Filtering system, painting system, and method for operating a filtering system

Abstract

In order to provide a filter system for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants that is of simple construction and is operable efficiently, it is proposed that the filter system should include the following: a base construction through which the stream of untreated gas is guidable and which includes at least one filter module receptacle for receiving at least one filter module, and at least one filter module which is selectively arrangeable on and/or in the at least one filter module receptacle and/or removable therefrom, wherein the at least one filter module includes a plurality of filter element receptacles for receiving a plurality of mutually independent filter elements.

Claims

1. A filter system for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants, including a base construction through which the stream of untreated gas is guidable and which includes at least one filter module receptacle for receiving at least one filter module, and at least one filter module which is selectively arrangeable on and/or in the at least one filter module receptacle and/or removable therefrom, wherein the at least one filter module receptacle and the at least one filter module each include an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein, when the at least one filter module is arranged on and/or in the at least one filter module receptacle, the outlet opening of the at least one filter module receptacle at least partially overlaps with the inlet opening of the at least one filter module and the inlet opening of the at least one filter module receptacle at least partially overlaps with the outlet opening of the at least one filter module so that the stream of untreated gas flows from the base construction into the at least one filter module, where it is treated, and then flows back out of the at least one filter module into the base construction as a stream of treated gas, wherein the base construction comprises a) an upper level for collecting the stream of untreated gas and/or for guiding the stream of untreated gas to the at least one filter module receptacle; and b) a lower level for guiding away or collecting the stream of treated gas; and c) an intermediate level which is arranged in between the upper level and the lower level or which is overlaps partially with at least one of the upper level and the lower level, wherein the at least one filter module receptacle is arranged on the intermediate level of the base construction.

2. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filter module takes the form of a rollable and/or displaceable transport carriage.

3. The filter system according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate level comprises a floor for supporting the at least one filter module such that the at least one filter module is movable on the floor of the intermediate level.

4. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate level comprises a floor for supporting the at least one filter module, and wherein the lower level comprises at least one clean gas channel for guiding away the stream of treated gas, wherein the at least one clean gas channel is arranged below the floor of the intermediate level.

5. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate level comprises a floor for supporting the at least one filter module, and wherein the lower level comprises at least one filter device for further cleaning of the stream of treated gas receivable from the at least one filter module, wherein the at least one filter device of the lower level is arranged below the floor of the intermediate level.

6. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate level comprises a floor for supporting the at least one filter module, and wherein the floor of the intermediate level comprises an opening for fluidically connecting the inlet opening of the at least one filter module receptacle with the lower level.

7. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein at least one filter module receptacle is arranged on an outer wall of the base construction and/or is integrated in the outer wall of the base construction, and wherein at least one filter module is arrangeable on the at least one filter module receptacle, by bringing the at least one filter module into abutment against the outer wall.

8. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein both the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the at least one filter module are arranged on a front side of the filter module, and wherein both the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the at least one filter module receptacle are arranged on a side wall of the base construction.

9. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filter module includes a plurality of filter element receptacles for receiving a plurality of mutually independent filter elements.

10. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of filter elements are a constituent part of a filter device of the filter module and the stream of untreated gas that is to be cleaned is flowable through these in mutually parallel manner during a filter operation of the filter system.

11. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filter module includes a plurality of filter devices and the stream of untreated gas that is to be cleaned is flowable through these one after the other during a filter operation of the filter system.

12. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filter module includes a pre-filter device, a main filter device and/or a post-filter device, and at least a partial stream of the stream of untreated gas is flowable through these one after the other during a filter operation of the filter system.

13. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the base construction includes at least one closable access opening through which an interior space of the at least one filter module receptacle is accessible for introducing and/or removing the at least one filter module from outside the filter system.

14. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the filter system includes a plurality of filter module receptacles arranged opposite one another in relation to a vertical longitudinal centre plane of the filter system, and/or a plurality of filter module receptacles arranged successively in a longitudinal direction of the filter system.

15. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the filter system includes a plurality of filter module receptacles that form flow channels of the filter system which are configured for mutually independent through flow, wherein individual or a plurality of flow channels are blockable or clearable by means of valve devices of the filter system.

16. The filter system according to claim 1, wherein the filter system includes at least one untreated gas shaft that extends between at least two filter module receptacles and through which the stream of untreated gas is guidable and is feedable to inlet openings in the filter module receptacles.

17. The filter system according to claim 1, including at least one filter element receptacle for receiving at least one filter element and at least one change-over device for automatically exchanging a more pronouncedly contaminated filter element that is arranged in the at least one filter element receptacle for a filter element that is less pronouncedly contaminated.

18. A painting system for painting workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies, including at least one filter system according to claim 1.

19. A method for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants by means of a filter system, including: feeding the stream of untreated gas to a filter module which is arranged on and/or in a filter module receptacle of the filter system, wherein the filter module receptacle is arranged on or in a base construction of the filter system, and wherein the at least one filter module and the at least one filter module receptacle each include an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the outlet opening of the at least one filter module receptacle at least partially overlaps with the inlet opening of the at least one filter module and the inlet opening of the at least one filter module receptacle at least partially overlaps with the outlet opening of the at least one filter module so that the stream of untreated gas flows from the base construction into the at least one filter module, where it is treated, and then flows back out of the at least one filter module into the base construction as a stream of treated gas, wherein the stream of untreated gas flows from an upper level of the base construction of the filter system to an intermediate level of the base construction, on which the at least one filter module is arranged and where the stream of untreated gas is treated to obtain a stream of treated gas by separating off contaminants from the stream of untreated gas at filter elements of the at least one filter module, wherein said stream of treated gas then flows to a lower level of the base construction; removing the filter module from and/or out of the filter module receptacle; exchanging one or more of the more pronouncedly contaminated filter modules for one or more less pronouncedly contaminated filter modules; arranging the filter module on and/or in the filter module receptacle.

