Direction change filter end cap

Abstract

The filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter member disposed within the housing, and an end cap disposed within the housing between the filter member and the housing. The housing includes a first end having an inlet, a second end opposite the first end, and an outlet. The filter member includes a first axial end facing the first end of the housing and a second axial end facing the second end of the housing. The end cap includes an outer surface facing the first end of the housing and fins protruding from the outer surface of the end cap. The fins are configured to redirect fluid flowing into the filter cartridge through the inlet within the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter for filtering fluids. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a filter used to filter materials from fluids.

Background Art

[0002] Filters are used to remove contaminants or unwanted substances from fluids before the fluids are dispensed. For example, fluids used in manufacturing in the semiconductor manufacturing industry often use filters to remove contaminants or unwanted substances from the fluids before the fluids are dispensed. Useful fluids processed using filters include water, liquid industrial solvents, inks, and processing fluids (e.g., in semiconductor manufacturing). Unwanted substances removed from the fluids include contaminants such as impurities and solid particles. Examples of filter applications include their use for processing ultrapure aqueous solutions, organic solvent solutions, water, etc. for use in microelectronics and semiconductor processing. To perform the filtering function, a filter includes a filter member that serves to remove unwanted substances. The filter membrane can be housed within the housing such that the liquid is filtered as it flows through the housing when the fluid passes through the housing.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, the filter cartridge is for filtering fluid. The filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter member disposed within the housing, and an end cap disposed within the housing. The housing includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an inlet disposed at the first end of the housing, and an outlet. The filter member is configured to filter fluid flowing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. The filter member includes a first axial end facing the first end of the housing and a second axial end facing the second end of the housing. An end cap is disposed between the first axial end of the filter member and the inlet within the housing. The end cap includes an outer surface facing toward the first end of the housing and a plurality of fins protruding from the outer surface of the end cap. Each of the plurality of fins extends along the outer surface of the end cap in a curved shape. The plurality of fins are configured to redirect fluid flowing into the filter cartridge through the inlet within the housing.

[0004] In one embodiment, the end cap is for the filter member within the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a cartridge. The filter member is disposed within the housing.

[0005] The end cap includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of fins protruding from the outer surface of the end cap. The inner surface is configured to abut or fuse with the first axial end of the filter member. The outer surface is configured to face toward the housing. Each of the plurality of fins extends along the outer surface of the end cap in a curved shape. The fins are configured to redirect fluid flowing into the filter cartridge through the inlet within the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

[0007] Like numbers represent like features.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a filter cartridge 1. The filter cartridge 1 can be a disposable filter for disposable use in the semiconductor industry. The filter cartridge 1 includes a housing 10 having an inlet 12 and an outlet 14. A fluid F is filtered as it passes through the housing 10 from the inlet 12 to the outlet 14. The (filtered) fluid F flows into the filter cartridge 1 through the inlet 12, is filtered as it passes through the filter cartridge 1, and is then discharged from the filter cartridge 1 (as the filtered fluid) through the outlet 14. The housing 10 can also include one or more vents 16A, 16B configured to exhaust gas from the housing 10. For example, gas can enter the housing 10 along with the fluid F to be filtered.

[0009] The fluid F can be a liquid used in semiconductor manufacturing (e.g., chemical mechanical planarization, wet etching and cleaning, photolithography, etc.), ink manufacturing or use, etc. For example, the liquid can include, but is not limited to, water, ultrapure water, etching solution, ink, solvents used in photolithography and wet etching and cleaning, etc. For example, the fluid F can be a slurry of a liquid and solid particles. The filter cartridge 1 is configured to remove solid particles from the slurry. In one embodiment, the fluid F may be an ink containing pigment (s) particles in a liquid. The filter cartridge 1 may be configured to remove solid non-pigment particles from the liquid / ink (e.g., with minimal removal of pigment particles). In other embodiments, the fluid F can be a solvent or other liquid used in semiconductor manufacturing that needs to remove particles or other contaminants.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge 1 according to one embodiment. The vertical cross-section shown in FIG. 2 extends perpendicular to the view of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 includes a first end 16 and a second end 18 that are both ends of the housing 10. The inlet 12 is located at the first end 16. The outlet 14 is located at the second end 18. The housing 10 includes an internal space 22. For example, the components of the filter cartridge 1 are housed within the internal space 22 of the housing 10. The filter cartridge 1 also includes a filter member 30 and an end cap 50 disposed within the housing 10. The filter member 30 and the end cap 50 are disposed within the internal space 22 of the housing 10.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid F passes through the filter member 30 when flowing through the cartridge 1. The filter member 30 is configured to filter the fluid F when the fluid F passes through the filter member 30. The filter member 30 includes a membrane 32 disposed within the internal space 22 of the housing 10. The fluid F passes through the membrane 32 of the filter member when flowing from the inlet 12 to the outlet 14 through the filter cartridge 1. The membrane 32 of the filter member 30 is configured to filter the fluid F by allowing the liquid to pass through while capturing / blocking the passage of solid particles in the liquid.

