Filter element and in-can filter assembly and method

Abstract

An in-tank filter assembly includes a removable and replaceable filter element for a hydraulic tank. The filter element has a filter configuration and a bypass configuration positioned radially outward of an outer periphery of the filter configuration. An end cap arrangement has a filter opening in communication with an open filter interior volume of the filter configuration and a bypass opening in communication with an open tube interior volume of a bypass flow tube. A filter sealing member is secured to the end cap arrangement and encloses both the filter configuration and the bypass configuration.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This was filed as a PCT application. The applicant claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 625,128, filed January 25, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to a filter element and an in-tank filter assembly, as well as a method thereof. Specifically, this disclosure describes a filter element having a main configuration and a bypass configuration for removable replacement within a hydraulic tank. Background Technology

[0006] Liquid filters are used in a variety of applications, including, for example, hydraulic systems. A common type of filtration system is sometimes referred to as "in-tank". In-tank filter systems are described, for example, in PCT Publication WO 2005 / 063358, published on July 14, 2005; and in PCT Publication WO 2008 / 030323, published on March 13, 2008. Each of these PCT disclosures is incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] Generally, an "in-tank" filtration system is a system configured to be installed on a tank containing a liquid. The system will typically provide at least one of the following: liquid flow into the tank; or liquid extraction from the tank. Typically, an in-tank filter assembly includes a housing with a removable (i.e., serviceable) filter element or cartridge suitably positioned therein. For example, the serviceable element is periodically removed for servicing when the cartridge becomes sufficiently clogged to create an undesirable limiting level on the filter media, or when a maintenance interval has elapsed. Maintenance typically involves one of the following: replacement with a new filter element; replacement with a previously used but refurbished filter cartridge; or cleaning the removed cartridge in some way and replacing it for further use.

[0008] Continuous improvement of the in-tank filter assembly is expected. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In one aspect, a removable and replaceable filter element for use in a hydraulic tank is provided. The filter element includes: a filter configuration having a tubular extension of filter media surrounding an open filter internal volume; the filter configuration having a first end and an opposite second end and an outer periphery; a bypass configuration located radially outward of the outer periphery; the bypass configuration having a bypass flow tube having an open tube internal volume; the bypass flow tube having a first end and an outlet arrangement; a bypass sealing member surrounding the bypass flow tube to form a seal between the bypass flow tube and the hydraulic tank when the filter element is installed in a hydraulic tank; an end cap arrangement located at the first end of the filter configuration and the first end of the flow tube; the end cap arrangement having a filter opening communicating with the open filter internal volume of the filter configuration; the end cap arrangement having a bypass opening communicating with the open tube internal volume of the bypass flow tube; and a filter sealing member fixed to the end cap arrangement and closing both the filter configuration and the bypass configuration; when the filter element is installed in a hydraulic tank, the filter sealing member is positioned to form a seal between the end cap arrangement and the hydraulic tank.

[0011] In an example embodiment, the filter element further includes a closed end cap located at a second end of the filter configuration.

[0012] In the arrangement, the outlet arrangement of the bypass configuration includes a filter screen to filter the bypass fluid.

[0013] Some embodiments include an end cap arrangement having an outer peripheral wall; and a filter sealing member along the outer peripheral wall.

[0014] In the example, the filter sealing component is an O-ring seal; and the bypass sealing component is an O-ring seal.

[0015] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the bypass structure is parallel to the filter structure.

[0016] Preferably, the filter sealing member and the bypass sealing member have different outer shapes.

[0017] In some examples, the filter sealing element is egg-shaped.

[0018] In some examples, the filter sealing element is oblong.

[0019] In some examples, the filter sealing member is racetrack-shaped with two curved sections connected by two straight sections.

[0020] In some examples, the filter sealing member has a first curved section and an opposite second curved section; the first curved section and the second curved section have different radii of curvature.

[0021] In one arrangement, the radius of curvature of the first curved section is between 0.5 and 0.8 of the radius of curvature of the second curved section.

[0022] In one arrangement, the radius of curvature of the first curved section is between 0.6 and 0.7 of the radius of curvature of the second curved section.

