RU2783390C1 - Filter element with end cap assembly and cast gasket - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: fluid clarification.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a filter element for cleaning a fluid medium. The filter element comprises a filtration material having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis; at least one end cap assembly having a first toroidal profile with the outlet of the filter element aligned with the longitudinal axis and next to at least one end of the filtration material; the first element having a second toroidal profile and coaxial end cap relative to the longitudinal axis; the first element located radially away from the end cap and the filtration material and located axially between the end cap and the other end of the filtration material; and a set of support arms connecting the end cap to the first element, where each support arm contains the first section extending from the end cap to the intersection point, and the second section, extending from the intersection point to the first element, with the second section offset at an angle relative to the first section. The first section extends from the end cap to the first element in the axial direction, and the second section extends from the intersection point to the first element in the radial direction.

EFFECT: provision of compaction in the filter element, reducing the volume of unfiltered fluid bypassing by the filtration material.

13 cl, 9 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to filters, and in particular to fluid filtration devices.

Prerequisites for the creation of the invention

Cartridge-type fluid filters, such as fuel or lubrication filters, connected to an engine typically include a replaceable filter element located inside a housing that is threaded to the engine. An unfiltered liquid medium, such as fuel or lubricant, enters the filter through the inlet port, solid particles are removed from the unfiltered liquid by the filter element, and the filtered liquid medium enters the engine through the outlet port. The filter element typically comprises a cylindrical filter material, such as a cloth or other porous material, held within the housing by one or more end caps such that unfiltered liquid usually flows through the filter material in a radial direction. The end cap typically holds and/or positions the filter media within the housing in relation to the inlet and outlet ports. Fluid filters typically include one or more seals that seal between the inlet and outlet to reduce or eliminate the possibility of unfiltered fluid bypassing the filter material.

Typically, the filter elements of such fluid filters are often replaced to reduce pressure drop across the filter media to eliminate general seal wear and/or otherwise attempt to maintain proper fluid filter operation. To replace the filter element, its housing is usually unscrewed from the engine, the seals between the inlet and outlet streams are removed, the old filter element is removed from the housing and a new filter element is inserted, and the housing is re-screwed to the engine. An operator replacing the filter cartridge may fill the housing with fluid to avoid and/or reduce air entrapment in the fluid system. This priming fluid is often used and/or unfiltered fluid, and the priming of the housing requires great care to avoid that the priming fluid enters the exit side of the filter material, i.e. side of the filtered fluid. In addition, routine re-installation of old or new seals during filter cartridge replacement is necessary to create a sufficient seal between the inlet and outlet and thus reduce the volume of unfiltered fluid bypassing the filter media. The presence of unfiltered fluid/or priming fluid downstream of the filtration material due to insufficient sealing and/or priming by the operator is capable of causing damage to one or more engine components during operation.

U.S. Patent No. 6,626,299 ("299 Patent") to Brown et al. disclosed is a filter cartridge for use in a filtering device. The corrugated paper filter material is formed into a cylinder, and the end caps on the axial ends of the cylinder retain the filter profile. The seals match the end caps. At least one side has a radial seal made on the outer circumference of the filter cartridge to protect the corresponding end cap from a higher pressure area on its outer circumference. The other axial end may have a similar radial filter in some applications, and in other applications where flow at that end of the filter is undesirable, an axial seal specially designed to protect the associated end cap from the higher pressure area on its outer circumference may be used. Maintaining a lower pressure on the respective end caps introduces different axial loads on the tensile filter and thus prevents axial breaking loads from being applied to the filter cartridge.

The present invention is directed to solving one or more of the problems found by the inventors.

Brief summary of the invention

A filter element is provided for use in a fluid filtration device disclosed herein. The filter element contains a filtration material having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, and at least one end cover assembly fixedly attached to at least one end of the filtration material. At least one end cap assembly, comprising: an end cap having a first toroidal profile with a filter element outlet aligned with the longitudinal axis and adjacent to at least one end of the filter material; the first element having a second toroidal profile coaxial to the end cap relative to the longitudinal axis; the first element located in the radial direction away from the end cap and the filter material and located in the axial direction between the end cap and the other end of the filter material; and a plurality of support arms connecting the end cap to the first element, where each support arm contains a first section extending from the end cap to the intersection section, and a second section extending from the intersection section to the first element, the second section being offset at an angle relative to the first section.

In another aspect, a replaceable filter element is disclosed for use in a fluid filtration device. The fluid filtering device comprises a housing and a support plate for placing a filter element between them inside the filter element chamber. The filter element comprises: a filter material having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end in the axial direction and intended for filtering unfiltered fluid; a filter material surrounding an interior space for receiving filtered fluid from the filter material; the first end cap, docked with the first end of the filtration material and aligned with the interior; a first end cap configured to supply filtered fluid to the machine; the first element coaxial to the first end cap and located in the radial direction away from the end cap and the filter material and offset in the axial direction from the first end cap to the second end of the filter material; the first element containing sealing means capable of engaging with the base plate and the housing, and sealing the fluid filtration device; and alignment means containing a plurality of support arms connecting the end cap with the first element and made at least for twisting, bending, elongation, compression or combined action to center the filter element relative to the housing and the base plate by eliminating alignment deviations, at least between the base plate and the housing.

In another aspect, a fluid filtration device is disclosed herein. The fluid filtering device comprises: a housing having an end wall and an outer wall connecting the end wall with a protrusion forming a housing cavity, the housing having a first longitudinal axis between the end wall and the housing cavity; a base plate having a base plate cavity centered relative to the longitudinal axis and adjacent to the body cavity, the base plate comprising an upper wall opposite the base plate cavity, which is connected to the side wall of the base plate, where the base plate is connected to the body and forms a chamber therebetween; and a filter element located inside the chamber. The filter element contains: a filter material having a first end adjacent to the end wall of the housing; the second end adjacent to the base plate; a second longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end; and an end cap assembly fixedly attached to the first end of the filter material. The end cap assembly comprises: a first end cap having a filter element outlet aligned with the second longitudinal axis and adjacent to the first end of the filter material; the first element coaxial to the first end cap relative to the second longitudinal axis and the side wall of the base plate and the protrusion of the housing; the first element located in the radial direction away from the first end cap and the filter material, and located in the axial direction between the first end cap and the second end of the filter material; a plurality of support arms containing elastomeric material and connecting the first end cap to the first element, each support arm comprising a first section extending in the axial direction from the first end cap to the intersection section, and a second section extending in the radial direction from the intersection section to the first element , and the second section is offset at an angle relative to the first section, while a plurality of support arms are made to center the filter element relative to the base plate and housing.

Brief description of the drawings

Details of the embodiments of the present invention, both in terms of their structure and operation, can be partially gleaned from the study of the accompanying drawings, in which the same positions are usually indicated by the same numbers.

On fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid filtration device in accordance with the present invention.

On fig. 2 is an exploded view of the fluid filtration device shown in FIG. one.

On fig. 3 is a sectional view of the fluid filtration device shown in FIG. 1 along cutting plane A.

On fig. 4 is a partial sectional view of an exemplary gasket for the fluid filtration device shown in FIG. 1 with housing and base plate removed.

On fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the fluid filtration device shown in FIG. 1 along the secant plane A and B.

On fig. 6 is a perspective view of the filter element of the fluid filtration device with the housing and support plate removed, shown in FIG. one.

On fig. 7 and fig. 8 is an exploded view of an exemplary filter element for the fluid filtration device shown in FIG. 1 with housing and base plate removed.

On fig. 9 is a sectional view of the fluid filtration device shown in FIG. 1, along the secant plane B, having a different gasket option.

Detailed description of the invention

The detailed description of the invention set forth below with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent only the only embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The detailed description of the invention includes specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to understand the disclosure without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in simplified form for the sake of brevity. For clarity and ease of explanation, some of the surfaces have been omitted or enlarged.

In the context of this document, the term "toroidal" is used to refer to a plane that substantially or completely surrounds a central or longitudinal axis and has an opening (referred to here as an opening, outlet, space, etc.) forming a solid body. In the context of this document, a toroidal profile may refer to a toroidal or annular structure, a toroid (e.g., any geometric plane rotated about a longitudinal axis and forming a rigid body), and/or a toroidal polyhedron (e.g., an annular profile having the form of a polygon in plan, when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). Geometric profiles for forming a toroid may be, but are not limited to, squares, rectangles, pentagons, and so on. In addition, the toroidal profiles may be cylindrical or tubular and may have any type of profile in plan view, such as, but not limited to, round, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.

As used herein, the term "coaxial" may be used to refer to any one or more profiles or structures having a common center such that the larger structure substantially or completely surrounds the smaller structure.

On fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a machine fluid filtration device 100 (eg, an engine). The fluid filtration device 100 includes a base plate 500, a housing 700, and an end cap assembly 150 centered about a perpendicular axis 110. In the disclosure, references are made to a top end or top and a bottom end or bottom. Typically, top end and top references refer to top wall 515 of base plate 500. Typically, bottom end and bottom references refer to end wall 720 of base plate 700. FIG. 1 also shows an exemplary secant plane A and plane B having an angle α between them. The angle between them is chosen only to illustrate the embodiments disclosed here and may be different for different implementations within the scope of the present invention.

Fluid filtration device 100 may be one of several fluid system components (not shown) and may be configured to: receive unfiltered fluid from one or more components upstream of the fluid system; capturing particles suspended in the unfiltered fluid; filtering the fluid; and supplying the filtered fluid to one or more components downstream of the fluid system. The fluid system may be any type of fluid system, such as a fuel supply system, a lubrication system, and/or a coolant system, and may or may not be operatively coupled to the engine (not shown). In addition, the fluid filter device 100 may be configured to filter any type of fluid, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, lubricating oil, water, coolant, and/or any other type of fluid. It is contemplated that the fluid in a fluid system may be pressurized or unpressurized, and if so, any pressure.

On fig. 2 is an exploded view of the fluid filtration device 100. As shown in fig. 1, the fluid filtration device 100 includes a housing 700 and a base plate 500. The fluid filtration device 100 also includes a filter element 200 and an outlet compartment 600 centered about a perpendicular axis 110 and located between the base plate 500 and the housing 700. The edge 710 of the outer wall 715 is connected to the side wall 524 of the base plate 500 with at least a portion of the cap assembly 150 therebetween to provide a liquid seal (eg, airtight) to the fluid filter device 100. In addition, the body 700 may include a drain plug boss 740 on the end wall 720 adapted to screw in the drain plug 800. The drain plug boss 740 may be sealed by a first toroidal sealing element 830 and a second toroidal sealing element 840, each located within the first slot 824 under the seal and the second groove 822 under the seal of the drain plug 800, respectively. The filter element 200 may include a first filter material 210 having an inner space 218 in which the sleeve 220 is located. The filter material 210 and the inner space 218 are located between the end cap assembly 150 and the second end cap 240 at the first end and the second end, respectively. The end cap assembly 150 includes a first end cap 400 located adjacent to the base plate 500 and formed on a molded gasket 300, the gasket 300 being positioned between the first end cap 400 and the filter material 210. Each of the components of the fluid filtration device 100 may have a corresponding longitudinal an axis that is centered about the longitudinal axis 110.

On fig. 3 is a sectional view of the fluid filtration device 100 along the cutting plane A shown in FIG. one.

The base plate 500 includes a side wall 524, a top wall 515, and an opening 540 opposite the top wall 515 forming a base plate cavity 540 therebetween. The side wall 524 may have a generally toroidal profile and include a recessed and engaging mating surface 560 adapted to engage with the saddle mating surface 350, including a gasket 300, thereby providing a means for sealing the fluid filtration device 100. The base plate 500 may further comprise an inlet 510 on the side wall 524 and an outlet 520 on the top wall 515. The inlet 510 and outlet 520 are configured to connect the fluid filtration device 100 to, for example, an engine via one or more bolt holes. (not shown). In some embodiments, each inlet 510 and outlet 520 may include internal threads adapted to receive a respective nozzle or engine component such that the fluid filter device 100 is in fluid communication with the engine. Inlet port 510 may be configured to receive unfiltered fluid from one or more upstream fluid system components and capable of directing unfiltered fluid to filter element 200 through inlet chamber 530. In particular, inlet chamber 530 may be a generally annular the space enclosed by the side wall 524 and the top wall 515 relative to the longitudinal axis 110.

The outlet 520 may be in fluid communication with the outlet compartment 600. The outlet compartment 600 may include a side wall 620, an end wall 640, and an opening 605 opposite the end wall 640. The outlet compartment 600 may generally be an annular space surrounded by a side wall 620 and an end wall wall 640, relative to the longitudinal axis 110. The annular chamber may be configured as an outlet chamber 630 capable of fluidly connecting the filter element to the outlet 520. That is, the outlet 520 may be configured to receive filtered fluid from the filter element 200 through the outlet chamber 630 and capable of direct the filtered fluid to one or more downstream components of the fluid system. The side wall 620 may have a toroidal surface 650 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis around the opening 605. The toroidal surface 650 may engage with the top wall 515 of the base plate 500 to seal the outlet chamber 630 with respect to the inlet chamber 530. For example, the toroidal surface 650 may have one or a plurality of through holes 655 evenly spaced radially on the toroidal surface 650 through which fasteners (eg, screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) can secure the outlet compartment 600 to the base plate 500. In another embodiment, the adhesive, alone or in combination, may attach the outlet chamber 600 to the base plate 500. It is contemplated that both the inlet and outlet chambers 530, 630 may form a space within the base plate 500 having any profile and/or contour, e.g., polyhedral, at least within the outlet compartment 600 and the base plate 500.

