Suction device with filter device and filter element for a suction device

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction device (1) comprising a housing (2) with a dirt collection chamber (210), a suction unit (24) and a filter device (3) with a filter element (4), wherein the filter element (4) is arranged in a flow connection between the suction unit (24) and the dirt collection chamber (210), wherein the filter element (4) comprises a support frame (40) and a flat pleated filter (41) with flat pleats (410) arranged in the support frame (40), wherein the filter element (4) is oriented such that open side surfaces (401, 402) of the support frame (4) are arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly to a travel or contact surface (10) of the suction device (1), and wherein the flat pleated filter (41) is inserted into the support frame (40) so that the flat pleats (410) project perpendicularly from a first open side surface (401) of the support frame (40). The invention further relates to a filter element (4) for a suction device (1).

Description

SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a filter device. The invention further relates to a filter element for a vacuum cleaner.

[0002] In vacuum cleaners, also known as dust extraction devices, it is generally known to provide a filter between a suction unit with a motor for generating a suction flow and a dirt collection chamber, whereby the filter is flowed through by the generated suction flow during operation.

[0003] During operation, the filter becomes clogged. A clogged filter reduces the suction power of the vacuum cleaner. If the vacuum cleaner is used to extract dust, shavings, or other materials from machine tools, then continuing to work with a clogged filter can, in addition to the reduced suction power, cause health problems for the operator who inhales the unextracted dust.

[0004] It is therefore known to equip filter devices with a shaker, also called a vibration device, in order to largely remove the dirt from the filter by shaking, i.e. by applying vibrations, in case of excessive dirt load, so that the full suction power of the vacuum cleaner is restored.

[0005] From US 4,787,923, a filter device is known with a filter element housed in a support casing, wherein the filter element comprises a support frame and a flat pleated filter made of a filter material arranged in the support frame. An elastic connection is provided between the support frame and the support casing, so that the support frame is elastically isolated from the support casing. The filter device includes a vibrator that is in contact with the support frame to vibrate the support frame and the flat pleated filter in order to remove dirt and dust from the flat pleated filter. The filter element is arranged below the vibrator. The design known from US 4,787,923 is large and particularly suitable for so-called ride-on sweepers with a seat or cabin for an operator.

[0006] From EP 1 133 948 A1, a filter device comprising two rectangular filter elements is known, which are arranged laterally next to a motor of a suction unit. Each filter element comprises a plastic support frame with an adhesively bonded filter material. A metal plate is injected into the upper side of the support frame, allowing a force from a magnet located above the metal plate to be applied to the filter elements for vibration. Pressure pieces are also arranged on the upper side of the support frame, which are longitudinally displaceable in guides of a housing and are acted upon by springs.

[0007] Further filter devices are known from DE 10 2020 132599, CN 111 918 591, EP 2 28197 and CN 107 361 701. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide a suction device with a compact filter unit comprising a filter element, which allows for easy cleaning and replacement of the filter element. A further object is to provide a filter element for a suction device.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a suction device is created comprising a housing with a dirt collection chamber, a suction unit and a filter device with a filter element, wherein the filter element is arranged in a flow connection between the suction unit and the dirt collection chamber, wherein the filter element comprises a support frame and a flat pleated filter with flat pleats arranged in the support frame, wherein the filter element is oriented such that open side surfaces of the support frame are arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly to a travel or contact surface of the suction device, and wherein the flat pleated filter is inserted into the support frame such that the flat pleats project perpendicularly from a first open side surface of the support frame.

[0010] The terms "a", "an", "a", etc. are used in connection with the application only as indefinite articles and not as counters. In particular, the suction device may have more than one filter unit. The use of two or more filter units allows the flow of the medium through one filter element to be temporarily interrupted for cleaning that filter element, while the suction process continues through the other filter element(s).

[0011] Similarly, the terms "first", "second", ... are used only to distinguish between components and do not indicate an order.

[0012] A surface on which the vacuum cleaner stands and / or along which a vacuum cleaner with rollers or other moving elements can be moved is called a travel or contact surface.

