FILTER ELEMENT AND AIR FILTER

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a filter element, in particular a flat filter element, in particular of an air filter, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a filter bellows on which at least one support element is arranged for supporting the filter element against a filter housing in which the filter element can be arranged.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to an air filter, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a filter housing which has a housing interior, at least one inlet for air to be cleaned and at least one outlet for cleaned air, and in the housing interior the filter element according to the invention is arranged such that it separates the at least one inlet from the at least one outlet, wherein the filter element comprises a filter bellows on which at least one support element is arranged for supporting the filter element against the filter housing. State of the art

[0003] From GB 1 446 195 an air filter unit with a filter element and a side frame is known. The filter element can be made of filter paper or another suitable material. The side frame includes a sealing ring. The sealing ring is made of the same material as the rest of the frame. It is an integral part of the frame. A plurality of cylindrical projections are formed on each of the four side walls of the frame. During operation, the air filter unit is arranged in a filter housing. The filter housing comprises two housing halves with a rectangular cross-section. The filter unit is inserted into a recess in the filter housing such that the projections contact an end wall of a first of the housing halves. The two housing halves are held together by means of quick-fastening means and held against the filter unit. The seal is pressed against the first housing half.The projections along the four side walls of the frame ensure correct positioning of the filter unit in the filter housing.

[0004] From WO2006 / 076479 A1 an air filter with a filter element is known which has support elements on some edges which hold the filter element in the filter housing.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of designing a filter element and an air filter of the type mentioned above, in which the filter element can be held more reliably and / or with greater positioning precision in the filter housing. In particular, the filter element, especially the filter bellows, should be protected from mechanical stress. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a filter element having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The at least one support element can advantageously be arranged on an outer side, in particular an end face, of the filter bellows. The at least one edge of the filter bellows, in the region of which the at least one support element is located, is advantageously formed by at least two adjacent outer sides of the filter bellows. The at least one support element advantageously projects beyond at least one of the sides forming the at least one edge on the outside of the filter bellows. The at least one edge can advantageously be a real edge, in particular a folded edge of a filter medium from which the filter bellows is folded. It can also be an edge formed by surfaces, at least one of which envelops one side of the filter bellows or which is spanned by other real points, lines or edges of the filter bellows, in particular end edges or folded edges of a folded filter bellows.

[0008] Advantageously, the at least one support element can encompass or enclose the at least one edge. The at least one support element can extend over both sides, in particular surfaces, that form the at least one edge.

[0009] According to the invention, the at least one support element projects beyond the filter bellows in a radial and an axial direction relative to an element axis or an axis parallel to the element axis. In this way, the filter element can be supported on the filter housing in a radial and / or axial direction relative to the element axis or the parallel axis.

[0010] The at least one support element can contact the filter bellows, in particular the at least one edge. The at least one support element can also be arranged at a distance from the filter bellows on the at least one edge. The at least one support element can also be indirectly connected to the filter bellows by means of a connecting means, in particular an end body and / or a connecting body. In this case, the at least one support element can be arranged such that it contacts the filter bellows, or such that it is arranged at a distance from the filter bellows on one of the at least one edges.

[0011] The at least one support element can be arranged at different locations on the filter bellows.

[0012] Different support elements can also be arranged at different levels of the filter bellows. This allows for uniform support of the filter element within the filter housing, even with a complex design of the filter housing and / or filter bellows.

[0013] The at least one support element can advantageously be designed such that it can compensate for a positional tolerance of the filter element in the filter housing. Furthermore, the at least one support element can be equipped with vibration-damping properties. In this way, operational vibrations of the filter housing, in particular, can be dampened on the filter element, in particular the filter bellows. This can reduce mechanical stress on the filter bellows. The service life of the filter bellows can thereby be extended.

[0014] The at least one support element can protect at least one edge of the installed filter bellows in the filter housing. This prevents the filter bellows, in particular the filter medium of which the filter bellows is made, from rubbing against the filter housing. This abrasion could damage the filter bellows, in particular the filter medium.

[0015] Furthermore, the at least one support element can protect at least one edge of the filter bellows during installation into the filter housing. The filter element can advantageously be inserted through a closable installation opening in a housing part. During insertion, the at least one support element can prevent the at least one edge from rubbing against the filter housing part and thus becoming damaged.

[0016] When installing the filter element into the filter housing, the at least one support element can advantageously serve as a guide. Such a guide simplifies the installation of the filter element. This is particularly advantageous when using a filter housing whose inner cross-section tapers from the installation opening in the axial direction relative to a housing axis.

[0017] Advantageously, the at least one support element can be arranged on the front side of the filter bellows in the installation direction of the filter element or at least protrude from this side. In this way, the protective function and / or the guiding function of the at least one support element can be further improved.

[0018] Furthermore, the at least one support element can protect the at least one edge during packaging, storage, and / or transport of the filter element. The at least one support element can protect the filter element in the event of a fall, particularly onto a hard floor.

