Filter element, filter system and end plate for a filter element

Abstract

The utility model relates to a filter element, a filter system and an end plate for a filter element. The filter element includes a filter media and an end plate positioned at a first end of the filter media. The end plate includes an end wall defining an aperture. The end plate includes an axial flange extending from the end wall in a direction away from the filter media. The axial flange has a first portion positioned at a first radial distance from the bore and a second portion positioned at a second radial distance from the bore, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance. The end plate includes a sealing member positioned about the axial flange such that the sealing member contacts at least a first portion of the axial flange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to an end plate for use in a filter element. The filter element can be used in a filtration system. Background Technology

[0002] Filtration systems can be used to separate contaminants from a fluid to protect downstream devices from damage (e.g., corrosion, clogging, etc.). For example, a filtration system can protect downstream devices by including filter elements that separate contaminants from the fluid that could potentially damage the downstream devices. Utility Model Content

[0003] Various embodiments provide a filter element. The filter element includes a filter medium and an end plate positioned at a first end of the filter medium. The end plate includes an end wall defining an orifice. The end plate includes an axial flange extending from the end wall in a direction remote from the filter medium. The axial flange has a first portion positioned at a first radial distance from the orifice and a second portion positioned at a second radial distance from the orifice, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance. The end plate includes a sealing member positioned around the axial flange such that the sealing member contacts at least the first portion of the axial flange.

[0004] In some embodiments, the end plate further includes a valve assembly extending from the end wall in a direction away from the filter medium; and the second portion of the axial flange is positioned close to the valve assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments, the axial flange is shaped like a circular segment, wherein the first portion is positioned along the arc of the circular segment, and the second portion is positioned along the chord of the circular segment.

[0006] In some embodiments, the depth of the chord is between about 1 mm and about 2 mm, including 1 mm and 2 mm, wherein the depth of the chord is the difference between the first radial distance and the second radial distance.

[0007] In some embodiments, the depth of the string is approximately 1.3 mm.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sealing member is a radial sealing member positioned on the outer periphery of the end plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end plate is an upper end plate; and the filter element includes a lower end plate positioned at a second end of the filter medium opposite to the first end of the filter medium.

[0010] In some embodiments, the end plate includes a radial flange extending radially outward from the distal end of the axial flange; the axial flange is positioned radially inward of the outer periphery of the end wall; the radial flange, the axial flange, and the outer periphery of the end wall cooperate to define a sealing channel; and the sealing member is at least partially positioned within the sealing channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, a gap is defined between the sealing member and the second portion of the axial flange, the gap allowing air to travel axially through the sealing member.

[0012] Various other embodiments provide a filtration system. The filtration system includes a filter housing and a filter element. The filter element includes a filter medium and an end plate positioned at a first end of the filter medium. The end plate includes an end wall defining an orifice. The end plate includes an axial flange extending from the end wall in a direction remote from the filter medium. The axial flange has a first portion positioned at a first radial distance from the orifice and a second portion positioned at a second radial distance from the orifice, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance. The end plate includes a sealing member positioned around the axial flange such that the sealing member contacts at least a first portion of the axial flange. The sealing member is positioned between the filter housing and the axial flange. The sealing member is configured to at least partially form a seal between the filter housing and the axial flange.

[0013] Various other embodiments provide an end plate for a filter element. The end plate includes an end wall defining an orifice. The end plate includes an axial flange extending from the end wall in a first direction away from the filter medium. The axial flange has a first portion positioned at a first radial distance from the orifice and a second portion positioned at a second radial distance from the orifice, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance. The end plate includes a sealing member positioned around the axial flange such that the sealing member contacts at least a first portion of the axial flange.

[0014] In some embodiments, the end plate further includes a valve assembly extending outward from the end wall in the first direction; and the second portion of the axial flange is positioned close to the valve assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the axial flange is shaped like a circular arc, wherein the first portion is positioned along the arc of the circular arc, and the second portion is positioned along the chord of the circular arc.

[0016] In some embodiments, the end plate includes a radial flange extending radially outward from the distal end of the axial flange; the axial flange is positioned radially inward of the outer periphery of the end wall; the radial flange, the axial flange, and the outer periphery of the end wall cooperate to define a sealing channel; and the sealing member is at least partially positioned within the sealing channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, a gap is defined between the sealing member and the second portion of the axial flange, the gap allowing air to travel axially through the sealing member. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the accompanying drawings, the following description, and the appended claims. It is to be understood that these drawings depict only a few embodiments according to this disclosure and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which will be described with additional features and details using the drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a filtering system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the filtration system.

