FILTER DEVICE FOR A VACUUM MACHINE AND VACUUM MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filter device for a suction machine, comprising a filter device for a suction machine, comprising a frame with a filter made of filter material, wherein the filter is held on the frame and has a clean side and a dirty side, and a marking with at least one of the following: the marking is at least partly in a visual form that is recognizable by an operator; the marking is at least partly machine-readable; the marking contains information about the filter device and / or the filter.

[0002] The invention further relates to a suction machine.

[0003] US 2014 / 0041525 A1 discloses a solid fragrance carrier comprising a polymeric matrix containing a fragrance and adhesively bonded to a filter or filter bag.

[0004] US 2018 / 0140989 A1 discloses an air filter with a filter medium, a sensor and a circuit coupled to the sensor.

[0005] US 2010 / 0011530 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner with a filter and a filter cleaning mechanism.

[0006] From DE 10 2013 103 872 A1 a vacuum cleaner filter bag with a vacuum cleaner filter bag marking is known.

[0007] A cleaning cassette is known from US 2014 / 0091027 A1.

[0008] A system with an information carrier is known from US 2015 / 0008258 A1.

[0009] From US 2005 / 0126477 A1 a filter is known which has a color coding.

[0010] Further filter elements with markings are disclosed in EP1985351 and DE102011110758.

[0011] A filter device is known from NL 1017515 C.

[0012] From US 5,762,796 a filter element is known which has a band made of an adhesive material, wherein a marking is arranged on the band.

[0013] A filter cleaning device is known from US 4,787,923.

[0014] From WO 2016 / 112996 A1 a suction device with a cleaning device for a filter device is known.

[0015] The invention is based on the object of providing a filter device of the type mentioned at the outset which is easy to handle for an operator.

[0016] This object is achieved according to the invention in the filter device mentioned at the outset in that at least one label is provided which is at least partially provided with the marking and which is located on the clean side of the filter, wherein the at least one label is materially connected to the filter and adhesively connected to fold areas of the filter, and in that the filter has a first side towards the frame and a second side opposite the first side towards the frame, and in that the at least one label is arranged on the first side or at a distance of at most 10% of a length between the first side and the second side from an edge of the first side on the frame.

[0017] When the vacuum cleaner is operating with the filter device installed, a suction flow passes through the filter material. The filter has a dirty side and a clean side, with the suction flow direction being from the dirty side to the clean side.

[0018] In particular, the clean side points to a clean room area of ​​the suction machine when the filter device is installed on the suction machine.

[0019] By locating the label on the clean side, an operator (or a reader) can easily read the label. Readability is guaranteed even when the filter device is contaminated.

[0020] The frame of the filter device serves, in particular, to hold the filter material. It also preferably serves to secure the filter device to the suction machine. By arranging the marking on the filter, and thus on the filter material, and particularly outside the frame, the filter device can be easily provided with the marking. For example, the frame does not need to be printed. For example, after the filter device has been manufactured with the filter material, a label with the marking can be affixed to the clean side of the filter.

[0021] In principle, a label on the clean side of the filter device allows for easy readability of the label before, during, or after operation of the vacuum cleaner. This also makes it easy to implement machine-readable labeling. For example, the label can also be read by a reader integrated into the vacuum cleaner.

[0022] It is an additional element like a label attached to the filter material.

[0023] The marking is, for example, an (alphanumeric) label that indicates the filter type. It is also possible, for example, for the marking to include information about the vacuum cleaner on which the filter device bearing the marking can be used. Alternatively or additionally, for example, it is possible for the marking to include color coding, which in particular indicates with which vacuum cleaners the filter device can be used. Other types of coding, such as QR codes, are also possible. The marking can be directly visually recognizable for an operator (for example via a label, color coding or a QR code). Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the marking to be machine-readable (as is the case with color coding and QR coding, for example).The marking can also be arranged on a data carrier such as an RFID chip, which is fixed to the clean side of the filter (and thus the filter material).

[0024] In one embodiment, the filter material is a surface filter. It is also possible for the filter to be a depth filter or a suspended matter filter.

[0025] The filter device, in particular, forms a unit that can be handled as a whole, which can be inserted into the suction machine in the manner of a cassette and removed from the suction machine. In particular, it is provided that the marking is legible when the filter device is attached to a filter holder on the suction machine.