20. The method for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants according to claim 19, wherein the at least one more pronouncedly contaminated filter module is exchanged for a fresh filter module by means of an automatic change-over device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic vertical section through a first embodiment of a painting system for painting vehicle bodies, which includes a filter system for cleaning a stream of untreated gas that is laden with paint overspray;

(2) FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a filter module receptacle of the filter system, by means of which a filter module for cleaning the stream of untreated gas is receivable;

(3) FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of the filter module receptacle from FIG. 2 and a filter module, during the introduction or removal of the filter module into or out of the filter module receptacle;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an alternative embodiment of a filter module;

(5) FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view, corresponding to FIG. 3, of the filter module from FIG. 4 and an alternative embodiment of the filter module receptacle, during the introduction of the filter module into the filter module receptacle;

(6) FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view, corresponding to FIG. 5, of the filter module receptacle and the filter module, wherein the filter module is arranged in a filter position;

(7) FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a pre-filter device of a filter module, wherein the pre-filter device has a single flow deflection point;

(8) FIG. 8 shows an illustration, corresponding to FIG. 7, of an alternative embodiment of a pre-filter device of a filter module, wherein the pre-filter device has two flow deflection points;

(9) FIG. 9 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a second embodiment of a painting system, in which flow guide plates which are arranged obliquely in relation to a direction of flow of the stream of untreated gas are provided;

(10) FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a third embodiment of a painting system, which has an alternative arrangement and flow through filter devices of the filter system;

(11) FIG. 11 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a fourth embodiment of a painting system, which has a further alternative arrangement and flow through filter devices of the filter system;

(12) FIG. 12 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of the fourth embodiment of the painting system from FIG. 11, wherein an untreated gas shaft of the filter system of the painting system is closed;

(13) FIG. 13 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a fifth embodiment of a painting system, in which filter modules that are abuttable against side walls of the filter system are provided;

(14) FIG. 14 shows an enlarged illustration of the region XIV in FIG. 13;

(15) FIG. 15 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a sixth embodiment of a painting system, in which filter modules that are abuttable against side walls of the filter system and a fire protection device are provided;

(16) FIG. 16 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a filter module of the painting system from FIG. 15;

(17) FIG. 17 shows a schematic perspective and partly transparent illustration of the filter module from FIG. 16;

(18) FIG. 18 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a seventh embodiment of a painting system, in which there are provided filter modules which are arranged centrally and a fire protection device which is arranged directly over the filter modules;

(19) FIG. 19 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of an eighth embodiment of a painting system, in which there are provided filter modules which are arranged centrally and a fire protection device which is arranged laterally offset from the filter modules;

(20) FIG. 20 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a ninth embodiment of a painting system, in which a central untreated gas shaft and filter modules that are arranged on one side are provided, as is a collecting channel for clean gas that is arranged above the filter modules;

(21) FIG. 21 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a tenth embodiment of a painting system, in which a central untreated gas shaft and one or more clean gas channels that pass through the untreated gas shaft are provided;

(22) FIG. 22 shows a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of a filter module, in which there is provided an immobilising device that includes a shoot bolt rod that is engageable with a projection on a floor;

(23) FIG. 23 shows a schematic side view, corresponding to FIG. 22, of a further alternative embodiment of a filter module, in which there is provided an immobilising device that includes a shoot bolt rod that is engageable with a recess in a floor;

(24) FIG. 24 shows a schematic horizontal section through a further alternative embodiment of a filter module, in which a pre-separating device is provided;

(25) FIG. 25 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a further alternative embodiment of a filter module, in which an actuating device is provided for actuating a valve device, wherein the valve device is in a closed position;

(26) FIG. 26 shows an enlarged illustration of the region XXVI in FIG. 25;

(27) FIG. 27 shows a schematic perspective illustration, corresponding to FIG. 25, of the alternative embodiment of the filter module from FIG. 25, wherein the valve device is in an open position; and

(28) FIG. 28 shows an enlarged illustration of the region XXVIII in FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(29) Like or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all the Figures.

(30) A first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, of a painting system that is designated 100 as a whole serves for painting workpieces 102, for example vehicle bodies 104.

(31) The painting system 100 is in particular a spray painting system, in which a liquid or powder paint is propelled in the direction of the workpiece 102 in order to coat the workpiece 102.

(32) In order, during operation of the painting system 100, to prevent surfaces that are not to be painted from becoming undesirably contaminated, a stream of air flows in the direction of gravity g, downwards from above, through a paint spray booth 106 in which the actual painting procedure takes place.

(33) As it flows through the paint spray booth 106, this stream of air takes up paint particles and/or paint droplets that do not adhere to the workpiece 102, and so becomes contaminated.

(34) The stream of gas that is obtainable as a result is called the stream of untreated gas, which contains as contaminants paint overspray particles or paint overspray droplets.

(35) The painting system 100 includes a conveying device 108 by means of which the workpieces 102, in particular the vehicle bodies 104, are conveyable through the paint spray booth 106 in a conveying direction 110.

(36) To clean the stream of untreated gas that is laden with contaminants, the painting system 100 includes a filter system 112 that is arranged directly below the paint spray booth 106 and to which the stream of untreated gas is feedable through a booth floor 114 of the paint spray booth 106.

(37) The filter system 112 includes a base construction 116, in particular a rack or housing in which a plurality of filter devices 118 are arranged.

(38) In particular, the base construction 116 of the filter system 112 has a plurality of filter module receptacles 120 for receiving a plurality of filter modules 122.

(39) The filter module receptacles 120 are arranged fixed to the painting system 100, in particular to the filter system 112.

(40) By contrast, the filter modules 122 are preferably constructed to be movable and are selectively introducible into the filter module receptacles 120 or removable therefrom.

(41) As can be seen from FIG. 1, in the first embodiment of the filter system 112 two filter module receptacles 120 and two filter modules 122 are arranged opposite one another in respect of a vertical longitudinal centre plane 124 of the paint spray booth 100, in particular the filter system 112, and are in particular constructed to be substantially mirror-symmetrical to one another.

(42) In addition to the two filter module receptacles 120 and filter modules 122 that are illustrated, the filter system 112 preferably includes further filter module receptacles 120 and filter modules 122, which preferably form two rows, extending longitudinally in relation to the conveying direction 110, of filter module receptacles 120 and filter modules 122 arranged one behind the other.

(43) Each filter module receptacle 120 preferably includes an interior space 126 which, by means of valve devices 128 that are associated with the respective filter module receptacle 120, is renderable accessible or is closable.

(44) In particular, by means of each filter module receptacle 120, a separate flow channel 130 of the filter system 112 is formed. Preferably, some of the stream of untreated gas may be guided through each flow channel 130, substantially independently of the further flow channels 130.

