Filter element for a suction device

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (10) for a suction device (70), in particular a vacuum cleaner for a workshop or construction site, wherein the filter element (10) has a filter holder (20) and an air-permeable filter wall (11) held on the filter holder (20) for filtering out dust (ST) from a suction flow (STR), wherein the filter element (10) has an inflow side (101), which is provided for the inflow of the suction flow (STR) laden with dust (ST), and an outflow side (101) opposite the inflow side (101), which is provided for the outflow of the suction flow (STR) cleaned of dust (ST), wherein the filter wall (11) is pleated into folds (12) which have a fold peak (13) facing the inflow side (101) and extend to the outflow side (101) as far as a fold base (14), wherein a distance between a fold peak (13) and the fold base (14) of a fold (12) defines the fold depth (FT) thereof, wherein the folds (12) have side walls (15, 16) between the fold peaks (13) and the fold bases (14), which side walls lie opposite one another and are connected to one another directly at the fold bases (14) or by base wall sections (18), and are connected to each other directly or by peak wall sections (17) in order to form the fold peaks (13), wherein the filter element (10) is designed and provided for cleaning by an external air flow (F) flowing through the filter wall (11) from the outflow side (101) to the inflow side (101) and / or by vibration of the filter element (10). According to the invention, at 90% of the fold depth (FT), the side walls (15, 16) have a transverse base distance (QB) from one another which is at least 14% of the fold depth (FT) or at least 5.6 mm.

Description

[0001] August 14, 2025

[0002] Festool GmbH, Wertstraße 20, 73240 Wendlingen

[0003] Filter element for a vacuum cleaner

[0004] The invention relates to a filter element for a vacuum cleaner, in particular a workshop vacuum cleaner or construction site vacuum cleaner, wherein the filter element has a filter holder and an air-permeable filter wall held on the filter holder for filtering out dust from a suction stream, wherein the filter element has an upstream side, which is provided for the flow of the dust-laden suction stream, and an outflow side opposite the upstream side, which is provided for the outflow of the suction stream cleaned of dust, wherein the filter wall is folded into pleats which have a pleat apex facing the upstream side and extend to a pleat base towards the outflow side, wherein a distance between a pleat apex and the pleat base and / or from a pleat apex to the pleat base of a pleat defines its pleat depth, wherein the pleats between the pleat apex and the pleat bases have side walls.which are opposite each other and are connected to each other directly or by bottom wall sections at the fold bases and are connected to each other directly or by top wall sections to form the fold apex, wherein the filter element is designed and provided for cleaning by an external airflow flowing through the filter wall from the outflow side to the inflow side and / or by vibration of the filter element.

[0005] These types of filter elements, also known as pleated filters, are regularly used in vacuum cleaners designed for cleaning or self-cleaning. During operation, dirt and dust collect in the pleats of the filter element, which then needs to be removed. This is done by gently cleaning the filter element against the direction of the suction flow.

[0006] P 31054 / PCT3

[0007] August 14, 2025. The filter element is exposed to an external airflow, for example via an external air valve and an external air valve arrangement, or set into vibration, for example by mechanical vibration. A combination of both is possible. The dust falls from the pleats of the pleat bases into a dust collection chamber located next to or below the filter element.

[0008] However, a problem arises because the folds of the filter element become clogged with increasing operating time, meaning that it is no longer possible to adequately remove dust from the folds.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved filter element.

[0010] To solve the problem, a filter element of the type mentioned above is designed so that the side walls have a transverse distance to the ground at 90% of the fold depth that is at least 14% of the fold depth or at least 5.6 mm.

[0011] Dust is defined as particles that can be filtered out of the suction flow by at least one filter element.

[0012] Advantageously, the transverse gap between the bottom and the side walls, provided at 90% of the fold depth, can also be somewhat larger, for example at least 6 mm, or preferably at least 6.5 mm, and more preferably at least 7 mm. In particular, a transverse gap between 7.1 mm and 7.3 mm or of approximately 7.2 mm is advantageous. The transverse gap preferably has a maximum value of 15 mm, more particularly of 14 mm, and even more preferably of 13 mm or 12 mm.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the floor-transverse distance that the side walls have at 90% of the fold depth is a maximum of 40%, more preferably a maximum of 35%, and more preferably a maximum of 30% of the fold depth.

[0014] P 31054 / PCT3

[0015] August 14, 2025 A fundamental principle is that the side walls, even in the area of ​​the pleated base or the base wall section and above it, maintain a sufficient transverse distance from each other to allow dust or other particles to easily fall out of the pleated bases, for example, into the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner, when the cleaning mechanism cleans the filter element. The value of 90% can also be described as an intermediate pleat depth value.

[0016] In the context of the invention, a fold depth is to be understood as corresponding to a perpendicular distance between a connecting line that tangentially touches the fold apex and a fold base or a connecting line parallel to the aforementioned connecting line that tangentially touches the fold bases.

[0017] Preferably, the fold depth corresponds to the height of a triangle whose vertices are the fold apex next to a fold and whose height extends at most to the fold base.

[0018] The distance between a fold crest and the fold base, or the fold depth, can also be described as the distance or perpendicular distance from the fold crest to the fold base. The distance between a fold crest and the fold base of a fold can also be described as the distance between tangents to the crest and fold base that are parallel to each other. The distance between two immediately adjacent fold crests and the fold base of a fold between these crests can also be described as the distance between tangents to the crest and fold base that are parallel to each other. For example, a tangent touching a fold crest touches tangentially adjacent fold crests or connects these crests. A tangent touching a fold base touches tangentially adjacent fold bases or connects these fold bases.

[0019] It is advantageous if several, or more than 80%, or even more preferably more than 90%, of all fold apexes and / or all fold bases or all fold apexes are used.

[0020] P 31054 / PCT3

[0021] August 14, 2025, and all pleated bottoms arranged between the lateral edges or end regions of the filter element must have the same pleat depth and / or the same pleat geometry, the possible configurations of which are explained below. It is also possible for the filter element to have narrower and wider, higher and deeper pleats. This takes into account the possibility of wider and narrower pleats. However, it is advantageous if, apart from pleats located at the edges of the filter element, all or a large proportion of the pleats have the same pleat width and / or the same pleat height or pleat depth and / or pleat geometry.

[0022] The side walls of a fold can be directly connected to each other at the fold base. For example, the side walls can meet at an angle that defines an inner edge at the fold base. The angle is preferably greater than 60°, more preferably greater than 70°, and even more preferably greater than 90°. It is particularly advantageous if the angle between the side walls connected at the fold base is greater than 100°. In particular, an obtuse angle between the side walls of a fold connected at the fold base is advantageous. A large angle between the side walls at the fold base facilitates the removal of dust from the respective fold.

[0023] It is advantageous if the sidewalls of a fold are not directly connected to each other, but rather by a base wall section. This base wall section runs perpendicular to the fold depth and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of a respective sidewall in the direction of the fold base. The base wall section forms a fold base.

[0024] The bottom wall section preferably extends transversely to the flow direction of the suction flow, which flows through the filter wall or filter element from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0025] The bottom wall section preferably comprises a wall or a wall section of the filter wall.

[0026] P 31054 / PCT3

[0027] August 14, 2025. It is preferred that the fold depth be at least 1.2 times, preferably 1.3 times or 1.4 times, and particularly preferably 1.5 times or 1.6 times, the distance between the crests or bases of two adjacent folds of the filter wall or filter element. It is advantageous if the fold depth is at most three times, preferably at most 2.7 times, and even more preferably at most 2.5 times, the distance between the crests or bases of two adjacent folds of the filter wall or filter element. The aforementioned ratios between fold depth and distance between crests or bases are preferably provided for all folds or at least 90% or 80% of the folds.

[0028] It is advantageously provided that the fold depth is approximately 2.5 times the fold spacing, for example according to the following formula:

[0029] Fold depth = 2.5 * fold spacing

[0030] However, the factor 2.5 can also be larger or smaller, for example in a range from a minimum of 1.5 or 2 to a maximum of 3.

[0031] Advantageously, the floor-transverse spacing is at least 0.1 times, preferably 0.2 times, and even more preferably 0.3 times the fold spacing.

[0032] Furthermore, the floor-transverse spacing is preferably at most 0.7 times, more preferably at most 0.6 times, and even more preferably 0.5 times the fold spacing.

[0033] It is particularly preferred if the floor cross-spacing is between 0.25 and 0.35 times the pleat spacing, and in particular approximately 0.3 times the pleat spacing.

[0034] The opposing side walls of a fold are preferably inclined at an angle to a center line between the side walls and / or to a flow direction of the suction stream, with which the suction stream flows through the filter element from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0035] P 31054 / PCT3

[0036] August 14, 2025. The inclination of a side wall is, for example, 5°, such that the opposing side walls form an angle of 10° or are inclined at an angle of 10° to each other. It is possible that the angle of inclination is, for example, a minimum of 5° and / or a maximum of 20°. However, the angle of inclination can also be a minimum of 7°, a minimum of 8°, or a minimum of 9°. The angle of inclination is preferably a maximum of 18°, and more preferably a maximum of 15°.

[0037] Preferably, the angle of inclination of both opposing side walls of a fold is the same. However, it is also possible for the side walls of a fold to have different angles of inclination.

[0038] A fold in the sense of the invention means that the filter wall has a corrugated structure, the corrugations of which are understood as folds. The folds are preferably rounded at their fold bases and / or their fold apex. However, it is also possible that the side walls of a fold or adjacent folds converge, for example at a fold base, but especially at a fold apex, forming an edge at the fold apex or fold base. A rounded shape or a smooth transition between opposing or adjacent side walls is advantageous.

[0039] It is advantageous if one or both side walls of a fold transition into the bottom wall section in a rounded or tangential or angled manner at an angle greater than 90°, in particular an angle greater than 100°, and more preferably an angle greater than 110° or 120°.

[0040] The transverse distance between the side walls and the floor is preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 17%, more preferably at least 18%, and even more preferably at least 20% or at least 25% of the fold depth at the intermediate fold depth value or at 90% of the fold depth. Thus, the side walls are still far apart at 90% of the fold depth.

[0041] P 31054 / PCT3

[0042] August 14, 2025. The filter element is preferably relatively tall. Accordingly, the pleat depth is correspondingly deep. A greater pleat depth has the advantage that the sidewalls of the pleats are correspondingly long, and thus the surface area of ​​the filter wall exposed to the suction flow is large, ensuring optimal permeability for the suction flow. Consequently, cleaning cycles, during which the filter element is cleaned, can be longer.

[0043] The fold depth is preferably at least 15 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, and finally, very preferably at least 35 mm. A specific embodiment provides a fold depth of 40 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm, with a deviation of plus or minus 10% or both being possible in each case. Furthermore, it is possible for the fold depth to be at least 55 mm or at least 60 mm.

[0044] The pleat depth, in turn, should not be too great to ensure optimal cleaning and / or to minimize the reduction in the dust collection chamber volume by the filter element and / or to minimize the filter element's volume. For example, the pleat depth is a maximum of 70 mm, more preferably a maximum of 60 mm, more preferably a maximum of 50 mm, and even more preferably a maximum of 45 mm. However, the pleat depth can also be a maximum of 40 mm, 35 mm, or 30 mm. It is advantageous if the pleat depth is at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, and even more preferably at least 35 mm.

[0045] Conversely, the lateral distance between the opposing side walls of adjacent folds decreases from the fold base of one fold to the adjacent fold apex.

[0046] A preferred embodiment provides that a crest-transverse spacing, which is provided near the crest of the fold between the opposing side walls of folds arranged directly next to each other, is smaller than the bottom-transverse spacing of the facing side walls at a fold depth of 10%.

[0047] P 31054 / PCT3

[0048] August 14, 2025. The side walls are at 90% of the fold depth. Therefore, for example, the fold apex can be narrower and / or more acute-angled than the bottoms. The bottom cross-spacing is preferably at least 1.2 times the apex cross-spacing, more preferably at least 1.3 or 1.4 times the apex cross-spacing. It is also possible for the bottom cross-spacing to be at least 1.5 or 1.75 times the apex cross-spacing. Advantageously, the bottom cross-spacing is at most three times, preferably at most 2.7 times, and even more preferably 2.5 times the apex cross-spacing.

