Filter module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter module for separating particles from contaminated air, in particular for separating paint particles from an airflow, comprising a receiving element having an inlet side for the entry of an airflow to be cleaned and an outlet side for the exit of the cleaned airflow, wherein the inlet side and the outlet side are arranged opposite each other on the receiving element, at least one filter insert which is received in the receiving element, wherein the filter insert has at least one transverse wall, and the transverse wall is formed from a filter element that is at least partially air-permeable, wherein an open partial area is formed in or next to the filter element, so that the airflow from the inlet side towards the outlet side can flow on the one hand through the filter element and on the other hand through the open partial area.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter module for separating particles from polluted air. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Filter modules are used for a variety of applications. For example, they can be used in spray booths to capture paint overspray. The filter modules serve to clean the air exhausted from the spray booth. Paint particles that do not adhere to the object being sprayed can be separated by the filter modules. Such filter modules can therefore also be referred to as separators or separator modules.

[0003] Filter modules typically have an inlet side designed for the entry of the air stream to be cleaned. An outlet side is preferably arranged on an opposite side, which serves as the exit for the cleaned air stream.

[0004] For example, several similar filter modules can be arranged next to each other or on top of each other to create a continuous surface, which can be positioned, for example, below or to the side of the object to be sprayed. All inlet sides are arranged on one side of the continuous surface. Preferably, a negative pressure is created behind the filter modules, creating an airflow through the filter modules, flowing from the inlet side toward the outlet side. The airflow guides the air to be cleaned through the filter modules and cleans it, with the particles adhering to the filter modules or being separated on the filter modules.

[0005] Filter modules made of paper stock are known from the prior art. At least two walls are arranged within the filter module, which are arranged transversely to the direction of the incoming airflow and form baffles. The walls each have openings, whereby the openings in the walls become smaller from the inlet side toward the outlet side and / or can be offset from one another. The walls create chambers within the base body. The airflow to be cleaned is guided in a meandering pattern through the differently arranged openings in the successively arranged walls.

[0006] It is also possible to connect the walls via a stabilizing wall arranged perpendicular to them. Several such cleaning structures can be arranged one behind the other within the hollow body, thus forming the filter module. The air to be cleaned is directed through the openings in the walls and the stabilizing wall in a meandering pattern, alternating between the walls and the stabilizing walls, and through the filter module.

[0007] A disadvantage of such filter modules is that the air flow is redirected in different spatial directions, resulting in very different particle adhesions within the filter module, i.e. the particle distribution is uneven. This results from the meandering shape of the air flow, which means that after entering the filter module, the air flow is redirected by almost 90° in every possible spatial direction. This sudden redirection of the air flow, for example to the left, right, top or bottom, causes an abrupt and very strong deceleration. As a result, most of the particles are separated in a first chamber between a first and a second wall, which is the first chamber reached by the air flow to be cleaned. Chambers arranged further back are only reached by a few particles.The efficiency and service life of each filter module is reduced because they have to be replaced when areas further back within the filter module only show very small accumulations of particles.

[0008] Another disadvantage is that part of the flow area is covered by an air-impermeable material, whereby particles can adhere to the surface of the so-called baffles, but the air is deflected.

[0009] It is also known from the prior art to individually remove individual cleaning structures arranged one behind the other within the base body. This allows the cleaning structure closest to the inlet side to be replaced.

[0010] During operation in a spray booth, where several identical filter modules are usually arranged next to each other or on top of each other to form a continuous surface, replacing individual cleaning structures in each individual filter module is only possible with considerable time and effort. In particular, to replace a cleaning structure in each individual filter module, each individual hollow body must be opened. This is not possible with filter modules arranged next to each other or on top of each other. Accordingly, the continuous surface of filter modules would first have to be disassembled to make each individual filter module accessible. This results in an enormous amount of time and effort. In practice, replacing individual cleaning elements is therefore hardly possible.Consequently, experience has shown that the filter modules are completely replaced when only the first cleaning element is so dirty that the air flow can no longer pass through this one cleaning element. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved filter module with an improved service life. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a filter module with improved separation properties while requiring less energy for operation.

[0012] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a filter module having the features of patent claim 1.

