Fluid filtering device

Abstract

A fluid filtering device is provided for connection with a fluid line. The fluid device includes a housing having a fluid inlet on one end, a fluid outlet on the other end and a fluid passage for connecting the inlet to the outlet. The fluid passage includes an elongated cylindrical wall portion along its length. A filter assembly comprising a tubular filter element open at each end and a cap attached to a first axial end of the filter element is insertable within the housing so that the other or second end of the filter element is received within and sealingly engages the cylindrical wall portion of the fluid passage when the cap is connected to the housing. With the filter assembly thus positioned, the outer periphery or exterior of the tubular filter element is open to the housing inlet while, conversely, the interior of the filter element is open to the housing fluid outlet. The filter element furthermore is axially slidably mounted between a first and second position with respect to the cap while a helical spring urges the filter element towards its first position. In the first position, the first axial end of the filter element sealingly abuts against the cap. Conversely, as the differential pressure across the filter element increases, the filter element moves outwardly from the cap and towards its second position and uncovers fluid bypass ports through the cap. The bypass ports enable direct fluid flow from the housing inlet and to the outlet while bypassing the filter element.