[0013] In one design, the flat pleated filter inserted in the support frame can be replaced along with the support frame if needed. In other designs, the support frame is permanently installed.

[0014] The arrangement of the filter element, such that the open side surfaces of the support frame are positioned transversely, and especially perpendicularly, to the travel or contact surface, allows for optimal use of the installation space for the filter unit within the vacuum cleaner. Because the flat pleated filter is inserted into the support frame in such a way that the pleats project perpendicularly from the frame, they can be positioned directly above a dirt collection chamber or a channel leading to it. Furthermore, depending on the stiffness of the filter material used, the flat pleats can move with a large amplitude at their free ends. During cleaning, this allows for the efficient removal of debris adhering to the pleats.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pleats of the flat pleated filter are aligned perpendicular or parallel to the travel or contact surface of the suction device when the filter element is in use. A perpendicular orientation of the pleats to the travel or contact surface is defined as an orientation in which the fold lines forming the pleats are oriented perpendicular to the travel or contact surface. Adhering material can thus fall under the influence of gravity between the pleats into a dirt collection chamber located directly below the flat pleated filter or into a channel leading to it. In other embodiments, the fold lines forming the pleats are oriented parallel to the travel or contact surface.

[0016] In certain configurations of the suction unit, the filter assembly includes a cleaning device. This cleaning device is designed to generate a back-and-forth movement of the support element along at least one direction. Preferably, the cleaning device allows for this back-and-forth movement at variable frequencies to adapt to different materials being suctioned, different filter materials, and / or other varying operating conditions. For this purpose, the cleaning device preferably includes a magnet, in particular an electromagnet, which can be controlled to apply a force to vibrate the filter element. To enable interaction with the magnet, the support frame is, in one configuration, made entirely of a magnetizable material.In other embodiments, the support frame is made of a non-magnetizable material, for example, a non-magnetizable plastic. In one embodiment, the support frame has a metal core and / or another element made of a magnetizable material on a first frame part. The magnet is arranged on a region of the housing that, in the operating position of the filter element, faces the first frame part. The arrangement of the metal core and / or the element made of a magnetizable material on the support frame, as well as the corresponding positioning of the magnet, can be suitably selected by a person skilled in the art, depending on the application. In one embodiment, the metal core and / or the element made of a magnetizable material is arranged on a first frame part that is positioned laterally in the operating position of the filter element.The arrangement allows, particularly when the flat folds are oriented vertically, the application of a back-and-forth movement perpendicular to the orientation of the flat folds for efficient vibration excitation.

[0017] In one embodiment, an elastically deformable molded part is bonded to the outer circumference of the flat pleated filter, with the flat pleated filter being positioned in the support frame by means of the molded part. In one embodiment, the flat pleated filter is fixedly mounted in the support frame in one direction perpendicular to the open side surfaces and floating parallel to the side surfaces, with the molded part positioning the flat pleated filter parallel to the side surface in the support frame. Non-destructive removal of the flat pleated filter is not provided for in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the flat pleated filter is simply inserted into the support frame and held in place by the molded part. In this case, the flat pleated filter can be removed from the support frame non-destructively by deforming the molded part and can be replaced, for example, in case of wear.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a base body and a door that is attached to the base body in a way that allows for non-destructive removal and / or pivoting, providing access to the filter element. The filter element is located on or behind the door and is accessible by removing and / or pivoting the door.

[0019] In one embodiment, the base housing has an opening behind the door leading to the dirt collection chamber. In one embodiment, the filter element is arranged at this opening, with its flat pleats projecting into the base body. In one embodiment, the filter element is attached to the base body. In another embodiment, the filter element is attached to the door.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base body has two openings covered by the door, and a flow connection between the suction unit and the dirt collection chamber includes a section leading between the base body and the door, through which the two openings of the base body are fluidically connected. The filter element is attached to the base body in the area of ​​an opening that leads into the dirt collection container.

[0021] In another embodiment, the door has a flow chamber with an opening arranged at the housing opening leading to the dirt collection chamber when the door is in use position, and a second opening connected to it in a flow direction, with the filter element being attached to the door in the area of ​​the first opening.