[0012] The filter member 30 can also include a core 34 by which the membrane 32 is supported within the housing 10. The membrane 32 is cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 2, the core 34 can be a porous support column around which the membrane 34 is disposed / wound. The membrane 32 is a porous membrane and can have a pleated configuration. In one embodiment, materials suitable for the membrane 32 can include, but are not limited to, polyamide (e.g., polyamide nylon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), inorganic materials (e.g., silicon-based materials, silicon compounds, ceramics, etc.), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene (including ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE)), and polysulfone.

[0013] The filter member 30 has a first axial end 36 and a second axial end 38. The first axial end 36 and the second axial end 38 are both ends of the filter member 30 along the longitudinal axis 40 of the filter member 38. The membrane 32 forms an inlet of the filter member 30 (e.g., the fluid F flows into the filter membrane 30 through the membrane 32). As shown in FIG. 2, the filter membrane 30 can also include an outlet 42 formed at the second axial end 38.

[0014] The first axial end 36 of the filter member 30 faces the first end 16 of the housing 10. The first axial end 36 faces towards the inlet 12 of the housing 10. The second axial end 38 of the filter member 30 faces the second end 18 of the housing 10. The second axial end 38 of the filter member 30 faces towards the outlet 14 of the housing 10. The first axial end 36 of the filter member 30 is positioned closer to the first end 16 of the housing 10 than the second axial end 38 (e.g., closer to the inlet 12 of the housing 10). The filter member 10 is disposed within the housing 10 such that a radial gap 44 is provided between the side surface of the filter member 30 and the side surface of the housing 10. The radial gap 44 is cylindrical. In one embodiment, the filter member 30 may be configured such that only its second axial end 38 contacts the housing 10 (e.g., the first axial end 36 does not contact the housing 10).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the end cap 50 is disposed within the housing 10 between the inlet 12 within the housing 10 and the first axial end 36 of the filter member 30. The end cap 50 spaces the first axial end 36 of the filter member 30 away from the first end 16 of the housing 10 (e.g., spaces it away in a longitudinal direction D1 parallel to the longitudinal axis 40 of the filter member 30). The end cap 50 can be made of a material that is substantially inert with respect to the fluid F. In one embodiment, the end cap 50 is made of a fluoropolymer(s). For example, the material of the end cap 50 can include, but is not limited to, one or more of polypropylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), and PTFE.

[0016] The end cap 50 includes a first side surface 52 and a second side surface 54 opposite to the first side surface 52. The first side surface 52 faces outward from the filter member 30 / faces away from the filter member 30 and can be referred to as the "outer surface". The second side surface 54 faces inward of the filter member 30 / faces toward the filter member 30 and can be referred to as the "inner surface". As shown in FIG. 2, the inner surface 54 of the end cap 50 contacts the first axial end 36 of the filter member 30. In one embodiment, the inner surface 54 can abut against the first axial end 36 of the filter member 30. In another embodiment, the inner surface 54 of the end cap 50 may be fused to the first axial end 36 of the filter member 30.

[0017] The end cap 50 includes a plurality of fins 56 on the outer surface 52. The fins 56 project from the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50. For example, each of the fins 56 projects from the outer surface 52 in the longitudinal direction D1. The fins 56 can have a height that varies to match the gradient of the outer surface 52 (e.g., when measured in the longitudinal direction D1). Each of the fins 56 can have a height (e.g., in the direction D1) such that each fin reliably contacts the housing 10 (e.g., contacts the inner surface of the first end 16 of the housing 10). In one embodiment, each fin 56 can have a height that varies with the gradient of the inner surface of the housing 10 so that the fin 56 remains in contact with the housing 10 along its length. The fins 56 abut against the first end 16 of the housing 10 (e.g., the inner surface of the first end 16 of the housing 10). The fins 56 space the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50 from the first end 16 of the housing 10. The fins 56 form a space (e.g., a channel 58) between the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50 and the second end 18 of the housing 10.