[0023] In some examples, the filter sealing member has a first curved section and an opposite second curved section, as well as a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second curved sections; the filter sealing member is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

[0024] In some examples, the filter sealing member has a first curved section and an opposite second curved section, as well as a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second curved sections; the filter sealing member is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

[0025] In some examples, the bypass seal is axially spaced from the filter seal.

[0026] In some examples, the bypass seal is axially spaced from the filter seal by approximately 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0027] Preferably, the filter medium is a pleated medium.

[0028] In some embodiments, the axial length of the bypass configuration is less than 30% and greater than 5% of the axial length of the filter configuration.

[0029] In some embodiments, the axial length of the bypass configuration is less than 25% and greater than 10% of the axial length of the filter configuration.

[0030] In some examples, the end cap arrangement includes a handle that projects axially from the end cap arrangement in a direction opposite to the filter configuration.

[0031] In some examples, the handle includes a grip bar that spans over the filter opening.

[0032] In some examples, the bypass flow tube and end cap arrangement are integrally molded.

[0033] In some examples, the filter screen is injection molded or co-molded with the end cap arrangement and bypass flow tube.

[0034] In another aspect, an in-tank filter assembly is provided. The in-tank filter assembly includes: a tank for containing filtered hydraulic fluid; the tank having an inlet with a central axis, an outlet, a filter opening, and a removable cover member above the filter opening; the tank also includes a main filter housing and a bypass housing; the bypass housing is radially outside the main filter housing; a bypass valve held by the bypass housing; a filter element removably and replaceably disposed within the tank; the filter element having a filter configuration with a first longitudinal axis and a bypass configuration with a second longitudinal axis, the filter configuration being positioned within the main filter housing and the bypass configuration being positioned within the bypass housing; and a filter sealing member that closes both the filter configuration and the bypass configuration.

[0035] In some examples, the first and second longitudinal axes are perpendicular to the central axis of the inlet.

[0036] In some examples, the filter element includes: a filter configuration having a tubular extension of filter media surrounding an open filter internal volume; the filter configuration having a first end and an opposite second end and an outer periphery; a bypass configuration located radially outside the outer periphery; the bypass configuration having a bypass flow tube having an open tube internal volume; the bypass flow tube having a first end and an outlet arrangement; the outlet arrangement communicating with a bypass valve; a bypass sealing member surrounding the bypass flow tube and forming a releasable seal between the bypass flow tube and a bypass housing; an end cap arrangement located at the first end of the filter configuration and the first end of the flow tube; the end cap arrangement having a filter opening communicating with the open filter internal volume of the filter configuration; the end cap arrangement having a bypass opening communicating with the open tube internal volume of the bypass flow tube; and a filter sealing member fixed to the end cap arrangement and forming a seal between the end cap arrangement and a hydraulic reservoir.

[0037] In some examples, the bypass housing includes: a surrounding wall having a first open end and an opposite second open end; the second open end holding a bypass valve; the first open end being sized to receive a bypass flow tube; the surrounding wall having a through-hole section to provide communication between the interior of the bypass housing and the rest of the interior of the tank; and a bypass sealing member abutting against the interior of the surrounding wall to form a releasable seal and being axially located between the bypass valve and the through-hole section.

[0038] In some examples, the outlet arrangement of the bypass configuration includes a filter screen to filter the bypass fluid.

[0039] In some arrangements, the components further include a coarse filter, which is located within the main filter housing and constructed around the filter.

[0040] In some examples, the bypass construction is parallel to the filter construction.

[0041] Preferably, the filter element is as described in any of the above characteristics.

[0042] In another aspect, a method for repairing an in-tank filter assembly is provided. A method for repairing an in-tank filter assembly includes: removing a cover member of a hydraulic tank to expose a tank opening; removing a filter element from the tank through the opening; the filter element having a filter configuration and a bypass configuration located radially outside the filter configuration; wherein the removal step includes: breaking a filter seal between the filter element and the tank, wherein the seal closes both the filter configuration and the bypass configuration; and breaking a bypass seal between the bypass configuration and the tank.

[0043] In some examples, the steps for removing the filter element include grasping a handle that extends from the filter element.

[0044] Preferably, the method includes using a filter element comprising a filter element according to any of the above characteristics.