[0049] A crest wall section of a fold adjacent to a side wall of the fold is narrower, perpendicular to a depth axis along which the fold extends with its depth, than the base wall section connecting the side wall of this fold to the opposite side wall of this fold. Thus, the folds can be narrow projections towards the upstream side, while the folds towards the downstream side are trough-shaped or wider.

[0050] Viewed from the upstream side, preferably wide fold troughs are formed. For example, the fold troughs are designed such that they are approximately one finger's width wide, or that a finger fits into each fold trough. One finger's width corresponds to approximately 20 mm. For example, at least one fold base, or several fold bases, are designed such that the finger also fits into the fold base with respect to its curvature. For example, the design of a fold base is such that one can run a finger through the fold while touching the fold base. A user can thus, for example, wipe out particles collected in a fold base with a finger. This can facilitate cleaning of the filter element.

[0051] The folding of the pleated filter or filter element advantageously provides that the pleats, viewed from the upstream side, have relatively large distances between them. For example, it is advantageous if the pleat crests of at least two, preferably several, or particularly preferably all pleats are spaced apart by

[0052] P 31054 / PCT3

[0053] August 14, 2025, at least 15 mm, particularly preferably at least 17 mm, and even more preferably at least 20 mm. Thus, a distance of at least 15 mm, 17 mm, or 20 mm is provided between one fold apex and the next fold apex of the adjacent fold. However, the distance can also preferably be at least 25 mm, even more preferably at least 27 mm, and even more preferably at least 30 mm. The distance is preferably a maximum of 50 mm, even more preferably a maximum of 45 mm, and finally, even more preferably, a maximum of 40 mm or 35 mm.

[0054] Adjacent pleats of the filter element preferably have a distance, for example, that can be described as pleat spacing, of 15 mm or at least 15 mm, preferably 18 mm or at least 18 mm, more preferably 20 mm or at least 20 mm, more preferably 22 mm or at least 22 mm, more preferably 23 mm or at least 23 mm, or 24 mm or at least 24 mm, or 25-30 mm or at least 25-30 mm. The pleat spacing of adjacent pleats of the filter element is therefore preferably in the range of 15-30 mm, more preferably in the range of 18-25 mm, and more preferably in the range of 19-24 mm. Thus, for example, the pleat apex of adjacent pleats are arranged at such a distance from each other, or the pleat bases of adjacent pleats have such a distance.

[0055] The folding factor of the filter element's wall is, for example, between 2.5 and 5 or 6, such as 5.3-5, 8, or 5.7. The folding factor is the quotient of the length of the unfolded filter wall and the length of the folded filter wall. For example, the unfolded filter wall is approximately 1500 mm long, while the folded filter wall is then approximately 400 mm long, or has a longitudinal distance of approximately 400 mm between its longitudinal ends or its maximum distance between folds. The folding factor is preferably a maximum of 8, more preferably a maximum of 7, and even more preferably a maximum of 5. A folding factor between 3.5 and 5.5 is particularly advantageous. A folding factor between 4 and 5, particularly approximately 4.3, 4.4, or 4.5, is especially preferred. The folding factor is preferably approximately 3, 3.5, or 3.6.

[0056] P 31054 / PCT3

[0057] August 14, 2025, or 3.7, 3.8, or 3.9. The folding factor is preferably at least 2 or 2.5, more preferably at least 3, 3.2, 3.3, or 3.4. The folding factor is preferably at most 5, more preferably at most 4.5, more preferably at most 4, and even more preferably at most 3.9 or 3.8.

[0058] At least one crown wall section, preferably several or all crown wall sections, preferably have a rounded shape, in particular a circular curve with a crown wall radius, or a bulge away from the fold base of the adjacent fold or towards the upstream side. Thus, the crown wall sections can be rounded. This reduces, for example, the mechanical stress on the filter element.

[0059] The depth of a fold is preferably at least twice, preferably at least 2.5 times, the width of the fold corresponding to the distance between the fold apex. It is advantageous if the depth of a fold is at most 4 times, preferably at most 3.5 times, or at most three times, the width of the fold corresponding to the distance between the fold apex.

[0060] It is also advantageous for the bottom wall section of each fold to be round or curved. Preferably, at least one bottom wall section, and advantageously several or all bottom wall sections, has a curve or curve extending away from one or both adjacent side walls or towards the downstream side. Thus, the round or curved bottom wall sections can be shaped like troughs. A curve is preferably an approximately circular curve with a bottom wall radius.

[0061] The bottom wall radius is preferably at least 8%, preferably at least 9%, and even more preferably at least 10% of the pleat spacing between two adjacent pleats of the filter element. The bottom wall radius is further advantageously a maximum of 20%, and particularly a maximum of 19% or 18% of the

[0062] P 31054 / PCT3

[0063] August 14, 2025. Fold spacing between two adjacent folds of the filter element. For example, the radius is 3.5 mm, with a fold spacing of 20 mm.

[0064] The base wall radius of a base wall section, where the base wall section runs between the opposing side walls of a fold, is preferably larger than the apex wall radius of an apex wall section where one or both of the opposing side walls of the fold transition into the side wall of a fold immediately adjacent to the fold. Thus, the base wall radii are advantageously larger than the apex wall radii or apex wall sections. It is advantageous if the base wall radius is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the apex wall radius. In particular, the base wall radius is approximately 1.6 to 1.8 times, preferably 1.7 or 1.7 to 5 times, the apex wall radius.

[0065] Instead of a rounded section of floor wall, several wall sections at angles to each other can also be provided, which in particular form an approximate curve.

[0066] At least one side wall, preferably both side walls, of at least one fold or several or all folds advantageously runs tangentially and / or without a sharp edge into the bottom wall section of the respective fold or transitions into the bottom wall section.

[0067] However, it is also possible that there is an angle between the side wall of a fold and the bottom wall section. This angle is preferably greater than 90°, preferably greater than 110° or 120°. Therefore, the accumulation of dust in the angle or bend that can extend between the bottom wall and a side wall can be prevented or reduced by this measure.

[0068] Several folds or all folds of the filter element preferably have the same geometry or the same fold depth.

[0069] The filter holder is preferably made of a plastic material.

[0070] P 31054 / PCT3

[0071] August 14, 2025 The filter holder and the filter wall can be designed as a single-piece body by overmolding.

[0072] Advantageously, one manufacturing process for the filter element involves first folding the filter wall and then holding it in shape by overmolding or injection molding it with supporting plastic material from the filter holder or at least one or both of the support bodies. Thus, the filter wall is pleated first before being integrated into the supporting components of the filter holder.

[0073] The filter holder is preferably electrically conductive to dissipate electrostatic voltages.

[0074] A filter holding device described below is preferably also electrically conductive or has an electrically conductive portion that can be detachably connected to the filter holder and / or the filter wall to dissipate electrostatic voltage. Thus, the filter holding device and the filter holder and / or the filter wall preferably form or have electrically conductive surfaces that can dissipate electrostatic voltages from the filter wall when the conductive surfaces are arranged next to each other and in electrical contact with each other.

[0075] The folds of the filter wall are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal sides of the filter wall.

[0076] The folds in the filter wall extend primarily along longitudinal axes perpendicular to the filter wall's longitudinal sides. It should be noted that these longitudinal axes can be straight lines. However, it is also possible for a fold to extend, for example, in a wave-like or zigzag pattern between the filter wall's longitudinal sides.

[0077] The pleats between the longitudinal sides of the filter wall are preferably supported by at least one support body. The support body preferably extends parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal sides. In particular, it is advantageous if the support body is arranged approximately centrally between the longitudinal sides.

[0078] P 31054 / PCT3

[0079] August 14, 2025 If several support bodies are present, it is advantageous if they are arranged at equal intervals from each other and / or at equal intervals from the longitudinal sides of the filter wall.

[0080] The at least one support body can form a component of the filter element or of a filter receiving device that holds and receives the filter element.

[0081] For example, at least one support body can be fixedly arranged on the filter mounting device and then, when the filter element is held on the filter mounting device, support the filter wall. Several support bodies can be provided on the filter mounting device, which, when the filter element is attached to or in the filter mounting device, are located opposite the filter wall, in particular in contact with the filter wall, and support the filter wall. For example, several support bodies can be provided in the form of support projections, arranged, for example, side by side in the manner of a rake.

[0082] The filter wall can rest in full contact with the support body. For example, the support body can have support surfaces, particularly narrow sides, against which the filter wall rests. However, it is also possible that the support body only partially supports the filter wall in a form-fitting manner, for example at the crests and / or bases of the folds. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the support body only supports the filter wall in the area of ​​the side walls of the folds.

[0083] The at least one support body preferably has a contour that corresponds to or correlates with the folds of the filter wall.

[0084] The at least one support body preferably supports at least two, preferably several, and in particular all, folds of the filter wall. For example, the at least one support body has support contours that correlate with the folds and are suitable for a particularly positive-locking support, and / or is positively or materially connected to the folds.

[0085] P 31054 / PCT3

[0086] August 14, 2025 A preferred embodiment provides that the support body is positively or materially connected to the filter wall.

[0087] For example, the filter wall can be overmolded with the support body or with the material of at least one support body. The support body can, for example, consist of a plastic material that binds the filter wall together or of a rigid plastic.

[0088] It is possible that several support bodies are present, which support the filter wall in different ways. For example, a first support body may be provided that supports the filter wall in a form-fitting manner, and a second support body that is materially bonded to the filter wall.

[0089] It is possible for the support body to support the filter wall on only one side, for example, the downstream side or the upstream side. It is particularly advantageous if the support body provides support on both the downstream and upstream sides. In particular, it is advantageous if the support body receives or supports the filter wall on the downstream or upstream side in a form-fitting or material-fitting manner, or both.

[0090] The support body, which may contain at least one supporting element, can be a combination of positive locking and material locking. For example, the pleats can be positively locked to the support body on the downstream side, and materially locked to the upstream side.

[0091] The at least one support body can separate the filter wall into a first and a second area on the upstream side and / or on the downstream side.

[0092] The at least one support body preferably projects in front of the filter wall on the upstream side.

[0093] The at least one support body can protrude in front of the filter wall on the outflow side.

[0094] P 31054 / PCT3

[0095] August 14, 2025 It is possible that separate support bodies are provided on the downstream and upstream sides, which hold or support the filter wall in a sandwich-like manner. The support bodies preferably have support contours that correlate with the fine structure of the filter wall, for example, wave-shaped support contours, zigzag support contours, etc. The support contours of the opposing support bodies preferably define a space in which the filter wall is arranged.

[0096] The at least one support body is preferably designed as a stiff, rigid, or inflexible body. The at least one support body is preferably a one-piece body. The at least one support body preferably has an elongated shape.

[0097] The at least one support body preferably extends in its longitudinal dimension parallel to the longitudinal sides of the filter wall, preferably between longitudinal end regions of the filter wall with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the support body.

[0098] The at least one support body preferably comprises a support wall or is designed as a support wall. The support wall extends, for example, parallel to the longitudinal sides of the filter wall or with a directional component parallel to the longitudinal sides of the filter wall.

[0099] The retaining wall can have a flat shape, with its flat sides extending between the upstream and downstream sides, i.e., in the direction of the suction flow, while its narrow sides face the upstream and downstream sides. Thus, the retaining wall offers little resistance to the suction flow or is arranged in a flow-optimized manner, yet can still provide optimal support.

[0100] The filter wall is partially overmolded with a plastic material to stiffen at least one fold, all folds, or several folds, for example, to form the support body. For example, the support wall or support body for stiffening the folds can consist of a plastic material with which

[0101] P 31054 / PCT3

[0102] The filter wall is overmolded on August 14, 2025. One can also say that the support wall or support body is overmolded onto the filter wall.

[0103] Preferably, the filter wall is also supported by the filter holder, particularly by side walls of the filter holder that surround and / or laterally support the filter wall. It is advantageous if, for example, the filter wall is integrated into or supported by a longitudinal or transverse side wall of the filter holder, or both. For instance, the filter wall is overmolded with the material used to manufacture a side wall, particularly a transverse or longitudinal side wall, of the filter holder. Thus, the filter holder, and especially a frame formed by the side walls of the filter holder, also contributes to supporting the pleated structure of the filter wall.

[0104] The filter wall preferably comprises a woven or knitted textile.

[0105] The filter wall can be made of a plastic material or contain plastic material, for example polyester.

[0106] In particular, the filter wall is designed as a filter fabric or has a filter fabric.