[0013] Accordingly, it is provided: A filter module for separating particles from contaminated air, in particular for separating paint particles from an air stream, with a receiving element which has an inlet side for the inlet of an air stream to be cleaned, and an outlet side for the outlet of the cleaned air stream, wherein the inlet side and the outlet side are arranged opposite one another on the receiving element, at least one filter insert which is received in the receiving element, wherein the filter insert has at least one transverse wall, and the transverse wall is formed from an at least partially air-permeable filter element, wherein an open partial region is formed in the filter element or next to the filter element, such that the air stream can flow from the inlet side towards the outlet side, on the one hand through the filter element and on the other hand through the open partial region.

[0014] The finding underlying the present invention is that by omitting baffles, a durable and effective filter module can be formed.

[0015] The idea underlying the present invention is not to abruptly slow or redirect the air flow, but instead to form it without redirection, and / or in particular laminarly, between the inlet side and the outlet side in order to enable balanced adhesion of the particles to all transverse walls within the receiving element. This implements the idea of ​​an open air duct without baffles, with the air flow flowing through a filter element on the one hand and through an open sub-area on the other. In particular, a transverse wall can be formed that is essentially completely permeable to air, namely from an at least partially permeable material, the filter element, and an opening, the open sub-area.

[0016] Furthermore, this advantageously makes it possible to form an open section with any desired geometry in order to adapt the filter to different filtration levels. Likewise, the open section can influence the airflow within the receiving element. The filter element can, in particular, influence the shape of the open section solely through its shape. The filter element can be cut to any desired size to achieve different geometries. The open section can therefore be formed as a recess in the filter element or next to, in particular adjacent to, the filter element.

[0017] Adjacent specifically means that the open section is formed in a plane of the transverse wall by tailoring the transverse wall accordingly, so that the filter element does not span an entire cross-sectional plane in the receiving element. The open section can therefore be manufactured easily and cost-effectively.

[0018] The ratio of the area of ​​the open partial area to the area of ​​the entire transverse wall can be 1:2 to 1:20, in particular 1:2 to 1:10, preferably 1:5 to 1:12. For example, the open partial area can form half of the transverse wall, or even 1 / 4 or 1 / 5 of the area of ​​the transverse wall.

[0019] A transverse wall is an element arranged perpendicular to the air flow within the receiving element. In particular, the transverse wall is designed to be completely permeable to air, with different areas with different air permeability levels being able to be customized as required. Therefore, the transverse wall preferably consists of a filter medium, with no baffle being implemented.

[0020] The air flow can flow through the cross wall at any point. The differences in the flow velocities of the flows passing through the open section and through the filter element are small, allowing a particularly laminar flow to be formed. Because the air flow is not slowed down by a cross wall in any section, the separation performance can be enormously improved compared to designs with cross walls and multiple through-openings from the state of the art. In particular, the separation performance can be improved by more than 100% compared to known filter modules. This can be achieved in particular by the fact that the open air flow from the inlet side to the outlet side means that the air flow is not deflected by baffles. The air flows through the air-permeable filter element, whereby particles can be deposited on the filter element.This can continue until the filter element is saturated with particles and no more air can flow through. However, the open section prevents the cross-wall from becoming "clogged," allowing continuous airflow through the open section.

[0021] With several such cross walls arranged one behind the other, a more uniform separation can be achieved, whereby even a cross wall positioned very far toward the outlet side can contribute significantly to particle separation. In particular, the cross walls are saturated with particles one after the other, with the air reaching the last cross wall through the open section in each cross wall, so that even the cross wall positioned furthest toward the outlet side can be saturated with particles. Therefore, the service life can be increased by at least 100% compared to filter modules with state-of-the-art impact walls.

[0022] The open airflow pattern allows the airflow to be directed to the outlet side without deflection, especially over long periods of filter module operation. This also reduces energy consumption. In particular, energy savings of at least 30% can be achieved compared to state-of-the-art filter modules, which are particularly designed with baffles. For example, energy savings of 40% to 50% can be achieved compared to state-of-the-art designs.

[0023] The filter element can be made of or contain a filament. In particular, the filter element can contain a natural fiber, for example, hemp, jute, and / or bast. Furthermore, the filament can contain a plastic. The filament is particularly characterized by a continuous fiber that can be bonded together as a three-dimensional structure. A 3D printing process can be used for this. Other air-permeable materials are also conceivable.

[0024] The filter element can have a woven or finely structured structure, which is particularly three-dimensional. The thickness of the filter element can be, for example, 10 mm to 200 mm or 50 mm to 200 mm, in particular 10 mm to 50 mm or 10 mm to 20 mm. This allows the formation of a three-dimensional filter element. The woven structure or filament can have interconnected fiber sections, with air-permeable spaces arranged between the fibers. The filter element can have varying degrees of fine or coarse mesh.

