Paint mist separator device for mounting on a filter and / or separator module functioning as a paint mist separator

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of the separation of particles carried along with an air stream (raw gas stream), namely the separation of paint or varnish particles carried along with a so-called paint mist (paint mist separation).

[0002] Devices for this purpose are already known, for example in the form of the filter module described in EP 2 532 409 B.

[0003] One object of the present invention is to further improve the separation of paint or varnish particles, hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as particles. This object is achieved according to the invention by means of a paint mist separation device, sometimes referred to as a device for short, having the features of claim 1. Such a device is intended for attachment outside in front of or outside in front of as well as outside on a filter and / or separation module which itself functions as a paint mist separator - hereinafter often referred to briefly and collectively as a filter module - for example a filter module according to EP 2 532 409 B. The device is designed for use with and for attachment outside in front of or outside in front of as well as outside on such a filter module.For such an attachment, the device has corresponding means, namely tabs which can be brought into engagement with an inlet opening in the respective filter module or inserted into a gap between the filter module and a housing accommodating the filter module and are or are inserted there, for example, on the outside of the filter module for attaching the device.

[0004] Regarding the location of the device (paint mist separation device), it is intended to be mounted either outside in front of and outside on a respective filter module ("outside in front of and outside on" or in short: "outside in front of and on" or "outside on and in front of") or alternatively outside in front of ("outside in front of") a respective filter module.

[0005] In any case, installation in a flow path of a raw gas stream, as occurs during intended use of the filter and / or separation module (a raw gas stream resulting from intended use of the filter and / or separation module), through the filter and / or separation module is provided. This means that the device is located in a flow path that passes through the filter module and is located in front of the filter module in the direction of this flow path, i.e., upstream of the filter module. Another possibility for determining the installation location, "outside in front of the filter module" or "outside of the filter module," refers to a so-called sealing plane of the filter module. A filter module is usually sealed on the side facing the raw gas stream (front side; side surface with the inlet opening) to the respective adjacent surfaces at the edges, for example, a housing.For sealing, one option is to tape the surfaces adjacent to the edges. The respective seal, together with the front of the filter module, defines the sealing plane. A pre-separator placed in front of the filter module is located in front of the sealing plane (upstream of the sealing plane).

[0006] An attachment outside a respective filter module means an attachment in which the device is in direct or at least indirect contact with the filter module.

[0007] Attachment to the outside of a filter module and in front of the filter module means that the device attached to the filter module ("outside") is in direct contact with the filter module due to the attachment, but is located entirely or at least substantially outside the filter module, but in any case in front of the filter module as described above ("outside").

[0008] In both installation situations, the paint mist separation device is intended for installation outside a respective filter module and, when installed, is located outside the filter module. The installation or possibility of installation outside a respective filter module always implies installation / possibility of installation in front of the respective filter module. Accordingly, the following may not always state that the paint mist separation device is actually located in front of the filter module in the sense described above or is intended for such a position. This should always be read.

[0009] When mounted on the outside or at least in front of a respective filter module, the device (paint mist separation device) first comes into contact with the raw gas stream flowing towards the respective filter module. The device therefore functions as an inlet or upstream separation stage with respect to the filter module located behind (downstream) the device in the direction of flow of the raw gas stream and is therefore often referred to as a pre-separator. In the following, the terms device, paint mist separation device, and pre-separator therefore refer to the same thing, and whenever one of these terms is used, the other terms or the expression "paint mist separation device for mounting on or at least in front of a filter module" must always be read along with it. The paint mist separation device can also be referred to as an impact separator and functions as an impact separator.

[0010] The device (the pre-separator) comprises at least one central surface and side surfaces adjoining the central surface. The device (the pre-separator) can be attached, in particular detachably, to the outside of (on and in front of) or outside in front of the respective filter module by means of the ends of the side surfaces. For use of the device (the pre-separator) together with a respective filter module, the device (the pre-separator) is attached to the outside of (on and in front of) the filter module, but in any case in front of the filter module.

[0011] During operation, a portion of the particles entrained in the raw gas stream are already deposited on the pre-separator, ensuring the pre-separation function. In the flow direction downstream of the pre-separator, the incoming raw gas stream enters the interior of the filter module through an inlet opening in the respective filter module, as before, and passes over at least one edge of the central surface of the pre-separator (or at least one edge of the central surface and at least one edge of each of the side surfaces of the pre-separator). This leads at least in part to a deflection, in particular multiple deflections, of the raw gas stream, and a previously (upstream of the pre-separator) possibly laminar or at least essentially laminar flow becomes, at least locally (in the area of ​​the edge(s) of the pre-separator), a turbulent flow with vortices.Such vortices promote separation in the area of ​​vortex formation and thus in the area of ​​the pre-separator.