[0107] It is advantageous if the textile fabric, filter fabric, or knitted fabric is laminated with metal and / or a metal mesh. Laminating the textile fabric with metal or a metal mesh can advantageously contribute to the stiffness of the filter wall.

[0108] The filter wall is preferably treated with a PTFE material or has a PTFE layer.

[0109] It is advantageous if the filter wall or filter element as a whole is washable with water. In particular, the filter wall is made of a waterproof material. This allows the filter element or filter wall to be cleaned, for example, in a water bath or under running water when it becomes dirty.

[0110] P 31054 / PCT3

[0111] August 14, 2025. Another embodiment advantageously provides a filter arrangement comprising the filter element and a filter receiving device with a filter receptacle for receiving and / or holding the filter element. The filter element is preferably insertable into the filter receptacle.

[0112] The support body described so far is advantageously a component of the filter element. However, the filter mounting device can also have a support body, which is subsequently referred to as the filter mounting support body:

[0113] The filter holding device preferably has at least one support body, in particular a support projection, designated or identifiable as a filter holding support body, for supporting the filter wall. This support projection extends into an interior or receiving cross-section of the filter holding device and projects in front of a side surface or side wall of the filter holding device that defines the filter holding. For example, the filter holding support body or support projection can be designed as a support arm or have a support arm. It is particularly advantageous if the filter holding support body or support projection engages in a recess, for example, in a fold of the filter wall or support receptacle. The filter holding support body or support projection can, for example, engage in a fold of the filter wall or in a support receptacle of a support body that supports and / or stiffens the filter wall.For example, the aforementioned support body stiffening the filter wall can have a support receptacle, in particular a receptacle recess, into which the filter receptacle support body of the filter receptacle device engages.

[0114] If the present description defines the filter wall as being folded into identical folds, this can apply to all folds of the filter wall. However, it is also possible that a fold at one or both longitudinal ends does not meet the criterion, meaning that all folds except for one or both located at the longitudinal ends of the filter wall are identical. Particularly at the longitudinal ends, i.e., in those areas where, for example, an end edge of the filter wall is parallel to the last fold edge (which could be, for instance, a fold base or a fold crest), a fold may differ from the others.

[0115] P 31054 / PCT3

[0116] August 14, 2025, the filter element may be provided with a different type of fold, for example an incomplete fold or the like.

[0117] The filter element preferably forms part of a filter element arrangement comprising at least one, and preferably two or more, identical filter elements. The filter elements can have the same outer dimensions and / or identical filter holders. However, it is also possible for the filter elements to have geometrically and / or materially identical filter walls, which, for example, are folded in the same way, but have different filter holders or different outer dimensions. For example, a larger and a smaller filter element can be provided, both of which have filter walls folded in the same way.

[0118] Such a filter element arrangement is provided, for example, in the filter system described below, which includes an additional filter.

[0119] The additional filter described below can be a single filter. However, it is also possible for the additional filter to be multi-part or to comprise several additional filter elements. The additional filter can therefore also comprise an additional filter assembly with at least two additional elements. For example, the additional filter can comprise a single filter cartridge. However, it is also possible for the additional filter to comprise two or more filter cartridges. Furthermore, the additional filter can comprise only a single filter wall, but also multiple filter walls, for example, two filter walls.

[0120] The following embodiment, in which a filter element arrangement is provided with at least one filter element according to the preamble of claim 1 or of the type mentioned at the outset, or also at least one filter element according to the preceding description or the invention, provides an additional filter. Such a filter system, particularly in combination with a filter element according to the preamble of claim 1, constitutes an independent invention in itself, but can also be an advantageous further development of the aforementioned embodiments or the inventions.

[0121] P 31054 / PCT3

[0122] August 14, 2025 Advantageously, the filter element is combined with an additional filter, thereby forming a filter system, or the filter element arrangement with the at least one filter element and the additional filter form a component of the filter arrangement with the filter element, wherein the additional filter is to be arranged downstream of the at least one filter element and / or between it, wherein the additional filter is a pleated filter whose pleats are more tightly folded and / or have smaller distances between their filter vertices than the pleats of the filter element.

[0123] An invention may therefore, for example, comprise a filter system comprising a filter element according to the preamble of claim 1 or a filter element in the previous embodiment and / or a filter arrangement with a filter receiving device and such a filter element, wherein it is provided that the filter system comprises an additional filter for arrangement downstream of the filter arrangement with the at least one filter element or between the suction unit and the filter element arrangement with the at least one filter element.

[0124] Advantageously, the additional filter is a pleated filter whose pleats have a shallower depth and / or are more tightly pleated and / or whose pleat apex is spaced closer together than the pleats of the at least one filter element which is intended and / or designed for a cleaning process. If several filter elements and thus a filter element arrangement are provided, this measure is advantageous for at least one filter element, preferably for all filter elements.

[0125] Thus, an invention that is independent in itself provides that a filter system is formed with a filter element and an additional filter, wherein the additional filter is arranged downstream of the at least one filter element and the folding of the filter element is significantly more folded or has larger spacing than the folds of the additional filter.

[0126] P 31054 / PCT3

[0127] August 14, 2025 Furthermore, it is advantageous if the following measure is provided for in such an additional filter and the filter element arrangement with at least one filter element:

[0128] The additional filter advantageously has a filter wall whose additional filter flow area through which the suction flow passes differs by a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 40% or 35% or 30%, from a total flow area through which the suction flow passes all filter walls of the filter element arrangement of the filter elements, wherein an additional filter base area enclosed by an outer circumference of the filter wall of the additional filter is a maximum of 60%, preferably a maximum of 50% or 40%, of a sum of all filter element base areas of the filter walls of the filter element arrangement of the filter elements, wherein a respective base area of ​​a filter element is enclosed by an outer circumference of the filter wall of the filter element.

[0129] It is preferred that the additional filter's footprint is smaller than the sum of all filter element footprints. This allows for the use of a relatively small additional filter, particularly in the form of a filter drawer, while the filter element footprints remain large.

[0130] Due to the folds of each filter wall, its flow area is preferably larger than the base area of ​​the respective filter wall. Preferably, each filter wall has the aforementioned base area in the region of its greatest surface area when folded.

[0131] The base surfaces of the filter elements of the filter element arrangement and the base surface of the additional filter are preferably parallel to each other or inclined at an angle of at most 30°, more preferably at most 20°, more preferably at most 10°, in particular at most 5°, more preferably at most 3° to each other.

[0132] It is particularly preferred if the additional filter flow area is a maximum of 30%, especially a maximum of 25%, or even only 20%, 19%, or 18% of the total flow area of ​​the filter elements of the filter element-

[0133] P 31054 / PCT3

[0134] August 14, 2025 ment arrangement differs. Thus, essentially the same flow cross-sections are available for the suction flow in both the filter elements and the additional filter.

[0135] The additional filter is, for example, a so-called HEPA filter (HEPA = High-Efficiency Particulate Air / Arrestance).

[0136] The underlying principle is that the additional filter acts as a safety feature, retaining dust that has passed through the filter element. The additional filter is preferably located on the upstream side of the suction unit of a vacuum cleaner and / or between the suction unit and the at least one filter element described so far.

[0137] The distance between adjacent pleats of the filter element, which is to be cleaned by a cleaning device, is preferably at least twice as large, preferably three times as large, or even more preferably at least 3.5 times or four times as large as the distance between adjacent pleats of the auxiliary filter. However, it is also possible that the distance between adjacent pleats of the filter element is only 1.5 times as large as the distance between adjacent pleats of the auxiliary filter. It is particularly preferred if the distance between adjacent pleats of the filter element intended and / or designed for cleaning is even greater, for example at least four or five times, at least 5.5 times, or six times, and / or at most 15 times, in particular at most 14 times or 13 times, and especially preferably 12.5 times, as the distance between adjacent pleats of the auxiliary filter.

[0138] In connection with the filter element, it has already been mentioned that adjacent folds in this filter element can have a distance of, for example, between 15 mm and 25 mm, i.e., a large width.

[0139] In contrast, the pleat spacing between adjacent pleats of the additional filter is significantly smaller and can, for example, range from 2 mm to 6 mm. For example, the pleat spacing of adjacent pleats of the additional filter-

[0140] P 31054 / PCT3

[0141] August 14, 2025, maximum 10 mm, more preferably maximum 8 mm, even more preferably maximum 6 mm, finally even more preferably maximum 5 mm or maximum 4 mm

[0142] The pleat depth of the additional filter is preferably less than the pleat depth of the filter element. For example, the pleat depth of the additional filter is at most 30%, more preferably at most 40%, even more preferably at most 45% or at most 50% of the pleat depth of the filter element.

[0143] It is preferred if the side walls facing each other of a fold of the additional filter have a lower inclination perpendicular to the flow direction of the suction flow than the side walls facing each other of a fold of the filter element.

[0144] It is particularly advantageous if the opposing side walls of a fold in the filter element have an inclination towards the direction of the suction flow between the upstream side and the downstream side.

[0145] The side walls of a fold in the additional filter, facing each other, preferably have no inclination or only an inclination of a maximum of 2° or 3° or 4° or 5° oblique to the direction of flow in which the suction flow passes through the additional filter from its upstream side to its downstream side.

[0146] It is further advantageous if the filter wall of the additional filter has a higher filtration efficiency for dust removal than the filter wall of the filter element. For example, the filter wall of the additional filter can retain finer or smaller particles than the filter wall of the at least one filter element. The particle size of particles retained by the additional filter is, for example, 20%, preferably 30%, and even more preferably 40% smaller than the particle size of particles retained by the at least one filter element.

[0147] While the additional filter is preferably a so-called HEPA filter or has a HEPA filter class, the at least one filter element can have a lower filter class than a HEPA filter class, for example a

[0148] P 31054 / PCT3

[0149] 14 August 2025 EPA filter or have an EPA filter class, in particular according to the European standard EN 1822-1 :2009 for the classification of airborne particles.

[0150] Preferably, the at least one additional filter has a higher separation efficiency or higher efficiency than the at least one filter element. For example, the overall separation efficiency of the filter element, particularly for particles between 0.1 and 0.3 micrometers, is less than 99.95%, while the overall separation efficiency of the additional filter is more than 99.95%. Advantageously, the overall separation efficiency of the at least one filter element is more than 85%, more preferably more than 95%, and even more preferably more than 99.5%, but less than 99.95%. However, the overall separation efficiency of the at least one filter element can also be somewhat lower, for example, a maximum of 98.5% or 99%. The additional filter, on the other hand, preferably has an overall separation efficiency of more than 99.95%, and even more preferably more than 99.995%.

[0151] The filter wall of the additional filter is preferably thicker than the filter wall of the filter element.

[0152] It is also possible that the filter wall of at least one filter element has a greater capacity for dust or particles than the filter wall of the additional filter.

[0153] Advantageously, the additional filter and / or the at least one filter element have a wall-like or plate-like shape. The additional filter and / or the at least one filter element are preferably not cylindrical or bell-shaped.

[0154] The additional filter can also be designed as a module or filter element.

[0155] Preferably, the additional filter is designed in the form of a filter drawer that can be inserted into the vacuum cleaner housing of a vacuum cleaner from the outside in the manner of a drawer.

[0156] P 31054 / PCT3

[0157] August 14, 2025 A further embodiment of the invention provides for a suction device with a suction unit for generating a suction flow and a filter system of the aforementioned type.

[0158] As explained, in the filter system, the pleats of the filter element are preferably arranged at a greater distance from each other than the pleats of the additional filter.

[0159] The vacuum cleaner has a cleaning device for cleaning the filter element of the filter system.

[0160] Advantageously, the vacuum device has a vacuum housing with a dust collection chamber for collecting dust and a suction inlet connected to the dust collection chamber, through which the suction flow generated by the vacuum unit can flow into the dust collection chamber, wherein the dust collection chamber has a dust collection chamber opening with a dust collection chamber opening surface, through which the dust collection chamber can be emptied.

[0161] The filter system is located between the dust collection chamber and the suction unit. The filter element assembly, comprising at least one filter element, is positioned upstream of the additional filter in one direction of the suction flow.

[0162] For example, the filter element is located between the dust collection chamber and the suction unit. Additionally, a supplementary filter is located between the filter element and the suction unit.