The outlet compartment 600 may also include an outlet boss 610 protruding from the end wall 640 away from the outlet chamber 630. The outlet boss 610 may be adapted to mate with the end cap assembly 150, for example by installing a filter element (eg , an opening fluidically connecting the interior 118 to the outlet chamber 630) of the first end cap 400. In some embodiments, the outlet boss 610 is capable of forming a seal within the filter element outlet 405 to seal downstream the filtered fluid channel to one or more fluid system components.

As shown in fig. 3, the base plate 500 includes a drain plug boss 553 capable of receiving a drain plug 800. A drain plug boss 5x53 extends from the top wall 515 to the side, and in some embodiments, into an outlet chamber 630. The drain plug boss 553 includes a cavity 550 capable of receiving drain plug 800. In various embodiments, cavity 550 has an internally threaded portion 555.

The housing 700 may have an outer wall 715 with an edge 710 and an end wall 720, forming a housing cavity 730 therebetween. Outer wall 715 has a generally toroidal profile around body cavity 730 adjacent base plate 500 and is capable of mating and/or otherwise engaging gasket 300 via saddle mating surface 350 at edge 710. End wall 720 may be located at end outer wall 715 opposite the housing cavity 730. By connecting the housing cavity 730 and the support plate cavity 540, an inner chamber (e.g., filter element chamber 750) is typically formed to accommodate the filter element 200.

Housing 700 may include a drain port that is provided to facilitate draining fluid from housing 700 and/or may include any bypass valve (not shown) to limit fluid pressure in the fluid system. For example, housing 700 includes a drain plug boss 740 configured as a drain and capable of receiving drain plug 800 into a smooth-walled drain 745.

On fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a drain plug 800. The drain plug 800 includes a shank 850 having a threaded portion 810 at the end 812 adapted to engage with an additional threaded portion 555 in the socket 550, and an opposite end 812 of the head 820 designed to seal the drain hole 745 The drain plug 800 also includes a plurality of smooth walled portions 805 and 827 of varying diameters to mate with the drain passage 745 and the filter element passage 227 in the filter element boss 222, respectively. The protrusion 809 is between and connects the smooth wall portions 805, 827 into which the filter element passage 227 enters. The diameter of the smooth wall section 827 may be larger than the diameter of the smooth wall section 805. The smooth-walled portion 827 may also be surrounded by a second end cap 240 within the opening 245. In some embodiments, the diameter of the smooth-walled portion 827 may be less than the diameter of the opening 245. Drain plug 800 also includes a first seal slot 824 and a second seal slot 822. seal. The first seal groove 824 receives the first toroidal sealing element 830, and the second seal groove 822 receives the second toroidal sealing element 840, such as an O-ring. The first toroidal sealing element 830 is capable of providing a liquid seal between the drain plug 800 and the channel 227 of the filter element. The second toroidal sealing element 840 is capable of providing a fluid seal between the drain plug 800 and the drain channel 745. The drain plug 800 can be unscrewed from the seat 550 and removed from the fluid filter device 100. The first toroidal sealing member 830 and the second toroidal sealing member 840, respectively, extend from the filter element passage 227 and the drain passage 745 such that fluid flows through the drain passage 745 from the fluid filtration device 100, thereby facilitating fluid removal.

The filter element 200 may include an end cap assembly 150, a second end cap 240, and filter media 210 therebetween. The end cap assembly 150 may be positioned adjacent to the base plate 500 and configured to retain the filter material 210 evenly within the housing 700, as well as being capable of providing a seal between the base plate 500 and the housing 700, and between the inlet chamber 530 and the outlet chamber 630, respectively. The filter material 210 may be configured to trap solid particles and/or other particles suspended in the fluid and may generally have a toroidal profile (eg, cylindrical) located around and extending along the longitudinal axis 110. The filter element 200 may also include a sleeve 220 The sleeve 220 may typically be a toroidal tube disposed radially within the interior space 218 or radially outside the filter media 210 and may include one or more perforations 226 to allow fluid to flow therethrough, e.g. material 210 into the inner space 218. The first end 212 of the filter material 210, located adjacent to the base plate 500, may engage, for example, interact with the end cap assembly 150, and the second end 214 of the filter material 210, located adjacent to the end wall 720 of the housing 700, can engage, for example, interact with, for example, the second end cap 240. The second end of the sleeve 220 may contain a filter element boss 222, in which there is a filter element channel 227 interacting with the surface 827 with smooth walls of the drain plug 800. The second end cap 240 may be adjacent to end wall 720 of housing 700 and configured to retain filter media 210 evenly within housing 700. Second end cap 240 includes an opening 245 through which a shank 850 of drain plug 800 passes. Filter media 210 can be any filter media and /or a material known in the art, such as a fabric or other porous material, which may or may not be corrugated. It is also contemplated that the second end cap 240 and sleeve 220 may be made from any suitable material, such as polymer or other plastic, and may be injection molded. In addition, it is contemplated that the perforations 226 may be of any profile, size, and/or number, and the sleeve 220 may optionally be omitted.

On fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gasket 300, having a sectional side view of the saddle interface 350. The gasket 300 may have a body containing a plurality of elements (e.g., elements 310, 320, and 330) that are coaxial and radially spaced from one another. direction, and have a common radial center centered about the longitudinal axis 390. Each element substantially or completely surrounds the perimeter of each smaller element in it. The outermost and most coaxial first element may have a second toroidal profile or structure that complements and mates with housing 700 and base plate 500 and surrounds or substantially surrounds the perimeter, as viewed in a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis 110, of filter material 210. At least At least the two coaxial elements are spaced axially along the longitudinal axis at a distance "H" towards the second end 214 of the filter material 210. The distance H may depend, for example, on: the dimensions of the filter element; dimensions of the body, cap and other components of the fluid filtration device and/or the intended use of the filter element (e.g., a filter element for use in a lubricating oil based fluid filtration device may be larger than a filter element for use in a filtration device Gasket body 300 also includes a plurality of support arms (e.g., support arms 340a-f, collectively referred to herein as "support arm 340") spaced about and radially extending from longitudinal axis 390. A plurality of support arms may be arranged in a radial direction with a certain pitch around the longitudinal axis 390 and connect with each other a plurality of coaxial elements, forming a solid body.Each support arm 340 may include a first section 342 extending in the radial direction, at least from the second element 310 in the first direction, at least m here, towards the first element 320, and a second section 344 extending in the axial direction from the first element 320 towards the second element 310 in a second direction offset (e.g., at an angle θ) relative to the first direction, and meeting with the first section 344 at the site 346 intersections (eg twisting point, turning, etc.). In some embodiments, the angle θ may be an obtuse angle, and in other embodiments, the angle θ may be about 90 degrees. At least one of the coaxial elements includes a saddle interface 350, for example, the outermost element (e.g., the first element 320) relative to the longitudinal axis 390 may contain a saddle interface 350. The gasket body 300 may be made of any flexible elastomeric material that capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to the fluid the filter element is intended to filter (eg, a material that does not degrade in response to exposure to the filtered fluid). In various embodiments, the gasket body 300 may be made from a material having elastomeric properties, such as a highly elastic polymer (e.g., an elastomer), such as nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), rubber copolymers, fluoroelastomers (FKM), fluorosilicone or fluorovinylmethylsiloxane rubber (FVMQ), and the like.