[0012] The advantage of the device, and thus also the advantage of using such a device, is that, due to its arrangement / possibility of being placed on the device, a portion of the particles entrained with the raw gas stream is already separated (functioning as a pre-separator) upstream of a filter module. This increases the service life of the downstream filter module, which might otherwise function as the sole separation device. If or by removing the proposed device from the respective filter module once the device is loaded to a certain extent with separated particles, the respective filter module can then be used either alone or with a new device.Preferably, the central surface, when mounted on or at least in front of the respective filter module, is oriented transversely or at least substantially transversely to the incoming raw gas stream, and the raw gas stream impinges head-on on the central surface (impact surface; the pre-separator functions as an impact separator) of the pre-separator. The side surfaces adjoining the central surface allow mounting at least in front of the respective filter module, and in some cases also in front of and on the respective filter module.

[0013] During the patent office search for the German utility model application establishing priority (DE 20 2021 102 947.1), DE 10 2009 022 459 A1 and CN 209 985 061 U1 were identified as prior art.

[0014] DE 10 2009 022 459 A1 discloses a pre-separator for the intake and exhaust openings of spray mist extraction systems. This pre-separator consists of two levels with semi-tubular impact segments, with the respective half-tubes facing each other with their open sides. The known pre-separator therefore does not have a central surface, but rather a plurality of impact segments. Consequently, it does not have any side surfaces adjoining a central surface, and is also not designed for attachment to a filter and / or separation module via such side surfaces.

[0015] CN 209 985 061 U1 discloses a configuration whose components can be broadly considered a filter and / or separation module and a paint mist separation device within the meaning of the description presented here. However, the paint mist separation device in that configuration cannot be attached to the filter and / or separation module in that configuration, and, above all, the paint mist separation device in that configuration does not have any side surfaces adjoining a central surface by means of which it could be attached to a filter and / or separation module.

[0016] US 2021 / 046412 A1 discloses the use of a flat unit ("entry plate") in front of a filter element. The flat unit has no tabs or the like for attachment to or in front of the filter element.

[0017] A filter module for a paint mist separator is known from DE 10 2014 003 608 A1. The filter module comprises a filter housing for accommodating a filter body. The filter body comprises filter units with flat central surfaces. The filter units are inserted into the filter housing from a dust-air side and are therefore not attached to or in front of the filter module. Furthermore, the filter units do not have tabs for insertion into an inlet opening or into a gap between the filter module and an external housing.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. References within the claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the referenced claim by the features of the respective dependent claim. They are not to be understood as a waiver of independent, objective protection for the features or combinations of features of a dependent claim. Furthermore, with regard to the interpretation of the claims and the description, if a feature in a dependent claim is specified in more detail, it must be assumed that such a limitation is not present in the respective preceding claims or in a more general embodiment of the device in question. Accordingly, any reference in the description to aspects of dependent claims is to be expressly read as a description of optional features, even without a specific reference.

[0019] With regard to the pre-separator, it is intended that it has tabs at the free end of each side surface, or that the side surfaces taper into such tabs, i.e., the terminal section of the respective side surface forms the tab. Regarding these tabs, it is intended that they serve as the aforementioned means for detachable attachment outside of or to a filter module.

[0020] For a pre-separator designed for attachment to the outside of a filter module, these tabs serve as a means for detachable attachment to the outside of and in front of the respective filter module. The pre-separator can be attached to the outside of and in front of the respective filter module, for example, by engaging the aforementioned means, namely the tabs, in an inlet opening in the respective filter module. For a pre-separator designed for attachment to the outside of a filter module, these tabs serve as a means for detachable attachment to the outside of the respective filter module. The pre-separator can be detachably attached to the outside of the respective filter module, for example, by inserting the tabs into a gap that remains between the filter module and a housing surrounding the filter module.

[0021] Optionally, the tabs on the pre-separator are provided for in a hook shape. When mounted on the outside of and in front of a filter module, such tabs allow, for example, hooking into the inlet opening of the filter module, with the hook-shaped tabs engaging above or behind part of the edge around the inlet opening. When mounted on the outside of a filter module, such hook-shaped tabs allow, for example, the pre-separator to be hooked onto pins or the like provided for this purpose in the gap between the filter module and the surrounding housing. Another optional feature with regard to the pre-separator is that it is a single piece, with kinks within the overall surface of the pre-separator forming front edges of the pre-separator and a boundary between the central surface and each side surface.Particularly preferably, the pre-separator has perforations that facilitate proper folding and precisely determine the location of the folds. Possible materials for the pre-separator include cardboard, paperboard (especially solid board or corrugated board), plastic, metal, or the like.