[0025] In addition, such a filter module has a single filter insert that does not need to be replaced over the entire service life of the filter module, whereby all elements of the filter insert can be used until they become unusable, i.e. until they become clogged by separated particles.

[0026] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least one transverse wall can have at least two open partial areas, so that the air flow from the inlet side toward the outlet side can flow, on the one hand, through the filter element and, on the other hand, through an open partial area of ​​the opening. The open partial areas can be formed as recesses in the filter element. Likewise, at least one open partial area can be formed next to the filter element, wherein the geometry of the filter element can be adapted such that the open partial area can form a residual area in a cross-sectional plane of the filter module that the filter element does not span.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the open partial regions can be mirrored to one another in the filter element. In particular, two open partial regions are mirrored with respect to a central axis of the transverse wall. The open partial regions are arranged, in particular, on a first half of the transverse wall, so that one half of the transverse wall has no open partial regions in a second half of the transverse wall. This allows, for example, identical transverse walls to be arranged one behind the other, whereby an arrangement rotated by 90°, 180°, or 270° relative to one another can form a filter insert that is highly efficient with a high degree of separation and has a very long service life.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least one open partial area can have the shape of a triangle, a rectangle, or a freeform. For example, open partial areas can be formed in, particularly opposite, corner areas of the transverse wall.

[0030] If the open partial area is formed next to the filter element, the filter element can, for example, have the shape of a partial circle, and the open partial area can have a shape which remains outside the partial circle shape up to a rectangular shape.

[0031] According to a further development, the at least one transverse wall can be designed as a sandwich panel and have a frame element, wherein the filter element is fastened to the frame element. For example, the filter element can be fixed to a surface of the frame element. In particular, the transverse wall has a circumferential frame element to which the filter element can be held. The circumferential frame serves in particular to stabilize the filter element and has hardly any effect on the efficiency of the filter mode, since the frame contributes little or nothing to the separation of the particles. In this way, a type of sandwich panel can be provided which has only low manufacturing costs. The two elements, frame element and filter element, can be cut to any size and then fastened to one another. The elements can, for example, be connected to one another or to one another in a force-fitting or material-fitting manner.In particular, retaining elements such as clamps can be used. Furthermore, the elements can be glued together. In particular, complex folding or cross-walling can be dispensed with.

[0032] The open section can be partially bounded by the frame element and partially by the filter element. The open section can be adjacent to the frame element and / or located in a corner area of ​​the transverse wall.

[0033] The filter element can also have a frame section, which can run along the frame element. The frame section of the filter element can serve as a fastening surface for the filter element, so that the filter element can be fastened to the frame element all around. In such an embodiment, the at least one open partial area is formed as a recess or opening in the filter element.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the at least one transverse wall can have at least two openings, wherein at least one opening is partially covered with a filter element, so that the air flow from the inlet side towards the outlet side can flow through the openings, firstly through the filter element and secondly through an open partial region of the opening. The further opening can be completely covered with the filter element, so that the air flow must flow through the filter element. The filter element of the openings can be formed in one piece, so that the filter element completely covers one opening and is only partially covered in a further opening. The transverse wall can therefore have a frame element with a web.The remaining web between the two openings is formed in particular with a small width in relation to the width of the opening, in particular in a ratio of 1:10, or greater than 1:10, preferably 1:40 to 1:50, in particular greater than 1:30, or greater than 1:40.

[0035] The web between the openings can therefore also serve to minimally absorb the particles, but the web preferably serves to stabilize the filter element if the latter has a special geometry, such as in particular a partial circle or circular shape. However, an embodiment without such a web is preferable. The web therefore does not form a baffle, so that the air flow is essentially unaffected by the web, i.e. in particular can flow through the filter element unaffected by the web. The web and the frame element can be formed as a single piece from a paper material, so that the openings can be easily punched or cut out.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the at least one transverse wall can have more than two openings, wherein at least one opening is completely covered with the filter element and at least one opening is partially covered with the filter material, so that an open partial area remains in at least one opening.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of transverse walls can be arranged parallel to one another in the receiving element, wherein, in the case of transverse walls arranged one behind the other, at least one open partial region of a transverse wall is arranged offset from an open partial region of an adjacent transverse wall. For example, the open partial region of the first transverse wall can be formed in a left-hand partial region, in particular in a first half, of the transverse wall, and the open partial region of the second transverse wall can be formed in a right-hand partial region, in particular in a second half, of the transverse wall. In a third transverse wall, the open partial region can be formed in an upper partial region of the transverse wall, which can in particular overlap the left and right partial regions. In a fourth transverse wall, the open partial region can be formed in a lower partial region of the transverse wall, which can in particular overlap the left and right partial regions.A fifth transverse wall can correspond to the first transverse wall, whereby the arrangement can be repeated as often as desired.