[0163] Advantageously, the dust collection chamber opening is provided that during suction operation of the vacuuming device is closed by a closing device, in particular a housing upper part of the vacuuming device housing, wherein the filter element arrangement with the at least one filter element is arranged on the closing device.

[0164] The closing device can, for example, be a lid with which the dust collection chamber opening can be closed. The lid then has the advantage of

[0165] P 31054 / PCT3

[0166] The filter element arrangement is arranged on August 14, 2025. For example, at least one filter receiving device, in particular an arrangement with several, for example two, filter receiving devices for a respective filter element of the filter element arrangement, is arranged on the lid.

[0167] An advantageous embodiment provides, for example, that the vacuum cleaner housing has an upper housing part and a lower housing part, wherein the dust collection chamber is arranged in the lower housing part and the dust collection chamber opening can be closed by the upper housing part, which forms the closing device, and that the filter element assembly with the at least one filter element is arranged on the upper housing part. The upper housing part forms, for example, a lid for the lower housing part. A fixing device, for example with snap-fit ​​elements, is advantageously provided for fixing the upper housing part to the lower housing part. The suction unit is preferably arranged in the upper housing part. The upper housing part advantageously has a receptacle for the at least one additional filter.

[0168] The at least one filter element or the filter element arrangement preferably covers a large proportion of the surface area of ​​the dust collection chamber opening.

[0169] For example, it is advantageously provided that the sum of all filter element base areas of the filter walls of the filter element arrangement comprises at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, and even more preferably at least 45% of the dust collection chamber opening area, wherein each base area of ​​a filter element is enclosed by an outer circumference of the filter wall of the filter element. It is preferred if the filter walls substantially or almost completely cover the dust collection chamber opening, except for an area where the suction inlet or a channel connected to the suction inlet opens into the dust collection chamber. In particular, it is advantageous if a central area of ​​the dust collection chamber opening is covered by the at least one filter element or the filter element arrangement.

[0170] P 31054 / PCT3

[0171] August 14, 2025 Even if the filter element arrangement does not completely cover the dust collection chamber opening, a large total flow area of ​​the filter elements in the filter element arrangement is still available. Advantageously, for example, it is provided that the total flow area of ​​all filter walls of the filter element arrangement, including the at least one filter element, through which the suction flow passes, is at least 150%, preferably at least 160%, even more preferably at least 170%, even more preferably at least 180%, even more preferably at least 190%, or 200% of the dust collection chamber opening area. Thus, it is possible for particles, dust, and the like to be effectively retained by the filter element arrangement in the dust collection chamber, while at the same time the filter elements, or the at least one filter element, present the lowest possible flow resistance to the suction flow.

[0172] The dust collection chamber opening preferably has a substantially rectangular outer circumference. Corner areas between the longitudinal and transverse sides of the outer circumference or the dust collection chamber opening can, for example, be rounded or have curves, or be connected to each other via sloping sections. The longitudinal and transverse sides of the dust collection chamber opening can be substantially straight or extend along straight lines, but can also be curved.

[0173] An elliptical, oval, or similar circumferential contour of the dust collection chamber opening is also possible.

[0174] For example, it is provided that the dust collection chamber opening has a maximum opening length and a maximum opening width extending perpendicularly to the maximum opening length.

[0175] For example, it is advantageous if the at least one filter element or filter elements extend with their maximum longitudinal extent along the maximum opening length and are oriented with its or their, in particular opposite

[0176] P 31054 / PCT3

[0177] August 14, 2025, the maximum longitudinal extent is smaller, the transverse extent is parallel to the opening width of the dust collection chamber opening.

[0178] It is advantageous if the filter walls of the filter elements of the filter element arrangement extend over a total of at least 50%, preferably at least 55%, and even more preferably at least 60% of the maximum opening length.

[0179] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the filter walls of the filter elements of the filter element arrangement extend over a total of at least 45%, preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 55% or 60%, and even more preferably at least 65% of the maximum opening cross-sectional width.

[0180] Preferably, the filter element assembly with the at least one filter element has a laterally projecting area in front of the additional filter, on which the cleaning device, in particular an air intake valve, is arranged, or which is designed to accommodate the cleaning device, in particular an air intake valve, on this projecting area. Preferably, all air intake valves or flow channels to the air intake valve of the cleaning device are arranged on the laterally projecting area in front of the additional filter. For example, the additional filter and the cleaning device are arranged in a horizontal layer between the dust collection chamber and the suction unit.It is particularly advantageous if a drive for the cleaning device, for example a drive for a shut-off valve and / or the aforementioned external air valve, and the additional filter are arranged in a common plane that extends above the at least one filter element or filter element arrangement.

[0181] The at least one filter element or filter element arrangement preferably has its greatest planar extent in a main plane. In a plane parallel to this main plane, the cleaning device is arranged next to the additional filter and / or the suction unit. It is advantageous if the filter element arrangement or the at least one filter element arrangement...

[0182] P 31054 / PCT3

[0183] August 14, 2025 terelement in front of the additional filter and the suction unit and also in front of the cleaning device, for example a valve arrangement of the cleaning device, protrudes laterally.

[0184] It is advantageous if the area of ​​the filter element arrangement projecting laterally in front of the additional filter, comprising at least one filter element, preferably two filter elements, projects in front of the additional filter and / or the filter wall and / or the flow area of ​​the additional filter on at least two mutually angled and / or two opposite sides. It is further advantageous if the filter element arrangement projects to different distances in front of the additional filter and / or the filter wall and / or the flow area of ​​the additional filter on the mutually angled and / or opposite sides.

[0185] One preferred concept stipulates that a perpendicular projection of the suction unit onto the additional filter does not protrude in front of the additional filter.

[0186] Preferably, it is provided that a perpendicular projection of the cleaning device onto the filter element arrangement, in particular all filter elements of the filter element arrangement, does not protrude in front of the filter element arrangement or exclusively cover the filter element arrangement.

[0187] The additional filter and the suction unit are preferably arranged perpendicular to the main extension plane at a longitudinal distance from each other of the filter element arrangement or the at least one filter element and perpendicular to the main extension plane at a longitudinal distance from the at least one filter element or the filter element arrangement.

[0188] An air duct and / or a separating body or wall body for guiding the suction flow transversely to the main extension plane of the filter element or filter element arrangement is preferably arranged between the additional filter and the at least one filter element or the filter element arrangement.

[0189] P 31054 / PCT3

[0190] August 14, 2025. The separating body or wall body is preferably arranged between the auxiliary filter and the filter element assembly and is aligned parallel to the main extension plane of the auxiliary filter and / or the filter element assembly, or with a main directional component parallel to at least one of the aforementioned main extension planes. The separating body preferably extends approximately parallel to one or both main extension planes or is inclined at an angle of no more than 10° to the main extension plane of the auxiliary filter and / or the main extension plane of the filter element assembly. The separating body is advantageously a wall or plate. The separating body is advantageously arranged downstream of the filter element or filter element assembly in the direction of the suction flow, so that the suction flow exiting the filter element or filter element assembly is directed by the separating body, e.g.,The airflow is deflected by the separating element or wall body towards the cleaning device, in particular towards at least one external air valve of the cleaning device. The separating element or wall body can be a single piece or multi-part. In this respect, the separating element could also be referred to as a separating element assembly. The separating element or wall body preferably extends over at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably over 100% of the base area of ​​the additional filter or the wall body of the additional filter, wherein the base area of ​​the wall body is bounded by an outer circumference of the wall body or a filter holder for the filter wall of the wall body. Preferably, the suction flow cannot flow directly out of the at least one filter element or the filter element assembly and into the additional filter, but is deflected by the separating element or the separating element assembly towards the cleaning device.

[0191] A preferred concept provides that a valve actuator of a valve of the cleaning device and the additional filter lie in a common plane which is parallel to the main extension plane of the at least one filter element or filter element arrangement or is inclined at an angle of at most 10°, in particular at most 7° or 5°.

[0192] P 31054 / PCT3

[0193] August 14, 2025 It is preferred that the cleaning device of the vacuum cleaner is designed and intended solely for cleaning the filter element. For example, no cleaning valve, such as an air intake valve, or any cleaning device is provided for the additional filter.

[0194] For example, the cleaning device or its valves, such as an air release valve and / or a shut-off valve, are arranged between the filter element and the auxiliary filter. It is advantageous if a shut-off valve is arranged between the filter element and the auxiliary filter, which prevents airflow or pressure caused by the cleaning operation from reaching the auxiliary filter during cleaning. This avoids or at least significantly reduces mechanical stress on the auxiliary filter caused by the cleaning operation. This measure can advantageously contribute to reducing or preventing mechanical stress on the auxiliary filter caused by the cleaning operation.

[0195] Dust cleaned by the filter element can be collected, for example, in the dust collection chamber. The filter element or filter element assembly is located, for instance, above the dust collection chamber.

[0196] The cleaning device expediently includes a shut-off valve with which a flow connection between the filter element and the additional filter can be shut off.

[0197] The cleaning device preferably includes an external air valve which, in a cleaning position, allows external air from the vicinity of the suction device to flow towards the filter element, with the external air flowing through the filter element against the direction of the suction airflow. If the shut-off valve is in its closed position during cleaning, the external air cannot flow through the additional filter.

[0198] Continuous suction operation of the suction device is preferred. For example, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the suction device

[0199] P 31054 / PCT3

[0200] August 14, 2025, comprising at least two filter elements, in particular at least two filter holding devices for holding two filter elements, wherein each filter element is assigned a cleaning device, so that one filter element can be cleaned by its assigned cleaning device while the other filter element is available for suction operation of the vacuuming device. Thus, the filter elements can be cleaned alternately and the suction operation of the vacuuming device is not interrupted.

[0201] The surface area of ​​the filter wall of the additional filter through which the suction flow passes preferably corresponds to the total surface area of ​​the filter walls of all filter elements upstream of the additional filter through which the suction flow passes, or deviates from the total surface area by a factor of at most 2, in particular by a factor of at most 1.5, and even more preferably by a factor of at most 1.3 or at most 1.2. The total surface area can, for example, be provided by the filter wall of a single filter element. Thus, only a single filter element is used. However, it is also possible that, for example, two filter elements are operated together with the additional filter, so that their filter walls provide the total surface area.

[0202] The folding factor of the filter wall of the additional filter is preferably greater than the folding factor of the filter wall of the at least one filter element. The folding factor is the quotient of the length of the unfolded filter wall and the length of the folded filter wall. For example, the folding factor of the additional filter is at least 4, more preferably at least 4.5, and even more preferably at least 5. For example, the folding factor of the filter wall of the additional filter can also be at least 5.8, at least 6, or at least 7. The folding factor of the filter wall of the additional filter is preferably a maximum of 25, in particular a maximum of 20, and even more preferably a maximum of 18 or 17. It is particularly preferred if the folding factor of the additional filter is in the range of approximately 10–15, in particular 11–14 or 12–13.Preferably, the folding factor of the additional filter is at least 1.5 times larger, preferably at least twice as large, and even more preferably at least 2.5 times larger, or 2.6 or 2.7 times larger, than the folding factor of the filter element.

[0203] P 31054 / PCT3

[0204] August 14, 2025 The filter wall of the additional filter and / or the filter wall of the filter element preferably has at least 5, more preferably at least 10, and even more preferably at least 15 folds.

[0205] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0206] Figure 1 shows a perspective oblique view of a suction device and a hand-held power tool.

[0207] Figure 2A shows detail D1 from Figure 1 with a rear part of the suction device, which has a filter drawer,

[0208] Figure 2B shows the filter drawer according to Figure 2A in perspective view,

[0209] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the suction device according to Figures 1 and 2 during suction operation.

[0210] Figure 4 shows the vacuum device as shown in Figure 3, but during a cleaning operation.

[0211] Figure 5 shows a perspective, partially cutaway view of a filter mounting device for a filter element, which is located in

[0212] Figure 6 is shown in perspective from a low angle.

[0213] Figure 7 shows the filter element according to Figure 6, but from above.

[0214] Figure 8 shows a section through the filter element according to Figure 7, approximately along a section line AA,

[0215] Figure 9 shows detail D2 from Figure 8.

[0216] Figure 10 shows a first variant of a filter element approximately corresponding to the sectional view according to Figure 8,

[0217] P 31054 / PCT3

[0218] August 14, 2025 Figure 11 shows a second variant of a filter element schematically, approximately corresponding to the representation in Figure 10.