[0019] Advantageously, support elements can be arranged on several edges and / or multiple support elements can be arranged on at least one edge. This can further improve the support and / or the protective function and / or the tolerance compensation. Furthermore, any mechanical loads that may occur can be distributed more evenly across the filter element.

[0020] The at least one support element is separate from any seals of the filter element.

[0021] In particular, the at least one support element itself may not have a sealing function. In this way, the at least one support element can be positioned independently of a corresponding sealing surface on the filter bellows. The at least one support element can thus be optimized with regard to its support function. It can be arranged at locations on the filter housing that are suitable in terms of support and / or installation space. Furthermore, the shape of the at least one support element and its corresponding dimensions can be selected more freely.

[0022] Particularly with heavy filter elements and / or filter elements that are extended in the direction of an element axis and that are suspended or fastened in the region of an axial end in the filter housing, as is particularly the case with flat filter elements with deep pleats, there is a risk that the filter elements may swing around their suspension or fastening in the filter housing. This swinging can lead to damage to the filter bellows. Furthermore, the swinging can place mechanical strain on the suspension or fastening and possibly damage it. Such large and / or heavy filter elements are used in particular in commercial vehicles, in particular trucks or buses. The at least one support element can reduce, or preferably prevent, the swinging of the filter element in the filter housing. The at least one support element can mechanically relieve the strain on the suspension or fastening of the filter element in the filter housing.

[0023] Advantageously, the at least one support element can support the filter element on a side opposite a suspension or fastening in the filter housing. This can reduce a tilting moment of the filter element in the filter housing. This can reduce mechanical stress on the filter element, in particular the filter bellows. Particularly with large filter elements, tilting moments can occur without the use of the at least one support element, which can damage the filter bellows.

[0024] Advantageously, several support elements can be arranged on opposite outer sides of the filter bellows with respect to the element axis. In this way, the filter element can be supported on opposite sides and clamped and held between correspondingly opposite walls of the filter housing.

[0025] Advantageously, the at least one support element can be arranged modularly on the filter bellows. In particular, several support elements, which may differ in size and / or shape, can be optionally mounted on the filter bellows. In this way, one and the same filter element can be optionally arranged in different filter housings. By selecting the at least one support element accordingly, any installation space differences can be compensated for.

[0026] Advantageously, the at least one support element can be detachably arranged on the filter bellows. In this way, the at least one support element can be replaced with a different, in particular larger, smaller, and / or differently shaped, support element when the filter element is used in a different filter housing.

[0027] Advantageously, the at least one support element can also be configured as an actuating element for actuating a functional component of the filter housing, in particular a switch or an opening. In particular, the at least one support element can interact with an opening in a housing base, a maintenance switch, a membrane for a water drain, and / or a warm air intake. In this way, an additional actuating component can be dispensed with. Actuation can occur automatically when the correct filter element is installed.

[0028] The at least one support element can additionally or alternatively also function as a coding element. It can be designed such that correct installation of the filter element into the filter housing is only possible if the filter element is equipped with the at least one support element that matches the filter housing.

[0029] The at least one support element can advantageously be a flexible component, in particular made of rubber or elastomer. This allows for improved tolerance compensation and / or vibration damping. The at least one support element can be manufactured separately and subsequently connected to the filter bellows. Alternatively, the at least one support element can be connected directly or indirectly to the filter bellows, in particular using a two-component injection molding process.

[0030] The filter element can advantageously be a flat filter element. The flat filter element can comprise a filter medium folded in a zigzag pattern to form the filter bellows. In flat filter elements, the filter media is not closed, i.e., the end folds and end edges are not connected to one another. In contrast, in round filter elements, the filter media is closed, i.e., their end folds are connected to one another. The end folds are the two outer folds on opposite end sides of the filter bellows. End edges are the two free edges of the filter medium that run along the end folds and border them at the end sides of the filter bellows. The end edges of the filter bellows are the other two free edges of the filter bellows that extend between the end edges and run according to the folding of the filter bellows. The fold edges are the edges along which the filter medium is folded.In a zigzag-folded, cuboid-shaped filter bellows, the front edges and the folded edges are straight and parallel to each other. The front edges run in a zigzag pattern and perpendicular to the front edges and the folded edges. The front edges each span one end edge side of the filter bellows.

[0031] The filter bellows is shaped like a polyhedron. Advantageously, the filter bellows can be cube-shaped, cuboid-shaped, pyramidal, prismatic, wedge-shaped, or similar.

[0032] For clarity, in this description of roughly cuboid-shaped flat filter elements, an axis extending parallel to the pleat edges is referred to as the x-axis. An axis of the flat filter element that runs perpendicular to the x-axis and parallel to the heights of the pleats is referred to as the z-axis. An axis that runs perpendicular to both the x-axis and the z-axis is referred to as the y-axis.