[0038] For example, identical cross walls can be arranged one behind the other, rotated by 90° to each other, in order to distribute the open sections within the filter module all around.

[0039] In other words, preferably several transverse walls are arranged one behind the other in such a way that the open partial area is formed at different positions on the transverse wall. The positions can be arranged next to one another and / or overlap. This allows the air flow to be slowed down differently at different positions. In particular, a less thoroughly cleaned portion of the air flow can reach a transverse wall located further toward the outlet side, allowing the efficiency of the filter module to be optimized. All transverse walls can therefore contribute significantly to the cleaning of the air flow.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the filter insert can have at least three, in particular three to twelve, transverse walls. For example, the transverse walls can all have the same open sections, but arranged offset from one another. Likewise, the open sections can decrease in size so that a desired degree of purification or efficiency of the filter module can be achieved. Such an arrangement can be referred to as a progressive design.

[0041] In one embodiment, the transverse walls can be arranged at different distances from each other, at least in part. The transverse walls located closer to the inlet side are preferably arranged at a greater distance from each other than the transverse walls located closer to the outlet side. A reverse arrangement is also conceivable. The filter module can be adapted to the number of particles encountered, thereby avoiding clogging.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the transverse walls can all be arranged at equal distances from each other. The different filter strengths can be achieved by the size and geometry of the open section and the filter element.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, the respective at least one open partial area of ​​adjacent transverse walls can be arranged at different positions on the transverse wall. The different positions can overlap when the transverse walls are stacked one above the other. Furthermore, the different positions can be adjacent to one another when the transverse walls are stacked one above the other.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, the open sections of consecutively arranged transverse walls can become smaller from the inlet side to the outlet side. Thus, the filtration efficiency can be adjusted from the inlet side to the outlet side solely through openings in the filter element, and thus, in particular, solely through the geometry of the filter element, without the need to adjust the geometry of a transverse wall made of an air-impermeable material to the openings or the like. In particular, the open sections of consecutively arranged transverse walls are aligned at a 180° angle to each other, allowing the achievement of a filter optimized in terms of filter performance, particularly in terms of separation behavior, service life, and energy consumption.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the at least one transverse wall can be oriented transversely to a connecting plane between the inlet side and the outlet side. Thus, the transverse wall can be oriented transversely to an air flow. Preferably, the transverse wall is oriented orthogonally to the air flow.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transverse walls can be arranged parallel to one another. This allows all transverse walls to be aligned transversely to the airflow, so that the airflow is not significantly deflected in its direction by the transverse walls.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the transverse walls can be connected to one another on at least one side edge via a longitudinal connection, so that a coherent filter insert is formed. This makes it possible to form a modular system, wherein the filter insert can be inserted into the receiving element as one piece. The longitudinal connection can be pivotally attached to the transverse walls so that the filter insert can be pushed together so that the transverse walls are arranged parallel and touch each other for transport. For example, two longitudinal connections can be arranged on two opposite sides, into which the transverse walls are inserted. In this case, the frame elements in particular can serve for fastening to the longitudinal connection.

[0048] According to a further development, the transverse walls can extend over a complete length between the inlet side and the outlet side and / or the at least one longitudinal wall can extend over a complete width of the receiving element, so that only one filter insert spans an interior space of the receiving element.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the inlet side of the receiving element can have at least one opening, with the filter element spanning the opening with the at least one open portion of at least one transverse wall closest to the inlet side. This allows the air flow to be cleaned to impinge completely on the filter element without contact with a non-air-permeable element, such as a transverse wall with several smaller openings. Such an open air flow can increase the service life and separation performance of the filter module by at least 100% compared to known filter modules with several smaller openings in the transverse wall.

