Filter element and filter device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter element (1) for filtering a fluid, in particular an air filter element for an air filter system, comprising a filter bellows (10) arranged around a longitudinal axis (L) and at least partially enclosing an interior space (11). The filter bellows (10) has a first end (101) and a second end (102) opposite it. Furthermore, the filter element comprises an end disk (12) at the first end (101) open to the interior space (11) and a further end disk (13) at the opposite second end (102), wherein at least one circumferential sealing contour (14) is arranged on the end disk (12) open to the interior space (11), the sealing contour having a locally limited recess (141) with respect to a radial direction (R) and projecting radially inwards beyond an inner circumference of the filter bellows (10) in the region of the locally limited recess (141).Furthermore, a filter device (200) with such a filter element (1) is disclosed.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular an air filter element for an air filter system, in particular for an intake air filter system of a fuel cell or internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter device comprising such a filter element.

[0002] The intake air of fuel cells and / or internal combustion engines is typically cleaned of particulate and / or gaseous contaminants using an air filter before entering a cathode chamber or combustion chamber. For this purpose, air filter elements are used. Furthermore, the air flowing into a vehicle cabin is also nowadays freed of contaminants as completely as possible. Possible contaminants include particulate matter, pollen, soot, and aerosols.

[0003] A filter element or filter insert is generally understood to be a replaceable unit that can be arranged in a filter housing. It comprises at least one filter medium body made of a filter medium, often in the form of a pleated filter bellows, and usually also a structure that carries or supports the filter medium, and usually a seal. The respective filter medium typically has a limited service life, which is why filter elements must be replaced regularly.

[0004] Such filter elements or filter inserts are often designed as so-called round elements, which have a filter bellows arranged around a longitudinal axis, which at least partially encloses an interior space. The filter bellows can be defined at a first end by an open end plate and at a second end opposite the first end by another end plate, in particular a closed end plate. A circumferential seal is usually arranged on the open end plate.

[0005] For various reasons, it may be technically necessary for round filter elements to be installed in a filter housing in a predetermined installation position. For example, the above-mentioned applications often use volume and / or mass flow sensors that measure the intake air volume. Such volume and / or mass flow sensors are usually calibrated to a predetermined installation position of the round filter element, so that if the round filter element is installed in the filter housing in a position deviating from the predetermined installation position, measurement inaccuracies arise. The reason for this is that the filter media bodies usually have a junction that influences the downstream flow profile. State of the art

[0006] WO 2019 / 219635 A1 discloses a round filter element having a circumferential filter bellows defined at each of its ends by an end plate, with at least one of the end plates being an open end plate. The filter bellows comprises a filter medium, in particular pleated in a star shape, and has, at its end near the open end plate, a spreading portion on the outer circumference, wherein the spreading portion extends only over part of the total length of the filter bellows. The spreading portion of the filter bellows is aligned with a corresponding notch on an outer circumference of the open end plate. Furthermore, a circumferential seal is arranged on the open end plate and extends radially within the notch in a circle.Furthermore, a filter housing for receiving the round filter element is disclosed therein, which has a notch in an interior space which, in an assembled state, engages in the spreading of the filter bellows of the round filter element in order to position the round filter element with regard to its angular position relative to the filter housing.

[0007] The disadvantage of this is that the sealing contour runs over a comparatively small diameter, which is detrimental to optimal sealing. Furthermore, the system proposed there is susceptible to misuse, since, for example, any filter element can be installed in the filter housing after removing the notch on the housing side.

[0008] Furthermore, WO 2018 / 073198 A1 discloses a further filter element which has a spreading portion on the outer circumference of a filter bellows, the filter bellows having a long oval cross-sectional shape. The filter bellows is delimited at its respective ends by an end plate, one of the end plates being an open end plate. The filter element is particularly permeable to flow from the radially inside to the radially outside and has a grid structure on its outer circumference that supports the filter bellows. A circumferential, radially projecting seal carrier is provided on the grid structure, which carries an axial seal, the seal carrier being spaced axially from the open end plate.The grid structure further comprises a positioning element projecting radially inward, which supports the spreading and is open radially outward and axially towards the side of the open end plate, so that a blade provided on a filter housing can engage with the positioning element. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to create a filter element which makes it easier than before to enforce a clear installation position in a filter housing.

[0010] This object is achieved by a filter element having the features of claim 1 and by a filter device having the features of claim 18. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a filter element designed to filter a fluid and, in particular, can be an air filter element for an air filter system, in particular for an intake air filter system of a fuel cell or internal combustion engine. However, it is also fundamentally possible for the filter element according to the invention to be a liquid filter element.

[0012] According to a first embodiment, the filter element according to the invention has a filter bellows arranged around a longitudinal axis, which at least partially encloses an interior space, wherein the filter bellows has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. Furthermore, the filter element comprises an end plate open to the interior space at the first end and a further end plate, in particular a closed end plate, at the opposite second end. At least one circumferential sealing contour is arranged on the end plate open to the interior space, which sealing contour rises in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the end plate open to the interior space. The circumferential sealing contour has a locally limited recess with respect to a radial direction, wherein the circumferential sealing contour protrudes radially inward beyond an inner circumference of the filter bellows in the region of the locally limited recess.

[0013] In other words, the sealing contour in the region of the locally limited recess is drawn inward relative to a profile of the sealing contour along a large part of its circumference in such a way that, viewed in the radial direction, it protrudes into a cross-section of the interior space. The at least one locally limited recess can, in particular, extend over a circumference of the circumferential sealing contour that lies in a range of 1° to 30° of the total circumference, preferably 5° to 20° of the total circumference.

[0014] “First end” and “second end” herein refer in particular to ends of the filter bellows facing away from each other with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0015] The term "filter bellows," in its broadest sense, encompasses any filter medium body that has at least one filter medium, which can be in pleated or unfolded form. The filter medium can, in particular, be a particle filter medium or a gas filter medium. Optionally, the filter medium can comprise at least one adsorbent, in particular activated carbon. A filter medium designed as a particle filter medium can, in particular, comprise a nonwoven material, in particular made of synthetic fibers and / or cellulose fibers.

[0016] The filter bellows can be flowed through in a radial direction, in particular from radially outside to radially inside, so that a clean side can be present, in particular, in the area of ​​the interior space enclosed by the filter bellows. However, in some designs, flow from radially inside to radially outside is also possible, so that a dirty side can be present in the area of ​​the interior space enclosed by the filter bellows.