In particular, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the gasket 300 may include: a second element 310 (which is referred to here as a "centering element"), typically of a toroidal profile, having a second opening 312 and adjacent to the longitudinal axis 390; a first element 320 of a generally toroidal profile (which is referred to herein as an "outer sealing element") located on the radial outer edge of the gasket 300; and a third element 330, typically of a toroidal profile, located between the centering element 310 and the outer sealing element 320. In the proposed embodiment, the centering and third elements 310, 330 have similar toroidal profiles with different radii (e.g., radii R310 and R330, respectively), where R330 is greater than R310. The dimensions of the various radii may depend on the size and profile of the resulting filter element 200, which depends on the desired application and the dimensions of the fluid filtration device. However, the centering and third elements 310, 330 may have different profiles. The third element 330 may be formed in plane alignment with the centering element 310, for example, one or more surfaces of the elements 310 and 330 may have a common surface plane, or center of mass of the centering element 310, and the third element 330 may be aligned on a common plane (e.g., alignment in one plane). The outer sealing element 320 is adjacent to the third element 330 opposite the centering element 330 and is located transversely along the longitudinal axis 390 at a distance H from the centering element 310. As shown above, the outer sealing element 320 may be wider in the radial direction than the centering and/or the third element 310, 330. However, other configurations are possible, for example, each element may have the same or different width.

The support arms 340a-f extend radially from the centering member 310 and physically connect the centering member 310 to the outer sealing member 320. The support arms 340a-f are radially spaced around the longitudinal axis, such as where there are six support arms. 340 as shown in fig. 4, the support arms can be positioned in 60 degree increments. However, pad 300 may include more or fewer support arms 340, such as two, three, four, seven, eight, and so on. Each support arm 340 includes: a first portion 342 extending radially from centering member 310 in a direction substantially parallel to centering member 310 (eg, perpendicular to longitudinal axis 390) towards outer sealing member 320; and a second section 344 extending axially from the outer sealing element 320 towards the centering element 310 in a direction offset (e.g., at an angle θ) from the first section 342. The first and second sections 342, 344 intersect at the section 346 of the intersection. The angle θ may be a right or obtuse angle with respect to the first portion 342. In some embodiments, the angle θ may be approximately 90 degrees, or as close as possible to 90 degrees within manufacturing tolerances, which allows the support arms 340 to extend beyond the first end cap. 400 without increasing the overall diameter of the filter element 200 together with the gasket 300, as detailed herein. Each support arm 340 can be connected to the outer sealing element 320 on the corresponding interface element 360. The mating element 360 may have a mating surface 361 and an intersection 362 with the reference shoulder of one or both surfaces 363 opposite the mating surface 316 and the top surface 364. The intersection 362 is typically located in the center between two rounded ends 365 and 366 connecting the surface 363 mating surface 361. The mating element 360 is configured to physically and permanently connect the outer sealing element 320 to the support arms 340. Each mating element 360, e.g., at least the mating surface 361, may be wider in a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 390, than the corresponding support arm 340 to avoid tearing, breaking or otherwise separating the support arm 340 from the outer sealing member 320 during use of the gasket 300. With the third member 330 as shown in FIG. 4, the support arms 340 may intersect with the third element 330, for example, at the first portion 342 at intersection 348. In some embodiments, the third element 330 may be located along the longitudinal axis 390 lateral to the centering element, and the support arms 340 may intersect the third element. 330 in the second section 344. The arms 340 may be of any geometric profile, length, and/or number.

The outer sealing element 320, the third element 330, and the support arms 340 may surround a plurality of first holes 322 of any profile, length, and/or number between adjacent holes. Similarly, centering member 310, third member 330, and support arms 340 may surround a plurality of third holes 332 of any profile, length, and/or number between adjacent holes.

The outer sealing element 320 has a toroidal profile dependent on the profile and configuration of the saddle mating surface 350. That is, the outer sealing element 320 has a toroidal profile dependent on the circularly moving cross-sectional profile of the saddle mating surface 350 (e.g., as shown in the side view). in the section in Fig. 3). The saddle mating surface 350 may be configured to, for example, engage with respective mating surfaces of the base plate 500 and/or housing 700 to seal the fluid filtration device 100. On fig. 4 is a non-limiting example of a saddle mating surface 350 that includes: a first engaging mating surface 352 (also referred to herein as raised and engaging mating surface 352) on the upper surface 355 of the outer sealing member 320 centered on a radius R352; and a second engaging mating surface 354 (also referred to herein as the recessed and engaging mating surface 354) opposite the protruding and engaging mating surface 352 (e.g., on the bottom surface 357) centered along a radius R354 between the first side wall 356 and the second side wall 358. As indicated above in fig. 3, the saddle mating surface 350 can be engaged with the base plate 500 by the raised and engaged mating surface 352 and the corresponding recessed and engaged mating surface 560, and engaged with the body 700 by the recessed and engaged mating surface. 354 configured to receive the edge 710 of the outer wall 715 between the side walls 356. and 358. Engagement of the threaded portion 810 of the drain plug 800 in the seat 550 causes the base plate 500 and the housing 700 to compress the outer sealing member 320 held in place by the saddle. mating surfaces 350 to create a seal of the fluid filtration device 100. Although an example of a saddle interface 350, shown in Fig. 4, it should be understood that other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, provided that the gasket 300 is configured to seal the fluid filtration device 100 with the saddle interface 350.

Although the saddle interface 350 is shown as corresponding (eg, located) to the entire length of the outer sealing element 320, it should be understood that other configurations are possible. For example, the saddle mating surface 350 may comprise a plurality of sections spaced at regular intervals (same or different) along the top surface 355 and/or bottom surface 357. Similarly, the raised and engaged mating surface 352 and the recessed and engaged surface the interfaces 354 need not overlap with each other and may be arranged as required for a particular application.