[0045] It should be noted that not all of the specific features described herein need to be incorporated into the arrangement to give the arrangement some of the selected advantages according to this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an in-tank filter assembly constructed according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the in-tank filter assembly shows the tank for hydraulic fluid and the removable and replaceable service filter element;

[0049] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the in-tank filter assembly;

[0050] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the in-tank filter assembly, wherein the filter element has been removed and the maintenance cover assembly has been closed;

[0051] Figure 5 Is Figure 1 Front elevation view of the filter element used in the in-tank filter assembly;

[0052] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top-view perspective view of the filter element;

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A bottom-view perspective view of the filter element;

[0054] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Top view of the filter element;

[0055] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a portion of an in-tank filter assembly, showing the filter element sealed within the tank in an operable position;

[0056] Figure 10 It is an enlarged three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a portion of the bypass shell inside the tank;

[0057] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a portion of an in-tank filter assembly, showing the filter element sealed in the tank in an operable position, and a service cover assembly grounded to the tank by a metal strip. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Component Overview

[0060] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example embodiment of an in-tank filter assembly is shown at point 20. In this example embodiment, assembly 20 includes a tank 22. Tank 22 contains a fluid (liquid), such as hydraulic fluid or oil. Tank 22 has an outer surrounding wall 24 surrounding an interior 26 of tank 22. The interior 26 of tank contains hydraulic fluid and also houses a filter element 30. The filter element 30 can be selectively removed from tank 22 through a service opening 32 in the upper wall 34 of tank 22. A service cover member 36 covers the service opening 32 and is shown secured with fasteners 38. A sealing member 39 forms a releasable seal between the service cover member 36 and the upper wall 34 of tank 22 and abuts against the service cover member and the upper wall.

[0061] Tank 22 further has a central axis 41 ( Figure 3 The device has a liquid inlet 40 and a liquid outlet 42. Inlet 40 delivers fluid to be cleaned (filtered) by filter element 30. The filtered liquid is stored in the tank interior 26. When the device requires hydraulic fluid, this hydraulic fluid is drawn from the interior 26 through outlet 42. An optional venting member 44 is also shown, which communicates with the tank interior 26 along the upper wall 34.

[0062] Now for reference Figure 4The interior 26 of the tank includes a main filter housing 46 and a bypass housing 48. The main filter housing 46 and the bypass housing 48 are formed by the inner walls within the interior 26 of the tank 22, which are structured to hold and support the filter element 30. The bypass housing 48 is located radially outside the main filter housing 46.

[0063] exist Figure 2 and Figure 4 Also visible is an optional coarse filter 50, which is lined on the main filter housing 46, downstream of the filter element 30, and surrounding the filter element. A bypass valve 52 is held in place by a bypass housing 48. The filter housing 46 or the coarse filter 50 may also be referred to as an outer liner. The coarse filter 50 or the outer liner may be part of the tank 22 / housing or integrated with the filter element 30.

[0064] Filter element 30

[0065] Now for reference Figures 5 to 7 This illustrates an example embodiment of a filter element 30. The filter element 30 includes a filter configuration 60. The filter configuration 60 has a tubular extension surrounding a filter medium 62 within an open filter internal volume 64. Figure 3 "Tubular" means that it forms a tube, but it can be cylindrical, elliptical, oblong, or other various tubular shapes. The filter medium 62 is preferably a pleated medium 66, but it can also be other types of media. The filter configuration 60 has a first end 68 and an opposite second end 70, as well as an outer perimeter 72.

[0066] The filter element 30 further includes a bypass configuration 74. The bypass configuration 74 is located radially outside the outer perimeter 72. "Radially outside" means that the bypass configuration 74 (in whole or in part) is not within or overlaps with any part of the filter configuration 60.

[0067] The bypass structure 74 has a bypass flow tube 76, which has an open tube internal volume 78. Figure 3 The bypass flow tube 76 has a first end 80 and an outlet arrangement 82. The outlet arrangement 82 can be an opening of many forms to allow bypass fluid flow, and in the example shown, the outlet arrangement 82 includes an optional filter screen 84. In the example embodiment, the filter screen 84 is a tubular shape with filter material along the sides 86 of the tubular shape and a closed tubular bottom 88. The filter screen 84 is positioned to provide coarse filtration of the bypass fluid flow.