[0022] Optionally, the side surfaces of the single-piece or, if applicable, a multi-piece pre-separator have a triangular or at least essentially triangular shape. The envelope contour of the pre-separator thus results in the overall geometric shape of a right prism with a triangular or essentially triangular base (the side surfaces of the pre-separator are the base surfaces of the geometric shape of the prism), i.e., a shape similar to the front of a hopper. In any case, with such a shape, in the area of ​​the edges of the side surfaces facing away from the tips of the triangular or essentially triangular side surfaces, an inflow area is created that is delimited by these edges (as well as by the upper edge of the central surface and the front of the respective filter module).On the opposite side, i.e., in the area of ​​the tips or shortest edges of the triangular or substantially triangular side surfaces, a lower edge of the central surface there adjoins the front of the respective filter module (and, in a special, optional embodiment described below, even extends into the filter module by means of a tab adjoining the central surface) or at least substantially adjoins this front. When installed, a pre-separator with such triangular or at least substantially triangular side surfaces is oriented, for example, such that the tips of the side surfaces or the shortest edges of the side surfaces are oriented downward, i.e., in the direction of gravitational action. An orientation exactly the other way around (i.e., rotated by 180°), as well as a rotation of 90° or 270°, is also possible.

[0023] As an alternative to triangular or at least substantially triangular side surfaces, rectangular or at least substantially rectangular side surfaces can also be considered. In this case, the upward-facing edges of the side surfaces and the upward-facing edge of the central surface form an upper edge of the pre-separator, and the corresponding lower edges form a lower edge of the pre-separator. These, together with the front of the respective filter module, define an upper and lower inflow area, respectively.

[0024] Optionally, with regard to the pre-separator, it is provided that its central surface has a width, measured from one side surface to the opposite side surface, that corresponds to the width of an inlet opening in the respective filter module or at least substantially corresponds to this width, and that the device (the pre-separator) can be attached to the respective filter module by engaging in this inlet opening, in particular by engaging the tabs in this inlet opening. With such a width, i.e., a width corresponding to the width of the inlet opening in the respective filter module, the pre-separator covers the inlet opening at least in this dimension.

[0025] Further optionally, with regard to this embodiment of the pre-separator, it is also provided that a height of the central surface measured transversely to an axis of the central surface that determines the width (axis from one side surface to the opposite side surface) is greater than the height of the inlet opening in the respective filter module. Optionally, this height of the central surface is at least large enough that, in an orthogonal projection of the device (the pre-separator) onto the front side of the respective filter module with the inlet opening there, an upper edge of the central surface at least coincides with the upper edge of the inlet opening or essentially coincides with this upper edge. The pre-separator then covers the inlet opening in two dimensions, i.e., in the two dimensions that determine the size of the inlet opening, and accordingly, its function as a pre-separator is particularly well ensured.The height of the central surface, measured transversely to its width, can optionally be even greater than previously described, so that in an orthogonal projection, the upper edge of the central surface lies above the upper edge of the inlet opening. This ensures, on the one hand, complete coverage of the inlet opening by the pre-separator and, on the other hand, leads to an even stronger deflection of the incoming raw gas flow and a correspondingly increased vortex formation in the raw gas flow as it passes over the upper edge(s) of the pre-separator and flows into the filter module. Such vortices promote separation in the vortex formation area and thus in the area of ​​the pre-separator.

[0026] For a particularly robust attachment of the pre-separator to a respective filter module, hook-shaped tabs are advantageously provided at least on one side. Such a hook shape is achieved, for example, by means of a slot in each tab, particularly in the area of ​​such a kink in the case of a tab that adjoins a respective side surface with a kink.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the surfaces against which the air flows when the device is used as a pre-separator, i.e., at least the central surface and at least partially also the side surfaces, can be structured, i.e., have a surface that deviates from a flat and / or closed surface. Such a structured surface increases the effective surface area for separation. The structuring takes the form, for example, of holes in the central surface and / or the side surfaces.

[0028] A further advantage of using the device (the pre-separator) proposed here is that the device (the pre-separator) causes turbulence in the raw gas flow on the inlet side of the respective filter module, thus preventing the formation of a center of gravity with respect to an impact location or impact area of ​​the raw gas flow on the surface of the filter module facing the incoming raw gas flow.

[0029] According to the approach proposed here, the paint mist separation device (the pre-separator / device) is designed to separate particles entrained by an air stream (raw gas stream). In any case, it is not a device for separating material entrained by a liquid, for example. As a paint mist separation device, it separates the particles entrained by an air stream (raw gas stream) on at least one surface, thus retaining at least a portion of the particles entrained by the raw gas stream.

[0030] This already results in a noticeable reduction of particles carried along with a raw gas flow on a so-called clean air side of the paint mist separation device (the clean air side - clean air side - is the downstream side, related to the flow direction of the raw gas flow) compared to an upstream - raw gas side, inflow side - particle quantity.

[0031] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Corresponding objects or elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0032] The exemplary embodiment is not to be understood as a limitation of the invention. Rather, additions and modifications are also entirely possible within the scope of the present disclosure, in particular those that, for example, can be derived by a person skilled in the art with regard to solving the problem through the combination or modification of individual features or method steps described in the general or specific description and contained in the claims and / or the drawings, and that, through combinable features, lead to a new subject matter or to new method steps or method step sequences within the scope of the claims.