[0022] In one embodiment, a mounting area for the filter element has a continuous or interrupted circumferential rib, wherein the filter element has an elastically deformable sealing element with a groove that can be fitted onto the rib. The rib and the groove allow for simple, tool-free, and repeated attachment of the filter element to the mounting area. In some embodiments, the molded part and the sealing element are designed as a single, integrated component. In other embodiments, the molded part and the sealing element are manufactured as separate components.

[0023] In some embodiments, the suction device has two filter units, preferably arranged on opposite sides of a motor to generate a suction flow. The two filter units are preferably positioned above a tank level. The tank level is defined as the maximum upper fill line of the container.

[0024] For a secure arrangement of the flat pleated filter in the support frame, the support frame in one embodiment has a cover grid on a second open side surface opposite the first open side surface, against which the flat pleated filter rests.

[0025] According to a second aspect, a filter element for a suction device is created comprising a housing with a dirt collection chamber, a suction unit and a filter device, wherein the filter element comprises a support frame and a flat pleated filter with flat pleats arranged in the support frame, wherein the filter element can be arranged in a flow connection between the suction unit and the dirt collection chamber such that open side surfaces of the support frame are arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly to a travel or contact surface of the suction device, wherein the flat pleated filter is inserted into the support frame so that the flat pleats project from a first open side surface of the support frame.

[0026] In some versions of the suction unit, the filter system includes a cleaning device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the support frame has a metal core and / or an element made of a magnetizable material on a first frame part, particularly on a first frame part arranged laterally in a service position of the filter element. The metal core and / or the element made of a magnetizable material allow the filter element to interact with a magnet, in particular an electromagnet of the cleaning device of the vacuum unit, whereby the magnet can be controlled to apply a force for vibrating the filter element. Depending on the design, the support frame may also have elements made of magnetizable material on other frame parts or be made entirely of a magnetizable material. In one embodiment, the metal core is embedded by overmolding or by insertion. In other embodiments, a metal core is created by adding additives to the material of the support frame during manufacturing.The metal core may be exposed on one or more sides of the frame part.

[0028] In one embodiment, the flat pleats of the flat pleated filter are aligned parallel to the first frame part. An alignment parallel to the first frame part is defined as one in which the fold lines forming the flat pleats of the flat pleated filter run at least substantially parallel to one of the extension directions of the first frame part.

[0029] In one embodiment, an elastically deformable molded part is bonded to an outer circumference of the flat pleated filter, with the flat pleated filter being positioned in the support frame by means of the molded part. In one embodiment, the flat pleated filter is attached to the support frame solely by means of the molded part. In other embodiments, the molded part serves only as additional elastic support.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the filter element has an elastically deformable sealing element with a groove that preferably runs continuously or with interruptions around the circumference of the support frame. The groove allows for easy mounting of the filter element on a complementary web of a suction device.

[0031] The molded part and the sealing element are designed as a single, integrated component. This component also serves as an elastic support for the filter element after it has been installed in a suction device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the support frame has a cover grid on a second open side surface opposite the first open side surface, against which the flat pleated filter rests. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the schematic figures. These show: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a suction device comprising a housing with a first housing part having a dirt collection chamber; Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the second housing part according to Fig. 1 with two doors pivotably arranged on the second housing part, Fig. 3 in a sectional top view a door and a section of the second housing part according to Fig. 2 , wherein the door is arranged in a closed operating position, and Fig. 4 shows in a sectional top view the door and the cutout of the second housing part according to Fig. 3 , with the door in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0034] Fig. 1 The figure schematically shows a suction device 1 comprising a housing 2, several wheels 13 and a bracket 14 for moving the suction device 1 along a travel or contact surface 10.

[0035] The housing 2 shown is multi-part and comprises a first housing part 21 with a schematically indicated dirt collection chamber 210, a second housing part 22 with a connection 220 for a suction hose (not shown), and a third housing part 23. A suction unit 24, schematically represented by a dashed line, is arranged in the second housing part 23. The three housing parts 21, 22, and 23 together form a basic body 20 of the housing 2. The division of the basic body 20 into three parts is merely exemplary; in other embodiments, the basic body 20 may be divided differently or be a single-piece design.