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving element and / or the filter insert can contain a recyclable material and / or the filter module can be designed as a paper filter module. The receiving element is preferably made of cardboard. Such a filter module can be easily disposed of, especially incinerated, even with adhering particles. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs are minimal.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the filter element can be made of a filament, a nonwoven, and / or a natural fiber. The filter element can contain a woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, or the like, which is also recyclable. The filter element can have a woven or finely structured structure, which is particularly three-dimensional and can contain the aforementioned materials.

[0052] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one sensor for measuring the speed of the purified airflow and / or for measuring a resistance value can be arranged at the outlet opening. This can advantageously be used to determine when a filter module needs to be replaced. If, for example, the speed of the purified airflow is below a threshold value, it can be assumed that the filter module is so contaminated that hardly any more air can flow through it.

[0053] According to a further development, a chamber can be arranged on the outlet side within the receiving element, which serves to accommodate a filter element. This allows for the formation of a fine filtration stage that filters out the smallest particles from the air stream.

[0054] According to an advantageous embodiment, the receiving element can be resealable or reopenable, with at least one closure element formed on a side surface of the receiving element. Preferably, the closure element can be completely recessed within the side wall of the receiving element, so that it does not hinder the arrangement of several filter modules on top of one another or next to one another to form a continuous surface.

[0055] According to a further idea, a method for assembling a filter module can be provided. In this case, prior to assembly, a substantially two-dimensional structure without cavities can be present by full-surface contact of the at least one longitudinal connection with the transverse walls. This structure is transformed into a three-dimensional structure with spaced-apart transverse walls during assembly, without the transverse walls or the at least one longitudinal connection being bent.

[0056] Advantageously, the receiving element can also be provided as an essentially two-dimensional structure, constructed similarly to a cardboard box. This allows both elements—the receiving element and the filter insert—to be transported in a space-saving manner. Assembly of the filter module is also time-saving and can be done without prior knowledge.

[0057] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0058] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 different designs of transverse walls of a filter insert; Fig. 2 different designs of cross walls of a filter insert; Fig. 3 different designs of cross walls of a filter insert; Fig. 4 different designs of cross walls of a filter insert; Fig. 5 an embodiment of a filter insert; Fig. 6 an embodiment of a filter module in a schematic representation; Fig. 7 an isometric view of a filter insert; Fig. 8 a side view of the filter attachment from Fig. 7 in a folded state; Fig. 9 a plan view of embodiments of the filter module Fig. 10 a plan view of embodiments of the filter module; Fig. 11 further embodiments of transverse walls of a filter insert; Fig. 12 an embodiment of a filter insert; Fig. 13 further embodiments of transverse walls of a filter insert; Fig. 14 further embodiments of transverse walls of a filter insert; Fig. 15 further embodiments of transverse walls of a filter insert; Fig. 16 an embodiment of a filter module in an isometric representation with a detailed view of a closure element; Fig. 17 further embodiments of transverse walls of a filter insert.

[0059] The accompanying drawing figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will become apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to one another.

[0060] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0061] The Fig. 1 to 4 show different embodiments of transverse walls 7 of a filter insert 6. The transverse walls 7 each have an opening 8 in a frame element 11, wherein the opening 8 forms almost the entire surface of the transverse wall 7. In the filter element 9, two open partial areas 10 are formed, which in this embodiment are arranged symmetrically with respect to a horizontal or a vertical axis. It is also conceivable to form the openings asymmetrically. Furthermore, only one open partial area 10 can be formed in each transverse wall 7, as shown by way of example in Fig. 13 or Fig. 14 shown.

[0062] The open sections 10 are shown as square, triangular or rectangular openings in the filter element 9. Other geometries, for example as in Fig. 13 or Fig. 14, are also conceivable.

[0063] The embodiments show a filter element 9 that is attached to a frame element 11. For this purpose, the filter element 9 can be glued to the frame element, for example, in particular pointwise or continuously. Furthermore, fixing means, such as clamps, can be used. For this purpose, the filter element 99 can have a frame section, in particular in the area of ​​the open partial areas 10, which can be contacted with the frame element 11. The frame section can run along the frame element 11. The frame section of the filter element 9 can serve as a fastening surface of the filter element, so that the filter element can be fastened all around to the frame element. A design without the frame element 11 is also conceivable, as in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 shown as an example.

[0064] The execution according to Fig. 1 shows, for example, a transverse wall 7 with large open sections 10, the size of the sections in the Fig. 2 to 4 in size. Thus, cross walls with a coarse filter, for example Fig. 2, a medium filtering, for example Fig. 3, and a fine filtering, for example Fig. 4, be trained.