[0033] Advantageously, the element axis of the filter element can coincide with the z-axis. Advantageously, the filter element can be installed in the filter housing in the direction of the z-axis. The installation direction can thus coincide with the z-axis. Advantageously, the filter axis can cross an upstream and downstream side of the filter element. A main flow direction of the fluid to be filtered through the filter bellows can advantageously run parallel to the z-axis. Advantageously, a housing axis of the filter housing can run parallel to the z-axis. In particular, the housing axis can run axially to the element axis.

[0034] Advantageously, the filter bellows can have deep pleats. This means that, in a cuboid-shaped filter bellows, the extension along the z-axis, which corresponds to the pleat height, is greater than the extension along the x-axis and / or the y-axis. Variable pleat heights and / or pleat paths can also be provided. The pleat heights and / or pleat paths can vary accordingly within the filter bellows.

[0035] Advantageously, the filter element can be arranged in an air filter of a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, a bus, a construction vehicle, or an agricultural machine. Such filter elements can be larger than filter elements in passenger cars.

[0036] The at least one support element is arranged at a corner of the filter bellows.

[0037] In this way, the at least one support element can protect several edges of the filter bellows that meet at the corner. By arranging the at least one support element at the corner, support can be provided both radially and axially with respect to an element axis.

[0038] Advantageously, a support element can be arranged at opposite corners of the filter bellows. This allows the filter bellows to be supported more evenly. Furthermore, the corners can be better protected against damage, particularly if the filter element falls and / or is installed in the filter housing.

[0039] Corners where support elements are located can advantageously be located opposite each other with respect to the element axis, in particular the z-axis. In this way, the filter element can be supported on the filter housing on sides radially opposite to the element axis.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, corners where support elements are located can be located opposite each other with respect to a plane spanned by the element axis, in particular the z-axis, and the x-axis, and / or a plane spanned by the element axis, in particular the z-axis, and the y-axis. In this way, the filter element can be supported on the filter housing accordingly in the direction of the x-axis and / or in the direction of the y-axis.

[0041] Advantageously, a support element can be arranged at each of the front corners of the filter bellows, as seen in the direction of installation of the filter element into the filter housing. This allows the filter element to be evenly protected and supported on its front side, as seen in the direction of installation. Furthermore, the support elements can also serve as guide elements to improve and / or simplify the installation of the filter element in the filter housing.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one support element can extend beyond all sides of the filter bellows adjacent to the at least one edge, optionally the corner. In this way, the filter bellows can be protected and supported in all free directions by the at least one support element.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one connecting body, in particular an end body, can be connected to the filter bellows at least along the at least one edge and the at least one support element can be fastened directly or indirectly to the at least one connecting body.

[0044] The at least one connecting body can advantageously be arranged on a lateral surface or a front surface with respect to the element axis.

[0045] The at least one connecting body can advantageously contribute to the stabilization and / or shaping of the filter bellows. By arranging the at least one support element on the at least one connecting body, the filter element, in particular the filter bellows, can be further mechanically relieved, particularly with regard to its support on the filter housing. A supporting force can be transmitted more evenly and / or over a larger area from the filter housing to the filter element, in particular the filter bellows, via the at least one support element and the at least one connecting body.

[0046] The at least one connecting body can advantageously be connected to the filter element, in particular the filter bellows, by means of gluing, welding, or by an injection molding process. The at least one connecting body can also be foamed or bonded to the filter bellows. It can also be connected to the filter element, in particular the filter bellows, in a mechanical manner, in particular by means of a locking device or a clamping device.

[0047] The at least one connecting body can extend with at least one side along the edge on which the at least one support element is located. Advantageously, the at least one connecting body can extend over at least one of the sides of the filter bellows, which forms the at least one edge with the at least one support element. In this way, the filter element, in particular the filter bellows, is evenly supported on the corresponding side.

[0048] The at least one connecting body can be a frame or part of a frame which can surround the filter bellows at least partially.

[0049] Advantageously, the at least one connecting body can have at least one fastening means to which the at least one support element can be connected. Advantageously, a plug-in connection, in particular a snap-in connection, can be realized with the at least one fastening means. With a plug-in connection, force transmission can be easily realized axially to a plug-in direction of the connection. Advantageously, the plug-in direction of the connection can be axial to a support direction of the at least one support element against the filter housing. In this way, the support can be further improved. Advantageously, the plug-in direction can be parallel to the element axis and / or the installation direction of the filter element in the filter housing.Advantageously, the at least one fastening means can have a projection, in particular an arrow-like or pin-like projection, onto which the at least one support element can be inserted. The at least one support element can be positively connected to the at least one fastening means.

[0050] The at least one fastening means can advantageously be arranged at a corner of the at least one connecting body. In this way, the at least one support element can be easily mounted at a corresponding corner of the filter bellows.

[0051] The at least one support element can be detachably or non-detachably connected to the at least one connecting body.

[0052] The at least one connecting body can be a plastic-injected frame. The at least one fastening means can be designed as an extension of the frame. It can be integrally connected to the frame.