[0018] Each fin 56 extends in a curved shape along the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50. Channels 58 are formed between the fins 56 and between the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50 and the first end 16 of the housing 10. Each channel 58 is disposed between a respective pair of fins 56. Each channel 58 is defined by a respective pair of fins 56, the outer surface 52 of the end cap, and the first end 16 of the housing 10 (e.g., the inner surface of the first end 16 of the housing 10). When the fins 56 abut against the housing 10, the fluid F flowing from the inlet 112 flows through the channels 58 between the fins 56 and is guided to flow out from between the end cap 150 and the first end 16 of the housing 10 and reach the filter member 30.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet 12 of the housing 10 is fluidly connected to the filter member 30 via the channel 58. For example, the fluid F flows from the inlet 12 in the housing 10 to the filter member 30 by passing through the channel 58. The shape and configuration of the fins 56 and the channels 58 will be described in more detail below.

[0020] The outer surface 52 of the end cap 50 has a tapered shape. The outer surface 52 is shaped to be tapered toward the inlet 12 of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the tapered shape of the outer surface 52 faces toward the inlet 12 of the housing 10. For example, the apex 53 of the outer surface 42 overlaps the inlet 12 in the longitudinal direction D1. The inlet 12 faces toward the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50. The inlet 12 is configured to direct the fluid F toward the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50. The end cap 50 is configured to deflect the fluid F when the fluid F flows from the inlet 12 into the internal space 22 of the housing 10. The fluid flowing into the filter cartridge 1 through the inlet 12 in the housing 10 is deflected by the tapered shapes of the outer surface 52 and the fins 56.

[0021] Figures 3A and 3B show different views of the end cap 50 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3A is a side view of the end cap 50. A part of the curvature of the outer surface 52 obscured by the fin 56 is shown in FIG. 3A by a dotted line to assist in illustrating the shape of the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3A, the outer surface 52 of the end cap has a tapered shape (e.g., tapered in the direction D1). The outer surface 52 is inclined with respect to the base 57 of the end cap 50. For example, the outer surface 52 is inclined with respect to the inner surface 54. As shown in FIG. 3A, the tapered shape of the outer surface 52 is a conical shape (e.g., the outer surface 52 has a rounded conical shape in FIG. 3A). In other embodiments, the outer surface 52 can have different tapered shapes such as, but not limited to, a hyperbolic shape, a pyramid shape, etc. In one embodiment, the outer surface 52 may be a flat surface.

[0023] Figure 3B is a front view of the end cap 50. Figure 3B includes dashed arrows indicating the flow of fluid F along the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50. Each of the fins 56 has a curved shape. For example, each of the fins 56 extends both circumferentially (e.g., along the circumferential direction D2) and radially outward along the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50. As described herein, the circumferential and radial directions can be with respect to the longitudinal axis 60 of the end cap 50 that extends through the center C1 of the outer surface 52 (e.g., through the apex 53 of the outer surface 52). In the assembled filter cartridge 1 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), as described herein, the circumferential and radial directions can be with respect to the longitudinal axis 40 of the filter member 30 (shown in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3B, each of the fins 56 has a curved shape that curves continuously. In one embodiment, the fins 56 may have a curved shape without curving continuously. For example, the fins 56 can have a plurality of connected portions (e.g., straight portions) where adjacent portions are inclined with respect to each other to form a curved shape. In FIG. 3B, the fins 56 curve in the clockwise direction (i.e., in the circumferential direction D2). In another embodiment, the fins 56 may be shaped to curve in the counterclockwise direction (e.g., in the direction opposite to the circumferential direction D2).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3B, the fins 56 are provided side by side along the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50. For example, the fins 56 are provided side by side when moving around the center C1 or the apex 53 of the outer surface 52 (e.g., in the circumferential direction D2). As shown in FIG. 3B, each of the fins 56 has a "C" shape and has a single curve. In another embodiment, the fins 56 may have different shapes. For example, the fins 56 can have a plurality of curves. The fins 56 have a shape configured to distribute the fluid more equally in the radial direction without allowing the fluid to flow directly radially outward along the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50.