[0065] The transverse walls of the Fig. 1 to 4 comprise a filter element 9 in which two open partial areas 10 are formed. Likewise, the open partial area 10 can be formed next to the filter element 9, as in Fig. 11, Fig. 15 or Fig. 17 shown.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, receptacles 23 and recesses 24 can be arranged on the lateral edge sections of the transverse wall 7, in particular on the frame element 11 or also on the filter element 9. The transverse walls 7 can therefore be connected to one another via longitudinal connections 14, as shown for example in Fig. 7. Therefore, longitudinal connections 14 can be attached to opposite side areas of the transverse walls 7. For example, four longitudinal connections 14 can be arranged, wherein the transverse walls, for example, have receptacles 23 and recesses 24 as shown in Fig. 4 (b).

[0067] In Fig. 5 shows an arrangement of the transverse walls one behind the other, so that a filter element can be formed. The filter properties can be arranged one behind the other from coarse to fine, as shown by way of example. Likewise, at least one embodiment according to Fig. 1 or in front of the transverse wall 7 shown on the left. When the filter module is operated with such a filter insert, the air initially flows through all of the transverse walls 7, since these are made of a filter material that is, in particular, at least partially permeable to air. The entire surface of the transverse wall can therefore be flowed through, whereby the filter module has no baffles. Therefore, the entire cross-section of the transverse wall can also be used to separate particles. As the particles are separated, the surface area of ​​the filter element increases and at some point the filter material becomes saturated, so that a baffle is advantageously only formed in the saturated state. In other words, the baffle can be formed, so to speak, from separated particles.The open section 10 advantageously enables airflow through the transverse wall even when saturated, so that the transverse walls 7 arranged behind it are also continuously supplied with air and can contribute to the separation process. This allows the entire filter insert to be gradually saturated. The filter modules can therefore be replaced much later than with known filter modules that have baffles from the outset. The filter according to the invention can therefore absorb a much larger quantity of particles.

[0068] In the version shown in Fig. 5, the transverse walls are arranged rotated 90° to each other, so that the open partial areas 10 of adjacent transverse walls 7 are either arranged next to each other or partially overlap.

[0069] The Fig. 5 shown transverse walls can also have receptacles 23 and recesses 24 as in Fig. 4 (a) or Fig. 4 (b) shown.

[0070] The arrangement of the transverse walls 7 from Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 can be used as in Fig. 12, so that the transverse walls are arranged rotated 180° to each other.

[0071] Fig. 6 shows a filter module 1 with a receiving element 2 and a filter insert 6 with an open cover 29. An opening 13 is arranged on the inlet side 3, which can, for example, correspond to the opening 8 (not shown) of the transverse wall 7, which is arranged closest to the inlet side 3. Opposite the inlet side 3, an outlet side 5 is arranged on the receiving element 2, which has an opening 28. The opening 28 is preferably formed over almost the entire side surface of the receiving element 2 in order to ensure that the purified air 4b is discharged as quickly as possible.

[0072] Fig. 7 shows an isometric representation of a filter insert 6. To form a three-dimensional structure, the transverse walls 7 are arranged essentially at right angles to one another. At one lateral end of the transverse walls 7, the transverse walls 7 can be connected to one another via longitudinal connections 14, also referred to as centering clamps. For this purpose, each of the transverse walls 7 can have receptacles 23 and recesses 24, in particular on the frame element 11 or also on the filter element 9. The three-dimensional structure can be produced by the longitudinal connections 14. The longitudinal connection 14 can, for example, have recesses 22 into which an operator can reach with their fingers. This makes it easier to set the longitudinal connections 14. Advantageously, the longitudinal connection 14 also has a fold 25 which extends over the length of the longitudinal connection 14.If an operator now reaches into the recesses 22 with their fingers, the longitudinal connection 14 folds along the fold 25, making it easier to position. Preferably, the longitudinal connection 14 is slightly longer than the distance between the two receptacles 23 so that it can be securely clamped between them.

