Filter element and filter system

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, at least comprising a filter medium body (12) having a non-closed cross-section and having an in particular zigzag-shaped filter medium (14) laid in folds (16) along a longitudinal extent (50) of the filter medium body (12), wherein fold peaks (18) define a first end face (22) and fold valleys (20) define a second end face (24) located opposite in a transverse extent (52) of the filter medium body (12), and having a first edge element (26) which at least partially surrounds the first end face (24). The filter medium body (12) has, at least on one of its end faces (22, 24), a notch (40, 44), the length (42, 46) of which in the transverse extent (52) is at least part of the transverse extent (52) of the filter medium body (12).

Description

[0001] Filter element and filter system

[0002] This patent application claims priority over German patent application No. DE102024128052.2, which was filed with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office on 27.09.2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention relates to a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, and a filter system with a replaceable filter element.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] The intake air of combustion engines is typically cleaned of contaminants by means of an air filter before entering the combustion chamber. The air filter elements used for this purpose can have a star-shaped pleated filter medium.

[0007] US 1,162,8385 B2 describes a filtration system comprising a housing with a first housing end and a second housing end. The housing defines a central chamber within it. The housing includes an alignment tab located at the second housing end. The alignment tab projects from the second housing end toward the first housing end. The filter element is positioned within the housing. The filter element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, and filter media positioned between and extending between the first and second end caps. The filter media defines a central opening that extends axially within it. An alignment notch is located at the second end cap. The alignment notch projects from the second end cap toward the first end cap.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] One object of the invention is to create an improved filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to create a filter system with such an improved filter element.

[0011] The aforementioned problem is solved according to one aspect of the invention with a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising at least a filter medium body with a non-closed cross-section and a filter medium folded, in particular in a zigzag pattern, along a longitudinal extent of the filter medium body, wherein the folds form fold troughs and fold peaks, wherein the fold peaks form a first end face and the fold troughs form a second end face opposite in a transverse extent of the filter medium body, with a first edge element at least partially circumferential around the first end face, wherein the filter medium body has at least on one of its end faces a notch, the length of which in the transverse extent is at least a part of the transverse extent of the filter medium body.

[0012] The further problem is solved according to a further aspect of the invention with a filter system comprising a housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a replaceable filter element arranged in the housing, wherein at least one notch of a filter medium body of the filter element interacts with a counter element arranged in the housing.

[0013] Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a filter element for filtering a fluid, in particular air, is proposed, comprising at least a filter medium body with a non-closed cross-section and a filter medium folded, in particular in a zigzag pattern, along a longitudinal extent of the filter medium body, wherein the folds form fold troughs and fold crests, wherein the fold crests form a first end face and the fold troughs form a second end face opposite in a transverse extent of the filter medium body, and with a first edge element extending at least partially around the first end face. The filter medium body has a notch at least on one of its end faces, the length of which in the transverse extent is at least a part of the transverse extent of the filter medium body.

[0015] In contrast to a filter element with a closed cross-section, where the filter medium body surrounds an interior space and the fluid passes from the interior space through the filter medium body or vice versa, a filter medium body with an open cross-section essentially has a geometry without an enclosed interior space, featuring two opposing end faces, one of which forms the raw side and the other the clean side. At least one of the end faces may also be profiled.

[0016] The proposed filter element has a notch on at least one of the two end faces of the filter medium body. In this area, where the pleats are flexible, the notch provides sufficient space for an additional insert or for the notch to be foamed over, for example with polyurethane (PUR), to fix it to the filter medium body.

[0017] The indentation can, for example, create space for a handle on a safety element such as a secondary filter element, or for accommodating a positioning element of the housing. This saves installation space in a filter system.

[0018] The indentation can be formed using a mold for polyurethane foam, with the shape of the indentation being fixed after the polyurethane foam has cured. Alternatively or additionally, the indentation can be formed using a separate plastic insert, which is placed in the polyurethane mold to produce an edge element of the filter medium body. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one indentation can be formed, and in particular fixed, by means of a side band; this means, in particular, that the indentation is fixed by the side band. In other words, the side band holds the folds around the indentation in position.

[0019] The pleat tips can be bent open within a limited area. This area can be large enough to create a gap to accommodate other components, such as a positioning element of the housing or a handle of a secondary filter element. This advantageously saves space within the filter housing.