[0021] Figure 3 Is with Figure 1 A perspective view of the end plates that can be used with the filtration system.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another perspective view of the end plate.

[0023] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar parts unless the context otherwise requires. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that aspects of this disclosure generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and form part of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to end plates for filter elements that can be included in a filtration system. The end plates advantageously include vents that allow airflow. For example, during operation of the filtration system, fluids such as fuel, oil, etc., can flow through the filter media of the filter element. Air entrained in the fluid may not easily pass through the filter media and may be “trapped” upstream of the filter media. Advantageously, in the early stages of the filter media’s lifespan, air can pass through the vents instead of through the filter media, allowing air to escape from the filtration system. In the later stages of the filter media’s lifespan, contaminants trapped within the filter media may reduce the fluid flow through the filter media, which will increase the fluid level within the filter housing. Subsequently, a gasket around the vent will swell and seal the vent, which can mitigate (e.g., reduce) any reduction in fuel filtration efficiency.

[0025] The embodiments further illustrated and described herein relate to an outside-in flow design for a filtration system. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein can be used in other filtration system arrangements. For example, the embodiments described herein can be used in inside-out flow designs and / or any other type of filtration system. Additionally, a filtration system may include more or fewer components than those shown in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, references to various components located inside, downstream, outside, upstream, etc., are relative to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that other embodiments (such as the inside-out flow design for a filtration system) may have the same or similar components provided in different arrangements.

[0026] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image illustrates a filtration system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that the filtration system 100 may include components such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The filtration system 100 is configured to receive unfiltered fluid (e.g., fuel, oil, etc.), filter the fluid, and provide the filtered fluid to downstream devices, such as an engine. As shown, the filtration system 100 includes a filter head 110 and a filter cartridge 140. The filter cartridge 140 is configured to be coupled to the filter head 110.

[0027] The filter head 110 includes a filter head body 112. The filter head body 112 defines one or more ports, shown as a first port 113 and a second port 114. The first port 113 is an inlet port that is in fluid receiving communication with an upstream device and fluid providing communication with the internal fluid of the filtration system 100. The second port 114 is an outlet port that is in fluid receiving communication with the internal fluid of the filtration system 100 and fluid providing communication with a downstream device (e.g., an engine). In other embodiments, the first port is configured as an outlet port and the second port 114 is configured as an inlet port.

[0028] The filter head body 112 defines a central port 116. The central port 116 extends through the filter head body 112. The central port 116 is centered on the central axis of the filtration system 100. The central axis extends through the radial center of the filtration system 100, the center of the filter head 110, and / or the center of the filter cartridge 140.

[0029] As used herein, the term "axis" describes a theoretical line extending through at least a portion of an object, such as the object's centroid (e.g., center of mass, geometric center, etc.). In some arrangements, the object is centered on an axis. The object does not have to be cylindrical (e.g., a non-cylindrical shape can be centered on an axis, etc.). Furthermore, the object does not have to be on an axis (e.g., the centroid of a hollow object can be on an axis, but no part of the object needs to be on an axis).

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, pump 120 can be coupled to filter head 110. For example, pump 120 can be configured to pump fluid (such as fuel) through filtration system 100. Figure 2 In one embodiment, pump 120 is electrically driven.

[0031] Pump 120 is at least partially located within central port 116. That is, central port 116 is positioned to receive at least a portion of pump 120 therein. Pump 120 is configured to generate a pressure differential within filtration system 100, thereby facilitating the intake of fluid in an outward-to-inward flow configuration.

[0032] The filter cartridge 140 includes a housing 142 and a filter element 160. The housing 142 at least partially defines an internal volume 144. The filter head 110 also at least partially defines an internal volume 144. The filter element 160 is at least partially positioned within the internal volume 144 such that the filter element 160 is located within the filter head 110 and the housing 142.

[0033] The filtration system 100 includes a collar 148. The collar 148 connects the filter cartridge 140 (and more specifically, the housing 142) to the filter head 110.

[0034] Filter element 160 is configured to filter fluid (e.g., by removing contaminants). In some embodiments, filter element 160 is removably coupled to housing 142. In other embodiments, filter element 160 is permanently fixed within housing 142 such that filter element 160 cannot be removed from housing 142 without damaging filter element 160 and / or housing 142. Filter element 160 is at least partially housed within housing 142 and / or filter head 110.