[0033] It shows Figure 1a device - "pre-separator" - for detachable attachment to the outside of a filter and / or separation module, Figure 2the pre-separator according to Figure 1 in flat state, Figure 3 the pre-separator according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 in a state attached to a filter and / or separation module, Figure 4 a filter and / or separation module and a pre-separator according to Figure 3 , with a compared to Figure 3 pre-separator mounted in a different orientation, Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a pre-separator, wherein the pre-separator is mounted externally on a filter and / or separation module, Figure 6 shows the pre-separator according to Figure 5 in flat state, Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a pre-separator, wherein the pre-separator is mounted outside in front of a filter and / or separation module, Figure 8 and Figure 9 show a filter module wall with filter and / or separation modules each provided with a pre-separator.

[0034] The representations in Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an example of an embodiment of a device 10 which is often referred to below as a pre-separator 10 due to its essential function, namely on the one hand ( Figure 1 ) in an isometric view and on the other hand ( Figure 2 ) in a view in flat form, as is considered, for example, for transport. This device 10 (the pre-separator 10) is designed for detachable attachment to the outside of a filter and / or separation module 12, often referred to here briefly and collectively as a filter module 12 ( Figure 3 ) was determined and established.

[0035] To the extent that relative terms such as "top" and "bottom" are used in the description presented here, this refers to a typical usage and installation situation of a respective filter module 12, namely the orientation shown in the figures. Attaching a pre-separator 10 externally on or in front of a respective filter module 12 can, in principle, also be carried out in an orientation of the respective filter module 12 that differs from the usage and installation situation; the filter module 12 is then rotated compared to the usage and installation situation. With such a rotated orientation, the meaning of such relative terms, as well as the meaning of other terms referring to such terms, such as "lateral," also changes accordingly. This must be read throughout the entire description presented here.

[0036] The device 10 functions as a swirling and separation device (pre-separator 10) located upstream of the filter module 12 on the inlet side—on the inlet side with respect to an incoming raw gas stream S (Figure 3) passing through the filter module. With a pre-separator 10 mounted externally on the filter module 12—and similarly with a pre-separator 10 mounted externally in front of the filter module 12—the raw gas stream S, for example an air stream contaminated with paint overspray or the like, which typically carries particles, particularly particles in the form of paint and / or varnish particles, first strikes the pre-separator 10 and only then the filter module 12. This causes an initial separation of particles entrained with the raw gas stream S already at the pre-separator 10. Since an initial separation of particles already occurs at the pre-separator 10, these particles do not need to be separated in or on the filter module 12.This increases the service life of the filter module 12. The pre-separator 10 can be replaced repeatedly and with a new pre-separator 10 whenever this becomes necessary due to the amount of particles separated by the pre-separator 10. Replacing the filter module 12 is only necessary when this also becomes necessary due to the amount of particles it absorbs. Then, subsequent pre-separators 10 can be used with such a new filter module 12, and so on.

[0037] The pre-separator 10 comprises at least one central surface 14 and side surfaces 16, 18 adjoining the central surface 14. By means of these side surfaces 16, 18, in particular by means of the ends of these side surfaces 16, 18, this embodiment of the pre-separator 10 can be attached to the outside of the respective filter module 12 (filter and / or separation module 12) and is attached to the outside of such a filter module 12 for use with the latter and is attached to the outside of the respective filter module 12 when the filter module 12 is used together with the pre-separator 10, as is shown by way of example in the illustration in Figure 3 is shown.

[0038] Advantageously, the pre-separator 10, as shown in the embodiment, is made of one piece and consists, for example, of cardboard, paperboard (in particular solid cardboard or corrugated cardboard), plastic, metal, or the like. Advantageously, as also shown in the embodiment, at least the central surface 14 is a flat section of the pre-separator 10, wherein the designation "flat" means that the central surface 14 essentially extends only in two dimensions (apart from a thickness determined by a respective material thickness). In the embodiment shown, this also applies to the side surfaces 16, 18.

[0039] At the transition from the central surface 14 to each side surface 16, 18, a one-piece pre-separator 10 has kinks, particularly perforated kinks, which are referred to below as front edges 20, 22. These, along with the area of ​​the central surface 14 and the areas of the side surfaces 16, 18, determine the basic shape of the pre-separator 10 and form a boundary between the central surface 14 and each side surface 16, 18.