[0017] The filter element according to the invention is, in particular, a round filter element. The filter bellows can, in particular, have a closed cross-section. A cross-sectional shape of the filter medium body can, for example, be selected from the group comprising circular, oval, long oval, and kidney-shaped.

[0018] The filter bellows can, in particular, have the shape of a straight or oblique prism, with its first and second ends forming the respective base and top surfaces of the prism. In particular, the filter bellows can have a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0019] The filter bellows can, in particular, completely encircle the interior, whereby the originally free circumferential ends (in the case of pleated filter bellows: the so-called "end pleats") can be connected to one another during production to form a circumferentially "endless" filter bellows. However, in some designs, an adapter part can also be arranged between the originally free circumferential ends during production, connecting the originally free circumferential ends to one another.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the filter bellows can also widen from the first end towards the second end or vice versa in the direction of the longitudinal axis, so that, for example, an overall conical shape is obtained.

[0021] The filter element according to the invention is characterized by a structure of the circumferential sealing contour that is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis, which enables a mandatory angular orientation of the filter element with respect to a filter housing, so that the possibilities of improperly inserting the filter element into a filter housing deviating from its predetermined angular position are considerably reduced.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the filter bellows can have a plurality of folds, the radially outer fold edges of which lie in an outer circumferential surface and the radially inner fold edges of which lie in an inner circumferential surface.

[0023] The pleats of the filter bellows can, in particular, be in the form of a star fold, whereby the folds can have a consistent cross-sectional shape, particularly over a large part of the circumference. The majority of folds can be in the form of a V-fold with fold heights that remain constant over the circumference. Alternatively, the majority of folds can also be in the form of a W-fold with intermediate folds of a reduced fold height.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the circumferential sealing contour can extend radially within an inner circumferential surface of the filter bellows adjacent to the interior space in the region of the locally limited recess. In other words, the locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour protrudes further radially inward than a circumferential contour along which the inner circumferential surface of the filter bellows extends. In particular, the locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour protrudes further inward than a surface section of the inner circumferential surface of the filter bellows that is present at the angular position at which the locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour is arranged.

[0025] According to yet another embodiment, a fluid-permeable support grid can be arranged in the interior, wherein the support grid in particular supports the filter bellows on the inner lateral surface.

[0026] The support grid can be designed, in particular, as a support tube having a plurality of openings. The support tube can have a plurality of struts extending, in particular, in the circumferential and / or longitudinal directions, wherein the filter bellows can be supported with its inner surface on the struts.

[0027] In a further development, the support grid can comprise an end section at an end close to the first end of the filter bellows, which end section supports the circumferential sealing contour in the region of the locally limited recess, wherein in particular the end section is embedded in the circumferential sealing contour in the region of the locally limited recess.

[0028] The front section of the support grid supports the circumferential sealing contour in the area of ​​the locally limited recess, particularly on the side of the circumferential sealing contour facing the interior in the axial direction. Since the sealing contour is not stabilized by the filter bellows in the area of ​​the locally limited recess, as it protrudes beyond the inner circumference of the filter bellows in this area, support by the support grid in the area of ​​the locally limited recess ensures improved rigidity of the circumferential seal.

[0029] In embodiments, it can be provided that the support grid has at least one locally limited bulge with respect to the radial direction, which protrudes into the interior, wherein the locally limited bulge of the support grid is arranged circumferentially such that its position corresponds to a circumferential position of the locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour, wherein in particular the bulge protrudes further into the interior than a large part of the circumference of the support grid.

[0030] In other words, the bulge of the support grid is arranged at a circumferential position at which the recess of the sealing contour is also present. Expressed again in another way, a circumferential position of a local maximum of a deviation of the sealing contour from its basic shape in the region of the recess can coincide with a circumferential position of a deepest point of the bulge, viewed in the radial direction. However, smaller angular deviations between the circumferential position of the recess of the sealing contour and the bulge of the support grid are possible, so that, for example, an alignment error of up to 20°, in particular up to 15°, can still be referred to as a "corresponding arrangement." Such minor alignment errors are often unavoidable due to production tolerances.

[0031] The bulge of the support grid can extend over its entire length. Alternatively, the bulge can also be present only at one end of the support grid, close to the first end of the filter bellows.

[0032] According to yet another embodiment, a region lying radially outside the locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour can be sealed off from the open end plate and / or the filter bellows, wherein in particular the region lying radially outside the locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour is closed by an end wall which is in particular integral with the open end plate.

[0033] Sealing the area radially outside the locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour relative to the open end plate is advantageous in order to prevent leaks and thus undesirable bypass flows bypassing the filter bellows, thus ensuring that the circumferential sealing contour can fulfill its primary technical function of sealing between the raw side and the clean side. The end wall, which is formed in one piece with the open end plate, can be manufactured in the same production step as the open end plate, whereby it can be provided, in particular, that the end wall is produced together with the open end plate in a casting or injection molding process.

[0034] According to an advantageous development, the end plate open to the interior space can have at least one opening in the region of the locally limited recess, which opening extends with an axial component through the end plate open to the interior space, wherein the opening in particular fluidically connects the interior space to an exterior space lying axially outside the open end plate.

[0035] The opening can in particular have a closed cross-sectional shape and / or have a hole-like structure.

[0036] The opening can be present in particular on the circumferential sealing contour and extend with an axial component through the circumferential sealing contour, wherein the opening in particular fluidically connects the interior space with an exterior space lying axially outside the circumferential sealing contour.

[0037] The opening can extend in particular from an end face of the circumferential seal completely through a material of the circumferential seal, so that the opening provides a fluid channel that connects the interior space with an exterior space adjacent to the end face of the circumferential seal

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, an opening can be provided in the end wall and extend through the end wall with an axial component, wherein the opening fluidically connects the interior space with an exterior space located axially outside the end wall. This embodiment has the advantage that the circumferential sealing contour is not mechanically weakened by an opening.

[0039] The aperture can be located inside or outside a cross-section of the filter bellows. In particular, the aperture can be arranged radially so that it is located radially inward of the inner surface of the filter bellows. Alternatively, it is also possible for the aperture to be located within a bellows cross-section, so that it is located, in particular, between adjacent folds of the filter bellows.