[0026] In one embodiment, the filter is designed as a pleated filter, particularly a flat pleated filter. This allows for a large flow area and thus an effective filtering effect.

[0027] In one embodiment, the filter is designed as a zigzag pleat. This allows for a large flow area for a suction stream with effective filtering.

[0028] In one embodiment, the filter is suspended from the frame, and in particular, the filter pleats are suspended from the frame. This results in a simple and material-saving design. The frame serves both to hold the filter pleats and to hold the filter device on a vacuum cleaner to a corresponding filter holder of the vacuum cleaner.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if the marking is arranged, formed, or held at one or more fold areas. Fold areas are those areas over which filter folds are formed. In a filter device, the fold areas are not designed as sharp edges, but rather have a certain width extension. This width extension can be used to arrange the marking directly at the fold areas (for example, by printing). The fold areas can also serve, for example, to hold a label with the marking.

[0030] At least one label, and in particular exactly one label, is provided, which is at least partially provided with the marking (and in particular is provided with the complete marking) and which is located on the clean side of the filter. This allows the filter device as a whole to be easily provided with the marking. The filter device can initially be easily manufactured without the at least one label, in which case the label can then be subsequently affixed to the clean side of the filter. This results in easy legibility of the marking on the at least one label.

[0031] At least one label is bonded to the filter in a material-to-material and, in particular, adhesive manner. This allows for easy subsequent bonding of the label to the filter. For example, the label is self-adhesive and can be applied to the filter, or the filter is coated with adhesive and the label is applied.

[0032] The at least one label is adhesively bonded to fold areas of the filter. The fold areas provide a corresponding surface of the filter to which the at least one label can be attached and positioned on the clean side of the filter.

[0033] In one embodiment, the frame has an interior space enclosed by a strip device of the frame, and the at least one label is positioned in the interior space. This results in a simple structure. This makes it easy to ensure that the at least one label does not protrude beyond a surface of the filter device. In particular, the label can be arranged in a recessed manner. This ensures that the at least one label does not interfere with the positioning of the filter device.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one label is connected to the filter in such a way that, when a certain detachment force is exceeded, the at least one label can be detached from the filter by an operator. An operator can then remove the label, if desired, without destroying the filter.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one label is connected to the filter in such a way that a removal force (for removing the at least one label) is at least 8 N, in particular at least 9 N, and in particular at least 9.9 N, and for example, at least approximately 10 N. This allows, on the one hand, a secure fixation, such as an adhesive fixation, of the at least one label to the filter to be achieved. On the other hand, if desired, the at least one label can be removed by an operator.

[0036] It has proven advantageous if an adhesive material for a material-to-material bond between the at least one label and the filter has a service life of at least 100 hours relative to the operating time of the vacuum cleaner. This prevents unwanted detachment of the at least one label from the filter (from the filter material).

[0037] The filter has a first side facing the frame and a second side facing the frame, opposite the first side. The at least one label is arranged on the first side or is arranged on the clean side of the filter at a distance of no more than 10% of a length between the first side and the second side from an edge of the first side (where the edge is facing the frame). As a result, the at least one label is arranged in an area of ​​the filter that experiences smaller "deflections" when the filter is moved. For example, an operator moves the filter (the filter material) for cleaning. Stronger movements are possible in a central area of ​​the filter than near the edge of the first side. By arranging the at least one label on or near the edge of the first side, unintentional detachment of the at least one label can be better prevented.

[0038] In one embodiment, the at least one label is positioned at the edge of the first side, and in particular, one edge of the at least one label is at least approximately at the edge of the first side and is preferably aligned flush with the first edge, or the edge of the first side and the corresponding edge of the at least one label are aligned collinearly. This effectively prevents detachment during filter movement.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first side and the second side are aligned parallel. In particular, the frame then has a rectangular, square, or trapezoidal cross-section.

[0040] In one embodiment, the filter has a third side facing the frame and a fourth side facing the frame, wherein the fourth side is spaced apart from the third side, the third side is oriented transversely to the first side, and the fourth side is oriented transversely to the first side. In particular, the frame then has a rectangular, square, or trapezoidal shape.

[0041] It can then be provided that the third side and the fourth side are aligned parallel to one another and, in particular, that the third side and the fourth side are each oriented perpendicular to the first side. The frame then preferably has a rectangular or square shape. In the case of a rectangular shape, it is then provided, in particular, that the at least one label is positioned on or near an edge of the first side, with the first side being a shorter side for the rectangular shape.