The gasket 300 also includes a plurality of raised surfaces 370 located on the top surface of the gasket 300. For example, a plurality of raised surfaces 370 may protrude from any one or more surfaces of the gasket 300 and may be equally spaced radially about the longitudinal axis 390. FIG. 4 illustratively shows six raised surfaces 370 equally spaced in the radial direction and extending from the centering member 310 away from the outer sealing member 320. However, in some embodiments, the raised surfaces 370 may be of any profile, configuration, translational or radial orientation, and /or quantity. For example, the raised surfaces 370 need not be evenly spaced, but may be randomly spaced around the gasket 300. The raised surfaces 370 may be formed on the centering member 310, the outer sealing member 320, the third member 330, and/or on one or multiple support arms 340. In addition, the raised surfaces 370 may be typically box-shaped, generally domed (eg, part of a sphere or oval), typically pyramidal, and so on.

Although the above description has been made with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it should be understood that other configurations are possible. For example, each element 310, 320, 330 may have any desired geometric profile, for example, typically a toroidal profile (e.g., annular) having a rectangular cross section with an edge parallel to the longitudinal axis 390 to form a rigid body around the longitudinal axis 390, as shown in fig. 4. Although in another embodiment, one or more elements may have a generally toroidal profile. In addition, when viewed along the longitudinal axis 390, the centering element, the outer sealing element and the third elements 310, 320, 330 may be concentric circles (as shown in Fig. 4), concentric polygons of the same or different types (for example, concentric squares, concentric pentagons, concentric hexagons, etc.) or any combination thereof. In addition, the set of elements can contain any number of elements. For example, although in Fig. 4 and three elements are shown, the gasket 300 may comprise only the centering and outer sealing elements 310, 320, or may contain additional elements in addition to the centering element, the outer sealing element and the third elements 310-330.

On fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the fluid filtration device 100 in cross section along the secant planes A and B shown in FIG. 1. In fig. 5 shows secant planes A and B having an angle α between them. Plane A is used to illustrate a cross section along a plane parallel to longitudinal axis 110 and extends between raised surface 370 and longitudinal axis 110. Similarly, plane B is used to illustrate a cross section along a plane parallel to longitudinal axis 110 and extends along the center of gravity of the support arm. 340. Thus, since there are six exemplary raised surfaces 370 and six exemplary support arms 340, the angle between planes A and B is 150 degrees in this example. Other illustrative schemes are possible.

As shown in fig. 2, the end cap assembly 150 may be adjacent to the filter material 210 and between the filter material 210 and the support plate 500, and more specifically, between the filter material 210 and the outlet compartment 600. The end cap assembly 150 may interact, engage, or otherwise connect to the first end of the filter material 210.

The end cap assembly 150 may include a gasket 300 and a first end cap 400. The gasket 300 may be at least partially enclosed in the first end cap 400. The first end cap 400 includes: a first engaging surface 410, e.g. with filter material 210; and a second surface 420 opposite the first surface 410. The first end cap 400 may be formed (e.g., connected, attached, mated, mated) as described below on the first end 212 of the filter material 210. The first end cap 400 includes an internal sealing surface 430 that engages with outlet boss 610 within second opening 312 to create a fluid seal between inlet chamber 530 and outlet chamber 630, allowing filtered fluid to flow through interior space 118 to outlet chamber 630 in a sealed manner. In particular, first end cap 400 may include: a housing having a generally toroidal profile, and having an internal sealing surface 430, near the longitudinal axis 110; and an outer surface 440 connected thereto by first and second surfaces 410, 420. The inner sealing surface 430 may have a radius R430 that is substantially equal to or even smaller than the radius R610 of the outlet boss 610 such that, when engaged, the outlet boss 610 exerts a radial pressure to the inner sealing surface, thereby providing a fluid seal between the inlet chamber 530 and the outlet chamber 630. The dimensions of the different radii may depend on the size and profile of the resulting filter element 200, which depends on the desired application and dimensions of the fluid filtration device (e.g., R430 radii). and R610 are set such that the outlet boss 610 fits snugly against the inner fluid sealing surface 430 of the filter element 200). In various embodiments, the first end cap 400 may be made from a curable polymeric material, such as polymer, urethane, polyurethane, silicone, and so on.

The first end cap 400 may substantially enclose (e.g., surround, surround, or otherwise enclose) at least a portion of the gasket 300. That is, at least a portion of the gasket 300 may substantially reside within the material of the first end cap 400 such so that part of the gasket will be enclosed between surfaces 410-440 of the first end cap 400. For example, the centering element 310 may be located near the first end 212 of the filter material 210. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the centering element 310 may interact with the filter material 210, while in other variants it may have a gap between them. The first end cap 400 may be provided around the centering member 310 as described below, thereby substantially enclosing the centering member 310. Thus, when the centering member 310 contacts the filter material 210, the material of the first end cap 400 may not enclose the contact area ( eg, the surface of the centering element 310 interacting with the filter material 210 may be in the same plane as the second surface 420). In some embodiments, the third element 330 may also interact with the filter material (or have a gap) in line with the centering element 310 such that the third element 330 would likewise be enclosed in the first end cap 400. In addition, the first portion 342 of the support the arms 340 may similarly be enclosed within the first end cap 400, and in some embodiments, a portion of the intersection portion 346 and/or a portion of the second portion 344 may be within the first end cap 400. The number of arms 340 therein depends on the desired profile of the gasket 300.

End cap assembly 150 includes a gasket 300 with longitudinal axis 390 aligned with longitudinal axis 110. Gasket 300 includes an external sealing member 320 coupled to base plate 500 and body 700 to create a fluid seal between base plate 500 and body 700 as described above. . For example, the recessed and engaging mating surface 354 accommodates the edge 710 of the outer wall 715 at the distal end near the housing cavity 730. The recessed and engaging mating surface 354 has a radius R354 that is substantially equal to and aligned with the radius R715 of the outer wall 715. The first side wall 356 and the second side wall 358 protrude from the base plate 500 towards the body end wall 720 and overlap the accommodating portion of the outer wall 715. mate 352 fits into a recessed and engaging interface 560 in the side wall 524 of the base plate 500. Thus, the recessed and engaging interface 560 has a radius R560 that is substantially equal to the radius R352 of the protruding and engaging interface 352 and combined with it. As described above, screwing drain plug 800 into seat 550 causes base plate 500 to press against body 700 and vice versa such that side wall 524 and outer wall 715 exert a clamping or compressive force on outer seal member 320, thereby effecting a fluid seal or seal. fluid filtration devices 100.