[0040] In both variants of the aperture, when the filter element is mounted in a filter housing, the aperture can be closed by a precisely fitting housing projection that extends at least partially into the aperture. In particular, it is possible to tap the pressure in the interior of the filter element via the fluid channel provided by the aperture in order to measure it with a pressure measuring device.

[0041] According to yet another embodiment, the filter bellows can have at least one notch on its outer circumference and / or inner circumference, wherein the notch is arranged circumferentially such that its position corresponds to a circumferential position of the locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour.

[0042] In other words, the notch of the filter bellows is arranged at a circumferential position at which the recess of the sealing contour is also present. Expressed again in another way, a circumferential position of a local maximum of a deviation of the sealing contour from its basic shape in the region of the recess can coincide with a circumferential position of a deepest point of the notch, viewed in the radial direction. However, smaller angular deviations between the circumferential position of the recess of the sealing contour and the notch of the filter bellows are possible, so that, for example, an alignment error of up to 20°, in particular up to 15°, can still be referred to as a "corresponding arrangement." Such minor alignment errors are often unavoidable due to production tolerances.

[0043] In particular, the notch can be formed by spreading at least one fold of the filter bellows on the inner and / or outer circumference.

[0044] In the area of ​​the notch on the inner and / or outer circumference created by the spreading, at least one fold is widened. "Widened" is understood in particular to mean that the distance between fold edges adjacent to a fold valley or a fold peak is increased compared to neighboring folds.

[0045] In some embodiments, the notch may be present at least at the first end of the filter bellows. This means that the notch is present at least at the end of the filter bellows where the end plate, open to the interior, is located.

[0046] In this case, it is either possible for the notch to extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis over the entire extent of the filter bellows or for the notch to be shorter in the direction of the longitudinal axis than the entire extent of the filter bellows and, in particular, to be present only in a longitudinal section of the filter bellows close to the first end.

[0047] In embodiments in which the notch is formed by a spreading of at least one fold of the filter bellows on the inner and / or outer circumference, the spreading can in particular only be present in a longitudinal section of the filter bellows close to the first end, wherein in particular in a longitudinal section of the filter bellows remote from the first end, the spreading is traced back to a regular fold shape corresponding to the majority of the folds of the filter bellows.

[0048] In some embodiments, a notch on the inner circumference of the filter bellows can be arranged circumferentially such that its position corresponds to a circumferential position of an opening in the end wall. In other words, the notch on the inner circumference of the filter bellows can be arranged at a circumferential position where the opening in the end wall is also located. This allows a housing projection to penetrate the opening in the end wall when the filter element is assembled in a filter housing and to be received in the notch on the inner circumference of the filter bellows or within a cross-section of the filter bellows.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the end plate open to the interior can have at least one notch corresponding to the notch of the filter bellows, which is aligned with the at least one notch.

[0050] In the case of a notch on the outer circumference of the filter bellows, the incision can be present in particular on an outer circumference of the end plate open to the interior and extend inwards with a radial component.

[0051] The incision penetrates a material of the opened end plate. The term "incision" serves merely as a means of describing the structure of this device component and does not imply any specific manufacturing method; in particular, the term is not to be understood as restricting it to "cutting" manufacturing.

[0052] The fact that the notch corresponding to the notch in the filter bellows is "aligned" with the at least one notch means in particular that a positioning of the notch in the circumferential direction corresponds to a positioning of the notch in the filter bellows in the circumferential direction. In other words, the notch is arranged at a circumferential position at which the notch in the filter bellows is also located. In other words, a circumferential position of a deepest point of the notch, viewed in the radial direction, can coincide with a circumferential position of a deepest point of the notch, viewed in the radial direction. However, smaller angular deviations between the circumferential position of the notch in the open end plate and the notch in the filter bellows are possible, so that, for example, an alignment error of up to 20°, in particular up to 15°, can still be referred to as a "corresponding arrangement".Such minor alignment errors are often unavoidable due to production tolerances.

[0053] In embodiments, the circumferential sealing contour can have a predetermined basic shape, wherein a circumferential course of the circumferential sealing contour deviates from the predetermined basic shape in the area of ​​the locally limited recess.

[0054] In particular, the circumferential sealing contour can have a smaller radius of curvature in the area of ​​the locally limited recess than in sections without a recess. The sealing contour can run over a smaller diameter in the area of ​​the locally limited recess than in sections without a recess. The circumferential sealing contour can, in particular, have an arc-shaped, in particular circular, profile in the area of ​​the locally limited recess, the radius of curvature of which is smaller than a radius of curvature of an arc-shaped, in particular circular, profile in areas without a recess. The sign of the curvature can be different in the area of ​​the locally limited recess than in circumferentially adjacent areas of the circumferential sealing contour without a recess.

[0055] The predetermined basic shape can, in particular, be circular. However, other basic shapes are also possible, such as an oval or flat oval. A "basic shape" is understood to mean the profile of the sealing contour in a plane of the first end of the filter bellows or in a plane of the end plate open to the interior in circumferential sections without a recess.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the end plate open to the interior can comprise or consist of a plastic material, in particular a foamed plastic material, in particular a polyurethane foam, wherein, in particular, the circumferential sealing contour is integral with the end plate open to the interior. The end plate open to the interior can be connected to the first end of the filter bellows, in particular by a material bond, in particular by welding, adhesive bonding, or foam bonding.

[0057] Advantageously, the circumferential sealing contour can be manufactured together with the end plate open to the interior in a casting process using a foamable and flowable plastic material, so that the provision of the recess of the sealing contour does not require any additional manufacturing effort.

[0058] Finally, according to a further embodiment, the circumferential sealing contour can have at least one circumferential radial sealing surface, in particular on an inner circumference.

[0059] Alternatively, the circumferential sealing contour can also have more than two radial sealing surfaces, for example, a first radial sealing surface on the inner circumference and a second radial sealing surface on the outer circumference. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the circumferential sealing contour to have at least one axial sealing surface, in particular on an end face of the circumferential sealing contour. The sealing contour can have a predetermined sealing profile (radial section) that can comprise one or more sealing strands, in particular those running parallel to one another. However, the present invention is explicitly not limited to a specific direction of action of the seal and / or specific sealing profiles. Rather, any sealing profiles deemed suitable by a person skilled in the art can be used.