[0025] A channel 58 is formed between the fins 56. Each channel 58 is formed between a respective pair of fins 56. Each channel 58 is defined by a respective pair of fins 56, the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50, and the second end 18 of the housing 12 (e.g., the inner surface of the second end 18 of the housing 12). Each channel 58 extends both radially and circumferentially outward along the end cap 50.

[0026] As described above, the fluid F flows from the inlet 12 towards the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50. For example, the fluid is directed towards or around the center C1 of the outer surface 52 of the end cap 50 (e.g., to the apex 53 of the tapered outer surface 52). The fluid F then flows radially outward along the outer surface 52. The fins 56 redirect the fluid so that it flows circumferentially while flowing radially outward. For example, the fins 56 shown in FIG. 3B redirect the fluid so that it flows clockwise while flowing radially outward. The fins 56 prevent the fluid from flowing directly radially outward along the end cap 50. The fluid is discharged from each of the channels 58 at a certain angle with respect to the direct radial outward direction (e.g., in the radial direction D 3-1 、radius direction D 3-2 、radius direction D 3-3 etc.). The redirection of the fluid F by the fins 56 and the tapered shape of the outer surface 52 can advantageously prevent / reduce the formation of vortices at the corners 11A, 11B of the housing 10 closest to its first end 16 (e.g., at the bottom corners 11A, 11B of the housing 10 in FIG. 2). The fins 56 can also reduce the formation of air bubbles in the fluid. Thereby, the flow of the fluid through the filter cartridge 1 can be improved.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the filter cartridge 101. The filter cartridge 101 can be a disposable filter for disposable applications in the semiconductor industry. The filter cartridge 101 is configured to filter the fluid F in the same manner as the filter cartridge 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the fluid F is filtered when passing through the filter cartridge 101 from the inlet 112 to the outlet 114.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, the filter cartridge 101 generally has a structure similar to that of the filter cartridge 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The filter cartridge 101 includes a housing 110, a filter member 130 disposed within the housing 110, and an end cap 150 disposed within the housing 110. The end cap 150 includes a plurality of fins 156. The filter cartridge 101 can have a configuration similar to that of the filter cartridge 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2, except for the configuration of the fins 156 on the end cap 150. For example, the filter member 101 includes a first axially extending end 136 facing the first end 116 of the housing 110 and a second axially extending end 136 facing the second end 118 of the housing 110, and the end cap 150 includes an outer surface 152 facing the inlet 112 of the housing 110 and an inner surface 154 in contact with the first axially extending end 136 of the filter member 150. The outer surface 152 of the end cap 150 is tapered toward the inlet 112.

[0029] The end cap 150 is configured to redirect the fluid F when the fluid F flows from the inlet 112 into the internal space 122 of the housing 110. The fluid flowing into the filter cartridge 101 through the inlet 112 in the housing 110 is redirected by the tapered shape of the outer surface 152 and the fins 156.

[0030] The fins 156 of the end cap 150 in FIG. 4 provide a spacing between the housing 110 and the outer surface 152 of the end cap 150 similar to that described above for the fins 56 of the end cap 50 in FIG. 2. For example, the end of the fin 156 contacts / abuts the first end 116 of the housing 110, separating the outer surface 152 of the end cap 150 from the first end 116 of the housing 110 (in the longitudinal direction D1).

[0031] The channel 158 is formed between the fins 156 and between the outer surface 152 of the end cap 150 and the first end 116 of the housing 110. The channel 158 is defined by the fins 156 (e.g., the side surfaces of the fins 156), the outer surface 152 of the end cap 150, and the first end 116 of the housing 110 (e.g., the inner surface of the first end 116 of the housing 110). As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet 112 of the housing 110 is fluidly connected to the filter member 130 via the channel 158. For example, the fluid F flows from the inlet 112 in the housing 110 to the filter member 130 by passing through the channel 158.

[0032] FIGS. 5A and 5B show different views of the end cap 150 according to one embodiment. FIG. 5A is a side view of the end cap 150. A curved portion of the outer surface 152 obscured by the fins 156 is shown in FIG. 5A by a dotted line to assist in illustrating the shape of the outer surface 152 of the end cap 150. As shown in FIG. 5A, the outer surface 152 of the end cap has a tapered shape (e.g., tapered in the direction D1). The outer surface 152 is inclined with respect to the base 157 of the end cap 150. For example, the outer surface 152 is inclined with respect to the inner surface 154 of the end cap 150. As shown in FIG. 5A, the tapered shape of the outer surface 152 is a conical shape (e.g., the outer surface 152 has a rounded conical shape in FIG. 5A). In other embodiments, the outer surface 152 can have different tapered shapes such as, but not limited to, a pyramidal shape.