[0035] Filter element 160 includes filter media 162. Filter media 162 may be positioned between and connected to one or more end plates, shown as a first end plate 200 and a second end plate 240. Filter media 162 is formed in a cylindrical or annular structure. Filter media 162 may be pleated to increase surface area. Filter media 162 may be a single-layer or multi-layer media made of at least one of the following materials: woven fibers, nonwoven materials, wet-laid materials, polymer materials, glass materials, cellulose materials, and / or other suitable materials. Filter media 162 is configured to allow unfiltered fluid to pass through and be filtered. For example, unfiltered fluid flows through filter media 162, and as the unfiltered fluid passes through filter media 162, filter media 162 removes impurities, such as particles, organic matter, etc., from the unfiltered fluid. Impurities are trapped by filter media 162. An external volume 164 is defined between a filter medium 162 and a housing 142. An internal volume 166 is defined within the filter medium 162. In operation, fluid flows from the external volume 164 through the filter medium 162 and into the internal volume 166.

[0036] Filter element 160 includes a first end plate 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end plate 200 is an upper end plate positioned at a first end of filter medium 162, near filter head 110. Filter element 160 includes a second end plate 240 (e.g., a lower end plate) positioned at a second end of filter medium 162 opposite to the first end of filter medium 162.

[0037] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the end plate 200 includes an end wall 202. The end wall 202 extends radially outward relative to the central axis of the filtration system 100.

[0038] like Figure 3As shown, end wall 202 at least partially defines orifice 216. In some embodiments, orifice 216 is centered on the central axis of filtration system 100 such that orifice 216 is aligned with central port 116. When pump 120 is included in filtration system 100, as Figure 2 As shown, pump 120 extends through hole 216.

[0039] The first end plate 200 includes an axial flange 204. The axial flange 204 extends from the end wall 202 in a direction away from the filter medium 162. Figure 4 As shown, the axial flange 204 has a first portion 205 and a second portion 206. The first portion 205 is positioned at a first radial distance from the hole 216, and the second portion 206 is positioned at a second radial distance from the hole 216, which is less than the first radial distance.

[0040] In some embodiments, the axial flange 204 is "circularly arcuate". As described herein, the "circularly arcuate" shape is defined by an arc and a chord. A first portion 205 of the axial flange 204 is positioned along the arc of the arc. A second portion 206 of the axial flange 204 is positioned along the chord of the arc.

[0041] The first radial distance is the radius of the arc. For example, the first radial distance can be the distance between the center of the arc (e.g., the center of the end wall 202 and / or the central axis of the filter system 100) and the first portion 205 of the axial flange 204.

[0042] The second radial distance is the length of the apothem of the arc. Furthermore, the apothem of the arc is defined as the theoretical line segment extending between the center of the arc (e.g., the center of the end wall 202 and / or the central axis of the filter system 100) and the midpoint of the chord of the arc (e.g., the midpoint of the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204).

[0043] In some embodiments, the axial flange 204 is formed by forming a circular or substantially circular ring extending from the end wall 202. A portion of the axial flange 204 is then removed (e.g., by removing material from the axial flange 204 via a cutting process, machining process, etc.). The removed portion of the axial flange 204 is substantially parallel to a theoretical tangent to the formed circle. Therefore, the removal of material forms an arc (e.g., the uncut portion of the axial flange 204, referred to as the first portion 205) and a chord (e.g., the cut portion of the axial flange 204, referred to as the second portion 206). In other embodiments, the axial flange 204 is formed in the aforementioned arcuate shape.

[0044] The distance between the circular shape of the axial flange 204 and the chord is referred to as the "depth" of the chord. In some embodiments, the "depth" of the chord can be defined as the difference between a first radial distance and a second radial distance. In other embodiments, the "depth" of the chord is defined by the diameter and "height" of the circular arc. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the arc of the circular bow is the dominant arc relative to an angle greater than π radians. Therefore, the bow height (e.g., the distance from the midpoint of the arc to the midpoint of the chord) (also called the "height" of the circular bow) is greater than the radius of the circular bow. In these embodiments, the "depth" of the chord is defined as the diameter of the circular bow minus the height of the circular bow.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the string depth can be between about 1 millimeter (mm) and about 2 mm, inclusive. For example, the “depth” of the string can be about 1.3 mm.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first end plate 200 includes a radial flange 208 extending radially outward from the distal end of an axial flange 204. The distal end of the axial flange 204 is positioned away from the end wall 202. Therefore, the radial flange 208 is spaced away from the end wall 202. Additionally, the axial flange 204 is positioned radially inward of the outer periphery 203 of the end wall 202. That is, the outer periphery 203 of the end wall 202 is the portion of the end wall 202 that is radially outward of the axial flange 204 and defines the outer periphery of the end wall 202. In some embodiments, the radial flange 208, the axial flange 204, and the outer periphery 203 of the end wall 202 cooperate to define a sealing channel.