[0068] Bypass configuration 74 includes a bypass sealing member 90 surrounding the bypass flow pipe 76. When the filter element 30 is installed in the hydraulic tank 22, the bypass sealing member 90 is positioned to form a seal 92 between the bypass flow pipe 76 and the hydraulic tank 22. Figure 9 ).exist Figure 9 As can be seen, the sealing part 92 is between the bypass flow pipe 76 and the bypass housing 48 in the tank interior 26 and abuts against the bypass flow pipe and the bypass housing in the tank interior. Although many different types of seals can be used, in the example shown, the bypass sealing member 90 is a radially outward-pointing O-ring seal member 94.

[0069] The filter element 30 further includes an end cap arrangement 96. The end cap arrangement 96 is located at a first end 68 of the filter configuration 60 and at a first end 80 of the flow tube 76.

[0070] The end cap arrangement 96 has a filter opening 98 communicating with the open internal filter volume 64 of the filter configuration 60. The filter opening 98 allows fluid to enter the internal filter volume 64 after flowing into the tank 22 through the inlet 40. The fluid is then filtered by flowing through the filter medium 62 from the internal volume 64 to the outside of the filter medium 62.

[0071] The end cap arrangement 96 has a bypass opening 100 communicating with the open internal volume 78 of the bypass conduit 76. In the event of filter clogging, the bypass opening 100 allows fluid to flow into the bypass conduit 76, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the filter medium 62.

[0072] The filter sealing member 102 is fixed to the end cap arrangement 96 and seals both the filter configuration 60 and the bypass configuration 74. When the filter element 30 is installed in the hydraulic tank 22, the filter sealing member 102 is positioned to form a seal 104 between the end cap arrangement 96 and the hydraulic tank 22. Figure 9 While many different types of seals can be used, in the example shown, the filter seal 102 is a radially outward-pointing O-ring seal 106.

[0073] The filter element 30 may further include an end cap 108 at a second end 70 of the filter configuration 60. In the example shown, the end cap 108 is a closed end cap 108. In other examples, the end cap 108 may be open to accommodate a riser, or a valve, or other feature.

[0074] The bypass configuration 74 is arranged relative to the filter configuration 60 such that they are adjacent to each other. Figure 5 In the example shown, the bypass configuration 74 has a longitudinal axis 110 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 112 of the filter configuration 60.

[0075] Still referencing Figure 5 It can be seen how the bypass sealing member 90 is axially spaced from the filter sealing member 102 by a distance D. For example, the distance D can be about 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0076] The bypass structures 74 are preferably adjacent to the filter structure 60 and extend along the side of the filter structure, but they have different lengths. For example, the axial length of the bypass structure 74 is less than 30% and greater than 5% of the axial length of the filter structure 60. Preferably, the axial length of the bypass structure 74 is less than 25% and greater than 10% of the axial length of the filter structure 60.

[0077] Now for reference Figure 6 The end cap arrangement 96 optionally includes a handle 114. The handle 114 allows personnel maintaining the assembly 20 to more easily remove the element 30 from the tank 22. The handle 114 can have many different embodiments. As shown in the example, the handle 114 projects axially from the remainder of the element 30 and from the end cap arrangement 96 in a direction opposite to the filter configuration 60. In the example shown, the handle 114 includes a gripping bar 116 extending over the filter opening 98. The gripping bar 116 is sized to accommodate two to four fingers between the bar 116 and the remainder of the end cap arrangement 96, with the thumb along the outer side of the bar 116.

[0078] Now for reference Figure 5 The bypass flow tube 76 is fixed to the end cap arrangement 96. Preferably, the bypass flow tube 76 and the end cap arrangement 96 are integrally molded. Optionally, the filter screen 84 can be injection molded or co-molded with the end cap arrangement 96 and the bypass flow tube 75.

[0079] from Figures 6 to 8 In retrospect, end cap arrangement 96 is shown having an outer peripheral wall 118. Filter sealing member 102 runs along the outer peripheral wall 118. Preferably, filter sealing member 102 abuts against the outer peripheral wall 118 to project radially from end cap arrangement 96.