[0020] According to a favorable design of the filter element, at least one indentation can begin at the end face and extend transversely away from the end face. This allows a sufficient gap to be created between the folds of the filter medium body to accommodate other components, such as a positioning element of the housing or a handle of a secondary filter element.

[0021] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, a second edge element can be arranged at least partially around the second end face. In this way, fold edges on the second end face opposite the first end face can be stabilized.

[0022] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, the at least one indentation can be formed radially within the first or second edge element of the filter medium body. Alternatively, the at least one indentation can begin at the first or second edge element of the filter medium body and extend longitudinally into the filter medium body. Advantageously, the indentation can be arranged inside an end face of the filter medium body, for example, to accommodate a handle of a secondary filter element. Alternatively, the indentation can be arranged at the edge element of the filter medium body, for example, to accommodate a positioning element of the housing.

[0023] According to a favorable design of the filter element, both end faces can have at least one indentation. Advantageously, areas of the folds on both end faces of the filter medium body can be spread open, thus forming indentations.

[0024] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, the pleats in the area around the indentation and / or within the indentation can be continuous. In particular, the at least one indentation can run parallel to the pleats. Thus, a gap can advantageously be formed between the pleats for the indentation. According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, the at least one indentation can be designed as a spreading between two pleats in their longitudinal and / or transverse direction. Thus, a gap can advantageously be formed between the pleats for the indentation.

[0025] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, the at least one indentation can be supported by a fixing contour, in particular an injection-molded one. This allows the indentation to be advantageously fixed and stabilized, so that, for example, a handle of a secondary filter element can be securely inserted during assembly of the filter element.

[0026] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, the at least one notch can be supported in its longitudinal and / or transverse direction by a separate insert. In particular, the insert can have a support structure that engages in the at least one notch. This allows the notch to be advantageously fixed and stabilized, so that, for example, a handle of a secondary filter element can be securely inserted during assembly of the filter element.

[0027] Advantageously, at least one indentation can be formed by an indentation structure in a casting tool for producing at least one of the two edge elements, for example in a PUR casting process. The casting tool can also advantageously form the fixing contour around the indentation.

[0028] Alternatively, at least one indentation can also be formed by an indentation structure of an insert during the casting process of at least one of the two edge elements. The insert can also advantageously form the fixing contour around the indentation.

[0029] Advantageously, at least one of the edge elements can be designed as a sealing element. This allows a clean fluid area to be sealed off from a raw fluid area when the filter element is inserted into the housing of the filter system. Furthermore, the filter element can be advantageously supported by this edge element when installed in the housing.

[0030] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, fixing elements can be arranged on the first and / or second end face. These elements extend between the folds in the transverse direction and fix a fixed distance between the folds. Fixing elements, such as adhesive beads, can be used to secure particularly deep folds of the filter medium. If the fixing elements are interrupted within a certain space, the fold tips can be bent upwards in this limited area, thus forming indentations.

[0031] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter element, several folds on both sides of the at least one indentation can be free of fixing elements at least in the transverse dimension, and in particular free of fixing elements at least in the transverse dimension and along the longitudinal dimension. This allows the folds of the filter medium body to be advantageously bent open sufficiently far to form the gap of the indentation.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, a filter system is proposed comprising a housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a replaceable filter element arranged in the housing, wherein at least one notch of a filter medium body of the filter element interacts with a counter element arranged in the housing.

[0033] The filter element has a notch on at least one of the two end faces of the filter medium body. In this area, fixing elements, such as glue beads, of the pleats are interrupted, so that the pleats are flexible and create enough space for an additional insert or for the notch to be foamed over, for example with polyurethane (PUR), for fixing to the filter medium body.

[0034] The indentation can, for example, create space to accommodate a handle of a safety element such as a secondary filter element, or to accommodate a positioning element of the housing. This saves installation space in a filter system.

[0035] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter system, at least one indentation in the filter medium body can interact with a counter element of a secondary filter element arranged in the housing downstream of the filter element. Advantageously, the counter element, for example a handle, of the secondary filter element can thus be received in the indentation.