[0060] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a filter device comprising a filter housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and with a receiving space for a filter element, in which a filter element according to the first aspect of the present invention is arranged such that it separates a raw side associated with the fluid inlet from a clean side associated with the fluid outlet.

[0061] The filter device can be, in particular, an air filter device, in particular an intake air filter device of a fuel cell or internal combustion engine, or a cabin air filter device. The filter housing can be, in particular, an air filter housing.

[0062] According to a further embodiment, the filter housing can have at least one circumferential housing sealing surface against which the circumferential sealing contour of the filter element rests, wherein the housing sealing surface has at least one locally limited recess which corresponds to the at least one locally limited recess of the circumferential sealing contour of the filter element.

[0063] The filter housing can, in particular, be two-part and comprise a housing pot containing the receiving space, as well as a housing cover that is detachably connected or connectable to the housing pot. The housing sealing surface can be located either on the housing pot or on the housing cover.

[0064] The interaction between the housing sealing surface and the circumferential sealing contour of the filter element represents the main functional interface between the filter housing and the filter element. The main interface can only fulfil its main function, namely sealing the raw side from the clean side, if the housing sealing surface corresponds to the structure of the circumferential sealing contour of the filter element, whereby in particular the housing sealing surface can have the shape of a negative form of the sealing contour of the filter element, at least in sections.

[0065] Since both the housing sealing surface and the circumferential sealing contour of the filter element are not rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis, an interaction between the filter element and the filter housing at the main interface can reliably enforce a predetermined installation position of the filter element in the filter housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0066] According to a further development, the end plate open to the interior space can have at least one opening in the region of the locally limited recess, which extends with an axial component through the end plate open to the interior space. The opening fluidically connects the interior space with an exterior space located axially outside the open end plate. The filter housing has at least one housing projection that projects into the receiving space and is received in the opening of the open end plate.

[0067] By combining a housing sealing surface with at least one locally limited recess, against which the circumferential sealing contour of the filter element rests, and a housing projection which is accommodated in the opening of the open end plate of the filter element, the predetermined installation position of the filter element with respect to the longitudinal axis can be enforced in the best possible way, whereby misuse of the filter device is essentially excluded.

[0068] The housing projection can, in particular, extend completely through the aperture of the open end plate. Depending on the position of the aperture of the open end plate, the housing projection can protrude radially into the interior of the filter element within the inner circumference of the filter element or be received in a notch provided on the inner circumference of the filter bellows. The notch can, in particular, be formed by a spreading of at least one fold of the filter bellows on the inner circumference.

[0069] Finally, the protruding housing projection can be hollow at least in sections and can be designed as part of a pressure measuring device, wherein a pressure within the interior of the filter element can be tapped via the protruding housing projection. In particular, the at least partially hollow housing projection can form part of a pressure measuring line of the pressure measuring device.

[0070] It is understood that features, combinations of features and their specific advantages disclosed with respect to the first aspect of the present invention are transferable to the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0071] Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features not explicitly mentioned above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0072] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Short description of the drawings

[0073] They show: Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a filter element according to the invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a longitudinal section of the filter element according to the invention according to the first embodiment; Fig. 3 a plan view of the filter element according to the invention according to the first embodiment from the side of the opened end plate; Fig. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a filter device according to the invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a filter device according to the invention according to the first embodiment; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the filter device according to the invention according to the first embodiment from the side of the fluid outlet; Fig. 7 a longitudinal section of the filter device according to the invention according to the first embodiment; Fig. 8 Detail X of the Fig. 7; Fig. 9 Section BB according to Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a first housing part of the filter device according to the invention according to the first embodiment; Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a filter element according to the invention according to a second embodiment; Fig. 12 a longitudinal section of the filter element according to the invention according to the second embodiment; Fig. 13 a plan view of the filter element according to the invention according to the second embodiment from the side of the opened end plate; Fig. 14 is an isometric exploded view of a filter device according to the invention according to a second embodiment; Fig. 15 is an isometric view of a filter device according to the invention according to the second embodiment; Fig. 16 is a plan view of the filter device according to the invention according to the second embodiment from the side of the fluid outlet; Fig. 17 a longitudinal section of the filter device according to the invention according to the second embodiment; Fig. 18 Detail X of the Fig. 17; Fig. 19 Section BB according to Fig. 17; Fig. 20 is an isometric view of a first housing part of the filter device according to the invention according to the second embodiment; Fig. 21 is an isometric view of a filter element according to the invention according to a third embodiment; Fig. 22 a longitudinal section of the filter element according to the invention according to the third embodiment; Fig. 23 a plan view of the filter element according to the invention according to the third embodiment from the side of the opened end plate; Fig. 24 is an isometric view of a filter device according to the invention according to a third embodiment; Fig. 25 is an isometric view of a first housing part of the filter device according to the invention according to the third embodiment; Fig. 26 is a plan view of the filter device according to the invention according to the third embodiment from the side of the fluid outlet; Fig. 27 a longitudinal section of the filter device according to the invention according to the third embodiment; Fig. 28 Detail X of the Fig. 27; Fig. 29 Section BB according to Fig. 27; Fig. 30 is an isometric view of a filter element according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 31 a longitudinal section of the filter element according to the invention according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 32 a plan view of the filter element according to the invention according to the fourth embodiment from the side of the opened end plate; Fig. 33 is an isometric view of a filter device according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 34 is an isometric view of a first housing part of the filter device according to the invention according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 35 a longitudinal section of the filter device according to the invention according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 36 Detail X of the Fig. 35 and Fig. 37 Section BB according to Fig. 35. Embodiment(s) of the invention

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a filter element 1 according to the invention for filtering a fluid, in particular an air filter element for an air filter system, in particular for an intake air filter system of a fuel cell or internal combustion engine, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The filter element is a round filter element whose filter bellows 10 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The filter element 1 has a filter bellows 10 arranged around a longitudinal axis L, which encloses an interior space 11. The filter bellows 10 has a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite the first end. At the first end 101, an end plate 12 is arranged, which is open to the interior space 11, wherein an opening of the open end plate 12 communicates fluidically with the interior space 11. At the second end 102, a further end plate 13 is arranged, which can in particular be a closed end plate 13.At least one circumferential sealing contour 14 is arranged on the end plate 12, which is open to the interior space 11. This sealing contour completely surrounds the opening in the open end plate 12. The circumferential sealing contour 14 rises in the direction of the longitudinal axis L from the end plate 12, which is open to the interior space 11.