[0053] The connecting body can advantageously be an end body. The end body can advantageously seal the filter bellows on the corresponding side on which it is attached. The end body can advantageously be arranged on a front edge side of a folded filter bellows. The at least one end body can be implemented as an end disc. The disc shape allows the space requirement to be reduced. The disc-shaped end body can preferably be made of a hard plastic component, but can also alternatively or additionally have a fleece strip covering the associated side of the filter bellows.

[0054] Advantageously, the at least one support element can also be indirectly fastened to the at least one connecting body.

[0055] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one support element can be fastened to a carrier body, in particular a carrier grid, which can be connected or connectable to the at least one connecting body. The at least one support element can be pre-assembled on the carrier body. The at least one support element can be connected to the carrier body together with the at least one connecting body. In this way, assembly effort can be reduced. The filter element, in particular the filter bellows, can be additionally stabilized with the carrier body. The carrier body can be firmly connected to the at least one connecting body. It can also be detachably connected to the at least one connecting body.

[0056] Advantageously, the support body can be arranged on the front side of the filter bellows in the installation direction. This way, the support body can protect the filter bellows during installation in the filter housing.

[0057] The support body can advantageously be a support grid. The support grid can advantageously be permeable to fluid. Thus, the support grid can also be arranged on an upstream or downstream side of the filter bellows. In this way, an upstream or downstream side can also be stabilized and / or protected with the support grid.

[0058] The carrier body can advantageously be designed such that it can be fastened with respective sections to several connecting bodies which can extend on different sides of the filter bellows.

[0059] Advantageously, the support body can be arranged between two end bodies of the filter bellows. It can be connected to the corresponding end body on one side.

[0060] Advantageously, the at least one carrier body can have corresponding fastening means, in particular projections or plug-on pins, for fastening, in particular plugging on, the at least one support element.

[0061] In a further advantageous embodiment, the carrier body can be connected to the at least one connecting body by means of a pluggable connection, in particular a snap-in connection. A snap-in connection can be easily connected and released. In this way, the carrier body can be easily connected to the at least one connecting body. A snap-in connection is also mechanically stable.

[0062] Advantageously, the connection can be detachable. When replacing the filter element, the at least one carrier body with the at least one support element attached thereto can be separated from the filter bellows. The carrier body with the at least one support element can be reused.

[0063] The carrier body can also be designed as a modular component. This allows different carrier bodies to be used in different filter housings, depending on the filter element's intended use.

[0064] Advantageously, the at least one support element can be connected to the carrier body by means of a pluggable connection, in particular a snap-in connection. A pluggable connection allows for easy force transmission axially relative to a plug-in direction of the connection. Advantageously, the plug-in direction of the connection can be axially relative to a support direction of the at least one support element against the filter housing. In this way, the support can be further improved. Advantageously, the plug-in direction can be parallel to the element axis and / or the installation direction of the filter element in the filter housing. This allows the support function to be further improved.

[0065] According to the claimed invention, a seal extending circumferentially relative to an element axis is provided for sealing against the filter housing. The seal allows a raw fluid side and a clean fluid side of the filter element to be reliably separated from each other. Thus, the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet of the filter housing can be reliably separated from each other.

[0066] The seal can also have a holding function. Advantageously, the seal can be in contact with or on a sealing surface of the filter housing. The filter element can advantageously be suspended or fastened with the seal in the filter housing. The sealing surface can advantageously be arranged near the installation opening.

[0067] Furthermore, the at least one support element is arranged on a side of the filter bellows axially opposite the seal with respect to the element axis.

[0068] This allows the filter element to be reliably supported on opposite sides, on the one hand by the seal and on the other hand by the at least one support element. This prevents the filter element from swinging in the filter housing. The mechanical stress on the filter element, in particular the filter bellows, can thus be reduced. Optionally, the support body can be arranged on the side of the filter bellows axially opposite the seal with respect to the element axis.

[0069] Advantageously, the expansion of the filter element in a plane radial to an installation direction can be smaller in the region of the at least one support element than in the region of the seal. In this way, during installation in the filter housing, the filter element can be guided through the installation opening with the side with the at least one support element facing forward, past a corresponding sealing surface of the filter housing for the seal. The comparatively larger seal can rest against the sealing surface.

[0070] In addition, the interior of the filter housing can taper in the installation direction. The correspondingly smaller outer cross-section of the filter element on the side with at least one support element allows for easy installation of the filter element into the filter housing.

[0071] Investigations have shown that optimal results with regard to support and / or installation can be achieved if a ratio of the outer cross section on the side with the at least one support element to the outer cross section in the region of the seal is specified as a function of an axial distance between the at least one support element and the at least one seal with respect to the element axis.