(45) In particular, when there is a filter module 122 in a filter module receptacle 120 it is thus possible in each flow channel 130 for some of the stream of untreated gas to be freed of contamination in a targeted manner, with the result that it is guidable away out of the respective filter module receptacle 120 as a stream of clean gas.

(46) Each filter module receptacle 120 includes a valve device 128 that takes the form for example of a flap 132 and is arranged for example at an inlet opening 134 in the filter module receptacle 120.

(47) The inlet opening 134 that is provided with the flap 132 is in particular a bypass opening 136 of the filter module receptacle 120.

(48) Further, each filter module receptacle 120 preferably includes a further inlet opening 134 against which a pre-filter device (described below) of the associated filter module 122 abuts during filter operation of the filter system 112.

(49) It is thus possible, by opening or closing the flap 132 of the bypass opening 136, to adjust in a targeted manner whether the stream of untreated gas flows into the interior space 126 of the filter module receptacle 120 through the bypass opening 136 and/or through the pre-filter device.

(50) The inlet opening 134 that is associated with the bypass opening 136 is arranged in a top wall 138 of the filter module receptacle 120.

(51) The further inlet opening 134 is arranged in a side wall 140 of the filter module receptacle 120 which is arranged facing the vertical longitudinal centre plane 124 of the filter system 112.

(52) Formed by the mutually opposite pairs of filter module receptacles 120, by means of the side walls 140 of the filter module receptacles 120, is an untreated gas shaft 142 through which the untreated gas that is contaminated with paint overspray and is guided away out of the paint spray booth 106 is feedable to the filter devices 118.

(53) Further, the filter module receptacles 120 each include at least one outlet opening 144 through which the stream of gas guided through the filter module receptacle 120 is guidable away.

(54) Moreover, an access opening 146, in particular a closable door 148, is associated with each filter module receptacle 120.

(55) Through the access opening 146, which is arranged in particular in an outer wall 150 of the filter system 112, a filter module 122 can be removed from the filter module receptacle 120, or a filter module 122 can be fed to the filter module receptacle 120.

(56) As can be seen from FIG. 1, in the illustrated first embodiment the filter module receptacles 120 and accordingly also the filter modules 122 are arranged on a level 152 that is arranged above a floor 154 on which in turn the entire painting system 100 is constructed.

(57) Arranged below, and in particular directly underneath, the filter module receptacles 120 are additional filter devices 156 which are preferably filter devices 118 other than the filter devices 118 of the filter modules 122.

(58) As can further be seen from FIG. 1, the side walls 140 of the filter module receptacles 120 include the outlet openings 144.

(59) With respect to the direction of gravity g, the outlet openings 144 are arranged below the inlet openings 134 and separated from one another by means of a separating wall 158, which connects to one another on a substantially horizontal plane the filter module receptacles 120, which are arranged opposite one another in respect of the vertical longitudinal centre plane 124.

(60) In this arrangement, the region above the separating wall 158 is the untreated gas shaft 142.

(61) The region below the separating wall 158 is the region into which the stream of gas that has been cleaned by means of the filter device 118 flows, and this region is thus called the clean gas channel 160.

(62) The clean gas that flows out of the filter module receptacles 120 and is obtainable by cleaning the contaminated untreated gas is feedable to the additional filter devices 156 through the clean gas channel 160.

(63) Flow through the additional filter devices 156 is then in a substantially horizontal direction in order to further enhance the cleanness of the clean gas.

(64) Finally, this clean gas is fed to two collecting channels 162 which are arranged on the sides of the additional filter devices 156 remote from the vertical longitudinal centre plane 124.

(65) The top wall 138 of each filter module receptacle 120 is oriented substantially horizontal in the case of the first embodiment of the painting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, that is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8.

(66) In this arrangement, the top wall 138 forms a flow guide plate 164 by means of which the stream of untreated gas is feedable in targeted manner to the inlet openings 134.

(67) Further details relating to the filter module receptacle 120 and the filter module 122 will be described below with particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

(68) As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve device 128 in the region of the outlet opening 144 takes the form of a louvre flap 166.

(69) Moreover, a guide device 168 is provided in the filter module receptacle 120.

(70) Finally, the filter module receptacle 120 also includes a plurality of sealing regions 170 for bringing into abutment corresponding sealing regions 170 of a filter module 122.

(71) The guide device 168 in particular serves for moving, guiding and/or immobilising a filter module 122 in relation to the filter module receptacle 120.

(72) The guide device 18 includes in particular a telescopic rail guide 172 by means of which a filter module 122 is movable from the filter position illustrated in FIG. 1 into a change-over position.

(73) In the filter position of the filter module 122, the sealing regions 170 of the filter module receptacle 120 and the sealing regions 170 of the filter module 122 abut against one another, with the result that a stream of gas flowing through the filter module receptacle 120 and the filter module 122 reliably follows a predetermined flow path.

(74) A first sealing region 170 of the filter module receptacle 120 takes the form of an inlet region 174 of the inlet opening 134 that is arranged in the side wall 140. In this arrangement, the inlet region 174 is in particular a projection that projects into the interior space 126 of the filter module receptacle 120.

(75) The further sealing region 170 of the filter module receptacle 120 is formed by a frame element 176, which is a different element from a wall of the filter module receptacle 120 and runs substantially parallel to the side wall 140 in the region of the outlet opening 144.

(76) In the embodiment of a filter module receptacle 120 and a filter module 122 that is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the guide device 168 takes the form of a telescopic rail guide 172, as described above.

(77) Instead of a telescopic rail guide 172 of this kind, however, a roller guide 178 may also be provided (see FIGS. 4 to 6).

(78) Since the embodiment of the filter module receptacle 120 and the filter module 122 according to FIGS. 2 and 3 otherwise coincides with the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 to 6, reference will be made below to all the FIGS. 1 to 6 and to further FIGS. 7 and 8 for a detailed description of the filter module 122.

(79) As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, the filter module 122 preferably takes the form of a transport carriage 180. By means of this transport carriage 180, in particular a plurality of filter elements 182 can be transported together.

(80) For this purpose, the filter module 122 includes a plurality of filter element receptacles 184 for receiving a plurality of filter elements 182.

(81) The filter elements 182 and the filter element receptacles 184 are preferably arranged and/or constructed independently of one another such that individual filter elements 182 can be removed from the filter element receptacles 184 independently of the further filter elements 182 and, for example for exchanging contaminated filter elements 182, can be replaced by fresh filter elements 182.