[0073] Fig. 8 shows a side view of the filter attachment 6 from Fig. 10 in a folded state. It can be seen that the transverse walls 7 are tilted relative to the longitudinal connections 14 in order to form a two-dimensional structure according to Fig. 8 a three-dimensional structure according to Fig. 7. When the filter insert 6 is assembled into a three-dimensional structure with rectangular or square cavities 19, the transverse walls 7 are therefore not bent. Overall, the filter insert 6 therefore exhibits high stability. Furthermore, the folded filter insert can be easily transported. This can achieve a volume reduction of > 30%, in particular between 30% and 80%, depending on the design and configuration of the transverse walls.

[0074] Fig. Figure 9 shows two top views of two further embodiments. The direction of the air flow 4 is indicated by the arrows. Each of the air flows 4 is a laminar flow, with no meandering diversion to adjacent air flows, i.e., parallel or transverse to the transverse walls 7, and thus no deflection of the air flow to the left or right in the illustration. Thus, an open air flow can be implemented, with the air flow being able to be guided completely through air-permeable material within the filter insert 6. Fig. 6 (a), the receiving element 2 has a chamber 15 on the outlet side 5, in which a filter element 16, in particular referred to as a post-filter, is arranged. This allows the air 4a to be purified to a very fine level in a final step.

[0075] Fig. 10 (a) and Fig. 10 (b) each show a plan view of a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the transverse walls 7 are arranged at different distances from one another. Preferably, the transverse walls 7 are arranged at a greater distance from one another in the region of the inlet side 3, since in this region most of the particles from the air to be cleaned adhere to the filter insert 6. In the region of the outlet side 5, the transverse walls 7 are arranged closer together. This allows for fine cleaning of the air flow. With such an arrangement, a distribution of the particles over the entire filter insert 6 can be specifically adapted, so that the filter module 1 can be used effectively over a particularly long period of time.

[0076] Each transverse wall of the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 can be used as in Fig. 1 to 4 11 to 15 or 17 trained.

[0077] Fig. 11 shows two further embodiments of how open partial areas 10 can be formed in the openings 8.

[0078] Between the openings 8, a web is provided, which can be connected to the frame element 11, in particular in one piece. The web is comparatively thin, so that it serves only to stabilize the filter element 9, but is not designed to separate particles. Accordingly, the open air flow is not impaired by the web. The web can form a fraction of the surface of the transverse wall 7, in particular in a ratio of 1:20 to 1:50, preferably 1:20 to 1:25 or 1:30 to 1:40. Fig. 11 (a) open sections 10 are formed in all openings. The filter element 9 is circular in shape, so that each opening 8 is partially covered by a partially circular filter element 9. This allows for open air flow through the open sections 10 at the corners. Fig. 11 (b) the upper opening 8 is formed without a filter element 9, while the lower opening is covered with a filter element 9.

[0079] Fig. 12 shows adjacently arranged transverse walls 7 with open partial areas 10 in a further embodiment according to Fig. 13. The open partial areas 10 of each transverse wall 7 are arranged in different positions on the transverse wall 7, wherein in this embodiment the open partial areas 10 of the transverse walls 7 do not overlap in an assembled state of the filter insert 6. The air to be cleaned can thus be Fig. 5 describe, whereby a high degree of efficiency can be achieved.

[0080] Different variants can also be combined so that an element from Fig. 1 behind or in front of an element Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 11, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 or Fig. 15 can be arranged. Likewise, one or more transverse walls 7 can be arranged between them or at the end, in which no open partial area 10 is provided, but the transverse wall 7 is completely spanned by the filter element 9. In this case, a progressive structure can be implemented.

[0081] For example, 8 to 12 transverse walls 7 can be arranged one behind the other. A different number is also conceivable. The spacing of the transverse walls 7 can become smaller toward the exit side.

[0082] Fig. 16 shows an embodiment of a filter module 6 in an isometric view with a detailed view of a closure element 18. The closure elements 18 are arranged on the upper side 20 of the receiving element 2. The upper side 20 has four elements that together form a cover 29. Two closure elements 18 are arranged on each of the elements. Two further elements of the cover 29 each have two slots 27. The slots 27 are arranged offset from one another. Consequently, the closure elements 18 are also arranged offset from one another in the same way.

[0083] In the detailed view in Fig. 16 (b) shows that the closure element 18 consists of a tab 26 that can engage a slot 27 in another element of the lid 29. The tab 26 is inserted into the slot 27 from above and bent in the direction of the arrow. As a result, the receiving element 2 has a flat upper side 20. The upper side 20 is designed similarly to a packaging carton, having two inner tabs and two outer tabs, which together form a lid 29.