[0036] According to a favorable embodiment of the filter system, at least one indentation in the filter medium body can interact with a counter element in the housing to position the filter element. Advantageously, the counter element, for example a positioning element, of the housing can thus be received in the indentation.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0039] They show, for example:

[0040] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a filter system for filtering a fluid, in particular air, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of a filter element of the filter system according to Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention, with a view of a first end face;

[0041] Figure 3 is an isometric representation of the filter element according to Fig. 2, looking at a second end face;

[0042] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an insert from a top view;

[0043] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the insert according to Fig. 4 from a bottom side;

[0044] Figure 6 shows a top view of the insert according to Fig. 4 with a section plane BB;

[0045] Figure 7 shows a cross-section through the insert along the section line BB according to Fig. 6;

[0046] Figure 8 shows an isometric representation of a filter element after a further

[0047] Exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a view to the second end face;

[0048] Figure 9 shows an isometric representation of a filter element after a further

[0049] Exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a view to the second end face;

[0050] Figure 10 shows a cross-section through the filter element according to Fig. 8;

[0051] Figure 11 shows a cross-section through the filter system according to Fig. 1;

[0052] Figure 12 shows a combined cross-section and longitudinal section through the filter system according to Fig. 1;

[0053] Figure 13 shows an isometric representation of a filter element after a further

[0054] Exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a view to the first end face;

[0055] Figure 14 shows a side view of the filter element according to Fig. 13;

[0056] Figure 15 is an isometric representation of the filter element according to Fig. 13, looking at the second end face;

[0057] Figure 16 shows an isometric representation of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view of its first end face;

[0058] Figure 17 is an isometric representation of the filter element according to Fig. 16, looking at its second end face;

[0059] Figure 18 shows an isometric representation of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view of its first end face;

[0060] Figure 19 is an isometric representation of the filter element according to Fig. 18, looking at its second end face;

[0061] Figure 20 shows an isometric representation of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view of its first end face;

[0062] Figure 21 is an isometric view of the filter element according to Fig. 20, looking at its second end face; Figure 22 is an exploded view of a filter system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0063] Figure 23 shows the exploded view of Fig. 22 in a different orientation;

[0064] Figure 24 shows the filter system according to Fig. 22 in a partially cutaway view;

[0065] Figure 25 is an isometric view of a first housing part from an inside view;

[0066] Figure 26 shows an isometric view of a second housing part from an inside view;

[0067] Figure 27 shows an isometric representation of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view of its first end face;

[0068] Figure 28 is an isometric representation of the filter element according to Fig. 27, looking at its second end face;

[0069] Figure 29 shows an isometric representation of a filter element according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view of its first end face;

[0070] Figure 30 is an isometric representation of the filter element according to Fig. 29, looking at its second end face;

[0071] Figure 31 shows a sectional view of the filter element according to Fig. 29 transverse to the longitudinal extent;

[0072] Figure 32 shows an isometric representation of a filter element after a further

[0073] Exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a view to its first end face;

[0074] Figure 33 is an isometric representation of the filter element according to Fig. 32, looking at its second end face;

[0075] Figure 34 shows a sectional view of the filter element according to Fig. 32 transverse to the longitudinal extent;

[0076] Figure 35 shows a sectional view of the filter element according to Fig. 32 in longitudinal dimension;

[0077] Figure 36 shows an isometric representation of a filter element after a further

[0078] Exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a view to its first end face;

[0079] Figure 37 is an isometric representation of the filter element according to Fig. 36, looking at its second end face;

[0080] Figure 38 shows a sectional view of the filter element according to Fig. 36 transverse to the longitudinal extent;

[0081] Figure 39 shows a sectional view of the filter element according to Fig. 36 in longitudinal dimension;

[0082] Figure 40 shows an isometric representation of a filter element after a further

[0083] An embodiment of the invention, with a view to its first end face; and

[0084] Figure 41 is an isometric view of the filter element according to Fig. 40, looking at its second end face. Embodiments of the invention

[0085] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0086] To illustrate the invention, Figure 1 shows an isometric representation of a filter system 100 for filtering a fluid, in particular air, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0087] The filter system 100 comprises a housing 102 with a fluid inlet 110 and a fluid outlet 112, and a replaceable filter element 10 (not visible) arranged in the housing 102, as well as a secondary filter element 120 (see Figures 11 and 12). For ease of assembly, the housing 102 consists of a first housing part 104 with the fluid inlet 110 and a second housing part 106 with the fluid outlet 112.