(82) The filter module 122 preferably includes three filter devices 118, through which the stream of gas flows one after the other or successively, in relation to a direction of flow during the filter operation of the filter system 112.

(83) A pre-filter device 186, a main filter device 188 and a post-filter device 190 are provided in accordance with the order of through flow.

(84) The pre-filter device 186 is for example an inertial filter having a single or multiple points of deflection.

(85) For this purpose, the pre-filter device 186 preferably includes only a single filter element 182.

(86) A filter element receptacle 184 for receiving the filter element 182 of the pre-filter device 186 may for example be a frame 192 or rack 194 of the filter module 122.

(87) The pre-filter device 186 is in particular arranged directly over the main filter device 188.

(88) The main filter device 188 includes a plurality of filter element receptacles 184, for example six, for receiving a plurality of filter elements 182, in particular six.

(89) The filter elements 182 of the main filter device 188 are preferably inertial separators, for example disposable filters.

(90) The post-filter device 190 is arranged laterally adjacent to the main filter device 188.

(91) The post-filter device 190 in particular includes a single filter element 182, which takes the form for example of a mat filter.

(92) Flow is possible through the filter elements 182 of the pre-filter device 186, the main filter device 188 and the post-filter device 190 in a substantially horizontal direction.

(93) A direction of flow through the pre-filter device 186 is in this arrangement opposed to the direction of flow through the main filter device 188 and the post-filter device 190.

(94) The filter module 122 further includes at least one catching element 196 by means of which contaminants falling during filter operation of the filter module 122 and/or during the exchange of filter elements 182 are catchable.

(95) The catching element 196 in particular takes the form of a trough 198.

(96) Finally, the filter module 122 also includes one or more handling elements 200, for example handles 202, by means of which a person can simply grasp the filter module 122 in order to move it.

(97) As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, aside from the possibility of moving by means of the guide device 168, the filter module 122 is also movable by means of a separate transport device 204.

(98) The transport device 204 may for example be a lifting truck device 206 by means of which the filter module 122 is liftable and transportable away.

(99) As an alternative thereto, in one embodiment (not illustrated) of the painting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, it may be provided for one or more filter modules 122 to be movable, in particular transportable, by means of an overhead conveyor or a driverless transport system.

(100) By means of the guide device 168, the filter module 122 is movable in particular from a filter position (see FIG. 6) into a change-over position and/or from the change-over position into the filter position.

(101) By means of the transport device 204, the filter module 122 is receivable at the place in which it is located in the change-over position, and is transportable away therefrom. Further, a filter module 122 is transportable to the filter system 112 by means of the transport device 204, in particular such that a filter module 122 that is transported inwards is movable into the change-over position.

(102) As can be seen from FIG. 1, the filter system 112 may include a change-over device 208 for automatically changing over individual or a plurality of filter elements 182 or individual or a plurality of filter modules 122.

(103) The change-over device 208 in particular takes the form of a robotic device 210 and is movable along the filter system 112, in and in opposition to the conveying direction 110.

(104) A change-over device 208 of this kind may be provided on one side or on both sides of the filter system 112 (illustrated only on one side in FIG. 1).

(105) The painting system 100 described above, in particular the filter system 112 described above, functions as follows:

(106) During operation of the painting system 100, the air guided through the paint spray booth 106 is contaminated with paint overspray and is fed to the filter system 112 as a contaminated stream of untreated gas.

(107) During this, the stream of untreated gas flows into the untreated gas shaft 142 and through the inlet openings 134 in the side walls 140 into the filter module receptacles 120.

(108) A further portion of the stream of untreated gas, in particular a portion of the stream of untreated gas that flows close to the outer walls 150 of the paint spray booth 106 and the filter system 112, preferably flows through the bypass openings 136, that is to say through the inlet openings 134 in the top walls 138, of the filter module receptacles 120 and into the interior space 126 of the filter module receptacles 120.

(109) Since the pre-filter devices 186 of the filter modules 122 are directly adjacent to the inlet openings 134 in the side walls 140 of the filter module receptacles 120, the portion of the stream of untreated gas that flows through these inlet openings 134 in the side walls 140 is guided through the pre-filter devices 186 and is thus already freed of some of the contaminants contained therein.

(110) After flowing through the pre-filter devices 186, this portion of the stream of untreated gas is merged with the stream of untreated gas that has been guided through the bypass openings 136 and is fed to the main filter devices 188.

(111) As it flows through the main filter devices 188, the stream of untreated gas is further cleaned and thereafter is fed to the post-filter devices 190 for even more thorough separation of contaminants.

(112) After flowing through all the filter devices 118 of the filter modules 122, the stream of gas that has been cleaned in this way leaves the filter module receptacles 120 as a stream of clean gas, through the outlet openings 144 of the filter module receptacles 120.

(113) In particular, the stream of clean gas then reaches the clean gas channel 160.

(114) In the clean gas channel 160, the stream of clean gas is guided downwards in the direction of gravity g and is then fed to the additional filter devices 156 in the horizontal direction.

(115) After supplementary cleaning of the stream of clean gas by means of the additional filter devices 156, the stream of clean gas reaches the collecting channels 162 and is guided away out of the filter system 112 by means of the collecting channels 162.

(116) After a certain duration of operation of the painting system 100, in particular after a certain duration of operation of the filter system 112, the filter elements 182 of the filter devices 118 are laden with contaminants, in particular being contaminated with paint overspray.

(117) This reduces the filtering performance of the filter elements 182. Further, it brings about an increase in the flow resistance of the filter elements 182.

(118) The filter system 112 then no longer operates at maximum efficiency.

(119) Thus, the filter elements 182 have to be exchanged at regular intervals, wherein more pronouncedly contaminated filter elements 182 in particular have to be replaced by fresh filter elements 182.

(120) For this purpose, first the inlet opening 134 in the top wall 138 and/or the outlet opening 144 in the side wall 140 are closed by means of the valve devices 128. This interrupts the flow through the filter module receptacle 120.

(121) The access opening 146, in particular the door 148, can now be opened in order to move the filter module 122 from the filter position into the change-over position.

(122) In this change-over position, individual or a plurality of filter elements 182 can be exchanged and replaced by fresh filter elements 182.