The center of mass of the outer sealing element 320 may be laterally relative to the center of mass of the centering element 310 along the longitudinal axis 110 by a distance H. As described above, the support arms 340 connect the outer sealing element 320 to the centering element 310, and accordingly to the first end cap 400. Thus , the first end cap 400 and the gasket 300 may form an integral body of the end cap assembly 150. In some embodiments, the outer sealing member is located at a distance from the filter material 210, with a portion of the filter material 210 located in the first holes 322. The first holes 322 are fluid connection of inlet chamber 530 to housing cavity 730 so that filter material 210 can receive unfiltered fluid from inlet chamber 530.

On fig. 6 is a perspective view of the filter element 200 without housing 700, base plate 500, outlet 600, and drain plug 800. As described herein, filter element 200 includes: filter media 210, sleeve 220, end cap assembly 150, and a second end cap assembly. cover 240. In various embodiments, the filter element 200 is made as a stationary one-piece body containing at least a filter material 210 and an end cap assembly 150. In additional embodiments, the filter material 210, sleeve 220, end cap assembly 150 and the second end cap 240 are integral. The filter media 210 may include a plurality of radially spaced ribs 216 extending axially along the longitudinal length of the media 210. The ribs 216 may be attached to a plurality of support rings 215 spaced at regular intervals along the longitudinal length of the media 210 to form a support structure for the ribs.

As shown in fig. 6, the filter element 200 includes a filter material 210 having a first end 212 and a second end 214 opposite the first end 212 vertically (eg, longitudinal axis 390). The end cap assembly 150 is fixedly attached to and/or mated with the first end 212 of the filter material 210 and includes a first end cap 400 having a first toroidal profile with a filter element outlet 405 aligned with the longitudinal axis 390 and adjacent to the first end 212 of the filter material 210 (eg, aligned with interior space 218). The end cap assembly 150 also includes at least a first element 320 coaxial with the first end cap 400 and formed in a radial direction separate from the first end cap 400 and filter material 210, and offset in the axial direction from the first end cap 400 to the second end 214 filtration material. The first element 320 may include a saddle interface 350. The first element 320 may substantially surround and overlap the perimeter of the filter media 210 as viewed along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 390 and may be provided between the first end cap 400 and the second end 214. A plurality of support arms 340 may be performed to connect the first end cap 400 to the first element 320. Each support arm 240 may have a first section 342 extending in the radial direction from the first end cap 400 to the intersection section 346, and the second section 344 extending from the intersection section to the first element 320 such that second portion 344 is angled relative to first portion 342. In some embodiments, support arms 240 and first element 320 may be used as part of a pad 300, such as having a plurality of elements as described herein.

The filter element 200 can be manufactured in any of the manufacturing processes, a non-limiting example of which is provided herein. Gasket 300 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding using a material having elastomeric properties (e.g., NBR, HNBR, rubber copolymers, etc.) into a mold of gasket 300 (e.g., a mold complementary and inverted with respect to the gasket 300) The molded gasket 300 may then be placed in a mold for end cap 400. In some embodiments, the mold for end cap 400 may be made from a urethane (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene). of the filter element (herein referred to as the outlet lip) surrounded by the inverted side of the desired mold of the first end cap 400 (here referred to as the end cap lip). , and combined the longitudinal axis 390 of the gasket 300 with the outlet lug. The raised surfaces 370 may interact with the pressing surface to create proper axial alignment between the gasket 300 and the final first end cap 400. .) for the first end cap 400, then may be poured (e.g., cast) into a mold with gasket 300 enclosed therein. (eg, centered about the longitudinal axis 110). The first end 212 interacts with the liquid material inside the mold, forming an interface between them. In some embodiments, as described above, the filter material 210 may also interact with the gasket 300. The liquid material is then cured using known methods to solidify and set the liquid material, thereby forming the first end cap 400. As such, the first end cap 400 fixedly attached (e.g., docked) to the first end 212 of the filter material 210 at the interface, and the molded gasket 300 is embedded in the material of the first end cap 400. As a result of the curing process, the gasket 300 is entirely enclosed in the end cap assembly 150 and is fully connected with filter material 210 to form an integral body of filter element 200 that can remain inseparable during use and replacement. In some embodiments, the second end cap 240 may likewise be cast without the gasket 300 on the second end 214 of the filter material 210 using the same or a different liquid material. Although in other embodiments, the implementation of the second end cap 240 may be formed in other ways.

Although the filter element 200 shown in Fig. 6 has an end cap assembly 150 on the first end 212 of the filter media 210, however other configurations are possible. For example, in fig. 7 and 8 are exploded perspective views of exemplary filter elements 250 and 260 that are used in the fluid filtration device shown in FIG. 1. Essentially, the filter elements 250 and 260 may be similar to the filter element 200, except that the configuration of the end cap assembly 150 and the second end cap 240 may be different. On fig. 7 shows an end cap assembly 152 formed on the second end 214 of the filter material 210. Thus, in some embodiments, the end cap assembly 152 may include a gasket 300 housed in the second end cap 240 and fixedly attached to the second end 214 of the filter material 210. in a manner substantially similar to that described above. In this embodiment, the first openings 322 may not be part of the primary fluid flow path (eg, receive unfiltered fluid from the inlet chamber), but instead allow fluid to drain through the openings 322 during replacement. In the illustrated example, the outer sealing element 320 may be located axially between the second end cap 240 and the first end 212 of the filter material.

On fig. 8 shows another example of a filter element 260 having a first end cap assembly, such as an end cap assembly 150, and a second end cap assembly, such as an end cap assembly 152, formed on the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the filter element, respectively. material 210. That is, in some embodiments, the first end cap assembly 150 may be as described herein, and the second end cap assembly 152 may be as described above with reference to FIG. 7. Although illustrative examples are provided here, it should be understood that the filter elements 200, 250, and 260 are not mutually exclusive, and other configurations of each are possible. For example, in any of the previous embodiments, the gasket 300 may be inverted in a vertical plane such that the outer seal 320 is positioned axially so as not to be obstructed by the filter material 210 (e.g., between the second end cap 240 and the first end 214), that is, away from the second end 214 and the first end 212 of the filter material.

On fig. 9 is a sectional view of the fluid filtration device shown in FIG. 1, along cutting plane B, having a further embodiment of a shim 900. The shim 900 may be substantially the same as the shim 300, except that the configuration of the support arms 940 is different from the configuration of the support arms 340 of the shim 300. The shim 900 may contain the same parts and the same numbers. positions that are used for gasket 300, except as provided here. For example, the gasket 900 includes an outer sealing element 310 having both a saddle mating surface 350 and a centering element 320 coaxial to the outer sealing element 310 about a longitudinal axis 390. The gasket 900 also includes a plurality of support arms 940, each of which includes a first section 942 and a second section 944. The first section 944 may extend in the axial direction from the first surface 410 of the first end cap 400 towards the outer sealing element 320 to the section 946 of the intersection. The second section 944 may extend radially from the outer sealing element 320 toward the first end cap 400 and meet the first section 944 at an intersection section 946 (eg, bend, turn, etc.). In some embodiments, the second section 944 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 390 of the gasket 900. In some embodiments, alone or in combination, the first section 942 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 390. Thus, the first section 942 and second portion 944 may be offset at an angle of about 90 degrees. Because the support arms are made of a flexible material, the relative orientations can be changed when installed in the fluid filtration device 100 to eliminate tolerance and misalignment mismatches between the various components of the device. In some embodiments, the angular offset between the second section 944 and the first section 942 may be an obtuse angle such that the first section 944 extends at a 90 degree angle relative to the outer sealing member 320.