[0219] Figure 12 shows a third variant of a filter element, approximately corresponding to the representation in Figures 10 and 11.

[0220] Figure 13 shows a fourth variant of a filter element, roughly corresponding to the representation in Figures 10-12.

[0221] Figure 14 shows a fifth variant of a filter element, also corresponding to the representation in Figures 10-13.

[0222] Figure 15 shows a top view of a lower housing part of the suction device according to Figure 1 with the upper housing part removed, but with filter elements according to the preceding figures above the lower housing part.

[0223] Figure 16 shows approximately the view according to Figure 15, but with an additional filter drawn in.

[0224] Figure 17 shows a view approximately corresponding to Figures 15 and 16, in which surfaces of the filter elements and the additional filter as well as a top surface of the lower housing part are shown.

[0225] Figure 18 shows a longitudinal section through the suction device according to the preceding figures, approximately along a section line AA in Figure 16.

[0226] A vacuum unit 70 has a vacuum housing 71. The vacuum unit 70 is, for example, a vacuum cleaner for a construction site, for use in a workshop, or the like. The vacuum unit 70 can also be referred to as a construction site vacuum cleaner, workshop vacuum cleaner, or the like.

[0227] The vacuum unit 70 is preferably designed and / or intended for extracting dust generated during the operation of hand-held power tools, such as grinders, saws, or the like. For example, the

[0228] P 31054 / PCT3

[0229] August 14, 2025 Suction device 70 using a suction hose 79 with a

[0230] Hand-held power tool H can be connected, e.g. to a saw, a grinding machine or the like, in order to extract dust or other particles generated during its operation.

[0231] The suction housing 71 is preferably two-part and has a housing upper part 71A and a housing lower part 71B on which the housing upper part 71A is arranged.

[0232] Operating elements 72 for the operation of the vacuum unit 70 are arranged on one front side. The vacuum unit 70 can be rolled on a surface using rollers 73.

[0233] A suction unit 74 is arranged in the suction housing 71, in particular in the upper part 71A of the housing. The suction unit 74 serves to generate a suction flow STR, which can be drawn in via a suction inlet 77. The suction unit 74 comprises a suction motor 75 and a suction turbine 76.

[0234] A control unit 78 is used to control the suction unit 74 as well as an external air valve 83 and a shut-off valve 85, which are explained below. The control unit 78 can be controlled by means of operating elements 72, for example to switch the suction unit 74 on or off, to control the valves 83, 85 or the like.

[0235] The control unit 78, for example, controls a valve actuator 83A, which is intended and / or designed to actuate the external air valve 83 and / or the shut-off valve 83.

[0236] Inside the vacuum unit 70, a dust collection chamber 80 is arranged, which is connected to the suction inlet 77. A filter bag or the like can be arranged in the dust collection chamber 80. However, it is also possible for dust filtered from the suction stream STR to be collected directly in the dust collection chamber 80. By removing the upper housing part 71 A from the lower housing part 71 B, the dust collection chamber 80 becomes accessible, so that the dust-

[0237] P 31054 / PCT3

[0238] On August 14, 2025, the collected dust ST from the dust collection room can be removed and disposed of.

[0239] A filter element 10 is arranged between the suction unit 74 and the dust collection chamber 80, in particular between the external air valve 83 and the dust collection chamber 80. The filter element 10 serves to separate dust ST from the suction flow STR, so that the suction flow STR flows to the suction unit 74 as a clean and purified suction flow and can flow out of the vacuum cleaner housing 71 via an outlet channel 88. The filter element 10 is arranged, for example, on a bottom wall 81 of the upper housing part 71 A.

[0240] From the filter element 10, a channel or air guide area 82 leads to the external air valve 83, through which air can flow from the filter element 10 towards the external air valve 83.

[0241] The external air valve 83 communicates with an external air duct or inlet 84, through which external air F from the environment of the suction unit 70 can flow in. The external air valve 83 can be controlled by the control unit 78, namely between an open position in which external air F can flow through the external air inlet 84 into the air guide area or duct 82 and thus to the filter element 10, and a closed position in which the external air valve 83 closes the external air inlet 84. The closed position is assigned to a suction operation SB of the suction unit 70, and the open position of the external air valve 83 to a cleaning operation AB.

[0242] The air guidance area 82 preferably extends over the entire surface of the filter element 10 downstream of the suction flow STR.

[0243] When the external air valve 83 is in the open position, external air F flows through the external air inlet 84 and, contrary to the direction of flow of the suction flow STR, through the filter element 10, so that particles adhering to the filter element 10 are detached from the filter element 10 and fall in the direction of the dust collection chamber 80.

[0244] P 31054 / PCT3

[0245] August 14, 2025 An optional measure is the arrangement of a shut-off valve 85 between the external air valve 83 and the suction unit 84. This valve can also be controlled by the control unit 78.

[0246] In cleaning mode AB, the control unit 78 activates the shut-off valve 85 in a closed position, thus interrupting the flow connection between the external air valve 83 and the suction unit 74 and / or the flow connection between the filter element 10 and the suction unit 74. The external air F can then flow to the filter element 10 unimpeded and undisturbed, passing through the potentially still-running suction unit 74, which would then continue to generate or create negative pressure.

[0247] If the shut-off valve 85 were not present, which is fundamentally possible, the possibly continuing suction unit 74 would somewhat reduce the cleaning effect.

[0248] It is also conceivable to implement an embodiment in which the suction unit 74 is switched off or its power is reduced during the cleaning operation.

[0249] In suction mode SB, however, the external air valve 83 is closed, while the shut-off valve 85 is open, so that the suction flow STR can flow through the shut-off valve 85.

[0250] The suction flow STR then flows through an air guide area or channel 86 to an additional filter 90, which filters out any dust that may still be present in the suction flow STR.

[0251] From the additional filter 90, which can be a pre-filter for the suction unit 74, the suction flow STR then flows via an air guide area or channel 87 to the suction unit 74, specifically to the suction turbine 76, which conveys the suction flow STR as an exhaust air flow via the outlet channel 78 out of the suction device 70 or suction housing 71.

[0252] P 31054 / PCT3

[0253] August 14, 2025. The additional filter 90 is a filter that, for example, has HEPA quality (HEPA = High-Efficiency Particulate Air / Arrestance). The additional filter 90 can therefore filter out fine dust particles that may still be present in the suction stream STR after filtration by the filter element 10.

[0254] Preferably, the additional filter 90 is designed as a pleated filter 91 and has several pleats 92. The pleats 92 can have a large pleat depth and / or be densely pleated, in any case denser than the filter element 10 described below, since the additional filter 90 is replaced when soiled, while the filter element 10 is cleaned by a cleaning device 89, which includes, for example, the external air valve 83 and / or the shut-off valve 85, and can thus remain in operation for a long time.

[0255] A filter wall 93, folded into pleats 92, is held on a filter holder 94. The filter wall 93 consists, for example, of an air-permeable but dust-retaining material, such as a textile, a laminated material, or the like. The filter holder 94 is detachably mounted on a filter receptacle 97 and can be replaced if necessary.

[0256] For example, to replace the additional filter 90, the upper housing part 71A could be removed from the lower housing part 71B. However, the handling of the vacuum cleaner 70 is particularly convenient because the filter holder

[0257] 94 is designed as a filter drawer 95, which can be inserted into or pulled out of the filter holder 97, designed as a drawer receptacle 98, from the outside. For example, on a wall 96 of the filter drawer 95, which is flush with an outer wall of the vacuum cleaner housing 71, when the filter drawer

[0258] 95 is inserted into the drawer mount 98, a handle 96A is arranged.

[0259] The filter element 10 is cleaned regularly so that any dust or particles adhering to it are removed from the filter element 10 or the filter wall 11. Because the filter element 10 primarily filters dust and particles, the additional filter 90 is not, or only minimally, contaminated with particles. Only very fine and / or a few particles can clog the filter element 10.

[0260] P 31054 / PCT3

[0261] August 14, 2025, penetrate element 10 and reach the additional filter 90. Accordingly, the additional filter 90 needs to be replaced very rarely.

[0262] Another advantage is that the additional filter 90 is not subjected to cleaning processes such as mechanical vibrations. This makes the additional filter very durable and allows it to optimally maintain its filtering effect, especially for fine dust or small particles.

[0263] The filter element 10 comprises a filter wall 11, which is held on a filter holder 20. The filter wall 11 is folded into pleats 12. The pleats 12 extend between a pleat apex 13 and a pleat base 14, with side walls 15 and 16 of each pleat 12 facing each other.

[0264] The filter element 10 is designed to be subjected to the suction flow STR from an inlet side 100, with the suction flow STR flowing from an outlet side 101 of the filter element 10 towards the suction turbine 76 or the suction unit 74. In suction operation SB, the suction flow STR thus flows through the filter element 10 from the inlet side 100 to the outlet side 101.

[0265] The suction flow STR is usually represented by black arrows at the inlet side 100 because it is still laden with dust at the inlet side 100. The suction flow STR flowing away from the outlet side 101 is symbolically represented by transparent arrows.

[0266] The filter holder 20 has longitudinal side walls 21, which are connected to each other by transverse side walls 22. The longitudinal side walls 21 and the transverse side walls 22 form a frame 23, in the interior of which the filter wall 11 with the folds 12 is received.

[0267] The filter holder 20 can be detachably attached to a filter mounting device 40 of the suction unit 70, for example by means of a plug connection.

[0268] P 31054 / PCT3

[0269] August 14, 2025 For example, a filter receiving device 40 for receiving the filter element 10 and in particular the filter holder 20 is arranged on the bottom wall 81.

[0270] The filter receiving device 40 has longitudinal side walls 41 and transverse side walls 42, which extend between the longitudinal side walls 41 and together with them form a frame 43 for receiving the filter holder 20 and thus the filter element 10.

[0271] The frame 43 defines a filter receptacle 40A for receiving the filter element 10.

[0272] The frame 23 of the filter element 10 is positively engaged with the frame 43 of the filter holding device 40 when the filter element 10 is received in the filter holding device 40. For example, fastening projections 24 are arranged on the frame 23, in particular on the transverse side walls 22, which engage positively in fastening receptacles 44 of the frame 43, in particular on the transverse side walls 42. The fastening projections 43 can, for example, be designed as locking elements or tabs.

[0273] Preferably, the filter holder 20 or the filter element 10 is locked to the filter receiving device 40. For example, locking elements 45 are provided on the filter receiving device 40, which can lock the filter holder 20. The locking elements 45 are, for example, pivotable or designed as detent elements and are arranged on the transverse side walls 42, in particular on their outer sides facing away from the interior space for receiving the filter holder 20, and are resiliently biased towards the filter element 10 in such a way as to cause it to seize or lock. The locking elements 45 can, for example, engage under or behind the frame 23 when it is received in the frame 43. The locking elements 45 are an optional feature.

[0274] The filter wall 10 is additionally supported by a support body 30A, for example a support wall 30, which is located between the longitudinal side walls 21 of the filter wall.

[0275] P 31054 / PCT3

[0276] August 14, 2025 terhalters 20 extends and is connected to the transverse side walls 22 at its longitudinal end areas.

[0277] The transverse side walls 22, the longitudinal side walls 21, and the central support wall 30 are preferably manufactured in one piece or as an injection-molded part. The filter holder 20 is preferably made of plastic. The filter receiving device 40 is also advantageously made of plastic.

[0278] The central support wall 30 is designed as a narrow but relatively high wall. The longitudinal side walls 21 are also designed as flat but high walls, so that they can optimally support the filter wall 11 and especially its folds 12.

[0279] The filter wall 11 is integrated into the longitudinal side walls 21 and the support wall 30. For example, when the filter wall 11 is already formed into the folds 12, it is overmolded with the material that forms the longitudinal side walls 21 and the support wall 30, so that the filter wall 11 is sandwiched between the longitudinal side walls 21 or the material of the longitudinal side walls 21 and the central support wall 30, in particular within the material of the support wall 30.

[0280] Between the upstream side 100 and the downstream side 101 extend flat sides 25 of the longitudinal side walls 21 and flat sides 31 of the support wall 30. The longitudinal side walls 21 and the support wall 30 are therefore designed as flat walls whose narrow sides are exposed to the suction flow STR.