[0033] FIG. 5B is a front view of end cap 150. FIG. 5B includes dashed arrows showing the flow of fluid F along outer surface 152 of end cap 150. Each of fins 156 has a curved shape. For example, each of fins 156 extends both circumferentially (e.g., along circumferential direction D4) and radially outward along outer surface 52 of end cap 50. In FIG. 5B, each of fins 156 has a curved shape that curves continuously. In one embodiment, fins 156 may have a curved shape without curving continuously. For example, each of fins 156 may have a plurality of connected portions (e.g., straight portions) where adjacent portions are inclined relative to each other to form a curved shape.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5B, fins 156 are provided from end to end along outer surface 152 of end cap 150. For example, fins 156 are provided from end to end such that fins 156 form a helix that extends circumferentially and radially outward along outer surface 152 of end cap 150. Each fin 156 forms a cross-section of the helix. In FIG. 5B, fins 156 are aligned to form a complete helix. In another embodiment, the helix formed by fins 156 may not form a complete helix. For example, one or more of fins 156 are slightly inclined relative to the angle for a complete helix (e.g., less than 30 degrees different from the angle for forming a complete helix). For example, one or more of fins 156 may have a deformed shape different from the shape for forming a complete helical shape.

[0035] The radial openings 162 are provided between the ends of the fins 156. A respective radial opening 162 is provided between the ends of a pair of circumferentially adjacent fins 156 from end to end. The radial openings 162 are formed in the outermost leg of the helix formed by the fins 156. The radial openings 162 are provided such that the fluid F is evenly distributed circumferentially from between the end cap 150 and the filter member 130. The end cap 150 includes four radial openings 162. It should be understood that the end cap 150 can include a different number of radial openings 162. In one embodiment, the end cap 150 can include at least two of the radial openings 162. In one embodiment, the end cap 150 can include at least three radial openings 162. The sizes of the radial openings 162 can be the same or different. In one embodiment, the size of each of the radial openings 162 is selected such that the fluid F is evenly circumferentially distributed / discharged into the open space 122 of the housing 110 from between the end cap 150 and the filter member 130.

[0036] In FIG. 5B, the fins 156 form a helix extending 2.6 revolutions. In one embodiment, the fins 156 form a helix extending at least 1.0 revolution. In one embodiment, the fins 156 form a helix extending longer than 1.0 revolution. In one embodiment, the fins 156 form a helix extending at least 1.5 revolutions. In one embodiment, the fins 156 form a helix extending at least 2.0 revolutions. In FIG. 5B, the fins 156 spiral outward in the counterclockwise direction (i.e., in the circumferential direction D4). In another embodiment, the fins 156 may spiral outward in the counterclockwise direction (e.g., in the opposite direction of the circumferential direction D4).

[0037] Channel 158 is formed between fins 156. Channel 158 extends between fins 156. Channel 158 has a helical shape that is the space between the turns of the helix formed by fins 156. Channel 158 is defined by fins 156 and the outer surface 152 of end cap 150. In the assembled filter cartridge 101 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), channel 158 is also defined by the second end 18 of housing 12 (e.g., the inner surface of the second end 18 of housing 12). Channel 158 extends both circumferentially and radially outward along the outer surface 152 of end cap 150. Radial openings 162 are provided along channel 158.

[0038] Similar to that described above, fluid F is induced to flow from inlet 112 toward the outer surface 152 of end cap 150. For example, the fluid is induced to be at or around the center C2 of the outer surface 152 of end cap 150 (e.g., at apex 153). Fluid F is then induced into channel 158. As shown in FIG. 5B, fluid F flows through channel 158 and is discharged through radial openings 162 from the ends of channel 158 (e.g., when fluid F flows through channel 158, a portion of the fluid is discharged from the ends of channel 158 and another portion of the fluid is discharged from channel 158 through radial openings 162). Fluid F is discharged from channel 158 in a plurality of directions (e.g., through the ends of channel 158 and radial openings 162) as shown in FIG. 5B. The fluid is discharged from channel 158 in directions that are each inclined directly radially outward. The redirection of fluid F by fins 156 can advantageously prevent / reduce the formation of vortices at the corners 111A, 111B of housing 110 closest to its first end 116 (e.g., at the bottom corners 111A, 111B of housing 110 in FIG. 4). Fins 156 can also reduce the formation of air bubbles in the fluid. Thereby, the flow of fluid through filter cartridge 1 can be improved.