[0088] Figure 2 shows an isometric representation of a filter element 10 of the filter system 100 according to Figure 1 with a view of a first end face 22, while Figure 3 shows a view of a second end face 24.

[0089] The filter element 10 comprises a filter medium body 12 with a non-closed cross-section and with a filter medium 14, in particular in a zigzag shape, folded 16 along a longitudinal extent 50 of the filter medium body 12.

[0090] The folds 16 form fold troughs 20 and fold peaks 18. The fold peaks 18 span the first end face 22, while the fold troughs 20 span the second end face 24 opposite in a transverse extension 52 of the filter medium body 12.

[0091] Fixing elements 80, which extend between the folds 16 in the transverse dimension 52, fix a distance between the folds 16.

[0092] The filter medium body 12 has a first edge element 26 surrounding the first end face 22 and a second edge element 28 surrounding the second end face 24. The edge elements 26, 28 can, for example, be made of polyurethane (PUR) foam, with which the pleat crests 18 and pleat troughs 20 are foamed.

[0093] The edge element 26 of the first end face 22 is designed as a sealing element 30. This advantageously allows a clean fluid area to be sealed off from a crude fluid area when the filter element 10 is inserted into the housing 102 of the filter system 100. Furthermore, the filter element 10 can be advantageously supported by this edge element 26 when installed in the housing 102.

[0094] The filter medium body 12 shown as the first embodiment has a notch 40 on its second end face 24. The notch 40 begins at the end face 24 and extends away from the end face 24 in a transverse dimension 52. The notch 40 is formed radially within the second edge element 28 of the filter medium body 12.

[0095] The folds 16 are continuous in the area around the notch 40. The notch 40, 44 runs parallel to the folds 16. The notch 40 is formed as a spreading between two folds 16 in longitudinal dimension 50 and transverse dimension 52.

[0096] As can be seen in Figure 3, several folds 16 on both sides of the indentation 40 along the longitudinal extent 50 are free of fixing elements 80.

[0097] The notch 40, 44 is supported by a separate insert part 48 in longitudinal extension 50 and in transverse extension 52.

[0098] Such an insert 48 is shown in Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the insert 48 from a top view, Figure 5 from a bottom view. Figure 6 shows a top view of the insert 48 with a section plane BB. Figure 7 shows a cross-section through the insert 48 along the section line BB.

[0099] It can be seen that the insert 48 has a support structure 49 which can engage in the notch 40. In this way, the notch 40, which is designed as a spreading between two folds 16 in longitudinal extension 50 and transverse extension 52, can be effectively stabilized. The insert 48 also protects the filter medium body 12 against damage from an inserted counter element.

[0100] Figure 8 shows an isometric representation of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view of the second end face 24.

[0101] In this embodiment, the indentation 40 is supported by a fixing contour 32, in particular an injection-molded one, instead of by the insert part 48.

[0102] The indentation 40 can be formed by an indentation structure in a casting tool for producing the edge element 28, for example in a PUR foaming process. This allows the fixing contour 32 to be conveniently produced during the foaming process for forming the edge element 28.

[0103] Figure 9 shows an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view of the second end face 24. The indentation 40 is designed similarly to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, however, the indentation 48 is not overmolded as a fixing contour 32. Instead, two fixing structures 32, which run parallel to the fixing elements 80, are guided transversely across the second end face 24. The two fixing structures 32 are each arranged longitudinally 50 at the ends of the indentation 48.

[0104] Figure 10 shows a cross-section through the filter element 10 according to Figure 8.

[0105] It can be seen that the folds 16 in the area around and within the notch 40 are continuous. In particular, the notch 40 runs parallel to the folds 16. The notch 40 is formed as a spreading between two folds 16 in longitudinal dimension 50 and transverse dimension 52. The notch 40 can be very small in its extent in longitudinal dimension 50 and transverse dimension 52, or it can extend over the entire filter medium body 12 in longitudinal dimension 50 and transverse dimension 52.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, the length 42 of the indentation 40 is significantly shorter in its transverse extent 52 than the transverse extent 52 of the filter medium body 12.