[0042] It can be provided that the at least one label is arranged at a distance from the third side and / or at a distance from the fourth side. This results in optimized placement, particularly with regard to filter movement.

[0043] It is also possible that at least one label is positioned in a corner area between the first page and the third page.

[0044] In one embodiment, the filter has a cleaning area for exposure to a cleaning device of the vacuum cleaner, and the at least one label is positioned at a distance from the cleaning area. The cleaning device acts directly or indirectly on the filter via the cleaning area. For example, the cleaning area is exposed to an air stream, or the cleaning area is subjected to direct mechanical action. By positioning the at least one label at a distance from the cleaning area, the at least one label does not hinder the cleaning of the filter during operation of the vacuum cleaner.

[0045] It has proven advantageous if the at least one label has a first area and the filter has a second area which is a flow-through area for a suction flow, wherein the ratio of the second area to the first area is at least 50, in particular at least 70 and in particular at least 90. The first area of ​​the at least one label defines how large the marking on the at least one label can be. The larger the first area, the more information (at least optically readable information) can be arranged on the label. The second area defines the flow-through area for the suction flow. The stated ratio should not be too small; if the first area is too large, this can impede the flow through the filter. This can have an impact on the pressure loss of the filter and on other technical data such as the maximum volume flow.A first surface that is too large could also have a negative impact on the ability of the filter to be cleaned during a cleaning process, for example by backwashing.

[0046] It has also proven advantageous if the ratio of the second area to the first area is at most 150, in particular at most 130, and especially at most 110. If the first area is too small, then the surface area over which the at least one label can be fixed to the filter may be too small, and the at least one label may detach too easily. It has been shown that with the stated ratios, secure fixation and, in particular, adhesive fixation of the at least one label to the filter material and, in particular, to the folded areas of the filter can be achieved.

[0047] In particular, it is advantageous if the ratio of the second area to the first area is in the range between 90 and 110 and in particular in the range between 95 and 115 and in particular at least approximately 100. This results in an optimum between a sufficiently large label area (first area) of the at least one label with a low risk of detachment, without the flow properties of the filter device being significantly impaired.

[0048] In one embodiment, the at least one label is printed and / or provided with a data carrier. In particular, the label can be provided with optically readable data such as color coding or other coding and / or with alphanumeric information. A machine-readable form is generally possible. By providing the label with a data carrier, the corresponding information can be read contactlessly by a reader that, for example, does not have direct optical contact with the data carrier.

[0049] The marking is at least partially in a visually recognizable form for an operator. For example, color coding and / or alphanumeric characters are provided. An operator can then easily retrieve the necessary information from the marking.

[0050] It is advantageous if the label is at least partially machine-readable. This allows for automated processing.

[0051] In one embodiment, the marking contains information about the filter device as a whole and / or the filter. For example, the marking is designed to contain information about the type of vacuum cleaner with which the filter device can be used.

[0052] According to the invention, a suction machine is provided which is provided with at least one filter device according to the invention.

[0053] In particular, a filter holder is provided on which the at least one filter device is removably held.

[0054] The following description of preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail.

[0055] They show: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter device according to the invention with a marking on a label, wherein a filter is designed as a flat pleated filter (filter pleats are indicated); Figure 2 shows a plan view of the filter device according to Figure 1 (filter pleats not being shown); and Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a suction machine as a stand-alone vacuum cleaner, which is provided with a filter device according to the invention.

[0056] An embodiment of a suction machine 10 is a vacuum cleaner as a stand-alone device ( Figure 3 ). This vacuum cleaner 10 has a dirt collection container 12. It is intended that the dirt collection container 12, and thus the vacuum cleaner 10 as a whole, can be mounted on a base via a swivel castor 14 and a wheel assembly 16.

[0057] A detachable suction head 18 is mounted on the dirt collection container 12.

[0058] For example, a suction inlet 20 is arranged on the dirt collection container 12. In an alternative embodiment, the suction inlet 20 is arranged on the suction head 18. A suction hose 22 can be connected to this suction inlet 20; during suction operation of the vacuum cleaner 10, the material to be sucked in is sucked in via a connected suction hose 22 (which may also have a nozzle attached).