[0036] A door 25 is provided on the illustrated base body 20. The door 25 is pivotably mounted on the base body 20 about a schematically indicated vertical pivot axis 26 relative to the base body 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the door is mounted on the second housing part 22 of the base body 20.

[0037] Fig. 2 An isometric representation shows an embodiment of the second housing part 22 according to Fig. 1 with two doors 25 arranged pivotably on the second housing part 22. Figs. 3 and 4 The figures show a sectional top view of a door 25 and a section of the second housing part 22, with the door 25 in Fig. 3 in a closed operating position and in Fig. 4 is arranged in an open position.

[0038] The suction unit 1 comprises two filter devices 3, each of which is arranged behind the doors 25.

[0039] Each filter unit 3 includes a [unclear] in the Figs. 2 to 4 filter element 4 shown and one in the Figs. 3 and 4 visible cleaning device 5. The filter element 4 is arranged in a flow connection between the suction unit 24 and the dirt collection chamber.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing part 22 has on opposite sides (left and right in the plane of the drawing according to Fig. 2 ) each a first one, to the dirt collection chamber 210 (see Fig. 1 ) housing opening 221 leading to the suction unit 24 (see below). Fig. 1The opening 222 in the housing is shown, and both are located behind one of the two doors 25. The door shown on the left is closed, so the elements located behind the door 25 are not visible. The elements located behind the door 25 shown on the right in the plane of the drawing in an open position are described below. The design on the left side is a mirror image.

[0041] Door 25 points to a Figs. 3 and 4 visible flow space 250. The flow space 250 has a first opening 251, which is located in the Fig. 3 The flow chamber 250 connects to the first housing opening 221 in the illustrated operating position of the door 25. The flow chamber 250 further has a second opening 252, which, in the operating position of the door 25, connects to the second housing opening 222. A flow connection between the dirt collection chamber 210 and the suction unit 24 thus comprises the flow chamber 250.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter element 4 is attached to the door 25 in such a way that a medium flow passes through the first opening 251 and thus from the dirt collection chamber 210 to the suction unit 24 (see figure). Fig. 1 ) exclusively via the filter element 4. In an alternative embodiment, a filter element is attached to the housing part 22, so that a medium flow through the first housing opening 221 and thus from housing 22 towards door 25 exclusively via the filter element 4.

[0043] By pivoting door 25 into the Fig. 2 and 4 The opening shown provides access to filter element 4, for example for replacing filter element 4 and / or parts thereof due to wear.

[0044] As in the Figs. 2 to 4As shown, the illustrated filter element 4 comprises a rectangular support frame 40 and a flat pleated filter 41 arranged in the support frame 40. The support frame 40 has a first open side surface 401 and an opposite second open side surface 402. The filter element 4 is arranged such that the open side surfaces 401, 402 of the support frame 40 are perpendicular to a travel or support plane 10 (see figure). Fig. 1 ) of the suction device 1 are arranged.

[0045] The flat pleated filter 41 comprises several flat pleats 410, which are in Figs. 2 to 4The flat pleated filter 41 is only shown schematically. It is inserted into the support frame 40 such that flat pleats 410 project perpendicularly from a first open side surface 401 of the support frame 40. The flat pleats 410 of the flat pleated filter 41 are oriented perpendicular to the travel or contact surface 10 of the suction device 1, at least in one operating position of the filter element 4. A perpendicular orientation of the flat pleats 410 to the travel or contact surface 10 is defined as an orientation in which the fold lines forming the flat pleats 410 are perpendicular to the travel or contact surface 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 25 is pivotable about a vertical axis, so that the orientation of the flat pleats 410 is maintained when the door 25 is pivoted.In other embodiments, the door 25 can be pivoted about an axis arranged parallel to the travel or support surface 10, so that when the door 25 is pivoted, the orientation of the flat pleated filter 41 changes.

[0046] In the Fig. 3 In the illustrated position of use, the filter element 4 is arranged in the area of ​​the first housing opening 221 such that the flat folds 410 protrude into the housing part 22.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 40 has a cover grid 404 on one of the first open side surfaces 401 opposite the second open side surface 402, against which the flat pleated filter 41 rests.