[0075] The circumferential sealing contour 14 has a locally limited recess 141 with respect to the radial direction R. In the region of the locally limited recess 141, the circumferential sealing contour 14 protrudes radially inward beyond an inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10. In the region of the locally limited recess 141, the sealing contour 14 is offset inwardly relative to a course along a large part of its circumference in such a way that it protrudes into a cross-section of the interior space 11 with respect to the radial direction R.

[0076] A fluid-permeable support grid 15 is arranged on the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10. This support grid is particularly designed to support the filter bellows 10 against differential pressures occurring during flow from the radial outside to the radial inside (clean side in the interior 11). The fluid-permeable support grid 15 can be embedded at the first end 101 in a material of the open end plate 12, in particular, enclosed by a foamed plastic material of the open end plate 12.

[0077] The support grid 15 has a locally limited bulge 151 with respect to the radial direction R, which protrudes into the interior space 11. The locally limited bulge 151 is arranged circumferentially such that its position corresponds to a circumferential position of the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14. The bulge 151 protrudes further into the interior space 11 than a large part of the circumference of the support grid 15. The bulge 151 of the support grid 15 extends, in particular, over the entire length of the support grid 15.

[0078] A region lying radially outside the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14 is sealed off from the open end plate 12, wherein in particular the region lying radially outside the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14 is closed by an end wall 144, which is in particular integral with the open end plate 12. The end wall 144, which is formed integrally with the open end plate 12, can in particular be manufactured in the same manufacturing step as the open end plate 12, wherein it can in particular be provided that the end wall 144 is produced together with the open end plate 12 in a casting or injection molding process. Preferably, the end wall 144 is not a separate device component, but rather a part of the open end plate 12.The end wall 144 extends in particular in a region located between an inner circumference of the open end plate 12, on which the latter extends over a large part of its circumference, and a radial outer side of the circumferential sealing contour 14. The end wall 144 in particular at least partially overlaps a cross-section of the interior space 11 with respect to the radial direction R.

[0079] The basic shape of the circumferential sealing contour 14 is a circle, with a circumferential profile of the circumferential sealing contour 14 deviating from the circular shape in the area of ​​the locally limited recess 141. The locally limited recess 141 forms a nose protruding inward from the circular shape.

[0080] The open end plate 12 comprises or consists of a plastic material, in particular a foamed plastic material, in particular a polyurethane foam. The circumferential sealing contour 14 is in particular integral with the end plate 12 open to the interior. The end plate 12 open to the interior is connected to the first end 101 of the filter bellows 10, in particular by means of a material bond, in particular by welding, adhesive bonding, or foam bonding.

[0081] A plurality of pleat stabilizing means 109 are arranged on the outer circumference 103 of the filter bellows 10 and encircle the filter bellows 10. The pleat stabilizing means 109 are spaced apart from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The pleat stabilizing means 109 support the pleats 100 of the filter bellows 10 and keep them in shape, which can be particularly important in the event of a sudden liquid load on a filter element 1 designed as an air filter element. The pleat stabilizing means 109 can be, for example, threads or yarn that are glued to the pleat tips of the filter bellows 10.

[0082] The circumferential sealing contour 14 can have a circumferential radial sealing surface 143 which is present on an inner circumference.

[0083] The filter bellows 10 comprises a plurality of folds 100 (see Fig. 9), whose radially outer fold edges lie in an outer circumferential surface and whose radially inner fold edges lie in an inner circumferential surface. The fold edges of the folds 100 extend, in particular, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The folds 100 of the filter bellows 10 are, in particular, in the form of a star fold, wherein the folds can have a consistent cross-sectional shape over a large part of the circumference of the filter bellows 100.

[0084] In the longitudinal section of the Fig. 2 shows in more detail the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14, which extends radially inward beyond the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10, with respect to the radial direction R. This can be seen in particular in that the distance of the circumferential sealing contour 14 from the longitudinal axis L is smaller on the right side of the figure than on the left side of the figure. In the region of the locally limited recess 141, the sealing contour 14 extends in an area that overlaps a cross-section of the interior space 11 with respect to the radial direction.

[0085] Furthermore, the support grid 15 comprises, at an end near the first end 101 of the filter bellows 10, an end section 152 which supports the circumferential sealing contour 14 in the region of the locally limited recess 141, wherein the end section 152 is embedded in the circumferential sealing contour 14 in the region of the locally limited recess 141. The end section 152 is formed at an end of the locally limited bulge 151 of the support grid 15 near the first end 101 of the filter bellows 10. As a result, forces, in particular axial forces, which are introduced into the sealing contour 14 in the region of the locally limited recess 141 can be transmitted to the support grid 15, so that the sealing contour 14 does not deform unduly in the region of the locally limited recess 141.

[0086] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the filter element 1 according to the first embodiment from the side of the opened end plate 12, wherein the further end plate 13, which is a closed end plate here, can be seen through the interior space 11.

[0087] Fig. 4 shows an isometric exploded view of a filter device 200 according to the invention according to a first embodiment. The filter device 200 comprises a filter housing 20 with a fluid inlet 21 on a first housing part 201, in particular a housing pot 201, and with a fluid outlet 22 on the first housing part 201. The first housing part 201 provides a receiving space 23 for a filter element 1, in which, in an assembled state, the filter element 1 can be arranged such that it separates a dirty side associated with the fluid inlet 21 from a clean side associated with the fluid outlet 22.

[0088] The first housing part 201 has a circumferential housing sealing surface 24, against which the circumferential sealing contour 14 of the filter element 1 can be brought into contact (see Fig. 10), wherein the housing sealing surface 24 has a locally limited recess which corresponds to the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14 of the filter element 1, so that the filter element 1 is clearly positioned in the first housing part 201 with regard to its installation position about the longitudinal axis L. The locally limited recess of the housing sealing surface 24 is arranged in particular on a projection 241 of the first housing part 201, which protrudes at least partially in the radial direction into a cross-section of the fluid outlet 22. The filter housing 20 further comprises a second housing part 202, in particular in the form of a housing cover 202, which is detachably connectable to the first housing part 201 in order to close the receiving space 23.