[0059] The suction head 18, when attached to the dirt collection container 12, seals the top of the container. It has a suction outlet 24, at which (at least) one filter device 26 with (at least) one filter 50 is positioned on a filter holder 27. The filter holder 27 is designed, for example, as a surrounding element or as a base plate.

[0060] The filter device 26 is connected to (at least) one suction line 28. The suction line 28 leads to a suction unit 30. The suction unit 30 comprises a blower device 32 with (at least) one blower wheel and a drive motor 34 for motor-driven driving of the blower wheel of the blower device 32. The drive motor 34 is, in particular, an electric motor, such as a universal motor.

[0061] The suction line 28 and the suction unit 30 are arranged in the suction head 18.

[0062] In the described embodiment, the filter device 26 is arranged in the suction head 18.

[0063] In principle, it is also possible for the filter device 26 to be arranged on the dirt collecting container 12.

[0064] The suction unit 30 generates a suction flow via the blower device 32, which acts via the suction line 28 onto the dirt collection container 12 and the suction inlet 20. During suction flow operation of the vacuum device 10, the suction flow flows through the filter device 26. Under the effect of the suction flow, air laden with dirt particles enters the dirt collection container 12 via the suction inlet 20, and the particles can be collected in the dirt collection container 12. The filter device 26 with the filter 50 filters out dirt particles. Accordingly, it has a dirty side 36 on the filter 50, which faces the dirt collection container 12, and a clean side 38, to which the suction line 28 is connected.

[0065] (Cleaned) suction air can be released from the suction unit 30 to the environment via exhaust air openings.

[0066] In one embodiment, a cleaning device 40 is assigned to the filter device 26. The cleaning device 40 is arranged in the suction head 18 such that it can act upon the filter device 26 for a cleaning process. Solid particles accumulate on the filter of the filter device 26. Such solid particles can be removed via the cleaning device 40 to improve the filtering effect of the filter device 26.

[0067] In one embodiment, the cleaning device 40 is an external air valve device which applies air pulses to the filter device 26 in order to achieve a cleaning effect.

[0068] The filter device 26 can generally be removed from the filter holder 27 and thus from the suction machine 10 in order to enable, for example, a filter replacement.

[0069] When the filter device 26 is inserted into the suction device 10, i.e., in the described embodiment, it is inserted into the suction head 18, and the suction head 18 is positioned on the dirt collection container 12 and, in particular, is locked thereto, the filter device 26 has a sealing function; the suction flow can only flow through the filter material of the filter of the filter device 26 from the dirt collection container 12 into the suction line 28.

[0070] In the Figure 3In the embodiment shown, a filter device 26 is provided with a single type of filter 50. It is also possible, in principle, to have several different filter devices and / or several different filters; international application PCT / EP2017 / 067629, dated July 12, 2017, describes a suction device having a first filter and a second filter with different filtering effects. This document is expressly incorporated by reference.

[0071] This document also describes the functionality of an external air valve device as a cleaning device. Reference is also made to the aforementioned document in this regard.

[0072] An embodiment of a filter device 26 ( Figures 1 , 2) comprises a frame 52. The frame 52 has a strip device 54. The strip device 54, in turn, comprises a first strip 56 and a second strip 58 opposite the first strip, the second strip 58 being spaced apart from the first strip 56.

[0073] In the embodiment shown, the first bar 56 and the second bar 58 are aligned parallel to each other.

[0074] The strip device further comprises a third strip 60 and a fourth strip 62. The fourth strip 62 is opposite the third strip 60, wherein the fourth strip 62 is spaced from the third strip 60.

[0075] The third strip 60 and the fourth strip 62 are each oriented transversely to the first strip 56 and transversely to the second strip 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the third strip 60 and the fourth strip 62 are each oriented perpendicularly to the first strip 56 and perpendicularly to the second strip 58.

[0076] The third bar 60 is connected to the first bar 56 and the second bar 58. Furthermore, the fourth bar 62 is connected to the first bar 56 and the second bar 58.

[0077] In one embodiment, the strip device 54 is formed as a single piece. It can also be composed of several individual parts, which are then subsequently connected to one another.

[0078] The strip device 54 is made, for example, of a plastic material.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the strip device 54 is at least approximately rectangular. The first strip 56 and the second strip 58 have the same first length. The third strip 60 and the fourth strip 62 have the same second length, with the second length being greater than the first length.

[0080] Other shapes of the frame 52 adapted to a specific suction machine 10 are also possible.