[0040] The side surfaces 16, 18 advantageously have a triangular or at least substantially triangular shape, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, but in a fundamentally optional manner. In a substantially triangular shape (also shown in the exemplary embodiment), a true vertex is missing. In any case, each side surface 16, 18 has a side that can be regarded as the base of the triangular or at least substantially triangular shape and two further sides that can be regarded as legs of the triangular or at least substantially triangular shape adjoining this base. One of these legs is the boundary between the central surface 14 and the side surface 16, 18. The other leg is the boundary line to a tab 24, 26 adjoining the side surface 16, 18 and functioning as a module engagement section.For each side surface 16, 18 - at least in the case of a substantially triangular shape - one edge extending from the boundary (front edge 20, 22) with the central surface 14 is longer than the other edge of the same side surface 16, 18 extending from this boundary. For the purpose of differentiation, this longer edge is referred to below as the upper edge 16', 18' (upper edge / top edge 16', 18' of the side surface 16, 18) and this shorter edge is referred to below accordingly as the lower edge 16", 18" (lower edge / bottom edge 16", 18" of the side surfaces 16, 18); in the illustration in . Figure 1 the lower edge 16" of the side surface 16 in the background is hidden (see Figure 2). The length of the lower edge 16", 18" can be so short that it can no longer be considered an actual edge. In this case, the side surface 16, 18 is no longer essentially triangular, but truly triangular. By designating two edges of the side surfaces 16, 18 as upper and lower edges 16', 18', 16", 18", the edges of the central surface 14 can also be named accordingly. An upper edge 14' (top edge 14') of the central surface 14 is accordingly an edge of this central surface 14 which adjoins the upper edges 16', 18' of the side surfaces 16, 18. The edge of the central surface 14 opposite the upper edge 14' is accordingly its lower edge (bottom edge).

[0041] The upper edge 14' of the central surface 14 and the upper edges 16', 18' of the two side surfaces 16, 18 together form an upper edge or the upper edges of the pre-separator 10 and, when attached to a filter module 12, together with the filter module 12, namely a front side of the filter module 12 (front side with respect to a flow direction during operation), delimit an inflow area E ( Figure 3 ), namely an inflow area E in the area delimited by the central surface 14 and the two side surfaces 16, 18 of the pre-separator 10 as well as the front side of the filter module 12. Via the inflow area E (or at least substantially via the inflow area E), the raw gas flow S flows into the area thus delimited and from there via an inflow opening 30 in the front side of the filter module 12 into the interior of the filter module 12 (in the illustration in Figure 3In the area of ​​the inlet opening 30 and due to the inlet opening 30, the filter and / or separation medium placed inside the filter module 12 is visible, which is, for example, a paper mesh filter (see EP 2 532 409 B).

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the pre-separator 10 has, at an end designated as the free end of each side surface 16, 18 and / or at the lower edge of the central surface 14, tabs 24, 26, 28 which are connected (in particular integrally) to the respective side surface 16, 18 or the central surface 14 and function as module engagement sections (a tab 24 is shown in the illustration in Figure 1 partly hidden; see Figure 2 ). The respective ends of the side surfaces 16, 18 are free ends because they do not adjoin the central surface 14 from which the side surfaces 16, 18 themselves originate.

[0043] These tabs 24, 26, 28 are intended for detachable attachment to the outside of the respective filter module 12 and thus for the detachable attachment of the pre-separator 10 as a whole to the respective filter module 12. In a one-piece pre-separator 10, there is a boundary line between each tab 24, 26, 28 and the respective side surface 16, 18 or the central surface 14 in the form of an (optionally perforated) kink. By means of these tabs 24, 26, 28, the pre-separator 10 is attached, in particular inserted, to or in a recess or recesses intended for this purpose in the respective filter module 12. The tabs 24, 26, 28 engage at least partially in the filter module 12; the tabs 24, 26, 28 therefore function as module engagement sections. This does not change the attachment of the pre-separator 10 to the outside of the filter module 12, because the attachment is from the outside and the surfaces effective for pre-separation are located outside the filter module 12.

[0044] A filter module 12 can be considered, for example, as is known from EP 2 532 409 B, which, with this reference, is to be considered as being incorporated into the description presented here with its complete disclosure content. This filter module 12 has on its front or inlet side an opening for the incoming raw gas flow, referred to in EP 2 532 409 B as an inflow opening. In the illustration in Figure 3 The inlet opening 30 is shown. Other filter modules also have a corresponding opening as an inlet opening on a front or inlet side.

[0045] The representation in Figure 3shows a simplified schematic of a filter module 12 according to EP 2 532 409 B and an edge line of its inlet opening 30 is designated in the illustration in Figure 2 with the corresponding reference number. The illustration of the filter module 12 as a representation of the filter module 12 according to EP 2 532 409 B is expressly only exemplary and the pre-separator 10 is intended and suitable for use with basically any filter module 12. In the interest of better clarity of the illustration, Figure 3 The reference numbers of the individual elements of the pre-separator 10 are omitted. In this respect, reference is made to the illustrations in Figure 1 and Figure 2 referred to.

