Filter element, element frame of a filter element, filter bellows of a filter element, filter housing, and filter

A filter element configured to be installed in a filter housing in an installation direction extending parallel to an installation axis;

• the filter element comprising:
• a filter bellows comprising a filter medium, wherein the filter bellows comprises a first flow face and a second flow face, wherein one of the first and second flow faces is an inflow face and the other one of the first and second flow faces is an outflow face,
• wherein the first and second flow faces are arranged axially opposite each other at axially oppositely positioned sides of the at least one filter bellows relative to an element axis of the filter element extending through the first and second flow faces,
• wherein the first flow face is oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to the element axis;
• wherein the second flow face is oriented at a first oblique angle with respect to the element axis;
• wherein the filter element further comprises:
• a first pair of opposing walls extending between the first and second flow faces;
• a second pair of opposing walls extending between the first and second flow faces, the second pair of opposing walls coupling the first pair of opposing walls to one another, wherein one the second pair of opposing walls is a bottom wall of the filter element and another one the second pair of opposing walls is a top wall of the filter element, and wherein the first pair of opposing walls are each a side wall of the filter element;
• wherein the first pair of opposing walls each have a radially outer surface;
• wherein the first and second pairs of opposing walls together radially surround the filter bellows and a flow passage extending between the first flow face and the second flow face;
• at least one seal arranged adjacent to the second flow face and extending at least partially continuously about a radially outer circumference of the filter element;
• at least one seal support device arranged adjacent to the second flow face and extending at least partially continuously about the radially outer circumference of the filter element, the at least one seal support device comprising:
• a first wedge element segment oriented at a second oblique angle with respect to the element axis and extending at least partially between the top wall and the bottom wall from a radially outer surface of the first pair of opposing walls;
• a second wedge element segment oriented substantially in the installation direction and extending from the radially outer surface of the first pair of opposing walls;
• wherein the first wedge element segment has a rearward support surface configured to engage against a pressing blade of a housing cover of the filter housing to urge the at least one seal to abut and compressively seal against a housing-associated sealing surface of the filter housing;
• wherein the second wedge element segment has a forward support surface configured to engage against a filter housing guide surface of the filter housing to urge the at least one seal to abut and compressively seal against the housing-associated sealing surface of the filter housing;
• and
• wherein the first wedge element segment and the second wedge element segment cooperate together to urge the at least one seal to abut and compressively seal against the housing-associated sealing surface of the filter housing.