[0081] The frame 52 has an interior space 64, which is surrounded or enclosed by the strip device 54. The strip device 54 forms a boundary wall for the interior space 64.

[0082] The frame 52 serves to hold the filter device 26 to the filter holder 27 of the suction machine 10. Furthermore, the frame 52 holds the filter 50. It holds the filter 50 in such a way, and the frame 52 is designed such that the filter device 26, when inserted into the filter holder 27, has the sealing function described above.

[0083] The filter 50 is made of a filter material that filters out dirt particles. The filter material is, for example, a cellulose material or a polyester material.

[0084] In one embodiment, the filter 50 is formed by a surface filter medium. A surface filter medium collects dirt particles on its surface.

[0085] In principle, it is also possible for the filter 50 to be designed as a depth filter or suspended matter filter.

[0086] In the embodiment shown ( Figures 1 , 2), the filter device 26 is designed as a pleated filter, in particular a flat pleated filter. The filter 50 comprises a plurality of filter pleats 66. These filter pleats 66 are arranged, in particular, in a zigzag pattern; the corresponding filter pleats 66 are arranged parallel to one another.

[0087] The filter 50 has folding areas 68 which are located in the area of ​​the frame 52 and, in one embodiment, in the interior space 64.

[0088] Typically, the filter folds 66 are designed such that the fold areas 68 are not formed as edges, but have a width B which is in particular in the order of millimeters and is, for example, approximately 5 mm.

[0089] The filter pleats 66 are fixed to the frame 52 and the strip device 54, and in particular, are suspended. The corresponding filter material of the filter 50 hangs from the frame 52 and, in a sense, "hangs off" it.

[0090] As mentioned above, the filter device 26 has the dirty side 36 and the clean side 38. It is particularly provided that the folded areas 68, which form part of the clean side 38, are located in the interior space 64 of the frame 52.

[0091] The filter pleats 66 have an outer side 70, which forms the dirty side 36, and an inner side 72, which forms the clean side 38.

[0092] The filter device 26 is provided with a marking 74 which is arranged or formed on the clean side 38 of the filter 50.

[0093] In one embodiment, the marking 74 is formed, for example, on fold areas 68; A corresponding marking in the form of graphic elements can be arranged on the fold areas 68, for example. For example, one or more fold areas 68 are printed.

[0094] In an advantageous embodiment ( Figures 1 ,2 ) the marking 74 is arranged or formed on a label 76 (label), wherein the label 76 is positioned on the clean side 38 of the filter 50 and thereby on the filter medium.

[0095] In particular, it is provided that the label 76 is materially connected to the filter 50 on the clean side 38 of the filter 50 and in particular is adhesively connected to the filter 50 via an adhesive bond.

[0096] In an advantageous embodiment, the label 76 is adhesively connected to fold areas 68 on the clean side 38 of the filter 50.

[0097] In particular, it is provided that the label 76 is arranged in the interior space 64 and is preferably positioned recessed in the interior space 64 relative to a top side 78 of the frame 52. The label 76 therefore does not protrude beyond a top side of the filter device 26 (without the label).

[0098] It is fundamentally possible for the label 76 to be self-adhesive and to be fixed to the filter 50 by placing it on it during the manufacture of the filter device 26.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that at the location where the label 76 is to be positioned, corresponding fold areas 68 are provided with adhesive material in order to adhesively fix the label 76 to the filter 50.

[0100] It is also possible for areas of the label 76, which correspond to folding areas 68, to be provided with adhesive material.

[0101] The label 76 is made, for example, of a paper or plastic material. It is also possible, in principle, for the label 76 to be made, for example, of a metal material, in particular of sheet metal.

[0102] The marking 74 on the label 76 is designed such that it is optically readable by an operator. For example, the marking 74 is at least partially color-coded. Using the color-coding, an operator can easily select a suitable filter for the specific suction machine 10. Alternatively or additionally, the marking 74 can contain other types of coding, such as a QR code. It is also alternatively or additionally possible for the marking 74 to contain an alphanumeric inscription.

[0103] Furthermore, it is possible for the marking 74 to be machine-readable and, for example, to be implemented on a data carrier attached to the label 76. For example, an RFID element is attached to the label 76, or the label 76 is designed as an RFID element.