[0089] Fig. 5 shows the filter device 200 in the assembled state, ie with the filter element 1 inserted and the second housing part 202 detachably attached to the first housing part 201.

[0090] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of the filter device 200 according to the invention according to the first embodiment from the side of the fluid outlet 22, wherein the interior 11 of the filter element 1 and its further end plate 13 can be seen through the fluid outlet 22. Furthermore, the projection 241 projecting into the fluid outlet 22 is shown, on which the locally limited recess of the housing sealing surface 24 is formed.

[0091] In the longitudinal sections of the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows in more detail the sealing of the filter element 1 with respect to the filter housing 20, in particular with respect to the first housing part 201. The first housing part 201 has, near the fluid outlet 22, at least one circumferential housing sealing surface 24, in which the circumferential sealing contour 14 of the filter element 1 is received. The circumferential housing sealing surface 24 has a locally limited recess that corresponds to the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14 of the filter element 1. In the region of the locally limited recess, the housing sealing surface 24 protrudes, at least in sections, into a cross-section of the fluid outlet 22. In particular, the locally limited recess of the housing sealing surface 24 is formed on a projection 241, which can in particular be integral with the first housing part 201.The housing sealing surface 24 has, in particular, a radially outwardly directed circumferential radial sealing surface against which the radial sealing surface 143 formed on an inner circumference of the circumferential sealing contour 14 of the filter element 1 bears in a sealing manner. The radially outwardly directed circumferential radial sealing surface of the housing sealing surface 24 is formed, in particular, on a circumferential sealing wall that frames the circumferential sealing contour 14 of the filter element 1 radially inwardly.

[0092] In Fig. 9 further illustrates the structure of the filter bellows 10 as a pleated filter. The filter bellows 10 has a filter medium arranged in folds 100, wherein the folds 100 form a substantially star-shaped configuration when viewed over the circumference. Furthermore, due to the position of the sectional plane BB, which intersects the support grid 15 in the region of a grid strut extending in the normal direction to the longitudinal axis L, it can be seen that the bulge 151 of the support grid 15 can have a substantially circular arc shape. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the bulge 15 correspond in particular to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour.

[0093] Fig. 10 shows an isometric view of the first filter housing part 201 of the filter device according to the invention according to the first embodiment. The first filter housing part 201 is, in particular, a housing pot 201 with a receiving space 23 for the filter element 1. The housing sealing surface 24 has a locally limited recess that corresponds to the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14 of the filter element 1.

[0094] Fig. 11 shows an isometric view of a filter element 1 according to the invention according to a second embodiment, which is very similar in terms of its basic structure to the filter element 1 according to the first embodiment, so that only the differences will be discussed.

[0095] The end plate 12, which is open to the interior 11, has, in the region of the locally limited recess 141, an opening 142 which extends with an axial component through the end plate 12, which is open to the interior 11, so that the interior 11 is fluidically connected through the opening 142 to an exterior space located axially outside the circumferential sealing contour 14. The opening 142 is located on the circumferential sealing contour 14 and extends with an axial component through the circumferential sealing contour 14. The opening 142 can, in particular, extend from an end face of the circumferential sealing contour 14 completely through a material of the circumferential sealing contour 14, so that a continuous fluid channel is formed from the end face to the interior 11. This is shown in the longitudinal section of the Fig. 12. The aperture 142 is positioned with respect to the radial direction R in such a way that it opens into the interior space 11 radially within the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10.

[0096] A cross section of the fluid channel formed by the opening 142 can in particular be circular, which in the plan view of the Fig. 13 is shown.

[0097] The filter housing 20, in particular the first housing part 201, has at least one housing projection 25 projecting into the receiving space 23, which can be received in the opening 142 of the end plate 12 open to the interior space 11, which in Fig. 14 and Fig. 20. The housing projection 25 is arranged in the region of the locally limited recess of the housing sealing surface 24 on the housing sealing surface 24. The housing projection 25 has, in particular, an elongated, in particular pin-like, shape. In an assembled state of the filter element 10 in the filter housing 20, the housing projection 25 protrudes at least partially into the opening 142 of the open end plate 12 of the filter element 1, which in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. The housing projection 25 extends in particular completely through the opening 142 of the circumferential sealing contour 14 of the filter element, so that it emerges again from the circumferential sealing contour 14 on a rear side of the circumferential sealing contour 14 facing the interior 11 in the region of the locally limited recess 141 and projects into the interior 11, which is also shown in the sectional view of the Fig. 19. The housing projection 25 is arranged with respect to the radial direction R such that it protrudes into the interior space 11 between the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10 and the bulge 151 of the support grid 15.

[0098] In embodiments not shown figuratively, the protruding housing projection 25 can be hollow at least in sections and formed as part of a pressure measuring device, so that a pressure within the interior 11 of the filter element 1 can be tapped via the protruding housing projection 25 and made available to the pressure measuring device. In other words, the at least partially hollow housing projection 25 can form part of a pressure measuring line of the pressure measuring device. This makes it possible, for example, to determine a pressure loss across the filter element 1, in particular across the filter bellows 10 of the filter element 1, in order to draw conclusions about a loading state of the filter element 1.

[0099] Fig. 21 shows an isometric view of a filter element 1 according to the invention according to a third embodiment, which is very similar in terms of its basic structure to the filter element 1 according to the first embodiment, so that only the differences will be discussed.

[0100] The filter bellows 10 has a notch 105 on its outer circumference 103. The circumferential sealing contour 14 has, in the region of the notch 105 on the outer circumference 103 of the filter bellows 10, a locally limited recess 141 with respect to the radial direction R, wherein the recess 141 of the sealing contour 14 is arranged circumferentially such that its position corresponds to a circumferential position of the notch 105 on the outer circumference 103 of the filter bellows 10. The notch 105 on the outer circumference 103 of the filter bellows 10 is formed by a spreading 107 of at least one fold 100 of the filter bellows 10 on the outer circumference 103 (see Fig. 29). In the area of ​​the notch 105 provided by the spreading 107 on the outer circumference 103, at least one fold 100 is widened.