[0107] Figure 1 shows a cross-section through the filter system 100 according to Figure 1, while Figure 12 shows a combined cross-section and longitudinal section through the filter system 100.

[0108] In the housing 102 of the filter system 100, a filter element 10, as shown in Figure 8, and a secondary filter element 120 are arranged downstream of the filter element 10. The notch 40, 44 of the filter medium body 12 receives the counter element 122 of the secondary filter element 120 arranged in the housing 102 downstream of the filter element 10. The counter element 122 can, for example, be a handle for handling the secondary filter element 120, as can be seen in Figure 12.

[0109] It is also evident that the fixing elements 80, which are designed, for example, as glue beads, are set off in the area of ​​the indentation 40 to fix the folds 16, so that there is sufficient flexibility in the filter medium 14 of the filter medium body 12 to form the indentation 40 by widening the folds 16.

[0110] The two housing parts 104, 106 are tightly closed after the insertion of the secondary filter element 120, followed by the insertion of the filter element 10. The filter element 10 is supported and / or sealed against the filter housing 102 by the edge element 26 of the first end face 22, which is designed as a sealing element 30.

[0111] The filter element 10 is supported and / or sealed against the second housing part 106 at the second end face 24 by the circumferential edge element 28. Likewise, the secondary filter element 120 is supported and / or sealed against the second housing part 106 by the circumferential edge element 124, which may also be designed as a PUR foam covering.

[0112] Figure 13 shows an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, looking at the first end face 22. Figure 14 shows a side view of the filter element 10, while Figure 15 shows an isometric view of the filter element 10, looking at the second end face 24.

[0113] In this embodiment, the filter element 10 has a notch 44 which begins at the second edge element 28 of the filter medium body 12, which is interrupted at the location of the notch 44, and extends longitudinally 50 into the filter medium body 12. The notch 44 is supported by the fixing contour 32.

[0114] The length 46 of the indentation 40 is significantly shorter in its transverse extent 52 than the transverse extent 52 of the filter medium body 12.

[0115] The indentation 44 can be formed, for example, by an indentation structure of an insert of the edge element 28 during the manufacturing process of the edge element 28, for example, by a PUR foaming process. The edge element 28 and the indentation 44 can be manufactured and overmolded together. The fixing contour 32 can also be produced at the same time.

[0116] As can be seen in Figure 15, the fixing elements 80 are interrupted in the area of ​​the indentation 44 in order to provide the necessary flexibility to widen the folds 16.

[0117] Advantageously, the indentation 44 of the filter medium body 12 can interact with a counter element of the housing 102 for positioning the filter element 10 when inserting it into the housing 102.

[0118] Figures 16 to 41 show further embodiments of filter elements 10 with indentations 40, 44. These filter elements 10 are so-called flat filter elements, which typically have a significantly greater extent in the longitudinal dimension 50 and transversely thereto than in the transverse dimension 52. Accordingly, the depth of the folds 16 between the fold crests 18 and the fold troughs 20 is significantly less than in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 15.

[0119] The flat filter elements 10 also have at least one circumferential edge element 26 on the first end face 22. Some embodiments also have a second circumferential edge element 28 on the second end face 24 opposite the first end face 22.

[0120] Figure 16 shows an isometric representation of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, looking at its first end face 22, while Figure 17 shows an isometric representation of the filter element 10 looking at its opposite second end face 24.

[0121] The filter element 10 shown in Figures 16 and 17 has a circumferential edge element 26 on the first end face 22. The edge element 26 is designed as a sealing element 30.

[0122] The filter medium body 12 has a notch 44 which begins at the edge element 26 of the filter medium body 12, which is interrupted at the point of the notch 44, and extends longitudinally 50 into the filter medium body 12. The notch 44 is supported by a fixing contour 32, which is formed by a continuation of the edge element 26.

[0123] The length 46 of the indentation 40 corresponds in its transverse extent 52 to the transverse extent 52 of the filter medium body 12.

[0124] The indentation 44 can be formed, for example, by an indentation structure of an insert of the edge element 26 during the manufacturing process of the edge element 26, for example, by a PUR foaming process. The edge element 26 and the indentation 44 can be manufactured and overmolded together. The fixing contour 32 can also be produced at the same time.