Gasket 900 also includes a third portion 945 enclosed within first end cap 400 that extends radially from centering member 310 (e.g., similar to first portion 342 of gasket 300) to outer seal member 320, intersects third member 330 at intersection 348, and meets with the first section 942 at the section 949 of the intersection. In various embodiments, the first section 942 may be offset at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the third section 945, while in other embodiments, the angular offset may be at an obtuse angle with respect to the outer sealing element 320.

Industrial Applicability

The disclosed fluid filtration device is applicable to any type of fluid filtration and is capable of providing a seal between an unfiltered fluid stream and a filtered fluid stream without the need for multiple complex profiled components and/or components requiring high manufacturing tolerances. The operation of the fluid filtration device 100 is explained below.

On fig. 1, fluid filtration device 100 may receive unfiltered fluid into inlet 510 and inlet chamber 530 from one or more components upstream of the fluid system. Unfiltered fluid may flow from inlet chamber 530 radially outward and may be directed by end cap assembly 150 to flow toward body 700 through first openings 322. Unfiltered fluid may flow through one or more first openings 322, such as substantially axially through the first openings 322, 922 into the radial space between the housing 700 and the filter material 210. The unfiltered fluid may then flow, generally radially, through the filter material 210, and the filter material 210 may trap particles suspended in the unfiltered fluid, for fluid filtration. Filtered fluid may then flow through perforations 226 and thus through sleeve 220 into interior space 218. Filtered fluid may flow from interior space 218 to downstream components, such as through outlet 405 of an end cap filter element. assembly 150 and through outlet boss 610 of outlet compartment 600 into outlet chamber 630. The filtered fluid may then flow through outlet 520 to one or more downstream fluid system components.

It may be necessary to replace the filter element 200 as a result of: saturation of the filter material 210 with entrained particles; wear of the outer sealing element 320, 920 or gasket 300, 900, maintenance due date, and/or any other cause known in the art. An operator may unscrew the drain plug 800 from the base plate 500, separate the base plate 500 from the housing 700, remove the old or used filter element 200 from the housing 700, and may insert a new or unused filter element 200 into the housing 700. As such, the lip 710 is both recessed and the engagement surface 560 can be displaced from its seat and/or disconnected from the saddle interface 350, 950 of the outer sealing element 320, 920 during the removal of the old end cap assembly 150 along with the old filter element 200. The operator can insert a new filter element 200 into body 700 by placing recessed and engaging mating surface 354, 954 on edge 710 and engaging recessed and engaging mating surface 560 of base plate 500 with protruding and engaging mating surface 352, 952 of gasket 300, 900. Then the operator can insert a drain plug 800 into the drain channel 745 and re-tighten end cap 812 against base plate 500 by screwing it into socket 550. As such, outer seal member 320, 920 can be clamped between base plate 500 and body 700 like a new end cap assembly 150 between base plate plate 500 and housing 700. The operator is expected to remove some or all of the fluid retained in housing 700 during and/or after removal of the old filter element 200, such as through drain channel 745 or housing cavity 730. In various embodiments, as described above, the old end cap assembly 150 is removed along with the old filter element 200 due to the fixed locking connection between them.

However, fluctuations and mismatches in tolerances between the components of the fluid filtration device 100 (e.g., housing 700, base plate 500, outlet 600, drain plug 800, filter material 210, etc.) during manufacture can cause displacements within the device 100 fluid filtration. For example, drain plug boss 740 and seat 550 may not be accurately centered about longitudinal axis 110, and edge 710 or the radially facing surface of sidewall 524 may not be exactly centered relative to each other or perpendicular to longitudinal axis 110, and sidewall 620 may be axially longer than intended, or many other offsets may be present. As another example, in conventional filtering devices, if the top end cap is not positioned at a right angle to the filter element (e.g., not at a 90 degree angle), then conventional rigid material between the housing and backing plate can cause the bottom end of the filter element to move. and to the lack of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the body. This can cause improper sealing and fluid leakage at both the top and bottom end caps.

An end cap assembly 150 is offered that has elastomeric properties (e.g., elasticity, tensile strength, elongation, resilience, etc.) to allow for axial and radial displacement while self-centering the 150 end cap assembly (and associated filter element) 200) with respect to various components of the fluid filtration device 100, such as during replacement and insertion of a new filter element 200 therein. etc. in accordance with the properties of the material used, to compensate for deviations in tolerances between the mating components of the fluid filter device 100, thereby ensuring the alignment and self-centering of the filter element 200 relative to the fluid filter device 100. This allows the gasket 300, 900 to axially and radially adjust the position and orientation of the filter element 200 relative to other components during installation. For example, as shown in Fig. 3 and 7, after removing the old or used filter element 200, the new filter element 200 can be inserted into the housing 700 by connecting the second end 214 of the filter element 200 to the housing 700 near the end wall 720. External sealing element 320, 920 of the end cap assembly 150 may contact the outer wall 715 by engaging the saddle interface 350, 950 and the lip 710 to help center the filter element 200 within the housing 700 and keep the filter element 200 approximately centered during replacement. The support plate 500 (and/or the outlet 600) can be installed in the cavity 730 of the housing 700, attaching it to the filter element 200, and due to mismatch of tolerances, it can affect the axial and/or radial direction of the filter element 200 for its standard landing. The spacer 300, 900 thus allows the filter element 200 to compensate for these axial and radial effects and to move the filter element 200 relative to the housing 700 and/or the base plate 500 for proper centering (e.g., self-centering) and installation within both components. For example, drain plug 800 may be screwed into a threaded connection in seat 550 by pulling support plate 500 against housing 700 along longitudinal axis 110. This axial displacement pulls outlet boss 610 toward filter element outlet 405 and exerts axial pressure toward filter element 200 and towards the end wall 720. The elastomeric properties of the gasket 300, 900, eg, the compression of the support arms 340, 940 and/or the outer sealing member 320, 920, allow the filter element 200 to be moved into position as needed. The support arms 340, 940 may also be compressed, bent, and/or elongated in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 110 (eg, radially around, outward, or inward to the longitudinal axis 110) to facilitate self-centering of the filter element 200 relative to the longitudinal axis 110. Similarly, alternatively, the outer sealing member 320, 920 may be compressed, elongated, or deformed as necessary to provide a proper fit between the base plate 500 and the housing 700. In another example, even if the first end cap 400 or the second end cap 240 is not positioned at a right angle relative to the filter element 200 (e.g., not at an angle of 90 degrees), then the gasket 300, 900 through the support arms 340, 940 and/or the outer sealing element 320, 920 is able to compensate for misalignment between them and help center the filter element 200 along the longitudinal axis 110 and ensure proper sealing within the device 100 fluid filtration.