[0080] The filter sealing member 102 and the bypass sealing member 90 have different outer shapes. In the example shown, the bypass sealing member 90 is circular, while the filter sealing member 102 is non-circular.

[0081] The filter sealing member 102 can be of various shapes. "Shape" refers to the shape of the perimeter. In one example, the filter sealing member 102 is egg-shaped.

[0082] In another example, the filter sealing member 102 is oblong.

[0083] In another example, the filter sealing member 102 is racetrack shaped with two curved sections connected by two straight sections.

[0084] exist Figure 8In this filter, the sealing member 102 has a first curved section 120 and an opposite second curved section 122. The first curved section 120 and the second curved section 122 have different radii of curvature. Typically, the first curved section 120 has a smaller radius of curvature than the second curved section 122. That is, the curvature of the second curved section 122 is more abrupt than that of the first curved section 120.

[0085] For example, the radius of curvature of the first curved segment 120 is between 0.5 and 0.8 of the radius of curvature of the second curved segment 122. In another example, the radius of curvature of the first curved segment 120 is between 0.6 and 0.7 of the radius of curvature of the second curved segment 122. Straight segments 125 and 126 extend between the first curved segment 120 and the second curved segment 122.

[0086] Still referencing Figure 8 The longitudinal axis 124 extends through the first curved section 120 and the second curved section 122. In this embodiment, the filter sealing member 102 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 124. In other embodiments, the filter sealing member 102 may be asymmetrical about the axis 124.

[0087] In-tank filter assembly 20

[0088] Now for reference Figure 3 This illustrates an example embodiment where the element 30 installed in the tank 22 forms an in-tank filter assembly 20. It can be seen that, in one example embodiment, the longitudinal axis 112 of the filter configuration 60 and the longitudinal axis 110 of the bypass configuration 74 may be perpendicular to the central axis 41 of the inlet 40.

[0089] Outlet arrangement 82 is shown in communication with bypass valve 52. When outlet arrangement 82 is a filter screen 84, bypass fluid flows through bypass flow line 76, is filtered by filter screen 84, and then engages bypass valve 52. When sufficient pressure is present in the bypass fluid, the force of the bypass fluid overcomes the spring 130 in valve 52 to open flow passage 132 through valve 52, thereby allowing bypass fluid to flow into tank interior 26.

[0090] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, it can be seen how the bypass sealing member 90 surrounds the bypass flow pipe 76 and forms a releasable seal 92 between the bypass flow pipe 76 and the bypass housing 48. Furthermore, it can be seen how the filter sealing member 102 is fixed to the end cap arrangement 96 and forms a releasable seal 104 between the end cap arrangement 96 and the hydraulic tank 22.

[0091] Now for reference Figure 4The bypass housing 48 includes a surrounding wall 134 having a first open end 136 and an opposite second open end 138. The second open end 138 holds the bypass valve 52 within the second open end. The first open end 136 is sized to receive and indeed receive the bypass flow tube 76. The surrounding wall 134 has a section 140 with a through-hole 142. Figure 10 The through-hole 142 provides communication between the interior 144 of the bypass housing 48 and the rest of the interior of the tank 22. The through-hole 142 ensures that the properly sized bypass configuration 74 is used with the in-tank filter assembly 20, because without the properly sized bypass housing 48, the inlet fluid would flow directly through the through-hole 142 without flowing through the main filter configuration 60.

[0092] The bypass sealing member 90 abuts against the interior 144 of the surrounding wall 134 to form a releasable seal 92, and is axially located between the bypass valve 52 and the section 140 of the through hole 142. The seal 92 prevents bypass flow from passing through the through hole 142 and entering the tank interior 26.

[0093] Grounding the maintenance cover component 36 to the tank 22 can be helpful. Figure 11 The optional metal strip 146 grounding the cover member 36 to the tank 22 is shown. The arrangement of the internal components 20 of the tank provides advantages. Flow is from the internal volume 64 of the filter configuration 60 to the outside. This allows for cleaner maintenance, where contaminants and deposits are contained within the filter configuration 60. Separating the bypass configuration 74 from the filter configuration 60 and placing it parallel to it allows the entire vertical space of the tank 22 to be used for the main flow through the filter configuration 60. Positioning the bypass configuration near the upper end cover arrangement 96 allows the bypass valve 52 to function cleanly and away from the bottom of the filter configuration 60.