[0084] In this embodiment, the receiving element 2 has four substantially rectangular openings 13 on the side surface forming an inlet side 3. Before use of the filter module 1, these openings can be closed by removable elements to prevent contamination of the filter insert 6. These removable elements can be easily removed manually via access holes or recesses. For this purpose, the shape of the openings 13 is preferably predefined by a perforation. Likewise, the opening 13 on the outlet side 5 can be formed as shown in Fig. 6 and initially closed by a removable element.

[0085] In Fig.Figure 17 shows a further embodiment of a transverse wall 7, wherein the filter element 9 has a triangular shape or a distorted quadrilateral shape. The open partial area 10 can therefore be arranged adjacent to the filter element, i.e., next to the filter element 9. A frame element 11 is preferably provided, so that the open partial area 10 is partially delimited by the frame element 11 and partially by the filter element 9. At the same time, the filter element 9 can be attached to the frame element.

[0086] Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

[0087] For example, the open sub-areas 10 can have different configurations. The shape may differ from the illustrated form. Likewise, the arrangement of the open sub-areas 10 may differ from the illustrated manner. List of reference symbols 1 filter module 2 receiving element 3 Entrance side 4 Airflow 5 Exit side 6 filter insert 7 Cross wall 8 Opening of the transverse wall 9 Filter element 10 open section 11 Frame element 12 Interior 13 Opening of the entrance side 14 Longitudinal connection 15 chambers 16 Filter material 17 Side surface 18 Closure element 19 Cavity 20 Top 21 Plate element 22 Recess 23 Recording of the transverse wall 24 Return 25 fold 26 tab 28 Opening of the exit side 29 lids

Claims

[1] Filter module (1) for separating particles from contaminated air, in particular for separating paint particles from an air stream, with a receiving element (2) having an inlet side (3) for the inlet of an air flow (4a) to be cleaned and an outlet side (5) for the outlet of the cleaned air flow (4b), wherein the inlet side (3) and the outlet side (5) are arranged opposite one another on the receiving element (2), at least one filter insert (6) which is received in the receiving element (2), wherein the filter insert (6) has at least one transverse wall (7), and the transverse wall (7) is formed from an at least partially air-permeable filter element (9), wherein an open partial area (10) is formed in the filter element (9) or next to the filter element (9), so that the air flow (4) can flow from the inlet side (3) in the direction of the outlet side (5) on the one hand through the filter element (9) and on the other hand through the open partial area (10). [2] Filter module (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one transverse wall (7) has at least two open partial areas (10). [3] Filter module (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the open partial areas (10) are mirrored to one another in the filter element (9). [4] Filter module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one open partial area (10) has the shape of a triangle, rectangle or a free form. [5] Filter module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one transverse wall (7) is designed as a sandwich panel and has a frame element (11), wherein the filter element (9) is fastened to the frame element (11). [6] Filter module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a plurality of transverse walls (7) are arranged parallel to one another in the receiving element (2), wherein, when the transverse walls (7) are arranged one behind the other, at least one open partial area (10) of a transverse wall (7) is arranged offset from an open partial area (10) of an adjacent transverse wall (7). [7] Filter module (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the filter insert (6) has at least two, in particular three to twelve, transverse walls (7). [8] Filter module (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized bythat the respective at least one open partial area (10) of adjacent transverse walls (7) is arranged at different positions on the transverse wall (7). [9] Filter module (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the open partial areas (10) of transverse walls (7) arranged one behind the other become smaller from the inlet side (3) towards the outlet side (5). [10] Filter module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one transverse wall (7) is aligned transversely to a connecting plane between the inlet side (3) and the outlet side (6). [11] Filter module (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by that the transverse walls (7) are arranged parallel to each other. [12] Filter module (1) according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized bythat the transverse walls (7) are connected to one another on at least one side edge via a longitudinal connection (14), so that a continuous filter insert (6) is formed. [13] Filter module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one transverse wall (7) extends over a complete width of the receiving element (2), so that only one filter insert (6) spans an interior space (12) of the receiving element (2). [14] Filter module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inlet side (3) of the receiving element (2) has at least one opening (13), wherein the filter element (9) spans the opening (13) with the at least one open partial area (10) of at least one transverse wall (7) closest to the inlet side (3). [15] Filter module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the receiving element (2) and / or the filter insert (6) contain a recyclable material, and / or that the filter element is formed from a filament, a fleece and / or a natural fiber.

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