[0048] The rectangular support frame has four frame parts, namely two frame parts 404, 405 arranged laterally in the operating position, as well as a frame part arranged at the top and a frame part arranged at the bottom, wherein in Figs. 3 and 4only the two side frame parts 404, 405 are visible.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, a metal core 50 is provided on the side frame part 404 located in the area of ​​the pivot axis 26. On a region 27 of the housing 2, which is located in the Fig. 3In the illustrated operating position of the filter element 4 opposite this frame part 404, a magnet 51 is arranged. The magnet 51 and the metal core 50 are parts of a cleaning device 5, wherein the magnet 51 can be actuated to apply a force against a restoring force of one or more restoring springs (not shown in the figures) to vibrate the filter element 4. The vertical arrangement of the flat pleats 41 allows for efficient cleaning of the flat pleated filter 41. The flat pleats 41 projecting from the support frame 40 extend through the first housing opening 221 into the housing part 22 and can be arranged directly above the dirt collection chamber 210 or above a channel leading to it.

[0050] An elastically deformable molded part 421 is attached to the outer circumference of the flat pleated filter 41 in a material-bonded manner. Depending on the material of the flat pleated filter 41, the molded part 421 is, for example, bonded or welded to the flat pleated filter 41. The flat pleated filter 41 is inserted into the support frame 40 and positioned and clamped in the support frame 40 by means of the molded part 421.

[0051] The filter element 4 is attached to the door 25 in the area of ​​the opening 251. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 251 has a circumferential web 253 at least partially around one edge. The filter element 4 comprises an elastically deformable sealing element 422 with a groove that can be fitted onto the web 253. As shown in Fig. 3As shown, the sealing element 422 rests against a wall of the base body 20 in the operating position of the door 25, so that a gap formed between the door 25 and the base body 20 in the area of ​​the first housing opening 221 and the opening 251 is sealed.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the molded part 421 and the sealing element 422 are designed as a single component 42, which is also referred to as a membrane.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the flat pleated filter 41 can be inserted into the support frame 40 and the opening 251 in a sealing manner by means of component 42. In one embodiment, the support frame 40 is installed on the door 25 and cannot be removed without tools and / or without damage, whereby in the event of wear and / or in the application with a different filter medium requirement, only the flat pleated filter 41 is replaced. In other embodiments, the support frame 40 is attached to the door 25 together with the flat pleated filter 41 for cleaning and / or replacement due to wear, or can be removed in a separate step without damage, preferably without tools.

[0054] After inserting the filter element 4 and / or the flat pleated filter 41 and closing the door 25, the filter element 4 is ready for use and, if necessary, for cleaning. In one embodiment, the presence or absence of a filter element 4 and / or the flat pleated filter 41 is monitored, and the vacuum unit 1 can only be started if these components are present.

[0055] In one design, clogging of the flat pleated filter 41 with suction material, such as dust and / or shavings, is also monitored.

[0056] If the control electronics of the cleaning device 5 are signaled that cleaning of the flat pleated filter 41 is necessary, the magnet 51 is energized and attracts the metal core 50 provided on the support frame 40 against the force of one or more return springs. Due to this attraction, the metal core 50 strikes the magnet 51 and / or stops provided for this purpose on the housing 2. When the energization is removed, the support frame 40 is moved back to its initial position by means of the return springs and the elastically deformable component 42. The movement of the support frame 40 and the impact action free the flat pleated filter 41 of the adhering debris.

[0057] The examples shown or described are merely illustrative and numerous variations are conceivable.

Claims

1. Suction device comprising a housing (2) with a dirt collection chamber (210), a suction unit (24) and a filter apparatus (3) with a filter element (4), wherein the filter element (4) is disposed in a flow connection between the suction unit (24) and the dirt collection chamber (210), wherein the filter element (4) comprises a support frame (40) and a flat pleated filter (41) with flat pleats (410) disposed in the support frame (40), and wherein the filter element (4) is aligned in such a manner that open lateral surfaces (401, 402) of the support frame (4) are disposed transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a displacement or contact surface (10) of the suction device (1), characterized in that the flat pleated filter (41) is inserted into the support frame (40) in such a way that the flat pleats (410) protrude perpendicularly from a first open lateral surface (401) of the support frame (40).