[0125] Advantageously, the indentation 44 of the filter medium body 12 can interact with a counter element of the housing 102 for positioning the filter element 10 when inserting it into the housing 102.

[0126] Figure 18 shows an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, looking at its first end face 22, while Figure 19 shows an isometric view of the filter element 10 looking at its second end face 24.

[0127] In this embodiment, the filter element 10 has a second circumferential edge element 28 on the second end face 24.

[0128] The filter medium body 12 has a similar indentation 44 to the embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 17, which, however, in this embodiment begins at the second edge element 28 of the filter medium body 12, which is interrupted at the location of the indentation 44, and extends longitudinally 50 into the filter medium body 12. The indentation 44 is supported by a fixing contour 32, which is formed by a continuation of the second edge element 28.

[0129] Here too, the length 46 of the indentation 40 in the transverse extent 52 corresponds to the transverse extent 52 of the filter medium body 12. Figure 20 shows an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, looking at its first end face 22, while Figure 21 shows an isometric view of the filter element 10 looking at its second end face 24.

[0130] In this embodiment, the filter medium body 12 has a notch 44 on each of its two end faces 22, 24. One notch 44 on the first end face 22 begins at the first edge element 26, and the other notch 44 on the second end face 24 begins at the second edge element 28. The two notches 44 are diagonally opposite each other along the longitudinal extent 50 of the filter medium body 12. Both notches 44 have fixing contours 32 as extensions of the first and second edge elements 26, 28, respectively. Furthermore, at the notch 44 on the first end face 22, the first edge element 26 is extended in a straight line at the location of the notch 44 to prevent the intake of ambient air at the pleat spread.

[0131] The arrangement of the filter element 10 shown in Figures 20 and 21 in a housing 102 of a filter system 100 is shown in Figures 22 to 26.

[0132] Figure 22 shows an exploded view of a filter system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0133] The housing 102 has a first housing part 104 and a second housing part 106. A fluid inlet 1 10 is arranged in the first housing part 104, and a fluid outlet 1 12 in the second housing part 106.

[0134] The filter element 10 is inserted, for example, into the second housing part 106, and the housing 102 is closed by placing the first housing part 104 onto the second housing part 106. The circumferential edge element 26 on the first end face 22 of the filter medium body 12 acts as a sealing element 30, which seals both a raw side against a clean side inside the housing 102 and also seals the two housing parts 104 and 106 against the environment when connected.

[0135] The indentation 44 in the filter medium body 12 is visible on the first end face 22 of the filter element 10, into which the counter element 122 arranged in the first housing part 104 engages.

[0136] In the second housing part 106, a counter element 122 is also visible, which engages in the not visible indentation 44 formed on the second end face 24 of the filter element 10.

[0137] In Figure 23, which shows the exploded view rotated 180° around the vertical axis, the second notch 44 on the second end face 24 is visible.

[0138] Figure 24 shows the filter system 100 in a partially cutaway view. The arrangement of the filter element 10 in its assembled state within the housing 102 is visible. When the filter element 10 is inserted into the second housing part 106, its second edge element 28 rests against a shoulder 130 running around the inside of the second housing part 106, resting against the second end face 24 of the filter medium body 12.

[0139] The circumferential edge element 26, acting as a sealing element 30 on the first end face 22, rests on a circumferential edge 128 of the second housing part 106. A circumferential groove 126 of the first housing part 104 encloses the edge element 26 from above. When the housing 102 is closed by placing the first housing part 104 onto the second housing part 106, a seal between the raw side and the clean side, as well as against the environment, is thus ensured.

[0140] Figure 25 shows an isometric view of the first housing part 104 from an inner side. The interior of the housing part 104 has a wedge-shaped counter-element 122, which engages in the notch 44 on the first end face 22 of the filter medium body 12. The circumferential groove 126 for the edge element 26 is also visible.

[0141] Figure 26 shows an isometric view of the second housing part 106 from an inner side. The interior of the housing part 106 also has a wedge-shaped counter-element 122, which engages in the notch 44 on the second end face 24 of the filter medium body 12. The circumferential edge 128 for the second edge element 28 is also visible.

[0142] Figure 27 shows an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, looking at its first end face 22, while Figure 28 shows an isometric view of the filter element 10 looking at its second end face 24.