[0072] In a further advantageous embodiment, a support distance in a first radial plane transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the element axis between radially outer support sections of two support elements lying opposite one another with respect to an axial plane in which the element axis lies, which support elements can be supported against the filter housing radially to the element axis or to an axis parallel to the element axis when the filter element is installed, can be smaller than a sealing distance in a second radial plane parallel to the first radial plane between two sealing sections of the seal lying opposite one another in the axial plane, which sealing sections can seal against corresponding sealing surfaces of the filter housing when the filter element is installed. In this way, the support function and the force transmission to the filter bellows can be improved.

[0073] Advantageously, the support distance can be smaller by a value which can be specified depending on an axial distance between the support section and the sealing section on the same circumferential side of the filter bellows with respect to the element axis.

[0074] Advantageously, the support spacing can correspond approximately to the sealing spacing minus between approximately 2% and 5%, preferably 3.5%, of the preferably average axial distance between the support sections and the sealing sections. In this way, optimal results in terms of support and force transmission can be achieved.

[0075] The technical problem is further solved according to the invention by the air filter in that the at least one support element is arranged directly or indirectly on at least one edge of the filter bellows and projects beyond the outside of the filter bellows.

[0076] The advantages and features shown above in connection with the filter element according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments apply accordingly to the air filter according to the invention and vice versa.

[0077] Advantageously, the filter housing can have a closable installation opening through which the filter element can be inserted into the interior of the housing.

[0078] Advantageously, an inner cross-section of the filter housing on the side axially opposite the installation opening with respect to a housing axis can be tapered at least in sections compared to an opening cross-section of the installation opening.

[0079] Advantageously, at least two inner circumferential sides of the filter housing that are radially opposite with respect to the housing axis can converge towards each other.

[0080] Advantageously, the filter housing can have at least one support bearing on the side axially opposite the installation opening to the housing axis, against which the filter element can be supported by the at least one support element. Advantageously, at least one support bearing can be arranged on at least one radially inner circumferential side of the filter housing.

[0081] The at least one support bearing can advantageously be suitable for support axially relative to the housing axis, in particular axially relative to the element axis. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one support bearing can be designed for support radially relative to the housing axis, in particular relative to the element axis, or relative to an axis parallel to the housing axis. The at least one support bearing can advantageously be arranged on a side wall of the filter housing.

[0082] The at least one support bearing can improve force transmission between the filter housing and the filter element in the axial and / or radial directions. Furthermore, the at least one support bearing can limit the installation depth of the filter element in the filter housing in the installation direction.

[0083] Advantageously, the at least one support bearing can be designed as a coding element that fits the at least one support element. This can prevent a filter element that does not fit the filter housing from being installed in the filter housing. In this way, the operational reliability of the air filter can be improved. Advantageously, the at least one support bearing can have at least one positioning nub, which, when the filter element is correctly installed, can engage in a corresponding positioning receptacle of the at least one support element. The at least one support bearing can further have a bearing surface against which the at least one support element can rest. Short description of the drawings

[0084] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawings, the description, and the claims in combination individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0085] They show schematically Figure 1 is an exploded view of an air filter with a flat filter element of a motor vehicle with features of the claimed invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the air filter from the Figure 1 in a different perspective; Figure 3 the closed air filter from the Figures 1 and 2 ; Figure 4 a top view of the air filter from the Figure 3 ; Figure 5 a transverse longitudinal section of the air filter from the Figure 4along the section line VV; Figure 6 a longitudinal section of the air filter from the Figure 4 along the section line VI-VI; Figure 7 a longitudinal section of the flat filter element of the air filter from the Figure 4 along the section line VII-VII; Figure 8 a detailed section of the air filter from the Figure 6 along the section line VIII-VIII; Figure 9 a detailed section of the air filter from the Figure 5 along the section line IX-IX there; Figure 10 an exploded view of a housing pot with a flat filter element of an air filter according to a second embodiment, which belongs to the air filter from the Figures 1 to 9 is similar; Figure 11 a detailed view of the flat filter element from the Figure 10 ; Figure 12 an exploded view of the flat filter element from the Figures 10 and 11; Figure 13 shows a longitudinal section of an air filter with a flat filter element according to a fourth embodiment, which belongs to the air filter of the Figures 1 to 9 and the air filter from the Figures 10 to 12 is similar.

[0086] The representations from the Figures 1 to 13 are not to scale. In the figures, identical components are designated by identical reference numerals. Embodiment(s) of the invention

[0087] In the Figures 1 to 9 An air filter 10 of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle with features of the claimed invention is shown in various perspectives and sections. The air filter 10 comprises an openable filter housing 12, which is composed of a housing cup 14 and a housing cover 16. A replaceable filter element 18 is arranged in the filter housing 12.

[0088] The filter housing 12 has an inlet 20 for air to be filtered, which is located centrally in the housing cover 16. An outlet 22 for filtered air is located in a side wall of the housing pot 14.