[0104] The filter 50 has a first side 80 facing the frame 52 and a second side 82 opposite the first side and spaced therefrom. It further has a third side 84 and a fourth side 86 opposite the third side 84, the fourth side 86 being spaced from the third side 84. The third side 84 and the fourth side 86 are each oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the first side 80 and are further each oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the second side 82. The first side 80, second side 82, third side 84, and fourth side 86 of the filter 50 are adapted to the configuration of the strip device 54 with the first strip 56, the second strip 58, the third strip 60, and the fourth strip 62. The first side 80 of the filter 50 faces the first strip 56, the second side 82 faces the second strip 58, the third side 84 faces the third strip 60, and the fourth side 86 faces the fourth strip 62.In particular, the respective sides 80, 84, 84, 86 touch the strip device 54.

[0105] The filter 50 has an edge 88 on the first side 80 facing the frame 52. An edge 90 of the label 76 lies on the edge 88 of the filter 50 or is spaced from this edge 88 of the filter 50 at a distance that is at most less than 10% of a distance between the first side 80 and the second side 82 of the filter 50.

[0106] In the embodiment shown, the edge 88 of the filter 50 and the edge 90 of the label 76 lie against each other.

[0107] In particular, it is provided that the label 76 is not connected to the frame 52.

[0108] In principle, it is possible for the filter 50 to be located at a corner region of the first side 80 to the third side 84 (or in an equivalent arrangement at a corner region of the first side 80 to the fourth side 86).

[0109] In the embodiment shown, the label 76 is arranged at a distance from the third side 84 and the fourth side 86 and in particular at least approximately centrally on the filter 50 with respect to the third side 84 and the fourth side 86.

[0110] In one embodiment, the filter 50 has a cleaning area 92. During operation of the suction machine 10, the cleaning device 40 acts on the filter device 26 at this cleaning area 92. For example, a direct mechanical action occurs there, or, in particular, if the cleaning device 40 is designed as an external air valve device, an air flow for cleaning the filter 50 acts on the filter 50 at the cleaning area 92.

[0111] The label 76 is positioned on the clean side 38 of the filter 50 such that it lies outside of this cleaning area 92 and is spaced apart from it. Thus, the cleaning function of the suction machine 10 is not hindered by the marking 74.

[0112] By positioning the label 90 at the edge 88 of the filter 50, the stress on the label 76 caused by movement of the filter 50 (for example, during cleaning by an operator) can be kept to a minimum. If the cleaning area 92 is located centrally on the filter 50, which is advantageous for achieving an optimized cleaning result, a lateral position of the label 76, particularly at or near the edge 88, is also advantageous without negatively impacting the cleaning process.

[0113] The label has a first surface 94. The first surface 94 essentially corresponds to a surface of the label 76 on the clean side 38. The marking 74, in particular if it is optically readable, is arranged on the first surface 94.

[0114] A surface of the label 76 opposite the first surface 94 serves at least partially for the material-locking connection of the label 76 to the filter 50.

[0115] The filter 50 has a second surface 96, which serves as a flow-through surface for a suction flow. In the exemplary embodiment of a pleated filter, and in particular a flat pleated filter, the second surface 96 is composed of the respective individual surfaces of the filter pleats 66 on the dirt side 36.

[0116] In a specific embodiment, the second area (flow area for the suction flow) of the filter 50 is approximately 2640 cm 2< .

[0117] The first surface 94 and thus the size of the label 76 is specifically selected in relation to the second surface 96 (flow area of ​​the filter 50). The first surface 94 should be large enough to achieve an effective adhesive surface for the integral bonding of the label 76 to the filter 50 and in particular the fold areas 68. On the other hand, the first surface 94 should not be so large that the label 76 has a significant impact on the flow-through area of ​​the filter 50 and in particular on the pressure loss of the filter 50 and on other technical data such as the maximum volume flow of the suction machine 10. Furthermore, despite the label 76, the filter 50 should be cleanable, in particular by backflushing.

[0118] It has been shown that it is advantageous if the ratio of the second area 96 (flow area of ​​the filter 50) to the first area 94 (area of ​​the label 76) is at least 50, preferably at least 70 and particularly preferably at least 90.

[0119] It has also proven advantageous if the ratio of the second surface 96 to the first surface 94 is at most 150, in particular at most 130 and preferably at most 110.

[0120] For example, the ratio of the second area to the first area is in the range between 90 and 110 and in particular in the range between 95 and 115.

[0121] In a specific embodiment, the ratio of the second surface 96 to the first surface 94 is approximately 100.