[0047] Filter element 160 includes sealing member 210 (e.g., O-ring, gasket, etc.). Figure 2 As shown, the sealing member 210 is positioned around the axial flange 204 such that the sealing member 210 contacts at least a first portion 205 of the axial flange 204. For example, the sealing member 210 may be a radial sealing member positioned on the outer periphery of the first end plate 200. In some embodiments, the sealing member 210 is at least partially positioned within a sealing channel defined by the outer periphery 203 of the radial flange 208, the axial flange 204, and the end wall 202.

[0048] like Figure 2As shown, the sealing member 210 is positioned between the filter head 110 and the filter element 160. The sealing member 210 engages the filter head 110 and the filter element 160, and at least partially forms a radially directed seal between the filter head 110 and the filter element 160. More specifically, the sealing member 210 is at least partially compressed between the filter head 110 and the axial flange 204 of the first end plate 200, such that the sealing member 210 forms a radially directed seal where it is compressed.

[0049] In some embodiments, a gap is defined between the sealing member 210 and the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204. For example, due to the variable geometry of the axial flange 204 (e.g., the radial position of the first portion 205 relative to the radial position of the second portion 206, as described above), the sealing member 210 is not fully compressed between the filter head 110 and the axial flange 204, resulting in a gap between the sealing member 210 and the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204. The gap allows air to travel axially through the sealing member 210 (e.g., between the sealing member 210 and the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204).

[0050] During operation of the filtration system 100, air within the external volume 164 may be trapped upstream of the filter medium 162. Advantageously, the gap formed between the sealing member 210 and the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204 allows air to travel axially through the sealing member 210. As air flows through the gap between the sealing member 210 and the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204, air can flow into the port 114 and out of the filtration system 100.

[0051] The first end plate 200 includes an outer skirt 212 and an inner skirt 214. The outer skirt 212 extends from the end wall 202 in a direction toward the filter medium 162. The outer skirt 212 extends from the end wall 202 near its outer periphery 203. The inner skirt 214 extends from the end wall 202 in a direction toward the filter medium 162 (e.g., parallel or substantially parallel to the outer skirt 212). The inner skirt 214 extends from the end wall 202 near the orifice 216, such that the inner skirt 214 at least partially defines the orifice 216.

[0052] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the first end plate 200 includes a valve assembly 230. The valve assembly 230 extends outward from the end wall 202 in a direction away from the filter medium 162. Figure 2 As shown, valve assembly 230 extends into valve chamber 232. Valve chamber 232 is at least partially defined by filter head body 112. Valve chamber 232 is in fluid communication with port 114. Figure 3As shown, valve assembly 230 includes valve body 234, valve assembly sealing surface 236, and valve 238 (e.g., check valve, one-way valve, etc.).

[0053] The valve body 234 extends axially away from the first end plate end wall 202 in a direction away from the filter medium 162. More specifically, the valve body 234 extends toward the valve chamber 232 such that at least a portion of the valve body 234 is within the valve chamber 232.

[0054] Valve body 234 defines one or more flow channels 235. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the valve body 234 includes one or more walls that define a flow channel 235 between them. The flow channel 235 enables fluid communication between the internal volume 166 and the valve 238. Figure 3 As shown, the flow channel 235 extends through the valve body 234. For example, during operation, fluid within the internal volume 166 can flow through the orifice 216 and enter the valve body 234 via the flow channel 235.

[0055] The valve assembly sealing surface 236 extends around the periphery of the valve body 234. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the valve assembly sealing surface 236 is a channel defining a radially outwardly pointing open end. The dimensions of the valve assembly sealing surface 236 (e.g., the channel) are designed to receive the sealing member 237. The valve assembly sealing surface 236 supports the sealing member 237. The sealing member 237 engages the valve assembly sealing surface 236 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 232 to form a radially pointing seal between the valve assembly sealing surface and the valve chamber. This seal prevents fluid from flowing between the valve assembly 230 and the valve chamber 232.

[0056] Valve 238 is coupled to valve body 234. Valve 238 selectively enables fluid communication between internal volume 166 and second port 114. More specifically, valve 238 selectively enables fluid communication between internal volume 166 and second port 114 via one or more of orifice 216, flow channel 235, and valve chamber 232. In some embodiments, valve 238 is a check valve or one-way valve that is selectively operable between a first position (e.g., open position) and a second position (e.g., closed position), in which valve 238 allows fluid to flow from internal volume 166 to second port 114, and in which valve 238 substantially prevents fluid from flowing through valve body 234. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, such as an outside-to-inside flow configuration, in the first position, valve 238 allows fluid to flow from second port 114 to internal volume 166, while in the second position, fluid is still prevented from flowing through valve body 234.