[0101] The end plate 12, which is open to the interior space 11, has a notch 121 on its outer circumference, which corresponds to the notch 105 on the outer circumference 103 of the filter bellows 10 and is aligned with the notch 105. The notch 121 can be understood as a local material recess of the open end plate 12 and extends inward from the outer circumference of the open end plate 12 with a radial component R. The notch has two opposing notch walls, which run at a particularly acute angle to each other.

[0102] The notch 105 on the outer circumference 103 of the filter bellows 10 is located at the first end 101 of the filter bellows 10 and is shorter in the direction of the longitudinal axis L than the total extension of the filter bellows 10, in particular the notch 105 is only present in a longitudinal section of the filter bellows 10 close to the first end 101. The notch 105 provided as a spreading 107 is reduced in a longitudinal section of the filter bellows 10 remote from the first end 101 to a regular fold shape corresponding to the majority of the folds 100 of the filter bellows 10, which in Fig. 22 can be seen by the structure of the spreading 107 tapering towards the second end 102.

[0103] The filter housing 20, in particular the first housing part 201, has a housing projection 25 projecting into the receiving space 23, which in the assembled state can be received in the notch 105 on the outer circumference 103 of the filter element 1, which represents an additional means for the clear angular positioning of the filter element 1 in the filter housing 20, which in the Fig. 24 to Fig. 26 is shown.

[0104] The housing projection 25 extends inwardly from an outer wall of the first housing part 201 with a radial component and has a predetermined extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis, so that it can engage through the notch 121 of the open end plate 12 of the filter element 1 into the notch 105, which is particularly designed as a spread 107, on the outer circumference 103 of the filter element 1. The housing projection 25 has two projection walls facing away from each other, which are at an acute angle to each other, resulting, for example, in a housing projection 25 with an overall triangular shape.

[0105] In the Fig. 27, Fig. 28 and Fig. 29, the engagement of the housing projection 25 through the incision 121 on the outer circumference of the opened end plate 12 of the filter element 1 into the notch 105, which is designed in particular as a spreading 107, on the outer circumference 103 of the filter element 1 can be seen even more clearly.

[0106] In Fig. Figure 29 shows the structure of the notch 105, formed as a spread 107, on the outer circumference 103 of the filter element 1 in even better detail. The folds 100 of the filter bellows 10 are in the form of a star fold, with the folds 100 having a consistent cross-sectional shape over a large part of the circumference. In the area of ​​the notch 105 on the outer circumference 103 provided by the spread 107, a fold 100 is widened, which means that the distance between fold edges adjacent to a fold valley or a fold peak on the outer circumference is increased compared to neighboring folds, so that the housing projection 25 can engage therein.

[0107] Fig. 30 shows an isometric view of a filter element 1 according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment, which is very similar in terms of its basic structure to the filter element 1 according to the first embodiment, so that only the differences will be discussed.

[0108] A region lying radially outside the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14 is sealed off from the open end plate 12 and / or the filter bellows 10, wherein the region lying radially outside the locally limited recess 141 of the circumferential sealing contour 14 is closed by an end wall 144, which is in particular integral with the open end plate 12.

[0109] The end plate 12, which is open to the interior space 11, has, in the region of the locally limited recess 141, an opening 142 which extends with an axial component through the end plate 12, which is open to the interior space 11, so that the interior space 11 is fluidically connected through the opening 142 to an exterior space located axially outside the open end plate 12. The opening 142 is located on the end wall 144 and extends with an axial component through the end wall 144, wherein the opening 142 fluidically connects the interior space 11 to an exterior space located axially outside the end wall 144. The opening 142 can, in particular, extend from an end face of the end wall 144 completely through a material of the end wall 144, so that a continuous fluid channel is formed from the end face to the interior space 11. This is shown in the longitudinal section of the Fig. 31. The opening 142 is positioned with respect to the radial direction R in particular such that it opens into the interior space 11 radially outside the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10, wherein the opening 142 opens into the interior space 11 in particular in the region between two adjacent folds 100 of the filter bellows 10.

[0110] A cross section of the fluid channel formed by the opening 142 can in particular be circular, which in the plan view of the Fig. 32 is shown.

[0111] Furthermore, there is a notch 106 on the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10, wherein the circumferential sealing contour 14 has a locally limited recess 141 in the region of the notch 106, which is arranged circumferentially such that its position corresponds to a circumferential position of the notch 106 on the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10.

[0112] The notch 106 on the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10 is formed by a spreading 108 of at least one fold 100 of the filter bellows 10 on the inner circumference 104 (see Fig. 37). The folds 100 of the filter bellows 10 are in particular in the form of a star fold, whereby the folds can have a consistent cross-sectional shape over a large part of the circumference. In the area of ​​the notch 106 provided by the spreading 108 on the inner circumference 104, at least one fold 100 is widened.

[0113] The notch 106 on the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10 is located at the first end 101 of the filter bellows 10 and is shorter in the direction of the longitudinal axis L than the total extension of the filter bellows 10, in particular the notch 106 is only present in a longitudinal section of the filter bellows 10 close to the first end 101. The notch 106 provided as a spreading 108 is returned to a regular fold shape corresponding to the majority of the folds 100 of the filter bellows 10 in a longitudinal section of the filter bellows 10 remote from the first end 101, which in Fig. 31 can be seen by the structure of the spreading 108 tapering towards the second end 102.

[0114] The notch 106 on the inner circumference 104 of the filter bellows 10 provides in particular a receiving space within the filter bellows 10 in which a housing projection 25 projecting through the opening 142 can be received, which in Fig. 35 and Fig. 36 is shown.

