Tubular filter element having a sealing arrangement with a housing post

Abstract

A filter comprises a housing having a container and cover which enclose a filter element. The container includes a hollow central post which extends upwardly from the base of the container. The upper end cap for the filter element includes a base supporting the filter media and a cylinder extending downwardly within the central cavity of the filter media. A first seal is provided around the periphery of the upper end cap to seal the intersection between the container and the cover. A second seal on an upwardly-extending flange on the upper end cap seals against a corresponding downwardly-extending flange on the cover. A plurality of slots in the base of the upper end cap provide a flow path from an inlet on the cover to the upstream surface of the filter media. The lower end cap also includes a base supporting the filter media and a cylinder extending upwardly within the cavity of the filter media and defining a central lower opening for receipt of the central post. The cylinders of the upper and lower end caps axially overlap and provide a radially inwardly-facing groove which receives a third O-ring seal. The third O-ring provides a seal between the filter element and the central post of the filter element. A bolt is received within the hollow central post of the container and extends upwardly through an opening formed in the cover. A nut tightened down on the bolt fastens the cover and the container together. The head of the bolt includes a surface geometry which cooperates with the surface geometry of the bore in the central post to prevent the bolt from rotating as the nut is tightened down.