[0122] In a specific embodiment in which the second area 96 is 2640 cm 2<, the first area 94 is 26 cm 2<.

[0123] The connection of the label 76 to the filter 50 is such that the label 76 does not detach from the filter device 26 during operation of the suction machine 10. It is preferably provided that an operator can remove the label 76 from the filter 50 without damaging the filter 50 by exerting a sufficiently high detachment force.

[0124] The adhesive material for adhesively bonding the label 76 to the filter 50 is preferably selected so that it has a service life of at least 100 hours (based on an operating time of the suction machine 10).

[0125] In one embodiment, it is provided that a detachment force for an operator to detach the label 76 from the filter 50 is at least 8 N, preferably at least 9 N and at least 9.9 N.

[0126] In a specific embodiment, the detachment force is approximately 10 N.

[0127] The filter device 26 functions as follows: The marking 74 is arranged on the clean side 38 of the filter device 26 and thereby on the filter 50, ie on the filter material.

[0128] In one embodiment, the marking 74 is formed or arranged on a label 76, and the label 76 is positioned on and connected to the filter 50; in particular, the connection is adhesive.

[0129] The label 76 is preferably arranged on the edge 90 of the filter 50. In particular, it is arranged on the edge 90 of a narrow side 80 (or equivalently 82). As a result, the label 76 experiences less stress during movement of the filter 50. Furthermore, if cleaning is provided, the cleaning process is not impaired; the label 76 is arranged at a distance from the cleaning area 92.

[0130] Furthermore, the label 76 is designed with respect to its surface 94 in such a way that, on the one hand, a sufficiently large connection surface and in particular adhesive surface with the filter 50 is achieved, and, on the other hand, it is designed so small that a flow through the filter 50 by a suction flow through the label 76 is not significantly influenced and, in particular, is not impaired.

[0131] In a specific embodiment, the filter 50 comprises filter pleats 66, wherein the label 76 is arranged on the clean side 38 and is connected to fold areas 68 of the filter pleats 66.

[0132] The marking 76 is formed, for example, at least partially by color coding. Alternatively or additionally, another coding, such as QR coding, may be provided.

[0133] The marking provides filter information, in particular about the filter device 26 as a whole and / or about the filter 50. For example, a part number or the like may be provided.

[0134] Due to its placement on the clean side 38, the marking is clearly visible to the operator and can be seen at first glance. The label 76 can be made large enough for easy recognition and visual recognition.

[0135] The marking 74 is still visible even if the filter 50 has been in use, ie when the filter device 26 is dirty.

[0136] The marking 74 is arranged in a clean room area during operation of the suction machine 10.

[0137] In principle, it is then also possible to read the marking 74 before, during, or after the operation of the suction machine 10. As mentioned above, this can be done directly by an operator using optical recognition. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the marking 74 to be read mechanically. In principle, it is also possible for the suction machine 10 itself to contain a reading device for the marking 74 and, for example, to read the marking 74 optically.

[0138] It is also possible that the marking 74 is implemented in a data carrier and that this can be read by a reading device.

[0139] The reader can also be separate from the suction machine 10.

[0140] According to the invention, a filter device 26 is provided which enables easy readability, wherein the degree of contamination of the marking 74 is minimized.

[0141] In particular, a label 76 can achieve a relatively large area (which is, for example, at least 15 cm 2 ) in order to provide a relatively large surface area for a marking 74 and in particular for printing or the like.

[0142] Furthermore, the label 76 can be easily positioned on the filter 50. It is then not necessary, for example, to print the frame 52.

[0143] Above, the suction machine was described as a stand-alone suction device. It is also possible for a filter device according to the invention, marked 74 on the clean side 38, to be used in other suction machines, such as a sweeper, and in particular, a self-propelled sweeper with a suction function. List of reference symbols

[0144] 10 Vacuum cleaner 12 Dirt collection container 14 Castor 16 Wheel assembly 18 Suction head 20 Suction inlet 22 Suction hose 24 Suction outlet 26 Filter device 27 Filter holder 28 Suction line 30 Suction unit 32 Blower device 34 Drive motor 36 Dirty side 38 Clean side 40 Cleaning device 50 Filter 52 Frame 54 Strip assembly 56 First strip 58 Second strip 60 Third strip 62 Fourth strip 64 Interior 66 Filter folds 68 Fold area 70 Outside 72 Inside 74 Marking 76 Label 78 Top 80 First side 82 Second side 84 Third side 86 Fourth side 88 Edge (filter) 90 Edge (label) 92Cleaning area 94First area 96Second area