[0089] The filter housing 12 is approximately cuboid-shaped overall. It is flattened along the x-axis of the filter element 18. The filter housing 12 is elongated along a housing axis 24, which extends through the housing bowl 14 and the housing cover 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing axis 24 runs coaxially to a z-axis of the filter element 18. The z-axis of the filter element 18 is perpendicular to the x-axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter element 18 is installed in the housing bowl 14 axially to the housing axis 24. The inlet 20 is coaxial to the housing axis 24.

[0090] The housing pot 14 has an installation opening 26 on its side facing the housing cover 16, which can be closed with the housing cover 16. The installation opening 26 has a rectangular cross-section. The filter element 18 can be inserted into the housing pot 14 through the installation opening 26.

[0091] The installation opening 26 is surrounded by a pot-side mounting flange 28, which extends radially outward on the outside of the housing pot 14 relative to the housing axis 24. The pot-side mounting flange 28 has a sealing groove 30, which surrounds the installation opening 26 in a closed manner and is open on the side facing away from the walls of the housing pot 14. A bottom of the sealing groove 30 forms a sealing surface 32, against which a seal 34 of the filter element 18 rests tightly when the air filter 10 is closed.

[0092] Two parallel guide webs 36 are arranged integrally on the radially inner circumferential sides of the narrow side walls of the housing pot 14. The guide webs 36 extend axially to the housing axis 24. They serve to guide the filter element 18 in the housing pot 14 during installation.

[0093] At the ends of the guide webs 36 facing away from the installation opening 26 there is a bearing surface 38 of corresponding support bearings 40. When the filter element 18 is installed, a support element 42 of the filter element 18 can be supported axially with respect to the housing axis 24 on the bearing surfaces 38.

[0094] A positioning knob 43 is arranged centrally on each of the bearing surfaces 38, extending parallel to the housing axis 24. When the filter element 18 is installed, the positioning knobs 43 engage in corresponding positioning receptacles 45 in the end faces of the support elements 42.

[0095] The support bearings 40 are realized as indentations on the longitudinal edges of the housing pot 14, which are axial with respect to the housing axis 24. The support bearings 40 each extend radially and axially with respect to the housing axis 24. The support bearings 40 end from a pot bottom 44 of the housing pot 14, viewed axially with respect to the housing axis 24, in front of a circumferential side of the outlet 22 facing away from the pot bottom 44.

[0096] The housing pot 14 tapers both in the x-axis direction and in the y-axis direction of the filter element 18 from the installation opening 26 to the pot bottom 44. The y-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and perpendicular to the z-axis.

[0097] The housing cover 16 has a cover-side mounting flange 46 which circumferentially surrounds the housing axis 24. When the filter housing 12 is mounted, as shown in the Figures 5 and 6As shown, a radially outer edge of the cover-side mounting flange 46 with respect to the housing axis 24 fits into the sealing groove 30. In this way, the seal 34 is tightly clamped between the cover-side mounting flange 46 and the pot-side mounting flange 28. The seal 34 has an oblique, approximately umbrella-shaped, profile with respect to an element axis 48 of the filter element 18. The element axis 48 runs in the direction of the z-axis of the filter element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the element axis 48 coincides with the housing axis 34 when the filter element 18 is installed.

[0098] On the inside of the narrow transverse walls of the housing cover 16, two stiffening ribs 50 are arranged in one piece, which are inserted into the Figures 2 and 5 are shown.

[0099] The filter element 18 is designed as a flat filter element. The filter element 18 comprises an approximately cuboid-shaped filter bellows 52 made of a zigzag-folded filter medium 54. The filter medium 54 can be filter paper, filter fleece, or another foldable filter medium suitable for filtering air. The filter bellows 52 can also be made of an unfolded filter medium, for example, a filter foam or a wound filter medium. The filter medium 54 is folded along folded edges 56. The folded edges 56 run parallel to each other and parallel to the x-axis of the filter element 18.

[0100] One of the upstream folding edges 56 is shown as an example in the Figure 1 shown. In the Figure 2One of the downstream fold edges 56 is shown. The pleat heights of the folded filter medium 54 extend axially to the element axis 48. The axial height of the filter bellows 52 relative to the element axis 48 is significantly greater than the width of the filter bellows 52 in the x-axis direction and the length of the filter bellows 52 in the y-axis direction of the filter element 18. The pleats can therefore be described as deep.

[0101] Front edge sides 58 are spanned by the front edges of the filter bellows 52. They are located on opposite sides with respect to the element axis 48. The front edge sides 58 run parallel to each other and parallel to a plane spanned by the y-axis and the z-axis.

[0102] An inflow side 60, in the Figures 1 and 2 above, is stretched by the folded edges 56 on the side facing the housing cover 16.

[0103] An outflow side 62, in the Figures 1 and 2below, is clamped by the folded edges 56 on the side facing the pot bottom 44 of the housing pot 14.

[0104] At the end edges 58 of the filter bellows 52, an end plate 64 is tightly connected to the end edges of the filter medium 54. The end plates 64 each consist of a plastic-coated mesh. The end plates 64 are rectangular.