[0039] Using computational fluid modeling, the turbulent intensity within a conventional filter cartridge, filter cartridge 1 of FIG. 2, and filter cartridge 101 of FIG. 4 was measured. For example, the conventional filter cartridge used end caps with a flat outer surface. The conventional cartridge had an average turbulent intensity of about 70%. The filter cartridge 1 of FIG. 2 had an average turbulent intensity of about 42%. The filter cartridge 1 of FIG. 4 had an average turbulent intensity of about 26%. Thus, the end cap 50 of filter cartridge 1 and the end cap 150 of filter cartridge 101 each provided an improved fluid flow with reduced turbulence (e.g., reduced turbulence flowing through corners 11A / 111A, 11B / 111A of the internal space 22 / 122).

[0040] Aspect Any one of aspects 1 to 13 can be combined with any one of aspects 14 to 20.

[0041] Aspect 1. A housing including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an inlet disposed at the first end of the housing, and an outlet, and a filter member disposed within the housing and configured to filter a liquid flowing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet, the filter member including a first axial end facing the first end of the housing and a second axial end facing the second end of the housing, and an end cap disposed between the first axial end of the filter member and the inlet within the housing, the end cap including an outer surface facing toward the first end of the housing and a plurality of fins protruding from the outer surface of the end cap, each fin extending in a curved shape along the outer surface of the end cap and configured to redirect a liquid flowing into the filter cartridge through the inlet within the housing.

[0042] Aspect 2. The plurality of fins are configured to redirect the liquid flowing into the housing through the inlet and flow it circumferentially and radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter member, and the plurality of fins are configured to prevent the liquid from flowing directly radially outward along the end cap. The filter cartridge according to Aspect 1.

[0043] Aspect 3. The plurality of fins are configured to redirect the liquid flowing into the housing through the inlet and flow it radially outward and in one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions with respect to the axis of the filter member. The filter cartridge according to Aspect 2.

[0044] Aspect 4. One or more channels are formed between the plurality of fins, and the inlet in the housing is fluidly connected to the filter member through the channel. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3.

[0045] Aspect 5. The first axial end of the filter member is spaced apart from the housing by the end cap, and the outer surface of the end cap is spaced apart from the housing by the fins. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4.

[0046] Aspect 6. The outer surface is shaped to be tapered toward the inlet of the housing. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5.

[0047] Aspect 7. The outer surface of the end cap has a conical shape that is tapered toward the inlet of the housing. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6.

[0048] Aspect 8. The inlet in the housing faces toward the outer surface of the end cap, and the inlet is configured to direct the liquid to flow toward the outer surface of the end cap. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7.

[0049] Aspect 9. The end cap has an inner surface that abuts or fuses with the first axial end of the filter member, and the inner surface of the end cap is on the side opposite to the outer surface of the end cap. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8.

[0050] Aspect 10. The fins extend from end to end along the outer surface of the end cap. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9.

[0051] Aspect 11. A radial opening is provided between the ends of the fins, and the liquid is configured to flow out through the radial opening from between the first axial end of the filter member and the first end of the housing. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10.

[0052] Aspect 12. The fins extend side by side along the outer surface of the end cap. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9.

[0053] Aspect 13. The housing defines an internal space, and the filter member and the end cap are disposed within the internal space of the housing. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12.

[0054] Aspect 14. The filter cartridge is configured to filter a liquid. The filter cartridge according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13.

[0055] Aspect 15. An end cap for a filter member within a filter cartridge including a housing and a filter member disposed within the housing, the end cap having an inner surface configured to abut or fuse with the first axial end of the filter member, an outer surface configured to face the housing, and a plurality of fins protruding from the outer surface of the end cap, each extending in a curved shape along the outer surface of the end cap and configured to redirect liquid flowing into the filter cartridge through an inlet within the housing.

