 24 in liquid communication with the filter cartridge 22 for routing fluids into and out of the filter cartridge 22 and for shutting off the incoming fluid flow during the filter cartridge 22 replacement. The manifold 21 also includes a coupling bracket 26 for coupling the filter cartridge 22 to the manifold 21 and for mounting the filtration assembly 20 to a suitable surface.