[0046] The attachment of the pre-separator 10 for use with a respective filter module 12, for example a filter module 12 according to EP 2 532 409 B, is preferably carried out on and / or in the respective inflow opening 30 there. The inflow opening 30 is therefore an example of the recess in the respective filter module 12 mentioned above, which is intended for attaching the pre-separator 10. The attachment to and / or in the respective inflow opening 30 is carried out, for example, by the tabs 24, 26, 28 being guided from the outside and through the inflow opening 30 into the interior of the filter module 12 and being inserted inside the filter module 12 on the back of the wall surfaces delimiting the inflow opening 30 and / or being folded over onto the back of the wall surfaces of the filter module 12 delimiting the inflow opening 30.Such insertion is conceivable, for example, for the tab 28 adjacent to the lower edge of the central surface 14, and such folding is conceivable, for example, for the tabs 24, 26 adjacent to the free ends of the side surfaces 16, 18.

[0047] In a particular embodiment of the pre-separator 10, the tabs 24, 26 adjacent to the free ends of the side surfaces 16, 18 are hook-shaped in the broadest sense, for example, in that the pre-separator 10 has slots 32, 34 in the region of the boundary line between a side surface 16, 18 and the respective adjoining tab 24, 26 (an edge contour enclosing the slots 32, 34 represents a hook in the broadest sense). These slots 32, 34 originate from the upper edge 16', 18' of the respective side surface 16, 18 and run along and in the direction of the aforementioned boundary line, i.e., along the kink between the side surface 16, 18 and the adjoining tab 24, 26.The slots 32, 34 extend only over a comparatively short portion of this boundary line and, in a specific embodiment, the length of each slot 32, 34 is, for example, in a range of about one centimeter to about two centimeters or in a range of about 1% to about 5% of the length of this boundary line.

[0048] Preferably, a distance between a lower end of the slots 32, 34—that is, a bottom of the slots 32, 34—on the one hand, and the lower edge of the central surface 14, on the other hand, corresponds or at least substantially corresponds to the height of the inlet opening 30 of the respective filter module 12. The height of the inlet opening 30 (inlet opening 30 of the filter module 12) is considered to be the extent of the inlet opening 30 measured in the vertical direction (that is, in the direction of gravity) when the filter module 12 is positioned as intended. With reference to such a position of the filter module 12, the edges of the inlet opening 30 can then be referred to as the lower edge, lateral edges, and upper edge.

[0049] The attachment of a pre-separator 10 with such slots 32, 34 is then carried out, for example, by first inserting the tabs 24, 26 adjacent to the side surfaces 16, 18 - for example, in a non-bent state or at least initially not yet bent, i.e. in an orientation aligned with the respective side surface 16, 18 - into the inlet opening 30. Due to the at least slight excess of the pre-separator 10, it is held at an angle and guided in the region of the slots 32, 34 to the upper edge of the inlet opening 30 in the filter module 12. There, the pre-separator 10 is pushed upwards (opposite the direction of gravitational force) so that the wall sections of the filter module 12 adjacent to the upper edge of the inlet opening 30 engage in the slots 32, 34. The pre-separator 10 is thus already attached to the filter module 12 on one side, namely in the area of ​​the upper edge of the inlet opening 30.Now, the pre-separator 10 is pivoted from its previously oblique orientation, and during or beforehand, the tab 28 adjacent to the central surface 14 is bent over so that it can be inserted through the inlet opening 30 into the filter module 12. After inserting this tab 28 into the inlet opening 30 and the corresponding bending of the tab 28, the bend relaxes, and the tab 28 rests on the inside of the filter module 12 against the wall section of the filter module 12 adjacent to the lower edge of the inlet opening 30, or at least partially against this wall section. Now the tabs 24, 26 adjacent to the side surfaces 16, 18 are also completely inside the filter module 12 and, as the tension in the kinks therein inside the filter module 12 relaxes, they fold over onto the inside of the wall sections of the filter module 12 that laterally delimit the inlet opening 30 or are folded over in this form.

[0050] It should be noted that for the operational attachment of a pre-separator 10 to a filter module 12, it is not necessary for all or individual tabs 24, 26, 28 of the pre-separator to fully abut the inside of the wall sections of the filter module 12 that laterally delimit the inlet opening 30. Rather, it is sufficient if, upon relaxation of the respective bends, the overall width and height of the pre-separator 10 are greater than the width and height of the inlet opening 30 in the filter module 12.

[0051] In addition to a tab 28 on the central surface 14, a hook-shaped (nose-shaped) design (not shown) of the short, lower edges 16", 18" of the side surfaces 16, 18 is also possible - with essentially triangular side surfaces 16, 18. In such an embodiment, the pre-separator 10 is raised after the engagement of the corresponding wall sections of the filter module 12 in its slots 32, 34 (with correspondingly deep slots 32, 34) so ​​far that the hook (nose) of the corresponding contour of the short edges 16", 18" of the side surfaces 16, 18 can be lifted over the lower edge of the inlet opening 30. The pre-separator 10 is then pressed or lowered with this contour onto the lower edge of the inlet opening 30 (or the pre-separator 10 sinks automatically due to its weight onto this edge, which then functions as a support surface).The hook (nose) engages behind the inside of the wall section of the filter module 12 adjacent to the lower edge of the inlet opening 30 and thus the pre-separator 10 is then attached in its lower area to the inlet opening 30.