[0094] Example Method

[0095] In operation, the fluid to be filtered enters tank 22 through inlet 40. The fluid then flows through filter opening 98 in end cap arrangement 96. The fluid flows into the internal volume 64 of filter configuration 60. The fluid then passes through filter media 62 and coarse filter 50, thus filtering the fluid. The filtered fluid then flows into a storage tank within tank interior 26. When the equipment requires fluid, the filtered fluid exits tank interior 26 through outlet 42.

[0096] In the event of obstruction / blockage of the filter medium 62, fluid will flow through the bypass opening 100 of the end cap arrangement 96. When sufficient pressure is present in the bypass fluid, the force of the bypass fluid overcomes the spring 130 in the valve 52 to open the flow passage 132 through the valve 52, thereby allowing the bypass fluid to flow into the tank interior 26.

[0097] A method is provided for repairing an internal assembly 20 of a tank. The method includes removing a cover member 36 of the tank 22 to expose a repair tank opening 32. Next, a filter element 30 is removed from the tank 22 through the opening 32. The removal step includes breaking a filter seal 104 between the filter element 30 and the tank 22, wherein the seal 104 closes both the filter assembly 60 and the bypass assembly 74. The removal step also includes breaking a bypass seal 92 between the bypass assembly 74 and the tank 22.

[0098] The step of removing the filter element 30 may include grasping the handle 114 extending from the filter element 30.

[0099] The above description illustrates the principles. Many embodiments can be derived using these principles.

Claims

1. A removable and replaceable filter element for use in a hydraulic tank, the filter element comprising: (a) A filter configuration having a tubular extension surrounding a filter medium within an open internal volume of the filter; The filter is constructed having a first end, an opposite second end, and an outer periphery; (b) A bypass configuration located radially outward of the outer periphery; the bypass configuration having a bypass flow tube having an open tube internal volume; the bypass flow tube having a first end and an outlet arrangement; (i) A bypass sealing member surrounding the bypass flow tube to form a seal between the bypass flow tube and the hydraulic tank when the filter element is installed in the hydraulic tank; (c) End cap arrangement, the end cap arrangement being located at a first end of the filter configuration and at a first end of the flow tube; (i) The end cap is provided with a filter opening that communicates with the internal volume of the open filter structure of the filter; (ii) The end cap is provided with a bypass opening that communicates with the open internal volume of the bypass flow tube; as well as (iii) A filter sealing member, which is fixed to the end cap arrangement and closes both the filter configuration and the bypass configuration; when the filter element is installed in the hydraulic tank, the filter sealing member is positioned to form a seal between the end cap arrangement and the hydraulic tank.

2. The filter element of claim 1, further comprising a closed end cap located at a second end of the filter configuration.

3. The filter element as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The outlet arrangement of the bypass configuration includes a filter screen to filter the bypass fluid.

4. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, (a) The end cap arrangement has an outer peripheral wall; and (b) The filter sealing member is along the outer peripheral wall.

5. The filter element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, (a) The filter sealing member is an O-ring seal member; and (b) The bypass sealing component is an O-ring sealing component.

6. The filter element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The longitudinal axis of the bypass structure is parallel to the filter structure.

7. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The filter sealing member and the bypass sealing member have different outer shapes.

8. The filter element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The filter sealing component is egg-shaped.

9. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The filter sealing component is oblong.

10. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The filter sealing member is racetrack shaped and has two curved sections connected by two straight sections.

11. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The filter sealing member has a first curved section and an opposite second curved section; the first curved section and the second curved section have different radii of curvature.

12. The filter element of claim 11, wherein, The radius of curvature of the first curved section is between 0.5 and 0.8 of the radius of curvature of the second curved section.

13. The filter element of claim 11, wherein, The radius of curvature of the first curved section is between 0.6 and 0.7 of the radius of curvature of the second curved section.

14. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The filter sealing member has a first curved section and an opposite second curved section, as well as a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second curved sections; The filter sealing component is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

15. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The filter sealing member has a first curved section and an opposite second curved section, as well as a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second curved sections; The filter sealing component is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

16. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The bypass sealing member is axially spaced from the filter sealing member.