[0143] In this embodiment, a side band 60 is arranged at the end edges 17 of the folds 16 transversely to the longitudinal extent 50, which seals the folds 16 of the filter medium body 12 laterally.

[0144] The filter medium body 12 has a notch 44 on the second end face 24, beginning at the end edges 17 of the folds 16. Since the end edges 17 are covered by the side band 60, the side band 60 has a recess 62 in the area of ​​the notch 40, 44.

[0145] Optionally, the side band can also extend into the notch 44 and cover its side surfaces.

[0146] Figure 29 shows an isometric representation of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view to its first end face 22, while Figure 30 shows an isometric representation of the filter element 10 with a view to its second end face 24.

[0147] In this embodiment, the filter medium body 12 has a similar indentation 44 as in the embodiment shown in Figures 27 and 28; however, here the side band 60 extends beyond the indentation 44 and thus closes the indentation 40, 44 transversely to the longitudinal extent 50. Figure 31 shows a sectional view of the filter element 10 according to Figure 30 transversely to the longitudinal extent 50. The indentation 44 is partially visible in this view.

[0148] Figure 32 shows an isometric view of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, looking at its first end face 22, while Figure 33 shows an isometric view of the filter element 10 looking at its second end face 24.

[0149] In this embodiment, the filter medium body 12 has a notch 40, which is formed radially inside the first edge element 26 of the filter medium body 12 on the first end face 22.

[0150] In this embodiment, the indentation 40 is supported by a fixing contour 32, in particular an injection-molded one.

[0151] The indentation 40 can be formed by an indentation structure in a casting tool for producing the edge element 26, for example in a PUR foaming process. This allows the fixing contour 32 to be conveniently produced during the foaming process for forming the edge element 26.

[0152] Figure 34 shows a sectional view of the filter element 10 transversely to its longitudinal extent 50, while Figure 35 shows a sectional view of the filter element 10 along its longitudinal extent 50. In these views, the filter medium body 12 is cut transversely through the indentation 40. The length 46 of the indentation 40 extends over the entire transverse extent 52 of the filter medium body 12.

[0153] Figure 36 shows an isometric representation of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view to its first end face 22, while Figure 37 shows an isometric representation of the filter element 10 with a view to its second end face 24.

[0154] In this embodiment, the filter medium body 12 has two indentations 40: one indentation 40 extending from the first end face 22 and a second indentation 40 extending from the second end face 24. Both indentations 40 are formed radially within the first and second edge elements 26 and 28, respectively. Each indentation 40 is stabilized by fixing contours 32, which can be formed, for example, by an indentation structure in a casting tool for producing the edge elements 26 and 28, such as in a polyurethane foaming process. This allows the fixing contours 32 to be conveniently produced during the foaming process for forming the edge elements 26 and 28.

[0155] Figure 38 shows a sectional view of the filter element 10 transversely to its longitudinal extent 50, while Figure 39 shows a sectional view of the filter element 10 along its longitudinal extent 50. In each case, the filter medium body 12 is cut such that the indentation 40, which originates from the first end face 22, is visible. The length 46 of the indentation 40 extends over the entire transverse extent 52 of the filter medium body 12.

[0156] Figure 40 shows an isometric representation of a filter element 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a view to its first end face 22, while Figure 41 shows an isometric representation of the filter element 10 with a view to its second end face 24.

[0157] In this embodiment, the filter medium body 12 has two indentations 40, 44. Both indentations 40, 44 originate from the first end face 22. One indentation is arranged radially within the first edge element 26, while the other indentation 44 begins at the first edge element 26 of the filter medium body 12 and extends longitudinally 50 into the filter medium body 12.

[0158] Both indentations 40, 44 are stabilized with fixing contours 32, which can be advantageously produced during the manufacturing process of the edge element 26.