[0052] The representation in Figure 4 shows a situation in which the pre-separator 10 is "the other way around", namely the other way around compared to the situation according to Figure 3 , is attached to the filter module 12. The inlet opening 30 points downward here. Mounting the pre-separator 10 in this orientation corresponds to the mounting described above, with the difference that the pre-separator 10 is suspended with its slots 32, 34 on the lower edge of the inlet opening 30, and the tab 28 of the central surface 14 is inserted in the region of the upper edge of the inlet opening 30.

[0053] The use of a pre-separator 10 as described here is contemplated in various embodiments. The embodiments differ, for example, in the length of the long edges 16', 18' of the side surfaces 16, 18. The longer these long edges 16', 18' are, the larger the inflow area E. Pre-separators 10 with longer or shorter long edges 16', 18' can be selected depending on the specific application.

[0054] The representations in Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 each show a different embodiment of a pre-separator 10 compared to the previous figures, namely a pre-separator 10 with rectangular side surfaces 16, 18, and in different mounting positions ( Figure 5 , Figure 7). The filter module 12 is placed in a housing 40 which is open on both sides and accommodates the filter module 12 (the housing 40 which is open on both sides can also be referred to as a frame or enclosure and is open on opposite sides so that an air flow passing through the filter module 12 can also flow through the housing 40). The possibility of placing the filter module 12 in a housing 40 also applies to the Figure 3 and Figure 4 The situation shown. The housing 40 does not have to be a single housing 40, as shown schematically in a simplified manner. The housing 40 can also be a compartment in a shelf-like device (filter module wall 42; Figure 8 , Figure 9 ) with several compartments placed next to and / or one above the other, each for one filter module 12.

[0055] The representation in Figure 6shows the pre-separator 10 from Figure 5 in a view in flat form. The pre-separator 10 with rectangular side surfaces 16, 18 corresponds to the previously described pre-separator 10 except for this shape of the side surfaces 16, 18 and a missing tab 28 on the central surface 14, so that to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the previous description, especially the description of the Figure 1 and 2 , is referred to. In such a pre-separator 10, as indicated in the illustration in Figure 5, there is a lower and an upper inflow area E (this also applies to the Figure 7 shown installation situation).

[0056] The difference between the mounting situations in Figure 5 and Figure 7 consists in the way the pre-separator 10 is mounted on the outside of the filter module 12 ( Figure 5 ) and outside the filter module 12 ( Figure 7 ). In the Figure 5In the situation shown, the pre-separator 10 is inserted into the inlet opening 30 of the filter module 12. This corresponds to the situation shown in Figure 3 - attachment to the outside of the filter module 12 - so that, to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the description there. Figure 7 In the situation shown, the pre-separator 10 is inserted with the ends of its side surfaces 16, 18 into a gap (gap) remaining between the filter module 12 and the housing 40 accommodating the filter module 12, and these ends are clamped there, for example. This is compared to an attachment to the outside of the filter module ( Figure 3 , Figure 4, Figure 5) is referred to as the installation of the pre-separator 10 outside the filter module 12. It is not important whether the pre-separator 10 is in contact with the filter module 12, but rather that the pre-separator 10 is located in front of the filter module 12 in the flow direction of a raw gas stream S, namely outside the filter module 12.

[0057] In this regard, and more generally, it should be noted that the specification "outside in front of" is more general than the specification "on the outside." A pre-separator 10 mounted on the outside of the filter module 12 is also located outside in front of the filter module 12, and "outside in front of" means that the surfaces or surface sections of the pre-separator 10 effective for paint mist separation are located in front of the filter module 12, i.e., in front of a plane defined by its side surfaces with the inlet opening 30. The specification "outside in front of" therefore does not mean that all segments or surface sections of the pre-separator 10 are located in front of this plane. However, the specification "outside in front of" means in any case that the central surface 14 of the pre-separator 10 is located in front of this plane. The specification "outside in front of" further means that the side surfaces 16, 18, or at least significant sections of the side surfaces 16, 18, are located in front of this plane.

[0058] The figures shown in Figure 7 The embodiment of the pre-separator 10 shown does not require any tabs 24, 26 which are offset from the side surfaces 16, 18 by a respective kink. Rather, the side surfaces 16, 18 merge into these tabs 24, 26 and the ends of the side surfaces 16, 18 (the distal regions of the side surfaces 16, 18 with respect to the central surface 14) are the tabs 24, 26.

[0059] These are inserted into the gap between filter module 12 and housing 40.