[0056] Aspect 16. The end cap is configured to separate the first axial end of the filter member from the housing, and the plurality of fins are configured to separate the outer surface of the end cap from the housing. The end cap according to Aspect 15.

[0057] Aspect 17. The outer surface is shaped to be tapered toward the inlet of the housing. The end cap according to any one of Aspects 15 and 16.

[0058] Aspect 18. The outer surface has a conical shape that is tapered toward the inlet of the housing. The end cap according to Aspect 17.

[0059] Aspect 19. The fins extend from end to end along the outer surface of the end cap. The end cap according to any one of Aspects 15 to 18.

[0060] Aspect 20. A radial opening is provided between the ends of the fins, and the liquid is configured to flow radially outward through the radial opening from between the first axial end of the filter and the first end of the housing. The end cap according to any one of Aspects 15 to 19.

[0061] Aspect 21. The fins extend side by side along the outer surface of the end cap. The end cap according to any one of Aspects 15 to 18.

[0062] The examples disclosed in this application should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the above description, and all modifications that occur within the meaning and equivalent scope of the claims are intended to be included herein.

Claims

**Claim 1** A filter cartridge, comprising: a housing including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an inlet disposed at the first end of the housing, and an outlet; a filter member disposed within the housing and configured to filter a liquid flowing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet, the filter member including a first axial end facing the first end of the housing and a second axial end facing the second end of the housing; an end cap disposed between the first axial end of the filter member and the inlet within the housing, the end cap including: an outer surface facing toward the first end of the housing; and a plurality of fins protruding from the outer surface of the end cap, each fin extending along the outer surface of the end cap in a curved shape and configured to redirect the liquid flowing into the filter cartridge through the inlet within the housing; A filter cartridge comprising the above. **Claim 2** The filter cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fins are configured to redirect the liquid flowing into the housing through the inlet to flow circumferentially and radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter member, and the plurality of fins are configured to prevent the liquid from flowing directly radially outward along the end cap. **Claim 3** The filter cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fins are configured to redirect the liquid flowing into the housing through the inlet to flow radially outward and in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with respect to the axis of the filter member. **Claim 4** The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more channels are formed between the plurality of fins, and the inlet within the housing is fluidly connected to the filter member through the channels. **Claim 5** The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first axial end of the filter member is spaced apart from the housing by the end cap, and the outer surface of the end cap is spaced apart from the housing by the fins. **Claim 6** The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer surface of the end cap is shaped to be tapered toward the inlet of the housing.

7. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer surface of the end cap has a conical shape that is tapered toward the inlet of the housing.

8. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inlet in the housing faces the outer surface of the end cap, and the inlet is configured to direct the liquid to flow toward the outer surface of the end cap.

9. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the end cap has an inner surface that abuts or fuses with the first axial end of the filter member, and the inner surface of the end cap is on the side opposite to the outer surface of the end cap.

10. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fins extend from end to end along the outer surface of the end cap.

11. A radial opening is provided between the ends of the fins, and the liquid is configured to flow out through the radial opening from between the first axial end of the filter member and the first end of the housing. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fins extend side by side along the outer surface of the end cap.

13. The filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing defines an internal space, and the filter member and the end cap are disposed within the internal space of the housing.

14. An end cap for a filter member within a filter cartridge including a housing and a filter member disposed within the housing, an inner surface configured to abut or fuse with a first axial end of the filter member, an outer surface configured to face the housing, A plurality of fins protruding from the outer surface of the end cap, each extending in a shape curved along the outer surface of the end cap and configured to deflect the liquid flowing into the filter cartridge through an inlet in the housing. An end cap comprising the same. **Claim 15** The end cap according to claim 14, wherein the end cap is configured to separate the first axial end of the filter member from the housing, and the plurality of fins are configured to separate the outer surface of the end cap from the housing. **Claim 16** The end cap according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the outer surface is shaped to be tapered toward the inlet of the housing. **Claim 17** The end cap according to claim 16, wherein the outer surface has a conical shape that is tapered toward the inlet of the housing. **Claim 18** The end cap according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the fins extend from end to end along the outer surface of the end cap. **Claim 19** The end cap according to claim 18, wherein a radially extending opening is provided between the ends of the fins, and the liquid is configured to flow radially outward through the radially extending opening from between the first axial end of the filter and the first end of the housing. **Claim 20** The end cap according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the fins extend side by side along the outer surface of the end cap.

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