[0281] The downstream narrow sides 26 of the longitudinal side walls 21 and / or the downstream narrow sides 32 of the support wall 30, i.e., the sides of the longitudinal side walls 21 and the support wall 30 facing the downstream side 101, preferably do not have a contour that replicates or corresponds to the folds 12. For example, these narrow sides 26, 32 run in a straight line and are located opposite a base 46 of the filter receiving device 40.

[0282] P 31054 / PCT3

[0283] August 14, 2025. In contrast, the narrow sides 27 of the longitudinal side walls 21, which face the upstream side 100, and the narrow sides 33 of the support wall 30 are contoured in such a way that they essentially replicate the wave or fold contour of the folds 12. The longitudinal side walls 21 and the support wall 30 have projections 28 whose free end regions, facing the upstream side 100, correlate with the fold crests 13. In particular, the projections 28 extend beyond the fold crests 13. This feature can contribute to a stabilizing and / or protective effect.

[0284] Between the projections 28 extend recesses 29 that correspond to the fold plates 14, i.e., a recess 29 is provided at each fold plate 14. Thus, the longitudinal side walls 21 and, in particular, the support wall 30 do not obstruct the suction flow STR, or only to a negligible extent. However, the recesses 29 are not as deep as the fold plates 14, so that, especially in the area of ​​the fold plates 14, portions of the longitudinal side walls 21 and the support wall 30 project in front of the fold plates 14 towards the fold apex 13, thus optimally stiffening the fold plates 14.

[0285] The longitudinal side walls 21 are directly supported on the frame 43 or the filter mounting device 40. Therefore, the longitudinal side walls 21 do not yield, or only yield negligibly, when the suction flow STR acts on the filter wall 11 during suction operation SB.

[0286] Furthermore, the flat shape of the longitudinal side walls 21 and the support wall 30, namely the high flat sides 25, which are oriented parallel to the flow direction of the suction stream STR, and the narrow sides 27, 33, which are significantly narrower than the flat sides 25, 31, contribute to the fact that the longitudinal side walls 21 and the support wall 30 have a high stiffness and thus an optimal stabilizing effect for the filter wall 11 and its folds 12 and / or the folding of the filter walls 11.

[0287] As a further stiffening measure, the following can optionally be provided. It is advantageous if not only the longitudinal side walls 21 are supported, in this case

[0288] P 31054 / PCT3

[0289] 14 August 2025, for example, on the filter receiving device 40 and in particular its transverse side walls 42, but also the retaining wall 30 or the support body 30A.

[0290] The retaining wall 30 runs approximately midway between the longitudinal side walls 21. It is held in place at its longitudinal ends by the transverse side walls 22. Additional stiffening or support between the transverse side walls is advantageous. For example, it would be possible for the retaining wall 30 to be supported by, or already supported on, the base 46 of the filter housing 40.

[0291] The base 46 can also be designed to support the filter wall 11 and its folds 12, especially when the suction flow STR acts on the filter wall 11.

[0292] The bottom 46 may preferably have a grid structure or strut structure permeable to the suction flow STR, on which the bottom wall sections 18 of the folds 12 on the outflow side 101 can be supported.

[0293] Advantageously, a filter-receiving support body 47A, in the form of a support projection 47 of the filter-receiving device 40, projects into the receiving space or filter receptacle 40A for the filter holder 20 and supports the central support wall 30. For example, the support projection 47 projects from one of the longitudinal side walls 41 towards the other longitudinal side wall 41. For example, the support projection 47 is oriented in the same direction as the transverse side walls 42. The support projection 47 comprises an arm 48 that projects from one longitudinal side wall 41 towards the interior space between the longitudinal side walls 41 and has a support section 49 that supports the support wall 30 of the filter element 10. For example, the support section 46 engages in a support receptacle 37 on the support wall 30 in the manner of a projection.

[0294] The support wall 30 can advantageously have two support receptacles 37 arranged at the same distance to the adjacent transverse side wall 22, so that the filter element 10 and the filter holder 20 can be inserted into the filter receiving device 40 in opposite orientations.

[0295] P 31054 / PCT3

[0296] August 14, 2025 An advantageous, but not necessarily essential, stiffening measure may provide that connecting walls 34 or connections 34 extend between the longitudinal side walls 21, which stiffen in the sense of the transverse side walls 22 and / or run with a directional component parallel to the transverse side walls 22 between the longitudinal side walls 21. Three connecting walls 34 are provided by way of example, particularly in the area of ​​the fastening projections 24.

[0297] The connecting walls 34 preferably also connect the retaining wall 30 to the longitudinal side walls 21 or support the retaining wall 30 with respect to the longitudinal side walls 21. Thus, the connecting walls 34 and the retaining wall 30 intersect.

[0298] The additional filter 90 and the filter element 10 form a filter system 9. It is provided that the filter element 10 is cleaned by means of the cleaning device 89 or is designed to be cleaned by the cleaning device 89, while the additional filter 90 is replaced when dirty and / or as required, i.e. it is not cleaned.

[0299] A folding of the filter wall 11 to the folds 12 is optimally designed for the cleaning operation AB.

[0300] The opposing side walls 15, 16 are connected to each other by a base wall section 18. A side wall 15 of a fold 12 is connected to the side wall 16 of an adjacent fold 12 by means of a vertex wall section 17. Thus, the vertex wall sections 17, which form the fold vertices 13, run between two adjacent folds 12. The side walls 15, 16 of each fold 12 are connected to each other by a base wall section 18.

[0301] The bottom wall sections 18 and the top wall sections 17 extend tangentially into the respective side walls 15, 16 and / or the side walls 15, 16 extend tangentially into the bottom wall sections 18 and the top wall sections 17.

[0302] P 31054 / PCT3

[0303] August 14, 2025 It should be mentioned at this point that the side walls 15, 16 preferably have a flat shape, e.g., are flat surfaces.

[0304] Of course, sinusoidal, rounded, or other curved side walls are also readily possible, which becomes clearer in connection with, for example, a filter element 411 or a filter element 511.

[0305] The vertex wall sections 17 run with vertex wall radii SR between the side walls 15, 16 connected by them.

[0306] The floor sections 18 have a floor wall radius BR with which they run between the side walls 15 and 16, which connect the floor sections 18 to each other.

[0307] It is entirely possible that the crown wall radius SR and the bottom wall radius BR are different, as in the embodiment shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, for example that the bottom wall radius PR is significantly larger than the crown wall radius SR.

[0308] The folds 12 are thus characterized by side walls 15, 16 that are inclined or slanted relative to each other and are connected to each other via top wall sections 17 and bottom wall sections 18. The folds 12 together form a kind of wave or fold structure of the filter wall 11, with the folding in the area of ​​the top wall sections 17 being preferably much more pronounced than in the area of ​​the bottom wall sections 18, namely when the top wall radius SR is smaller than the bottom wall radius BR, and thus a rounding or curvature is more likely to be present in the area of ​​the bottom wall sections 18 than in the area of ​​the top wall sections 17, where a small top wall radius SR forms a kind of edge. Especially for cleaning the filter element 10, a small vertex radius SR of the vertex wall sections 17 or even a sharp edge on the vertex wall sections 17 is unproblematic, since dust, particles or the like can adhere there very little.A larger floor wall radius BR or floor wall sections curved in large radii 18.

[0309] P 31054 / PCT3

[0310] On the other hand, August 14, 2025 ensures that dust, particles or the like can easily or freely escape from the space between opposing side walls 15, 16, which facilitates and / or improves cleaning.

[0311] The folds 12 have a fold depth FT which represents a perpendicular distance between the fold base 14 and a connecting line VL which touches the fold crest 13 tangentially.

[0312] The fold depth FT therefore corresponds to a depth extension from a fold crest 13 towards the fold base 14.

[0313] The fold depth FT corresponds to a perpendicular distance between the connecting line VL, which is also a tangent that lies tangentially at the fold crest 13, and a connecting line VB that lies tangentially at the fold bottom 14 at its lowest point and / or connects the fold bottoms 14 of adjacent folds 12.

[0314] Preferably, the fold depth FT corresponds to the height of a triangle whose vertices are the fold apex 13 next to a fold 12 and whose height extends at most to the fold base 14.

[0315] The side walls 15, 16 of a fold 12, at a fold depth of 90%, corresponding to an intermediate fold depth value FB, have a floor-to-floor clearance QB that is at least 14% of the fold depth FT. Therefore, the fold floors 14 are relatively wide, so that dirt or dust ST accumulating on the fold floors can be easily removed from the respective folds 12 during the cleaning operation AB.

[0316] It is also advantageous on the downstream side 101 if there is a large transverse distance between the side walls 15 and 16 in the region of the fold crests 13. For example, a crest transverse distance QS near a respective fold crest 13, with a fold depth intermediate value FS that is 10% of the fold depth FT, is still at least 10% of the value of the fold depth FT.

[0317] P 31054 / PCT3

[0318] August 14, 2025 The pleats of a filter element according to the invention do not necessarily have to have round or rounded pleat bottoms. In the filter element variants described below, some components with reference numerals are used that have already been explained. These components are identical or have the same effect in the filter element variants.

[0319] For example, a filter element 110 has a filter wall 111 with pleats 112, the pleat crests 113 of which are narrower than their pleat bases 114. The pleat bases 114 merge into opposing side walls 115, 116 of a respective pleat 112, for example, at right angles. Thus, narrow pleat crests 113 are formed on the upstream side, while on the downstream side, i.e., towards the outflow side 100, the pleat bases 114 are relatively wide and in any case wider than the pleat crests 113.

[0320] Vertex wall sections 117 between the side walls 115, 116 of adjacent folds 112 are narrower than bottom wall sections 118, which connect the side walls 115, 116 of each fold 112 at the fold bottom 114.

[0321] The side walls 115, 116 transition at right angles into the top wall sections 117 and the bottom wall sections 118. Due to the large width of the bottom wall sections 118, i.e., due to a large bottom-transverse distance QB at the fold bottom 114 of a fold 112, it is nevertheless ensured that dust ST can be easily cleaned out of the folds 112.

[0322] It should be mentioned here that the vertex cross-distance QS between side walls 115, 116 of adjacent folds 112 of the filter element 110 is significantly smaller than the bottom cross-distance QB.

[0323] The folds 112 are preferably held in their shape by a support wall 130, which functionally corresponds to the support wall 30.

[0324] A filter element 210 has a filter wall 211 which is folded into pleats 211. The pleats 212 comprise side walls 215, 216 which have a larger transverse distance QB between their fold bottoms 214 than in the area

[0325] P 31054 / PCT3

[0326] August 14, 2025 of their fold apex 213. Thus, apex wall sections 217 are narrower than bottom wall sections 218 of the filter wall 211.

[0327] A filter element 310 is provided with pleats 312 of a filter wall 311. The side walls 315, 316 of each pleat 312 run obliquely towards each other in the direction of the respective pleat bases 314. Pleat crests 313 are formed between pleats 312, connecting the side walls 315, 316 of adjacent pleats 312. The transverse base spacing QB of the pleats 312 is greater than the transverse crest spacing QS.

[0328] Dust ST falling out of or being removed from the folds 312 is facilitated by the fact that the side walls 315, 316 transition at an angle Wl of greater than 90° into bottom wall sections 318 at the inside corners or inside edges of a fold 312, forming the fold bottoms. The angle Wl is provided on the upstream side 100.

[0329] An external angle WA between the side walls 315, 316 and a crown wall section 317, extending between adjacent folds 312, is less than 270°. The external angle WA is provided on the upstream side 100. An internal angle WAI, preferably greater than 90°, is complementary to the external angle WA on the downstream side 101. This measure also contributes to preventing dust ST from adhering, or only minimally adhering, to the crown wall sections.

[0330] The folds 312 are preferably held in their shape by a support wall 330, which functionally corresponds to the support wall 30.

[0331] In a filter element 410, the folds 412 of a filter wall 411 are formed in the manner of troughs. At their fold bases 414, the folds 412 are rounded in a trough-like shape.

[0332] It can again be seen that a floor-transverse distance QB is large at the intermediate fold depth value FB, i.e., 90% of the fold depth FT, between opposing side walls 415, 416, since the side walls 415, 416, starting from the fold apex 415, initially extend essentially perpendicular to the sheet-

[0333] P 31054 / PCT3

[0334] August 14, 2025, the wall sections 417 run and / or are oriented perpendicular to the fold floors 414, until the side walls 415 and 416 then form a bulge in the direction of the fold floors 414 and merge into the floor wall section 418 connecting them.