[0105] The seal 34 surrounds the filter bellows 52 and the end plates 64, circumferentially closed with respect to the element axis 48. It is located slightly below the inflow side 60.

[0106] The end plates 64 each have two plug-on projections 66. The plug-on projections 66 are located on the edges facing the downstream side 62 next to the corners of the end plates 64. Some of the plug-on projections 66 are in the Figures 6 to 8are shown in section. The plug-on projections 66 each extend axially relative to the element axis 48 from the downstream side 62 of the filter bellows 52. The plug-on projections 66 are integrally connected to the end plates 64.

[0107] One of the support elements 42 is each slipped onto the slip-on projections 66. The support elements 42 are made of an elastic material, for example rubber or elastomer. The support elements 42 are located on the downstream side 62 axially opposite the seal 34 with respect to the element axis 48. They are arranged at the four corners of the downstream side 62 of the filter bellows 52. The support elements 42 are thus each located on a first edge 70, which is formed by one of the front edge sides 58 and the downstream side 62. Furthermore, each support element 42 is located on a second edge 72, which is formed by a corresponding front side 68 of the filter bellows 52 and the downstream side 62. The front sides 68 each extend between the two front edge sides 58 on the one hand and the upstream side 60 and the downstream side 62 on the other. The front sides 68 are each formed by end folds of the filter bellows 52.In addition, each support element 42 is located on a third edge 74 of the filter bellows 52, which is formed by the corresponding front side 68 and the corresponding end edge 58. The three edges 70, 72, and 74 meet at the corners.

[0108] The support elements 42 project axially beyond the respective front edge 58 of the filter bellows 52 with respect to the element axis 48. Furthermore, the support elements 42 project axially beyond the respective front edge 58 with respect to the y-axis. Furthermore, the support elements 42 project axially beyond the respective front side 68 with respect to the x-axis. Overall, the support elements 42 project axially and radially beyond the filter bellows 52 with respect to the element axis 48.

[0109] When the filter element 18 is correctly mounted, each of the support elements 42 rests axially relative to the housing axis 24 and the element axis 48 on the corresponding bearing surface 38 of the support bearings 40. Furthermore, each support element 42 rests on the corresponding longitudinal side wall of the housing pot 14 axially relative to the y-axis of the filter element 18. Furthermore, each support element 42 rests on the corresponding transverse side wall of the housing pot 14 axially relative to the x-axis.

[0110] One in the Figure 6The support distance 75 shown axially to the x-axis of the end-edge-side outer support sections 76 of the two support elements 42, which are opposite one another with respect to a plane spanned by the y-axis and the z-axis, is in each case smaller than a sealing distance 77 axially to the x-axis of the end-edge-side sealing sections 78 of the seal 34. The support distance 75 corresponds approximately to the sealing distance 77 less between approximately 2% and 5%, preferably 3.5%, of an axial distance 79 with respect to the element axis 48 between the end-edge-side outer support sections 76 and the corresponding end-edge-side sealing sections 78.

[0111] For installation, the filter element 18 is inserted into the housing pot 14 through the installation opening 26 with the inflow side 62 facing axially to the element axis 48 and the housing axis 24. The filter element 18 is guided with the end plates 64 along the guide webs 36.

[0112] When the filter element 18 is correctly mounted, the front sides of the support elements 42 with respect to the element axis 48 rest against the bearing surfaces 38 of the support bearings 40. The positioning knobs 43 are inserted into the corresponding positioning receptacles 45. The end-edge-side outer support sections 76 and corresponding front-side support sections of the support elements 42 rest against the corresponding side walls of the filter housing bowl 14.

[0113] The seal 34 projects into the sealing groove 30 of the housing pot 14. The filter element 18 hangs on the seal 34 in the housing pot 14. The end edge sealing sections 78 and the front sealing sections of the seal 34 rest on the sealing surface 32 of the sealing groove 30.

[0114] In the Figures 10 to 12A second embodiment of an air filter 110 is shown. Those elements similar to those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9 are provided with the same reference numerals plus 100.

[0115] In contrast to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment the support elements 142 are not directly attached to the end plates 164. They are attached to a support grid 180, which is connected to the end plates 164. In the Figure 12 The support grid 180 is shown in detail. The support grid 180 is permeable to air. It is located on the downstream side 162 of the filter bellows 142. It completely covers the downstream side 162.

[0116] On its side facing the filter bellows 152, the support grid 180 has a locking receptacle 182 at each of its corners. Accordingly, the end plates 164 each have a locking pin 184 at their corners facing the support grid 180. The locking pins 184 each have an arrow-shaped free end designed as a locking hook. To connect the support grid 180 to the end plates 164, the locking pins 184 are inserted into the locking receptacles 182.

[0117] The support elements 142 are fixedly arranged at the corners of the support grid 180. Their dimensions and their support functions correspond to the support elements 42 from the first embodiment.