Since the housing 700 and the filter element 200 are connected to the base plate 500, the outer sealing element 320 is able to form a seal between the base plate 500 and the housing 700, for example, between the fluid filtration device 100 and the environment, and the first end cap 400 and the second end cap cap 240 may form a seal between inlet chamber 530 and chamber 630, eg between unfiltered and filtered fluid streams. For example, the outer seal 320, 920 may be located on top of the outer wall 715 at the top 710 and between the outer wall 715 and the base plate 500. The outer seal 320, 920 therebetween may compress depending on how far the drain plug 800 is inserted. into threaded engagement with the backing plate 500 at the end 812, for example, in the socket 550, while the head 820 of the drain plug 800 engages or connects with the boss 740 of the drain plug at the end wall 720. The compression of the outer sealing element 320, 920 between housing 700 and backing plate 500 is capable of forming one or more axially facing sealing surfaces, e.g., a seal on the axially facing surface of body 700 and/or backing plate 500 (e.g., an axially facing recessed and engaging mating surface 560). The outer sealing element 320, 920 may also be pressed against the housing 700 or against the base plate 500, or both together, and this outer sealing element 320, 920 may additionally and/or alternatively establish a radially facing sealing surface with respect to the housing 700 (eg, the surfaces at the edge 710) or the base plate 500 (eg, the axially facing recessed and engaging mating surface 560) or both. In addition, the outlet boss 610 may be aligned with the inner sealing surface 430 and may be inserted into it as the first surface 410 (eg, as the interface between the filter material 210 and the first end cap 400). The insertion of the outlet boss 610 allows the first end cap 400 to be compressed radially depending on the distance between the axially facing inner sealing surface 430 and the axially facing surface of the outlet boss 610, and allows, for example, to create axially facing sealing surfaces, for example ., mechanical seal against the axial surface of the inner sealing surface 430.

Because the gasket 300, 900 may be integral with the first end cap 400, the housing 700 and filter element 200 may be sealed against the base plate 500 and the fluid filter device 100 may be a less complex fluid filter device. In addition, the integrated filter element 200 eliminates tolerance mismatch and misalignment between the components of the fluid filter device 100 and self-centering of the fluid filter element 200 relative to these components.

While this invention has been shown and described with respect to its detailed embodiments and examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes to the shape of the subject matter and its details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the scope and use of the present invention. In particular, the described embodiments are not limited to the use of a particular type of engine. For example, the described embodiments may apply to generators, motors, machines, mechanical equipment, or any variation thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to associate it with any theory presented in any preceding section. It should also be understood that the illustrations may include exaggerated sizes and graphical representations to better illustrate the reference numerals shown and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated as such.

It should be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may apply to one embodiment or may apply to multiple embodiments. It is understood that features shown or discussed in one embodiment or example may be combined with other features shown or discussed in other embodiments and examples. Embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems, or those that have any or all of the claimed benefits and advantages.

Claims (19)

1. Filter element (200), containing: a filter material (210) having a first end (212) and a second end (214) opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis (390) between the first end and the second end; and at least one end cap assembly (150, 152) fixedly attached to at least one end (212, 214) of the filter material; at least one end cap assembly, comprising: an end cap (400, 240) having a first toroidal profile with a filter element outlet aligned with the longitudinal axis and adjacent to at least one end of the filter material; a first element (320) having a second toroidal profile and coaxial to the end cap with respect to the longitudinal axis; the first element located in the radial direction away from the end cap and the filter material and located in the axial direction between the end cap and the other end (214, 212) of the filter material; and a plurality of support arms (340) connecting the end cap to the first element, where each support arm contains a first section (342) extending from the end cap to the intersection section (346) and a second section (344) extending from the intersection section to the first element , and the second section is offset at an angle relative to the first section; moreover, the first section extends from the end cap to the first element in the axial direction, and the second section extends from the intersection section to the first element in the radial direction. 2. The filter element according to claim. 1, characterized in that at least one end cap assembly is a solid body, and at least the first element and a plurality of support arms contain an elastomeric material, and the end cap contains a curable polymer material. 3. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end cap is fixedly formed on at least one end of the filter element. 4. The filter element according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a gasket (300) at least partially placed inside the end cap and containing the first element and a plurality of support arms. 5. The filter element according to claim 4, characterized in that the gasket contains a plurality of elements, including at least the first element and the second element (310), which have a third toroidal profile coaxial with the first element and the second element between the first element and the longitudinal axis , wherein the plurality of reference arms connect the second element to the first element, each first portion of the plurality of reference arms starting from the second element and extending linearly to the intersection. 6. The filter element according to claim 5, characterized in that the second element and at least part of the first section of each support arm are placed inside the end cap. 7. The filter element according to any one of paragraphs. 5 or 6, characterized in that the plurality of elements comprise at least a third element (330) between the second element and the first element. 8. The filter element according to claim 7, characterized in that the second element and the third element are in the same plane. 9. The filter element according to any one of paragraphs. 5-8, characterized in that the second element contains a plurality of protruding surfaces spaced around the longitudinal axis at the same distance from each other. 10. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first element comprises a first engagement surface (352) on the first surface (355) adjacent to at least one end of the filter material, and a second engagement surface of the interface (354) on the second surface (357) opposite the first surface. 11. A filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first section extends radially from the end cap and the second section extends axially from the intersection to the first element. 12. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element is a replaceable filter element for use in the fluid filter device (100) of the machine, while the fluid filter device includes a housing (700) and a support plate (500) for placing a filter element therebetween within the filter element chamber (750), wherein the first element comprises sealing means (750) capable of engaging with the base plate and housing and sealing the fluid filtration device. 13. The filter element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element is a replaceable filter element for use in the fluid filter device (100) of the machine, while the fluid filter device includes a housing (700) and a support plate (500) for placing a filter element between them inside the chamber (750) of the filter element, while a plurality of support arms are made, made at least for twisting, bending, elongating, compressing, or a combined effect for centering the filter element relative to the housing and the base plate by eliminating deviations in alignment, at least between the base plate and the housing.

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