[0335] The crown wall sections 417 could be curved towards the upstream side 100. However, the crown wall sections 417 run straight across the direction of the suction flow STR.

[0336] For example, the vertex wall sections 417 are designed as flat or planar wall sections.

[0337] The vertex wall sections 417 are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the respective adjacent side wall 415 or 416.

[0338] The apex wall sections 417 are advantageously narrow, so that the apex cross-distance QS is smaller, in particular significantly smaller, than the floor cross-distance QB.

[0339] The folds 412 are preferably held in their shape by a support wall 430, which functionally corresponds to the support wall 30.

[0340] In a filter element 510, a filter wall 511 with folds 512 is provided, between which only narrow webs extend, forming 100 fold vertices 513 with narrow vertex wall section 517 on the upstream side.

[0341] The back-to-back facing side walls 515, 516 of adjacent folds 512 lie close together, so that their crown transverse distance QS is significantly smaller, preferably a maximum of 10% of a bottom transverse distance QB that the folds 512 have at their fold bottoms 514.

[0342] Therefore, vertex wall sections 517 between adjacent folds 512 are significantly smaller, preferably at least 80% smaller or 90% smaller than bottom wall sections 518 that form the fold bottoms 514.

[0343] P 31054 / PCT3

[0344] August 14, 2025. Filter elements 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are ideally suited for cleaning by the cleaning device 89. Dust adhering to the respective filter walls 11, 11, 211, 311, 411, and 511 can easily fall out of the folds 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, and 512 due to the generous and / or wide folding of the respective filter wall and fall into the dust collection chamber 80. Therefore, filter elements 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are designed for cleaning during cleaning operation AB.

[0345] In contrast, the additional filter 90 represents an extra safety measure that may prevent dust ST penetrating the respective filter elements 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 and 510 from reaching the suction unit 74 and / or a user of the vacuum cleaner 70. The additional filter 90 can also be understood as a kind of police filter or safety filter.

[0346] For example, the pleats 92 of the additional filter 20 have a significantly smaller distance between them; that is, the pleat crests and pleat bases, which are not specified in the drawing, are spaced apart by a pleat spacing FZ of the pleats 92, which is significantly smaller than a pleat spacing FH, which, for example, the pleats 12 of the filter element 10 have between them. For example, the pleat crests 13 are spaced apart by the pleat spacing FZ.

[0347] Furthermore, the fold depth FTZ of the folds 92 of the additional filter 90 is smaller than the fold depth FT, for example by a factor of 30% smaller, in particular 40% smaller, and even more preferably about 45% or 50% smaller.

[0348] The drawing shows the side walls of the folds 92, which run obliquely to the direction of flow of the suction stream STR. In practice, it is advantageous for the side walls of the folds 92 to be parallel to each other and / or parallel to the direction of flow of the suction stream STR, whereby "parallel" preferably means exactly parallel, but also includes a slight inclination of, for example, 1°, 2°, or 3° of the side walls to each other.

[0349] P 31054 / PCT3

[0350] August 14, 2025. The suction device 70 can have only a single filter element 10. However, a variant is also possible in which the suction device 70 preferably has two filter elements 10, for example filter elements 10A, 10B as shown in Figures 1 and 15-18. The filter elements 10A, 10B form, for example, a filter element arrangement 10G.

[0351] An advantageous measure, shown schematically, provides that one of the filter elements 10A or 10B can be cleaned alternately, while the other filter element 10A or 10B is available for constant suction operation SB. Each filter element 10A and 10B is assigned a cleaning device 89A, 89B with an external air valve 83 and preferably a shut-off valve 85, such that one cleaning device 89A, 89B operates in suction operation SB, while the other cleaning device 89A, 89B operates in cleaning operation AB. The cleaning devices 89A, 89B correspond to the cleaning device 89.

[0352] Each filter wall 11 of a filter element 10A, 10B has a flow area D10, i.e. both filter elements 10A, 10B and thus the filter element arrangement 10G have a total flow area D10G of twice D10.

[0353] The filter wall 93 of the additional filter 90 has a flow area D90.

[0354] The flow areas D10 and D90 correspond to the respective surface area of ​​a filter wall 11 and 93 that can be flowed through by the suction flow STR.

[0355] Due to the folds of the filter walls 11 , 93, the base areas G10A and G10B of the filter elements 10A, 10B and a base area G90 of the additional filter 90 are smaller than the corresponding flow areas D10 and D90 respectively.

[0356] The base areas G10A and G10B correspond to an outer circumference A10 of the respective filter wall 11 of the filter element 10A, 10B, thus approximately the inner cross-section of the frame 23 or the filter holder 20. The base areas G10A and G10B correspond approximately to a vertical projection through the respective filter element 10A, 10B.

[0357] P 31054 / PCT3

[0358] August 14, 2025, wall 11 or through the largest surface area of ​​the filter holder 20, approximately in accordance with the direction of flow of the suction stream STR.

[0359] The base area G90 corresponds to the outer circumference of the filter wall 93, and thus approximately to the inner circumference of the filter holder 94. The base area G90 corresponds approximately to a vertical projection through the filter wall 93 or through the largest surface area of ​​the filter holder 94, approximately corresponding to the direction of flow of the suction stream STR.

[0360] The sum of the flow areas D10 of both filter elements 10A and 10B is similar in size to the flow area D90. For example, the sum of the two flow areas D10 is approximately 360,000 mm². 2 , while the flow area D90 is between 350,000 mm² 2 and 390,000 mm 2 exhibits.

[0361] The size of the flow area D90 depends, for example, on the desired filter quality or filter effect of the additional filter 90. For instance, a larger flow area may be required for a slightly denser filter wall 93 that retains particles more effectively than for a filter wall 93 that has lower flow resistance but, conversely, retains particles less effectively.

[0362] However, it can be seen that the suction flow STR flows through approximately the same size flow areas in the filter element arrangement 10G and in the additional filter 90, which represents a favorable flow behavior or a favorable flow resistance.

[0363] Regular cleaning of the filter elements 10A and 10B ensures that the flow resistance of the filter system 9 changes only minimally during operation of the vacuum cleaner 70. In particular, cleaning the filter elements 10A and 10B ensures that the dust load on the additional filter 90 remains as low as possible.

[0364] Compared to the flow areas D10 and D90, the base areas G10A and G10B are significantly larger in total than the base area G90. The base-

[0365] P 31054 / PCT3

[0366] August 14, 2025, area G90 is, for example, approximately 30,000-35,000 mm² 2 , in particular about 32,000 mm 2 , while the sum of the two base areas G10A and G10B is in a range of 75,000-95,000 mm 2 lies, in particular about 90,000 mm 2 amounts.

[0367] The lower housing part 71 B, for example, has a bottom wall 71 C, from which a front wall 71 D and a rear wall 71 E project towards the upper housing part 71 A. The front wall 71 D and the rear wall 71 E are connected to each other by side walls 71. The bottom wall 71 C and the walls 71 D, 71 E and 71 F enclose the dust collection chamber 80, which has a dust collection chamber opening 80A facing the upper housing part 71 A.

[0368] Dust can enter the dust collection chamber 80 through the suction inlet 77 and a channel 77A running in the upper part of the housing 71 A.

[0369] To remove the dust ST, the upper housing part 71 A is removed from the lower housing part 71 B, leaving the dust collection chamber opening 80A clear and allowing the dust to be easily emptied from the dust collection chamber 80. Thus, after removing the upper housing part 71 A, the lower housing part 71 B is preferably completely open at its top. The upper housing part 71 A therefore forms a closing device 110 for closing the dust collection chamber opening 80A.

[0370] The dust collection chamber 80 is advantageously designed in a receiving tray.

[0371] The dust collection chamber opening 80A has a dust collection chamber opening area G80, which is enclosed by the end faces of the walls 71D, 71E, and 71F. The dust collection chamber opening area G80 could also be described as a cross-sectional area of ​​the dust collection chamber opening 80A or a passage cross-section of the dust collection chamber opening 80A. Therefore, dust can be discharged from the dust collection chamber 80, for example, via the entire dust collection chamber opening area G80.

[0372] Figures 15, 16 and 17 show that the filter elements 10A, 10B cover a large part of the dust collection chamber opening 80A or the dust collection chamber

[0373] P 31054 / PCT3

[0374] August 14, 2025, cover the dust collection chamber opening area G80. For example, the dust collection chamber opening 80A is covered by the filter elements 10A, 10B in such a way that the total flow area D10G of all filter walls 11 of the filter elements 10A, 10B is at least 150%, preferably at least 180%, and in the case of the exemplary embodiment even at least 190% or 200% of the dust collection chamber opening area G80.

[0375] Although the folding of the filter walls 11 is generous, i.e., the folds 12 have widely separated side walls 15, 16, and thus the total flow area D10G, i.e., twice the flow area D10, of all filter walls 11 of the filter element arrangement 10G is small compared to the sum of all filter element base areas G10A and G10B of the filter walls 11, a large total flow area D10G of the filter elements 10A, 10B is available due to the large extent of the filter elements 10A, 10B over the dust collection chamber opening 80A compared to the dust collection chamber opening area G10.

[0376] The dust collection chamber opening area G10 is essentially rectangular. The dust collection chamber opening area G10 has a maximum opening length OL and a maximum opening width OQ perpendicular to the opening length OL. The filter walls 11 of the filter elements 10A and 10B extend over a large proportion of the opening length OL and the opening width OQ. For example, a maximum longitudinal extent 10L of the filter elements 10A and 10B is oriented parallel to the maximum opening length OL and is, for example, at least 50%, or in this case even at least 55% or 60%, of the opening length OL. Although two filter elements 10A and 10B are provided side by side perpendicular to the opening length OL and in the direction of the opening width OQ, a certain distance in the direction of the opening width OQ is necessary between the filter elements 10A and 10B.Nevertheless, the filter walls 11 of the filter elements 10A and 10B, with their respective transverse width 10Q, which is parallel to the opening transverse width OQ and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent 10L, extend over a total of at least 50%, preferably at least 55%, even more preferably at least 65% or, in this case, about 68% or 69% of the opening transverse width OQ.

[0377] P 31054 / PCT3

[0378] August 14, 2025 Therefore, the value of twice 10Q corresponds to at least 65% of the opening cross-section OQ.

[0379] Furthermore, the suction device 70 is arranged in such a way that the filter elements 10A, 10B project laterally in front of the additional filter 90, with the cleaning device 89 being arranged on a region 103 projecting laterally in front of the additional filter 90, i.e., for example, one of the cleaning devices 89A, 89B for each filter element 10A, 10B. A region 104 is covered by the additional filter 90, on which the suction unit 74 is also arranged.

[0380] The filter elements 10A, 10B, or the filter element arrangement 10G extend over a surface in a principal extension plane 10E. Downstream of the suction flow STR, the additional filter 90 extends over a surface in a principal extension plane 90E. The principal extension planes 10E and 90E are parallel to each other or inclined at a maximum angle of 10° to each other.

[0381] Preferably, the filter elements 10A, 10B or the filter element arrangement 10G and the additional filter 90 are separated from each other by a wall-like or planar separating body 86A, which extends planarly between the main extension planes 10E, 90E between the filter elements 10A, 10B or the filter element arrangement 10G and the additional filter 90.

[0382] In area 104, the air distribution area 82, for example, area 82A of the air distribution area 82, is separated downstream of the filter element assembly 10G from the air distribution duct or air distribution area 86 by the separating body 86A, e.g., a wall body. The separating body 86A or wall body is arranged between the additional filter 90 and at least one filter element 10A and / or 10B or the filter element assembly 10G.