[0118] In addition, two intermediate support elements 143 are arranged on the front edges of the support grid 180. When the support grid 180 is mounted, the intermediate support elements 143 are located at the edges 172 between the front sides 168 and the downstream side 162 of the filter bellows 152. The intermediate support elements 143 each project beyond the corresponding front side 168 of the filter bellows 152 in the axial direction relative to the element axis 148, i.e., in the z-axis direction. The support grid 180 with the intermediate support elements 143 projects beyond the downstream side 162 on both front sides 168, in the y-axis direction.

[0119] The support elements 142 and the intermediate support elements 143 are molded or injection-molded onto the support grid 180 from an elastic material. Alternatively, they can also be formed integrally therefrom. Corresponding plug-in projections can also be provided on the support grid 180, onto which the support elements 142 and / or the intermediate support elements 143 can be plugged, similar to the first embodiment.

[0120] In the Figure 13 A longitudinal section of an air filter 310 according to a fourth embodiment is shown. The elements which are identical to those of the first embodiment from the Figures 1 to 9 are similar, are provided with the same reference numerals plus 300.

Claims

1. A filter element (18; 118; 318), in particular a flat filter element, in particular of an air filter (10; 110; 310), in particular of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, having a filter bellows (52; 152; 352) which has the shape of a polyhedron, wherein at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) is disposed on the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) for supporting the filter element (18; 118; 318) against a filter housing (12; 112; 312) in which the filter element (18; 118; 318) can be disposed, and having a seal (34; 134; 334) extending circumferentially with respect to an element axis (48; 148; 348) for sealing against the filter housing (12; 112; 312), wherein the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) is designed separately from the seal (34; 134; 334), and wherein the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) is disposed on at least one edge (70, 72, 74; 170, 172, 174; 370) of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) and projects beyond the exterior of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352), characterized in that the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) projects beyond the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) in an axial and radial direction with respect to the element axis (48; 148; 348) and is disposed on a side (62; 162; 362) of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) axially opposing the seal (34; 134; 334) with respect to the element axis (48; 148; 348) at a corner of the filter bellows, so that the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) protects a plurality of edges of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) that meet in the corner.

2. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) is directly and / or indirectly attached to the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

3. The filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support element (42; 142; 342) projects beyond all sides (58, 62, 68; 158, 162, 168; 358) of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) adjacent to the corner.

4. The filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connector body, in particular an end body (64; 164; 264; 364), is connected to the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) at least along the at least one edge (70, 74; 170, 174; 370) and the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) is attached directly and / or indirectly to the at least one connector body (64; 164; 364).

5. The filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support element (142, 143) is attached to a carrier body, in particular a carrier grid (180), which is connected or connectable to the at least one connector body (164).

6. The filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier body (180) is connected to the at least one connector body (164) using a pluggable connection, in particular a snap-in connection (182, 184).

7. The filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a supporting distance (75; 375) in a first radial plane transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the element axis (48; 348) between radially outer supporting sections (76; 376) of two supporting elements (42; 342) which are located opposite one another with respect to an axial plane in which the element axis (48; 348) lies, which, when the filter element (18; 318) is installed, can be supported radially with respect to the element axis or with respect to an axis parallel to the element axis (48; 348) against the filter housing (12; 312), is smaller than a sealing distance (77; 377) in a second radial plane parallel to the first radial plane between two in the axial plane opposing sealing sections (78; 378) of the seal (34; 334) which, when the filter element (18; 318) is installed, can seal against corresponding sealing surfaces (32; 332) of the filter housing (12; 312).

8. An air filter (10; 110; 310), in particular of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, having a filter housing (12; 112; 312) featuring a housing interior, at least one inlet (20; 120; 320) for air to be cleaned and at least one outlet (22; 122; 322) for cleaned air, and a filter element, in particular a filter element (18; 118; 318) according to the invention, is disposed in the housing interior in such a way that it separates the at least one inlet (20; 120; 320) from the at least one outlet (22; 122; 322), wherein the filter element (18; 118; 318) comprises a filter bellows (52; 152; 352) having the shape of a polyhedron, wherein at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) is disposed on the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) for supporting the filter element (18; 118; 318) against the filter housing (12; 112; 312), wherein the filter element (18; 118; 318) furthermore features a seal (34; 134; 334) extending circumferentially with respect to an element axis (48; 148; 348) for sealing against the filter housing (12; 112; 312), wherein the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) is designed separately from the seal (34; 134; 334) of the filter element (18; 118; 318), wherein the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) is disposed on at least one edge (70, 72, 74; 170, 172, 174; 370) of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) and projects beyond the exterior of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352), characterized in that the at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) projects beyond the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) in an axial and radial direction with respect to the element axis (48; 148; 348) and is disposed on a side (62; 162; 362) of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) axially opposing the seal (34; 134; 334) with respect to the element axis (48; 148; 348) at a corner of the filter bellows, so that at least one support element (42; 142, 143; 342) protects a plurality of edges of the filter bellows (52; 152; 352) that meet in the corner.