(123) As an alternative thereto, it may be provided for first the inlet opening 134 in the top wall 138 to be closed and then the access opening 146, in particular the door 148, to be opened and thereafter the outlet opening 144 in the side wall 140 to be closed. As a result of this, the filter module receptacle 120 and/or the filter module 122 can be flushed with fresh air, in particular ambient air or air from the factory, before the filter module 120 is moved from the filter position into the change-over position.

(124) The outlet opening 144 can further, as an alternative thereto, also remain open continuously, in particular throughout the change-over procedure.

(125) Following the filter change, the filter module 122 may be moved back into the filter position and is then, once the valve devices 128 have been opened, available for further filter operation.

(126) As an alternative thereto, once the filter module 122 has been moved out of the filter position into the change-over position, it may also be provided for the entire filter module 122 to be removed from the filter system 112 and exchanged for a fresh filter module 122, that is to say a filter module 122 having fresh filter elements 182.

(127) This may in particular take place by means of the transport device 204 and/or by means of the change-over device 208.

(128) Because the filter module receptacles 120 form substantially mutually independent flow channels 130 of the filter system 112, individual filter modules 122 or filter elements 182 may also be changed while operation of the filter system 112 continues, since during an exchange—that is to say the temporary shut-off—of individual filter modules 122 the remaining filter modules 122 continue to provide the function of cleaning the filter system 112.

(129) FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate different embodiments of pre-filter devices 186 which, depending on the requirement, may be used as a pre-filter device 186 of the filter modules 122 described.

(130) FIG. 7 illustrates a pre-filter device 186 in which a single flow deflection point is provided. A bottom wall 212 and a lower section 214 of a back wall 216 of the filter element 182 of the pre-filter device 186 in this case form an impact region 218 at which contaminants, in particular particles of paint overspray, accumulate when flow is deflected.

(131) The embodiment of the pre-filter device 186 that is illustrated in FIG. 8 differs therefrom substantially in that the filter element 182 includes an intermediate wall 220.

(132) Because of the intermediate wall 220, and because of a different shape of the back wall 216, in the embodiment of the pre-filter device 186 that is illustrated in FIG. 8 two flow deflection points are provided.

(133) In this arrangement, the bottom wall 212, the intermediate wall 220 and an upper section 222 of the back wall 216 serve as impact regions 218 for separating off contaminants, in particular particles of paint overspray.

(134) A second embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filter system 112, that is illustrated in FIG. 9 differs from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 substantially in that the top wall 138 of each filter module receptacle 120, which serves as a flow guide plate 164, is oriented to be inclined instead of the substantially horizontal orientation.

(135) As a result, the flow guide plates 164 of the filter system 112 enable a different flow guidance, in particular a different distribution of the stream of untreated gas between the bypass opening 136 and the inlet opening 134 in the side wall 140 of each filter module receptacle 120.

(136) Otherwise, the second embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, of the painting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the first embodiment described above, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(137) A third embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filter system 112, that is illustrated in FIG. 10 differs from the first embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 substantially in that the untreated gas shaft 142 extends over the entire height of the filter module receptacle 120 and only a single inlet opening 134, namely an inlet opening 134 in the side wall 140 of each filter module receptacle 120, is provided.

(138) The top wall 138 of each filter module receptacle 120 thus has a closed surface.

(139) Directly adjoining the inlet opening 134 in the side wall 140 is the main filter device 188, which is followed in the direction of flow by the post-filter device 190.

(140) In the third embodiment of the painting system 100 that is illustrated in FIG. 10, no pre-filter device 186 is thus provided.

(141) The outlet opening 144 of each filter module receptacle 120 is arranged in a plane 152 that downwardly delimits the filter module receptacle 120.

(142) In this arrangement, the outlet opening 144 is arranged on the side of the filter module 122 remote from the vertical longitudinal centre plane 124.

(143) Through the outlet opening 144, the stream of clean gas reaches the side of an additional filter device 156 remote from the vertical longitudinal centre plane 124.

(144) Thus, flow through the additional filter device 156 is in a direction facing towards the vertical longitudinal centre plane 124.

(145) In the region of the longitudinal centre plane 124 that is between the additional filter devices 156 of the filter system 112, there is arranged a collecting channel 162 through which the clean gas guided away out of all the filter modules 122 is guided away centrally.

(146) The third embodiment of the painting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, that is illustrated in FIG. 10 can offer the advantage that the filter modules 122 are accessible through the access openings 146 from a clean gas side of the filter system 112.

(147) This preferably reduces the risk of an undesirable exit of contaminated untreated gas when the access opening 146, in particular the door 148, is opened for changing over the filter modules 122.

(148) Otherwise, the third embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, of the painting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(149) A fourth embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filter system 112, that is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 differs from the first embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 substantially in that the untreated gas shaft 142 extends along the vertical longitudinal centre plane 124 as far as a floor 154 of the filter system 112.

(150) The filter module receptacles 120 are also arranged on the floor 154 of the filter system 112 and, in accordance with the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, untreated gas flows through them from the inside outwards.

(151) The clean gas that is obtained after flow through the filter modules 122 is guided away via outlet openings 144 of the filter module receptacles 120 arranged in the top wall 138.

(152) Arranged above the filter module receptacles 120 are additional filter devices 156 and collecting channels 162, in order to further clean the clean gas and finally guide it away out of the filter system 112.

(153) As can be seen in particular from FIG. 12, the painting system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, preferably includes a fire protection device 224.

(154) The fire protection device 224 may in particular include flap elements 226 or slide elements 228 which, in the event of a fire, are introducible into the untreated gas shaft 142 in order to close it.

(155) The flap elements 226 or slide elements 228 may in particular be extensions to walls of the filter module receptacles 120 which, if necessary, are introducible into the untreated gas shaft 142, in particular being foldable or slidable thereinto.

(156) The flap elements 226 or slide elements 228 are preferably associated with individual filter module receptacles 120 and can thus preferably also be introduced into the untreated gas shaft 142 in the region of individual filter module receptacles 120, independently of the flap elements 226 or slide elements 228 of the other filter module receptacles 120. As a result, during filter change-over this region can be protected from undesirable contamination, and the associated filter module 122 can be exchanged conveniently and with the minimum possible contamination.

(157) In particular for optimising protection from fire, preferably all the walls of the filter module receptacle 120 and/or the filter system 112 are fire protection walls.

