Patent ID: 7635429

Claim:
A filter element comprising inner and outer rings of filter material with an annular space between them, whereby a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the annular space between the rings of filter material and can flow through the outer ring of filter material to the periphery of the filter element and through the inner ring of filter material to the center of the filter element; at least one fluid-permeable support member for the filter material, and at least one end disk on an axial end face of the filter element affixed to the rings of filter material in a sealed manner, wherein said end disk is a one-piece molded synthetic resin material part manufactured from a thermoplastic synthetic resin material by injection molding; said one-piece end disk having a centrally arranged inlet opening into a receiving space for the fluid to be filtered and a plurality of elongated fluid distribution channels extending radially from said receiving space to the annular space between the inner and outer rings of filter material and then protruding axially from the end disk into the annular space, each of said elongated channels ending in an eccentrically arranged outlet opening which opens into the annular space between the rings of filter material to admit fluid to be filtered to said annular space.