Claims

1. Filter apparatus for a suction machine (10), comprising a frame (52) having a filter (50) made of filter material, wherein the filter (50) is held on the frame (52) and has a clean side (38) and a dirty side (36), and comprising a marking (74) with at least one of the following: - the marking (74) is at least partially in a visual form that is visible to an operator; - the marking (74) is at least partially machine-readable; - the marking (74) contains information about the filter apparatus (26) and / or the filter (50), characterized by at least one label (76), which is provided at least partially with the marking (74) and which sits on the clean side (38) of the filter (50), wherein the at least one label (76) is materially bonded to the filter (50) and is adhesively bonded to fold regions (68) of the filter (50), and characterized in that the filter (50) has a first side (80) toward the frame (52) and a second side (82) toward the frame (52), said second side being located opposite the first side (80), and in that the at least one label (76) is arranged on the frame (52) on the first side (80) or at a distance from an end (88) of the first side (80), said distance being at most 10% of a length between the first side (80) and the second side (82).

2. Filter apparatus in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the filter (50) is configured as a pleated filter and, in particular, is configured as a flat pleated filter.

3. Filter apparatus in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter (50) is configured as a zigzag folding.

4. Filter apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the filter (50) positioned suspended on the frame (52) and, in particular, in that filter folds (66) are positioned suspended on the frame (52).

5. Filter apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by exactly one label (76).

6. Filter apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by at least one of the following: - the frame (52) has an interior space (64), which is enclosed by a bar device (54) of the frame (52), and the at least one label (76) is positioned in the interior space (64); - the at least one label (76) is connected to the filter (50) such that the at least one label (76) is releasable from the filter (50) by an operator when a certain releasing force is exceeded; - the at least one label (76) is connected to the filter (50) such that a releasing force is at least 8N, in particular at least 9 N and in particular at least 9.9 N, and, in particular, is at least approximately 10 N; - an adhesive material for a material bond of the at least one label (76) to the filter (50) has a service life of at least 100 h with respect to an operating time of the filter (50).

7. Filter apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by at least one of the following: - the at least one label (76) is positioned at the edge (88) of the first side (80) and, in particular, an edge (90) of the at least one label (76) is located at least approximately at the edge (88) of the first side (80) and is preferably oriented in alignment with the edge (88) of the first side (80); - the first side (80) and the second side (82) are oriented in parallel; - the filter (50) has a third side (84) toward the frame (52) and a fourth side (86) toward the frame (52), wherein the fourth side (86) is spaced at a distance from the third side (84), the third side (84) is oriented transversely to the first side (80), and the fourth side (86) is oriented transversely to the first side (80).

8. Filter device in accordance with Claim 7, <b>characterized by at least one of the following: - the third side (84) and the fourth side (86) are oriented in parallel with one another and, in particular, the third side (84) and the fourth side (86) are each oriented perpendicularly to the first side (80); - the at least one label (76) is arranged at a distance from the third side (84) and / or at a distance from the fourth side (86); - the at least one label (76) is positioned in a corner region between the first side (80) and the third side (84).

9. Filter apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the filter (50) has a cleaning region (92) for being acting upon by a cleaning device (40) of the suction machine (10), and in that the at least one label (76) is positioned at a distance from the cleaning region (92).

10. Filter apparatus in accordance with Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the at least one label (76) has a first area (94) and the filter (50) has a second area (96) which is a though-flow area for a suction flow, wherein the ratio of the second area (96) to the first area (94) is at least 50, in particular at least 70 and in particular at least 90, and, in particular, characterized by at least one of the following: - the ratio of the second area (96) to the first area (94) is at most 150, in particular at most 130 and in particular at most 110; - the ratio of the second area (96) to the first area (94) is in the range between 90 and 110 and in particular in the range between 95 and 115 and, in particular, is at least approximately 100.

11. Filter apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the at least one label (76) is printed and / or is provided with a data carrier.

12. Suction machine, which is provided with at least one filter apparatus (26) in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims.

13. Suction machine in accordance with Claim 12, characterized in that a filter holder (27) is provided on which the at least one filter apparatus (26) is removably held.