[0383] P 31054 / PCT3

[0384] August 14, 2025

Claims

1. Claims 1. Filter element for a suction device (70), in particular a workshop vacuum cleaner or construction site vacuum cleaner, wherein the filter element (10) has a filter holder (20) and an air-permeable filter wall (11) held on the filter holder (20) for filtering out dust (ST) from a suction stream (STR), wherein the filter element (10) has an upstream side (101) which is provided for the flow of the suction stream (STR) loaded with dust (ST), and an outflow side (101) opposite the upstream side (101) which is provided for the outflow of the suction stream (STR) cleaned of dust (ST), wherein the filter wall (11) is folded into pleats (12) which have a pleat apex (13) facing the upstream side (101) and extend to a pleat base (14) towards the outflow side (101), wherein a distance between a pleat apex (13) and a pleat base (14) is determined. (13) and the fold base (14) of a fold (12) whose fold depth (FT) is defined,wherein the pleats (12) between the pleat apex (13) and the pleat bases (14) have side walls (15, 16) which are opposite each other and are connected to each other directly or by base wall sections (18) at the pleat bases (14) and are connected to each other directly or by base wall sections (17) to form the pleat apex (13), wherein the filter element (10) is designed and provided for cleaning by an extraneous airflow (F) flowing through the filter wall (11) from the outflow side (101) to the inflow side (101) and / or by vibration of the filter element (10), characterized in that the side walls (15, 16) have a base-transverse distance (QB) to each other at 90% of the pleat depth (FT) which is at least 14% of the pleat depth (FT) or at least 5.6 mm.

2. Filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom cross-spacing (QB) of the side walls (15, 16) at 90% of the pleat depth (FT) is at least 15%, more preferably at least 17%, and even more preferably min- P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 at least 18%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 25% of the fold depth (FT).

3. Filter element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pleat depth (FT) is a maximum of 60 mm, in particular a maximum of 50 mm, more preferably a maximum of 45 mm, and even more preferably a maximum of 30 mm.

4. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pleat depth (FT) is at least 15 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, more preferably at least 35 mm.

5. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a crown cross-distance (QS) of mutually opposing side walls (15, 16) of folds (12) arranged directly next to each other in the region of the fold apex (13) between these folds (12) at a fold depth (FT) of 10 % is smaller than the bottom cross-distance (QB) of the mutually facing side walls (15, 16) at 90 % of the fold depth (FT).

6. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a top wall section (17) of a fold (12) next to a side wall (15, 16) of the fold (12) transverse to a depth axis or depth direction along which the fold (12) extends with the fold depth (FT), is narrower than the bottom wall section (18) with which the side wall (15, 16) of this fold (12) is connected to the opposite side wall (15, 16) of this fold (12).

7. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pleat apex (13) of at least two, preferably several, particularly preferably all pleats (12) have a distance of at least 15 mm, particularly preferably at least 17 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 25 mm, 27 mm or 30 mm.

8. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inclined slope of a side wall (15, 16) forms an inclined- P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 has an angle of at least 5° and / or at most 20°, such that opposing side walls (15, 16) of a fold (12) enclose an angle of at least 10° or at most 40°, preferably that the angle of inclination is at least 7° or at least 8° or at least 9° and / or at most 18°, more preferably at most 15°.

9. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one vertex wall section (17), preferably several or all vertex wall sections (17), have a rounding or curvature away from the fold bottom (14) of at least one adjacent fold (12) and / or in the direction of the upstream side (101).

10. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one bottom wall section (18), preferably several or all bottom wall sections (18), has a rounding or curvature away from one or both adjacent side walls (15, 16) and / or in the direction of the outflow side (101).

11. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bottom wall radius (BR) of a bottom wall section (18), with which the bottom wall section (18) runs between the opposing side walls (15, 16) of a fold (12), is larger than a vertex wall radius (SR) of a vertex wall section (17), with which one or both of the opposing side walls (15, 16) of the fold (12) transition into the side wall (15, 16) of a fold (12) immediately adjacent to the fold (12).

12. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one side wall (15, 16), preferably both side walls (15, 16), at least one fold (12), in particular several folds (12) or all folds (12), transitions tangentially and / or without a sharp edge into the bottom wall section (18) of the respective fold (12). P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 13. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fold depth (FT) of a fold (12) is at least twice as large, preferably at least 2.5 times as large as a width of the fold (12) which corresponds to the distance between the fold vertices (13) bounding the fold (12).

14. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several folds (12) or at least 90% of the folds (12) or all folds (12) except for edge folds of the filter element (10) or all folds (12) of the filter element (10) have the same geometry and / or have the same fold depth (FT).

15. Filter element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter holder (20) is electrically conductive for dissipating electrostatic voltages.

16. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folds (12) of the filter wall (11) extend in particular along longitudinal extension axes transverse to longitudinal sides of the filter wall (11) and the folds (12) between the longitudinal sides of the filter wall (11) are supported by at least one support body (30A, 47A).

17. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support body (30A, 47A) forms a component of the filter element (10) or of a filter receiving device (40) holding and receiving the filter element (10).

18. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support body (30A, 47A) supports at least two, preferably several, in particular all, folds (12) of the filter wall (11).

19. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support body (30A, 47A) is positively connected and / or materially connected to the filter wall (11). P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 20. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support body (30A, 47A) supports the filter wall (11 ) on the outflow side (101 ) and / or on the inflow side (101 ), in particular by means of a positive fit and / or by means of a material fit.

21. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support body (30A, 47A) comprises a support wall (30) or is designed as a support wall (30), wherein the support wall (30) extends with a directional component parallel to the longitudinal sides of the filter wall (11) or exactly parallel to the longitudinal sides of the filter wall (11).

22. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support wall (30) has a flat shape, wherein flat sides (31) of the support wall (30) extend between the upstream side (101) and the downstream side (101) and narrow sides (32, 33) of the support wall (30) face the upstream side (101) and / or the downstream side (101).

23. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter wall (11 ) is overmolded with a plastic material to stiffen at least one fold (12), in particular to form the support body (30A, 47A) or the support wall (30).

24. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter wall (11) comprises a textile fabric or knitted fabric which is laminated with metal and / or a metal fabric and / or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

25. Filter arrangement comprising at least one filter element according to one of the preceding claims and a filter receiving device (40) with a filter receptacle (40A) for receiving and / or holding the filter element (10), wherein the filter element (10) is preferably insertable into the filter receptacle (40A), characterized in that the filter receiving device (40) has at least one filter receptacle support body (47A) for supporting the filter wall (11), which is inserted into an interior or receiving cross-section of the filter receptacle. P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 (40A) protrudes in front of a side surface of the filter receiving device (40) that limits the filter receiving device (40A).

26. Filter arrangement according to claim 25, characterized in that the filter receiving support body (47 A) engages in a fold (12) of the filter wall (11 ) and / or in a support receptacle (37), in particular a receiving recess, of a support body (30A) supporting and / or stiffening the filter wall (11 ).

27. Filter system (9) comprising a filter element arrangement (10G) with at least one filter element (10) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of claims 1 to 24 and / or a filter arrangement according to one of claims 25 or 26, characterized in that the filter system (9) comprises an additional filter (90) for arrangement downstream of the filter element arrangement (10G) with the at least one filter element (10), wherein the additional filter (90) is a pleated filter, the pleats (92) of which have a lesser pleat depth (FT) and / or are more tightly pleated and / or have smaller distances between their filter vertices than the pleats (12) of the at least one filter element (10) and / or wherein the additional filter (90) has a filter wall (93) whose additional filter flow area through which the suction flow (STR) can pass is increased by a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 40% or 30%.from a total flow area (D10G) of all filter walls (11) of the filter element arrangement (10G) of the filter elements (10) through which the suction flow (STR) can flow, wherein an additional filter base area (G90) enclosed by an outer circumference (A90) of the filter wall (93) of the additional filter (90) is a maximum of 60%, preferably a maximum of 50% or 40%, of a sum of all filter element base areas of the filter walls (11) of the filter element arrangement (10G) of the filter elements (10), wherein a respective base area (G10A, G10B) of a filter element (10) is enclosed by an outer circumference (A10) of the filter wall (11) of the filter element (10).

28. Filter system (9) according to claim 27, characterized in that the distance between adjacent folds (12) of the filter element (10) is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least twice, more preferably at least three times, even further P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 preferably at least four times or at least five times or at least 5.5 times or six times as large as the distance between adjacent folds (92) of the additional filter (90).

29. Filter system (9) according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the additional filter base area (G90) is smaller than the sum of all filter element base areas (G10A, G10B).

30. Filter system (9) according to claim 27, 28 or 29, characterized in that the additional filter flow area differs by a maximum of 30%, in particular a maximum of 25%, and more preferably 20% from the total flow area (D10G) of the filter elements.

31. A suction device (70) with a suction unit (74) for generating a suction flow (STR) and a filter system (9) according to one of claims 27-30 and a cleaning device (89) for cleaning the filter element assembly (10G) with the at least one filter element (10) of the filter system (9), wherein the suction device (70) has a suction housing (71) with a dust collection chamber (80) for collecting dust and a suction inlet (77) flow-connected to the dust collection chamber (80), through which the suction flow (STL) generated by the suction unit (74) can flow into the dust collection chamber (80), wherein the dust collection chamber (80) has a dust collection chamber opening (80A) having a dust collection chamber opening surface (G80) through which the dust collection chamber (80) can be emptied, wherein the filter system (9) is located between the dust collection chamber (80) and the The suction unit (74) is arrangedand wherein the filter element arrangement (10G) with the at least one filter element (10) is arranged in a flow direction of the suction flow (STR) upstream of the additional filter (90).

32. Vacuum cleaner (70) according to claim 31, characterized in that the dust collection chamber opening (80A) is closed during vacuuming operation of the vacuum cleaner (70) by a closing device (110), in particular a housing upper part (71A) of the vacuum cleaner housing (71), wherein the filter element- P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 ment arrangement (10G) with at least one filter element (10) arranged on the closure device (110).

33. Suction device according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that a sum of all filter element base areas (G10A, G10B) of the filter walls (11 ) of the filter element arrangement (10G) of the filter elements (10) is at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 45% of the dust collection chamber opening area (G80), wherein a respective base area (G10A, G10B) of a filter element (10) is enclosed by an outer circumference (A10) of the filter wall (11 ) of the filter element (10).

34. Suction device according to claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the total flow area (D10G) of all filter walls (11) of the filter element arrangement (10G) with the at least one filter element (10) through which the suction flow (STR) can pass is at least 150%, preferably at least 180%, even more preferably at least 190% or 200% of the dust collection chamber opening area (G80).

35. Vacuum cleaner (70) according to one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that the dust collection chamber opening (80A) has a maximum opening length (OL) and a maximum opening cross-width (OQ) extending perpendicularly to the maximum opening length (OL), wherein the filter walls (11) of the filter elements (10) of the filter element arrangement (10G) extend in total over at least 50%, preferably at least 55%, more preferably at least 60% of the maximum opening length (OL) and / or extend in total over at least 45%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 55% or 60%, more preferably at least 65% of the maximum opening cross-width (OQ).

36. Vacuum cleaner (70) according to one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner housing (71) has an upper housing part (71A) and a lower housing part (71B), wherein the dust collection chamber (80) is located in the housing- P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 the lower part (71 B) is arranged and the dust collection chamber opening (80A) can be closed by the upper part of the housing (71 A) forming a closing device (110), and that the filter element arrangement (10G) with the at least one filter element (10) is arranged on the upper part of the housing (71 A).

37. Suction device (70) according to one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that the filter element arrangement (10G) with the at least one filter element (10) has a laterally projecting area in front of the additional filter (90) on which the cleaning device (89), in particular an external air valve (83), is arranged.

38. Suction device (70) according to one of claims 31 to 37, characterized in that a separating body (86A) is arranged between the additional filter (90) and the filter element arrangement (10G) with the at least one filter element (10), which is aligned parallel to a main extension plane (10E) of the filter element arrangement (10G) with the at least one filter element (10) and / or a main extension plane (90E) of the additional filter (90) with a main direction component parallel to at least one of the main extension planes.

39. Suction device (70) according to one of claims 31 to 38, characterized in that the cleaning device (89) is provided and designed exclusively for cleaning the filter element arrangement (10G) with the at least one filter element (10).

40. Suction device (70) according to one of claims 31 to 39, characterized in that the cleaning device (89) has at least one external air valve (83) for admitting external air (F) for flowing through the filter element (10) for cleaning and / or a shut-off valve (85) with which a flow connection between the filter element (10) and the additional filter (90) can be shut off.

41. Suction device (70) according to one of claims 31 to 40, characterized in that it has at least two filter elements (10) and / or at least two P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025 Filter receiving devices (40) for receiving two filter elements (10A, 10B), wherein each filter element (10) is assigned a cleaning device (89A, 89B), so that one filter element (10A) can be cleaned by the cleaning device (89) assigned to it, while the other filter element (10B) is available for suction operation of the suction device (70). P 31054 / PCT3 August 14, 2025

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