[0057] like Figure 4As shown, the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204 is positioned close to the valve assembly 230. In this way, the gap between the sealing member 210 and the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204 allows air to travel axially through the sealing member 210 and into the port 114. For example, air can travel through the gap between the sealing member 210 and the second portion 206 of the axial flange 204 and enter the port 114 via the valve chamber 232.

[0058] It should be noted that the term "example" used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to mean that such embodiments must be particular or excellent examples).

[0059] As used herein, the term "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted use by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who consult this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain features described and claimed, without limiting the scope of those features to precise numerical ranges, relationships, or descriptions provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or irrelevant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The terms "joint," etc., as used herein refer to two components directly joined together. Such joining can be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable).

[0060] References to element positions (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc.) herein are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of different elements may be different, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

[0061] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, values ​​of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or varied. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged. Other substitutions, modifications, variations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

[0062] While this specification contains numerous details of specific embodiments, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any utility model or the scope that can be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular utility model. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, or even originally claimed in this way, in some cases one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from that combination, and the claimed combination may refer to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

Claims

1. A filter element characterized in that, The filter element comprises: a filter media; and an end plate positioned at a first end of the filter media, the end plate comprising: an end wall defining an aperture; an axial flange extending from the end wall in a direction away from the filter media, the axial flange having a first portion positioned at a first radial distance from the aperture and a second portion positioned at a second radial distance from the aperture, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance; and a sealing member positioned about the axial flange such that the sealing member contacts at least the first portion of the axial flange.

2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein: the end plate further comprises a valve assembly extending from the end wall in a direction away from the filter media; and the second portion of the axial flange is positioned proximate the valve assembly.

3. The filter element of claim 1, wherein, the axial flange is shaped as a circular segment, and wherein the first portion is positioned along an arc of the circular segment and the second portion is positioned along a chord of the circular segment.

4. The filter element of claim 3, wherein, a depth of the chord is between about 1 mm and about 2 mm, inclusive, wherein the depth of the chord is a difference between the first radial distance and the second radial distance.

5. The filter element of claim 4, wherein, the depth of the chord is about 1.3 mm.

6. The filter element of claim 1, wherein, the sealing member is a radial sealing member positioned on an outer periphery of the end plate.

7. The filter element of claim 1, wherein: the end plate is an upper end plate; and the filter element comprises a lower end plate positioned at a second end of the filter media opposite the first end of the filter media.

8. The filter element of claim 1, wherein: the end plate comprises a radial flange extending radially outward from a distal end of the axial flange; the axial flange is positioned radially inward of an outer periphery of the end wall; the radial flange, the axial flange, and the outer periphery of the end wall cooperate to define a sealing channel; and the sealing member is positioned at least partially within the sealing channel.

9. The filter element of any of claims 1-8, wherein, a gap is defined between the sealing member and the second portion of the axial flange, the gap allowing air to travel axially past the sealing member.

10. A filtration system characterized by, The filter system comprises: a filter housing; and the filter element of any of claims 1-9; wherein the sealing member is positioned between the filter housing and the axial flange, the sealing member forming a seal at least partially between the filter housing and the axial flange.

11. An end plate for a filter element, characterized by the end plate comprises: an end wall defining an aperture; an axial flange extending from the end wall in a first direction away from a filter media of the filter element, the axial flange having a first portion positioned at a first radial distance from the aperture and a second portion positioned at a second radial distance from the aperture, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance; and a sealing member positioned about the axial flange such that the sealing member contacts at least the first portion of the axial flange.

12. The end plate of claim 11, wherein: the end plate further comprises a valve assembly extending outwardly from the end wall in the first direction; and the second portion of the axial flange is positioned proximate the valve assembly.

13. The end plate of claim 11, wherein the axial flange is shaped as a circular segment, and wherein the first portion is positioned along an arc of the circular segment and the second portion is positioned along a chord of the circular segment.

14. The end plate of claim 11, wherein: the end plate comprises a radial flange extending radially outwardly from a distal end of the axial flange; the axial flange is positioned radially inwardly of an outer periphery of the end wall; the radial flange, the axial flange, and the outer periphery of the end wall cooperate to define a seal channel; and the seal member is positioned at least partially within the seal channel.

15. The end plate of any one of claims 11-14, wherein, a gap is defined between the seal member and the second portion of the axial flange, the gap allowing air to travel axially past the seal member.

Images