[0159] Reference sign

[0160] 10 filter elements

[0161] 12 filter media bodies

[0162] 14 Filter medium

[0163] 16 folds

[0164] 17 Front edge

[0165] 18 pleats

[0166] 20 Folded Valley

[0167] 22 first front face

[0168] 24 second front face

[0169] 26 Edge element

[0170] 28 Edge element

[0171] 30 sealing element

[0172] 32 Fixation contour

[0173] 40 notches

[0174] 42 Length

[0175] 44 Notch

[0176] 46 Length

[0177] 48 Insert part

[0178] 49 Support structure

[0179] 50 Longitudinal extent

[0180] 52 Transverse extension

[0181] 60-page volume

[0182] 62 recess

[0183] 80 fixing element

[0184] 100 filter system

[0185] 102 cases

[0186] 104 first housing part

[0187] 106 second housing part

[0188] 1 10 Fluid inlet

[0189] 1 12 Fluid outlet

[0190] 120 secondary filter elements

[0191] 122 Counter-element

[0192] 124 edge element

[0193] 126 Nut

[0194] 128 Rand

[0195] Paragraph 130

Claims

Claims 1. Filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, in particular air, comprising at least a filter medium body (12) with a non-closed cross-section and a filter medium (14) folded, in particular in a zigzag pattern, along a longitudinal extent (50) of the filter medium body (12), wherein the folds (16) form fold troughs (20) and fold crests (18), wherein the fold crests (18) form a first end face (22) and the fold troughs (20) form a second end face (24) opposite in a transverse extent (52) of the filter medium body (12), with a first edge element (26) at least partially circumferentially around the first end face (22), wherein the filter medium body (12) has at least on one of its end faces (22, 24) a notch (40, 44) the length (42, 46) of which in the transverse extent (52) at least a part of the transverse extent (52) of the filter medium body (12).

2. Filter element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one indentation (40, 44) begins at at least one of the end faces (22, 24) and extends in the transverse dimension (52) away from the at least one end face (22, 24).

3. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second edge element (28) is arranged at least partially circumferentially around the second end face (24).

4. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one indentation (40) is formed radially within the first or second edge element (26, 28) of the filter medium body (12), and / or wherein the at least one indentation (44) begins at the first or second edge element (26, 28) of the filter medium body (12) and extends into the filter medium body (12) in longitudinal dimension (50) and transverse dimension (52).

5. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein both end faces (22, 24) have at least one indentation (40, 44).

6. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one side band (60) is arranged on end edges (17) of the folds (16) transversely to the longitudinal extent (50), wherein the at least one side band (60) has a recess (62) in the area of ​​the at least one indentation (40, 44) or projects into the indentation (40, 44), in particular covering side surfaces of the indentation (40, 44).

7. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the folds (16) in the area around the indentation (40, 44) and / or in the indentation (40, 44) are continuous, in particular wherein the at least one indentation (40, 44) runs parallel to the folds (16).

8. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one indentation (40, 44) is formed as a spreading between two folds (16) in longitudinal extension (50) and / or transverse extension (52).

9. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one indentation (40, 44) is supported by a fixing contour (32), in particular an injection-molded one.

10. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one notch (40, 44) is supported by a separate insert part (48) in longitudinal extension (50) and / or transverse extension (52), in particular wherein the insert part (48) has a support structure (49) which engages in the at least one notch (40, 44). 1 1 . Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein fixing elements (80) are arranged on the first and / or second end face (22, 24) which extend between the folds (16) in the transverse dimension (52) and fix a distance between the folds (16).

12. Filter element according to claim 1 1 , wherein several folds (16) on both sides of the at least one indentation (40, 44) are free of fixing elements (80) at least in the transverse dimension (52), in particular free of fixing elements (80) at least in the transverse dimension (52) and along the longitudinal dimension (50).

13. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one indentation (40, 44) is formed with a mold for PUR foam and / or the at least one indentation (40, 44) is formed with a separate plastic insert and / or the at least one indentation (40, 44) is formed by means of a side band.

14. Filter system (100) with a housing (102) having a fluid inlet (1 10) and a fluid outlet (1 12) and a replaceable filter element (10) arranged in the housing (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one notch (40, 44) of a filter medium body (12) of the filter element (10) interacts with a counter element (122) arranged in the housing (102).

15. Filter system according to claim 14, wherein the at least one indentation (40, 44) of the filter medium body (12) interacts with a counter element (122) of a secondary filter element (120) arranged in the housing (102) downstream of the filter element (10).

16. Filter system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one indentation (40, 44) of the filter medium body (12) interacts with a counter element of the housing (102) for positioning the filter element (10).

Images