2. Suction device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the flat pleats (410) of the flat pleated filter (41) in a use position of the filter element (4) are aligned perpendicularly or parallel to the displacement or contact surface (10) of the suction device (1).

3. Suction device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter apparatus (3) has a cleaning device (5).

4. Suction device according to one of Claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the support frame (40) on a first frame part, in particular on a first frame part (404) which in a use position of the filter element (4) is disposed laterally, has a metal core (50) and / or an element made of a magnetizable material, wherein a magnet (51) is disposed on a region (27) of the housing (2), which in a use position of the filter element (4) lies opposite the first frame part, wherein the magnet (51) is actuatable so as to apply a force for vibrating the filter element (4).

5. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastically deformable moulded part (421) is attached in a materially integral manner to an external circumference of the flat pleated filter (41), and wherein the flat pleated filter (41) is positioned in the support frame (40) by means of the moulded part (421).

6. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element (4) and / or parts thereof are / is attached so as to be removable in a non-destructive manner in the flow connection between the suction unit (24) and the dirt collection chamber (210).

7. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) has a main body (20) and door (25) which is disposed so as to be removable in a non-destructive manner and / or pivotable on the main body (20), wherein the filter element (4) is disposed on or behind the door and is accessible by removing and / or pivoting the door, wherein preferably the main body (20) has a housing opening (221) which is disposed behind the door (25) and leads to the dirt collection chamber (210), wherein the filter element (4) is disposed on the housing opening (221) in such way that the flat pleats (41) protrude into the main body (20), and wherein the filter element (4) is attached to the main body (20) or the door, wherein in particular a fastening region for the filter element (4) has an uninterrupted or intermittent encircling web (253), wherein the filter element (4) has an elastically deformable sealing element (422) having a groove which can be attached to the web (253), wherein preferably the moulded part (421) and the sealing element (422) are designed integrally as a common component (42).

8. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two filter apparatuses (3) are provided, wherein the filter apparatuses (3) are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a motor for generating a suction flow, and wherein both filter apparatuses are preferably disposed above a tank level.

9. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support frame (40) has on a second open lateral surface (402), which is opposite the first open lateral surface (401), a grating (403) on which the flat pleated filter (41) rests.

10. Filter element for a suction device (1) comprising a housing (2) with a dirt collection chamber (210), a suction unit (24) and a filter apparatus (3), wherein the filter element (4) comprises a support frame (40) and a flat pleated filter (41) disposed in the support frame (40) with flat pleats (41), and wherein the filter element (4) can be disposed in a flow connection between the suction unit (24) and the dirt collection chamber (210) in such a way that open lateral surfaces of the support frame are disposed transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a displacement or contact surface (10) of the suction device (1), characterized in that the flat pleated filter (41) is inserted into the support frame (40) in such a way that the flat pleats (41) protrude from a first open lateral surface (401) of the support frame (40).

11. Filter element according to Claim 10, characterized in that the support frame (40) on a first frame part (404), in particular on a first frame part which in a use position of the filter element (4) is disposed laterally, has a metal core (50) and / or an element made of a magnetizable material.

12. Filter element according to Claim 11, characterized in that the flat pleats (410) of the flat pleated filter (41) are aligned parallel to the first frame part (403).

13. Filter element according to Claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that an elastically deformable moulded part (421) is attached in a materially integral manner to an external circumference of the flat pleated filter (41), wherein the flat pleated filter (41) is positioned in the support frame (40) by means of the moulded part (421).

14. Filter element according to one of Claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the filter element (4) has an elastically deformable sealing element (422) having a preferably encircling groove, wherein preferably the moulded part (421) and the sealing element (422) are designed integrally as a common component (42).

15. Filter element according to one of Claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the support frame (40) has on a second open lateral surface (402), which is opposite the first open lateral surface (401), a grating (403) on which the flat pleated filter (41) rests.

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