(158) Otherwise, the fourth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, of a painting system 100, in particular a filter system 112, corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(159) A fifth embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filter system 112, that is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 differs from the first embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 substantially in that the filter module receptacles 120 take the form of regions 230 of abutment against the outer walls 150 of the filter system 112, in particular the base construction 116 of the filter system 112.

(160) In this arrangement, the outer walls 150 are provided with recesses 232 in which the filter modules 122 are arrangeable.

(161) The recesses 232 are of open construction. During filter operation of the filter system 112, the filter modules 122 are thus accessible from outside the filter system 112.

(162) In the embodiment of the filter system 112 that is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the side wall 140 of the filter module receptacle 120, which is at the same time the outer wall 150 of the base construction 116, includes an inlet opening 134 and an outlet opening 144.

(163) The inlet opening 134 and the outlet opening 144 are in this arrangement arranged over one another in relation to the direction of gravity g and are separated from one another by means of a separating wall 158.

(164) In this arrangement, the inlet opening 134 is arranged over the outlet opening 144.

(165) The filter modules 122 that are abuttable against the regions 230 of abutment each include a main filter device 188 and a post-filter device 190.

(166) In a further embodiment (not illustrated), a pre-filter device 186 may moreover be provided.

(167) The filter modules 122 each include a housing 234, which is in particular closed or closable to be fluid-tight on five sides.

(168) A front side 236 of the housing 234, which in the filter position of the filter modules 122 abuts against the side wall 140 of the filter module receptacle 120, is preferably constructed to be open and is abuttable against the inlet opening 134 and the outlet opening 144.

(169) The filter module receptacle 120 and/or the filter module 122 include two flange regions, which surround the inlet opening 134 and the outlet opening 144 and seal off the filter module receptacle 120 and the associated filter module 122 from an area surrounding the filter system 112.

(170) Each filter module 122 includes an inflow section 238 which adjoins the inlet opening 134, a reversal section 240 for flow reversal, a return section 242 for returning the stream of gas in the direction of the front side 236 of the filter module 122, and an outflow section 244 through which the stream of gas is feedable to the outlet opening 144.

(171) The inflow section 238 is arranged, in accordance with the arrangement of the inlet opening 134 and the outlet opening 144, over the outflow section 244.

(172) The return section 242 is in particular arranged below the main filter device 188 and the post-filter device 190.

(173) The reversal section 240 is in particular arranged in the region of a rear side 246 of the filter module 122, which is arranged in opposition to the front side 236 of the filter module 122.

(174) The rear side 246 of the filter module 122 in particular includes an access opening 146, for example a door 148, through which an interior space 248 of the filter module 122 is accessible. As a result, the filter elements 182 of the post-filter device 190 and/or the main filter device 188 are accessible, for simple exchange thereof.

(175) As can be seen in particular from FIG. 14, in the embodiment of the filter system 112 that is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 the guide device 168 is arranged outside a region of the filter system 112 through which a stream of gas flows. This can reduce or entirely prevent an undesirable contamination of the guide device 168 during filter operation of the filter system 112.

(176) Otherwise, the fifth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, of the painting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(177) A sixth embodiment of a painting system 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17 differs from the fifth embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 substantially in that the painting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, includes a fire protection device 300.

(178) By means of the fire protection device 300, in particular a fire in the filter system 112 is preventable, containable and/or extinguishable.

(179) In this arrangement, the fire protection device 300 includes one or more fire protection elements 302 for affecting the propagation of flames in the event of a fire.

(180) In this arrangement, the fire protection elements 302 may on the one hand slow the propagation of fire, in particular if the fire protection elements 302 are formed from a fire-retardant material having a high fire resistance class.

(181) However, in the sixth embodiment of the painting system 100, which is illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, the fire protection elements 302 are formed from a material which, under the effect of heat and/or in contact with a reagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/or combustible.

(182) In particular, the material of the fire protection elements 302 is selected such that, in the event of a fire, the fire protection elements 302 can be removed or otherwise eliminated in order to clear an access opening or passage opening.

(183) The access opening or passage opening then forms in particular an extinguishing opening 304 through which an interior space 248 of the filter modules 122 is accessible (see FIG. 17).

(184) The fire protection device 300 further includes an application device 306 by means of which an extinguishing material and/or a reagent is dischargeable.

(185) In the sixth embodiment of the painting system 100, which is illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, the application device 306 is arranged directly over the filter modules 122, with the result that the extinguishing material and/or reagent can be discharged from above onto a top wall 308 of the filter modules 122.

(186) The application device 306 in particular takes the form of a sprinkler device 310, by means of which liquid, foam or powder extinguishing material and/or liquid, foam or powder reagent is dischargeable.

(187) As can be seen in particular from FIG. 15, the application device 306 is arranged outside an untreated gas space 312 of the filter system 112 and outside the filter modules 122. As a result, undesired contamination of the application device 306 during normal operation (filter operation) of the filter system 112 can be prevented.

(188) As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 16 and 17, the top wall 308 of each filter module 122 includes a receptacle 314 for receiving one or more fire protection elements 302.

(189) In this arrangement, the receptacle 314 includes in particular a stabilisation device 316 for reliably and stably receiving and/or arranging the one or more fire protection elements 302.

(190) The stabilisation device 316 for example takes the form of a grating 318 onto which the one or more fire protection elements 302 are placeable.

(191) The sixth embodiment of a painting system 100, which is illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, in particular the fire protection device 300, functions as follows:

(192) In the event of a fire in the filter system 112, a fire can be propagated within the filter system 112.

(193) By means of fire protection elements 302 of the fire protection device 300, propagation of the fire, in particular the rate of propagation of the fire, can be affected in a targeted manner.

(194) For example, by means of fire protection elements 302 that take the form of fire-retardant intermediate walls, the spread of fire from individual filter modules 122 to adjacent filter modules 122 can be prevented or at least slowed.

(195) Moreover, by means of fire protection elements 302 which are formed from a material which, under the effect of heat and/or in contact with a reagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/or combustible, access to an interior space 248 of the filter modules 122 can be cleared in a targeted manner.

(196) In particular, by removing the fire protection elements 302, one or more extinguishing openings 304 in a top wall 308 of the filter modules 122 can be cleared.

(197) For this purpose, the fire protection elements 302 are for example formed from a fusible or combustible material. In particular, it may be provided for the fire protection elements 302 to be formed from cardboard and thus to burn in the event of a fire in order to clear the extinguishing openings 304.