[0060] As shown in the figures for the exemplary embodiment of the pre-separator 10 shown therein, in an advantageous, but fundamentally optional, embodiment of the pre-separator 10, the central surface 14 and / or one or each side surface 16, 18 is structured. In the illustrated embodiment, the structuring takes the form of holes distributed over the respective surface, in particular elongated holes (punched outs). At least a portion of the incoming raw gas stream S can flow through such holes, and additional separation of particles entrained by the raw gas stream S takes place at the edges of the holes.

[0061] The representations in Figure 8 and Figure 9show a plurality of filter modules 12 arranged side by side and one above the other, each with a pre-separator 10 attached to the outside of the filter module 12 (only one or only one is designated in each case). This plurality of filter modules 12 forms a filter module wall 42. To obtain such a filter module wall 42, the filter modules 12 (or filter modules 12 each with a surrounding housing 40; as for example in Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown) can be placed next to each other and on top of each other. Likewise, the filter modules 12 can each be located in their own housing 40 (see also the illustrations in Figure 5 and Figure 7 ) and a shelf-like structure with compartments lying next to and above each other, each functioning as a housing 40 for exactly one filter module 12, forms a base of the filter module wall 42, namely a base in the form of a

[0062] Supporting structure with compartments of equal size and regularly spaced in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0063] All embodiments described here can be considered as pre-separator 10. Likewise, all possible mounting options for a pre-separator 10, either on the outside of or in front of a filter module 12, can be considered. The illustrations in Figure 8 and Figure 9 based on the Figure 3 or Figure 4 The embodiments shown are expressly only examples. Finally, filter module walls 42 (at least one filter module wall 42) with a mixed configuration are also possible, i.e., with different pre-separators 10 (all embodiments described here) and / or with different mounting types / orientations (also all embodiments described here).

[0064] The dimension of a filter module wall 42 (number of rows with adjacently placed filter modules 12 with or without surrounding housing 40; number of such rows lying one above the other) is basically arbitrary and also in this respect the representations in Figure 8 and Figure 9 expressly only examples.

[0065] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the exemplary embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed example(s), and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Individual, prominent aspects of the description submitted here can thus be briefly summarized as follows: The invention describes the use of a device 10 for, in particular, detachable attachment to the outside or at least substantially outside of a filter and / or separation module 12.This device 10 - the pre-separator 10 - comprises at least one central surface 14 and side surfaces 16, 18 adjoining the central surface 14, and the device 10 - the pre-separator 10 - can be attached to the respective filter and / or separation module 12 at least by means of tabs at the ends of the side surfaces 16, 18 and is attached to the respective filter and / or separation module 12 at least by means of the tabs for use with the respective filter and / or separation module 12. List of reference symbols

[0066] 10Device, pre-separator 12Filter and / or separation module, filter module 14Central surface (of the pre-separator) 14'Upper edge / upper edge (of the central surface) 16Side surface (of the pre-separator) 16'Upper edge / upper edge (of the side surface) 16"Lower edge / lower edge (of the side surface) 18Side surface (of the pre-separator) 18'Upper edge / upper edge (of the side surface) 18"Lower edge / lower edge (of the side surface) 20Front edge (of the pre-separator) 22Front edge (of the pre-separator) 24Tab (on a side surface) 26Tab (on a side surface) 28Tab (on the central surface) 30Inlet opening (on the filter module / into the filter module) 32Slot 34Slot 40Housing 42Filter module wall

Claims

1. Use of a device (10) comprising at least one central surface (14) as well as side surfaces (16, 18) which each adjoin the central surface (14) laterally and comprising flaps (24, 26, 28) at the free end of each side surface (16, 18) for detachable attachment on the outside in front of or to a filter module and / or separation module (12) that functions as a paint mist separator and in a flow path of a raw gas flow (S), which results when the filter module and / or separation module (12) is used as intended, through the filter module and / or separation module (12) for separating paint and lacquer particles entrained by what is known as a paint mist, wherein the device (10) is attached to or in front of the relevant filter module and / or separation module (12) by means of flaps (24, 26, 28) by the flaps (24, 26, 28) being brought into engagement with an inflow opening (30) in the relevant filter module and / or separation module (12) or the flaps (24, 26) being inserted into a gap remaining between the filter module and / or separation module (12) and a housing (40) surrounding the filter module and / or separation module (12).

2. The use (10) according to claim 1, wherein, in a device (10) intended for attachment to the outside of the relevant filter module and / or separation module (12), its central surface (14) has a width that at least substantially corresponds to the width of the inflow opening (30).

3. The use according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the device (10) comprises hook-shaped flaps (24, 26).

4. The use according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device (10) is in one piece and, in particular, pre-perforated bend points form front-side edges (20, 22) of the device (10) and a boundary between the central surface (14) and a side surface (16, 18).

5. The use according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (10) comprises a structured surface at least in the region of the central surface (14).