[0115] The housing projection 25 of the filter housing 20, in particular of the first housing part 201, which projects into the receiving space 23, is arranged in the region of the locally limited recess of the housing sealing surface 24 radially outside the housing sealing surface 24, which in Fig. 34. The housing projection 25 has, in particular, an elongated, in particular pin-like, shape. Reference symbols used: 1 filter element 10 filter bellows 100 folds 101 Frontal first end 102 Frontal second end 103 outer circumference 104 inner circumference 105 Notch on the outer circumference 106 Notch on the inner circumference 107 Spreading on the outer circumference 108 Spreading on the inner circumference 109 Wrinkle stabilizers 11 Interior 12 end plate open to the interior 121 incision 13 additional end plates, especially closed end plates 14 circumferential sealing contour 141 Recess of the circumferential sealing contour 142 Breakthrough 143 Radial sealing surface 144 front wall 15 support grids 151 Bulge 152 frontal section 200 filter device 20 filter housings 201 housing pot 202 housing cover 21 Fluid inlet 22 Fluid outlet 23 Recording room 24 Housing sealing surface 241 supernatant 25 Housing projection L Longitudinal axis R Radial direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2019 / 219635 A1

[0006] WO 2018 / 073198 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Filter element (1) for filtering a fluid, in particular an air filter element for an air filter system, in particular for an intake air filter system of a fuel cell or internal combustion engine, comprising a filter bellows (10) arranged around a longitudinal axis (L) which at least partially encloses an interior space (11), wherein the filter bellows (10) has a frontal first end (101) and a frontal second end (102) opposite thereto, and an end plate (12) open to the interior space (11) at the first end (101) and a further end plate (13), in particular a closed end plate (13), at the opposite second end (102), wherein at least one circumferential sealing contour (14) is arranged on the end plate (12) open to the interior space (11), which sealing contour rises in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) from the end plate (12) open to the interior space (11), characterized bythat the circumferential sealing contour (14) has a locally limited recess (141) with respect to a radial direction (R), wherein the circumferential sealing contour (14) projects radially inwards beyond an inner circumference of the filter bellows (10) in the region of the locally limited recess (141). [2] Filter element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the filter bellows (10) has a plurality of folds (100) whose radially outer fold edges lie in an outer circumferential surface and whose radially inner fold edges lie in an inner circumferential surface. [3] Filter element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circumferential sealing contour (14) in the region of the locally limited recess (141) extends radially within an inner lateral surface of the filter bellows (10) adjacent to the interior space (11). [4] Filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a fluid-permeable support grid (15) is arranged in the interior space (11), wherein in particular the support grid (15) supports the filter bellows (10) on the inner circumferential surface. [5] Filter element (1) according to claim 4, wherein the support grid (15) comprises, at an end close to the first end (101) of the filter bellows (10), an end section (152) which supports the circumferential sealing contour (14) in the region of the locally limited recess (141), wherein in particular the end section (152) is embedded in the circumferential sealing contour (14) in the region of the locally limited recess (141). [6] Filter element (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the support grid (15) has at least one locally limited bulge (151) with respect to the radial direction (R) which projects into the interior (11), wherein the locally limited bulge (151) of the support grid (15) is arranged circumferentially such that its position corresponds to a circumferential position of the locally limited recess (141) of the circumferential sealing contour (14), wherein in particular the bulge (151) projects further into the interior (11) than a large part of the circumference of the support grid (15). [7] Filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a region lying radially outside the locally limited recess (141) of the circumferential sealing contour (14) is sealed off from the open end plate (12) and / or the filter bellows (10), in particular wherein the region lying radially outside the locally limited recess (141) of the circumferential sealing contour (14) is closed by an end wall (144), which is in particular integral with the open end plate (12) [8] Filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end plate (12) open to the interior space (11) has at least one opening (142) in the region of the locally limited recess (141) which extends with an axial component through the end plate (12) open to the interior space (11), wherein the opening (142) in particular fluidically connects the interior space (11) to an exterior space lying axially outside the open end plate (12). [9] Filter element (1) according to claim 8, wherein the opening (142) is present on the circumferential sealing contour (14) and extends with an axial component through the circumferential sealing contour (14), wherein the opening (142) in particular fluidically connects the interior space (11) with an exterior space lying axially outside the circumferential sealing contour (14) and / or wherein the opening (142) is present on the end wall (144) and extends with an axial component through the end wall, wherein the opening (142) in particular fluidically connects the interior space (11) with an exterior space lying axially outside the end wall (144). [10] Filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter bellows (10) has at least one notch (105, 106) on its outer circumference (103) and / or inner circumference (104), wherein the notch (105, 106) is arranged circumferentially such that its position corresponds to a circumferential position of the locally limited recess (141) of the circumferential sealing contour (14). [11] Filter element (1) according to claim 10, wherein the notch (105,106) is formed by a spreading (107,108) of at least one fold (100) of the filter bellows (10) on the inner and / or outer circumference. [12] Filter element (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the notch (105,106) is present at least at the first end (101) of the filter bellows (10). [13] Filter element (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the notch (105,106) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) over an entire extent of the filter bellows (10) or wherein the notch (105,106) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) is shorter than the entire extent of the filter bellows (10) and in particular is present only in a longitudinal section of the filter bellows (10) close to the first end (101). [14] Filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential sealing contour (14) has a predetermined basic shape, and wherein a circumferential course of the circumferential sealing contour (14) deviates from the predetermined basic shape in the region of the locally limited recess (141, 142). [15] Filter element (1) according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined basic shape is a circular shape. [16] Filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter bellows (10) has a hollow cylindrical shape and in particular completely surrounds the interior (11). [17] Filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end plate (12) open to the interior space (11) comprises or consists of a plastic material, in particular a foamed plastic material, in particular a polyurethane foam, wherein in particular the circumferential sealing contour (14) is in one piece with the end plate (12) open to the interior space (11). [18] Filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential sealing contour (14) provides at least one circumferential radial sealing surface (143), in particular on an inner circumference. [19] Filter device (200), comprising a filter housing (20) with a fluid inlet (21) and a fluid outlet (22) and a receiving space (23) for a filter element, in which a filter element is arranged such that it separates a raw side associated with the fluid inlet (21) from a clean side associated with the fluid outlet (22), characterized by that the filter element is a filter element (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [20] Filter device (200) according to claim 19, wherein the filter housing (20) has at least one circumferential housing sealing surface (24) against which the circumferential sealing contour (14) of the filter element (1) rests, wherein the housing sealing surface (24) has at least one locally limited recess which corresponds to the at least one locally limited recess (141, 142) of the circumferential sealing contour (14) of the filter element (1). [21] Filter device (200) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the filter element (1) is a filter element (1) according to claim 8 or 9, and wherein the filter housing (20) has at least one housing projection (25) projecting into the receiving space (23) and received in the opening (142) of the end plate (12) open to the interior space (11). [22] Filter device (200) according to claim 21, wherein the projecting housing projection (25) is at least partially hollow and is designed as part of a pressure measuring device, wherein a pressure within the interior space (11) of the filter element (1) can be tapped via the projecting housing projection (25).

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