(198) As an alternative thereto, by means of the application device 306 it is possible to discharge a reagent onto the one or more fire protection elements 302 in order to cause the one or more fire protection elements 302 to disintegrate or to otherwise eliminate them. Also as a result of this, one or more extinguishing openings 304 in the top walls 308 of the filter modules 122 can be cleared.

(199) Once the extinguishing openings 304 have been cleared, in particular an interior space 248 of the filter modules 122 is accessible, such that by means of the application device 306 extinguishing material can be introduced into the filter modules 122 through the extinguishing openings 304.

(200) By means of the extinguishing material, it is then possible in particular to contain and extinguish the fire.

(201) Otherwise, the sixth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, of a painting system 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(202) A seventh embodiment of a painting system 100 that is illustrated in FIG. 18 differs from the sixth embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17 substantially in that only a single row of centrally arranged filter modules 122 is provided. A construction of this kind is useful in particular if the quantity of overspray occurring in the paint spray booth 106 is relatively small.

(203) In this seventh embodiment of the painting system 100, the stream of untreated gas flows substantially vertically from above, through the top wall 308 of the respective filter module 122 and into the respective filter module 122. Thereafter, the stream of untreated gas flows through two filter devices 118, namely a main filter device 188 and a post-filter device 190, which are a constituent part of the respective filter module 122.

(204) Finally, the stream of gas flowing out of the filter modules 122 is guided through an additional filter device 156 and is finally guided away as a stream of clean gas.

(205) A fire protection device 300 is also provided in the seventh embodiment of a painting system 100, which is illustrated in FIG. 18. This fire protection device 300 is in particular arranged directly over an intermediate wall 320 of the filter system 112.

(206) In this arrangement, the intermediate wall 320 may be a constituent part of the top wall 308, in particular part of the top wall 308, of each filter module 122. However, it may also be provided for the intermediate wall 320 to be a constituent part of the base construction 116 of the filter system 112.

(207) In particular, the intermediate wall 320 separates the region or interior space 248 of the respective filter module 122 in which the filter devices 118 are arranged from the region of the filter system 112 in which the application device 306 of the fire protection device 300 is arranged. In the seventh embodiment of the painting system 100 that is illustrated in FIG. 18, too, the application device 306 is thus preferably arranged outside a stream of gas, in particular outside the untreated gas space 312.

(208) In the event of a fire, the fire protection element 302 that forms the intermediate wall 320 is removable in order to clear access to the interior space 248 of the filter modules 122.

(209) In particular, it is thus possible to clear an extinguishing opening 304 of each filter module 122 by removing the fire protection element 302.

(210) By means of the application device 306, extinguishing material is then dischargeable into the interior space 248 of the respective filter module 122, in particular in order to contain or extinguish a fire therein.

(211) Otherwise, the seventh embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 18, of a painting system 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the sixth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(212) An eighth embodiment of a painting system 100 that is illustrated in FIG. 19 differs from the seventh embodiment which is illustrated in FIG. 18 substantially in that the application device 306 of the fire protection device 300 is arranged laterally offset above the filter modules 122.

(213) In this arrangement, the application device 306 is arranged and oriented such that an extinguishing material and/or reagent can be discharged onto one or more side walls 322 of the filter modules 122.

(214) In particular, extinguishing material and/or a reagent can be discharged onto one or more back walls 324 of one or more filter modules 122.

(215) The extinguishing openings 304 that are initially covered by means of fire protection elements 302 and thus also the associated receptacles 314 are accordingly arranged on the side walls 322, in particular the back walls 324, of the filter modules 122.

(216) Once the extinguishing openings 304 have been cleared by removing the fire protection elements 302, it is thus possible in particular to introduce extinguishing material laterally into the interior space 248 of the filter modules 122 in order to contain or extinguish a fire.

(217) Otherwise, the eighth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 19, of a painting system 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the seventh embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(218) A ninth embodiment of a painting system 100 that is illustrated in FIG. 20 differs from the fifth embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 substantially in that the filter modules 122 are arranged rollably on the floor 154 on which the entire painting system 100 is constructed.

(219) Preferably, all the filter modules 120 are arranged on the same side of the central untreated gas shaft 142.

(220) The filter modules 120 preferably each include a main filter device 188 and a post-filter device 190.

(221) A stream of clean gas that has been cleaned by means of the filter devices 188, 190 is guidable away out of the filter modules 122, above these filter devices 188, 190.

(222) In particular, the stream of clean gas in the ninth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 20, is feedable by way of a clean gas channel 160 to one or more additional filter devices 156.

(223) The additional filter devices 156 are in particular arranged in stationary manner on the base construction 116 and preferably serve as a policing filter or additional filter, for preventing undesirable contamination of the clean gas side of the painting system 100.

(224) The stream of clean gas that is guided through the additional filter devices 156 is feedable to the collecting channel 162, to which in particular clean gas from all the filter modules 122 is feedable.

(225) Finally, the clean gas can be guided away out of the filter system 112 by means of the collecting channel 162 and fed for example to a point of re-use.

(226) In the ninth embodiment of the painting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, illustrated in FIG. 20, the collecting channel 162 is arranged above the filter modules 122. In particular, the collecting channel 162 is arranged directly over the filter modules 122.

(227) Thus, the collecting channel 162 and the filter modules 122 are arranged in succession in the vertical direction.

(228) In this arrangement, a spacing, which may for example be bridged by means of one or more clean gas channels 160, may be provided between the collecting channel 162 and the filter modules 122. However, it may also be provided for the collecting channel 162 to directly adjoin the filter modules 122 in the vertical direction.

(229) Otherwise, the ninth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 20, of a painting system 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(230) A tenth embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filter system 112, that is illustrated in FIG. 21 differs from the ninth embodiment which is illustrated in FIG. 20 substantially in that the one or more clean gas channels 160 pass through the untreated gas shaft 142 and thus have untreated gas flowing around them during operation of the filter system 112.

(231) In this arrangement, the filter modules 122 on the one hand and the collecting channel 162 on the other are arranged on mutually opposite sides of the central untreated gas shaft 142.

(232) In particular, the collecting channel 162 is arranged substantially at the same level, in relation to the vertical direction (direction of gravity g), as the filter modules 122.

(233) Otherwise, the tenth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 21, of the painting system 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to the ninth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

(234) Individual features of different embodiments of filter modules 122 and/or filter module receptacles 120 will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 22 to 28. These features may each be provided selectively individually or in combination with one another as an alternative or in addition to individual or a plurality of the features of the filter modules 122 or filter module receptacles 120 described above.