17. The filter element of claim 16, wherein, The bypass sealing member is axially spaced from the filter sealing member by approximately 20 mm to 30 mm.

18. The filter element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The filter medium is a pleated medium.

19. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The axial length of the bypass structure is less than 30% and greater than 5% of the axial length of the filter structure.

20. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The axial length of the bypass structure is less than 25% and greater than 10% of the axial length of the filter structure.

21. The filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The end cap arrangement includes a handle that projects axially from the end cap arrangement in a direction opposite to the filter configuration.

22. The filter element of claim 21, wherein, The handle includes a grip bar positioned across the filter opening.

23. The filter element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, The bypass flow tube and the end cap are integrally molded.

24. The filter element as claimed in claims 3 and 23, wherein, The filter screen, the end cap arrangement, and the bypass flow tube are injection molded or molded together.

25. An in-tank filter assembly, the in-tank filter assembly comprising: (a) A tank for containing filtered hydraulic fluid; the tank having an inlet with a central axis, an outlet, a filter opening, and a removable cover member above the filter opening; the tank also includes a main filter housing and a bypass housing; (i) The bypass housing is radially outside the main filter housing; (b) A bypass valve, which is held in place by the bypass housing; (c) A filter element, which is removably and replaceably placed in the tank; The filter element has a filter configuration with a first longitudinal axis and a bypass configuration with a second longitudinal axis, the filter configuration being positioned in the main filter housing and the bypass configuration being positioned in the bypass housing; as well as (d) A filter sealing member that closes both the filter configuration and the bypass configuration.

26. The filter assembly of claim 25, wherein, The first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are perpendicular to the central axis of the inlet.

27. The filter assembly of any one of claims 25 and 26, wherein, The filter element includes: (a) The filter configuration has a tubular extension surrounding a filter medium within an open internal volume of the filter; the filter configuration has a first end and an opposite second end as well as an outer periphery; (b) The bypass structure is located radially outside the outer periphery; the bypass structure has a bypass flow tube having an open internal volume; the bypass flow tube has a first end and an outlet arrangement; the outlet arrangement is in communication with the bypass valve; (i) A bypass sealing member surrounding the bypass flow tube and forming a releasable seal between the bypass flow tube and the bypass housing; (c) End cap arrangement, the end cap arrangement being located at a first end of the filter configuration and at a first end of the flow tube; (i) The end cap is provided with a filter opening that communicates with the internal volume of the open filter structure of the filter; (ii) The end cap is provided with a bypass opening communicating with the open internal volume of the bypass flow tube; and (iii) The filter sealing member is fixed to the end cap arrangement and forms a seal between the end cap arrangement and the hydraulic tank.

28. The filter assembly of claim 27, wherein, The bypass housing includes: (a) A surrounding wall having a first open end and an opposite second open end; (b) The second open end holds the bypass valve; (c) The size of the first opening is determined to receive the bypass flow tube; (d) The surrounding wall has through-hole sections to provide communication between the interior of the bypass shell and the rest of the interior of the tank; and (e) The bypass sealing member abuts against the interior of the surrounding wall to form the releasable seal and is axially located between the bypass valve and the through-hole section.

29. The filter assembly of any one of claims 27 and 28, wherein, The outlet arrangement of the bypass configuration includes a filter screen to filter the bypass fluid.

30. The filter assembly of any one of claims 27 to 29, further comprising a coarse filter located within the main filter housing and constructed around the filter.

31. The filter assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein, The bypass configuration is parallel to the filter configuration.

32. The filter assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein, The filter element is as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

33. A method for repairing an in-tank filter assembly; the method comprising: (a) Remove the cover member of the hydraulic tank to expose the tank opening; (b) Remove the filter element from the tank through the opening; The filter element has a filter configuration and a bypass configuration located radially outside the filter configuration; wherein the removal step includes: (i) Disrupting the filter seal between the filter element and the canister, wherein the seal closes both the filter configuration and the bypass configuration; and (ii) Damage to the bypass seal between the bypass structure and the tank.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein, The step of removing the filter element includes grasping a handle extending from the filter element.

35. The method of any one of claims 33 and 34, wherein, The filter element includes the filter element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24.

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