(235) In the embodiment of the filter module 122 illustrated in FIG. 22, an immobilising device 400 is provided, by means of which the filter module 120 is immobilisable in a desired position, in particular a filter position on the filter module receptacle 120.

(236) The immobilising device 400 includes in particular an immobilising element 402 that takes the form of a shoot bolt rod and is actuable by means of a handle 404 of the immobilising device 400. At its lower end, in relation to the direction of gravity g, the immobilising element 402 includes an oblique face 406 which is engageable with an oblique face 406 in a projection 408 on the floor 154.

(237) In this arrangement, the oblique faces 406 are in particular oriented relative to one another such that the filter module 122 is pressed against the filter module receptacle 120 when the immobilising element 402 is actuated by means of the handle 404.

(238) In the embodiment of a filter module 122 illustrated in FIG. 23, the oblique face 406 of the immobilising device 402 is engageable with an oblique face 406 in a recess 410 in the floor 154. On the basis of a recess 410 of this kind, it is possible in particular to avoid a projection 408 from the floor 154, which may be disruptive. From a functional point of view, however, the recess 410 substantially corresponds to the projection 408.

(239) According to the alternative embodiment of a filter module 122 that is illustrated in FIG. 24, it may be provided for a filter module 122 to include a pre-separating device 412.

(240) A pre-separating device 412 of this kind may in particular take the form of a labyrinth filter 414 or inertial filter 416.

(241) In a pre-separating device 412 of this kind, preferably a single or multiple flow reversal or flow deflection takes place, such that in particular heavy contaminants cannot follow a stream of gas guided through the pre-separating device 412 but adhere to separating elements 418 of the pre-separating device 412 and are thus separated out of the stream of untreated gas.

(242) In this arrangement, the separating elements 418 may have a substantially I-shaped or double T-shaped cross section.

(243) Preferably, a plurality of separating elements 418 are arranged offset from one another and/or nested in one another, in particular in order to perform the single or multiple flow deflection.

(244) The pre-separating device 412 is preferably arrangeable selectively and/or if necessary on a filter module 122.

(245) For example, the pre-separating device 412 as a whole may be arranged upstream of a main filter device 188 of a filter module 122.

(246) In this arrangement, the pre-separating device 412 preferably extends over the entire inlet surface of the main filter device 188.

(247) Preferably, the pre-separating device 412 is arranged above, in particular directly over, a trough 198 of the filter module 122 that serves as a catching element 196. In this way, liquid dripping down from the pre-separating device 412 can simply be caught and collected.

(248) In the embodiment of a filter module 122 and an associated filter module receptacle 120 that is illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 28, an actuating device 420 by means of which the valve device 128 is actuable is provided.

(249) As is clear in particular from a comparison between FIGS. 26 and 28, the actuating device 420 is in particular mechanically actuable by pressing the filter module 122 against the valve device 128.

(250) In this arrangement, the actuating device 420 in particular includes an actuating lever 422 which is engageable with a limit stop 424 of the actuating device 420 (see FIGS. 26 and 28).

(251) The actuating lever 422 is in particular coupled to one or more flap elements 426 of the valve device 128 such that, by moving the actuating lever 422, the flap elements 426 are movable from an open position into a closed position or from a closed position into an open position.

(252) The actuating lever 422 may for example be urged by a spring, such that the flap elements 426 are automatically moved into the closed position, illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, without the action of force on the actuating lever 422 by means of the limit stop 424.

(253) In particular, the limit stop 424 of the actuating device 420 is a lateral projection of the filter module 122.

(254) The actuating device 420 is in particular an actuating device 420 by means of which the valve device 128 is opened automatically when the filter module 122 is arranged in a predetermined position on a filter module receptacle 120. When the filter module 122 is removed from the filter module receptacle 120, the valve device 128 is preferably closed automatically.

(255) Preferred embodiments are as follows:

(256) 1. A filter system (112) for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants, including

(257) a base construction (116) through which the stream of untreated gas is guidable and which includes at least one filter module receptacle (120) for receiving at least one filter module (122), and

(258) at least one filter module (122) which is selectively arrangeable on and/or in the at least one filter module receptacle (120) and/or removable therefrom,

(259) wherein the at least one filter module (122) includes a plurality of filter element receptacles (184) for receiving a plurality of mutually independent filter elements (182).

(260) 2. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 1, characterised in that a plurality of filter elements (182) are a constituent part of a filter device (118) of the filter module (122) and the stream of untreated gas that is to be cleaned is flowable through these in mutually parallel manner during a filter operation of the filter system (112).

(261) 3. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one filter module (122) includes a plurality of filter devices (118) and the stream of untreated gas that is to be cleaned is flowable through these one after the other during a filter operation of the filter system (112).

(262) 4. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 3, characterised in that the at least one filter module (122) includes a pre-filter device (186), a main filter device (188) and/or a post-filter device (190), and at least a partial stream of the stream of untreated gas is flowable through these one after the other during a filter operation of the filter system (112).

(263) 5. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 4, characterised in that the at least one filter module (122) takes the form of a rollable and/or displaceable transport carriage (180).

(264) 6. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 5, characterised in that the at least one filter module (122) and/or the at least one filter module receptacle (120) includes a guide device (168) for guiding, moving and/or immobilising the at least one filter module (122) in relation to the at least one filter module receptacle (120).

(265) 7. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 6, characterised in that the base construction (116) includes at least one closable access opening (146) through which an interior space (126) of the at least one filter module receptacle (120) is accessible for introducing and/or removing the at least one filter module (122) from outside the filter system (112).

(266) 8. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 7, characterised in that the at least one filter module receptacle (120) includes at least one valve device (128) for selectively opening or closing an inlet opening (134) of the filter module receptacle (120), through which at least part of the stream of untreated gas is feedable to the filter module receptacle (120), and/or an outlet opening (144) of the filter module receptacle (120), through which a stream of gas is guidable away from the filter module receptacle (120).

(267) 9. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 8, characterised in that the filter system (112) includes a plurality of filter module receptacles (120) arranged opposite one another in relation to a vertical longitudinal centre plane (124) of the filter system (112), and/or a plurality of filter module receptacles (120) arranged successively in a longitudinal direction (110) of the filter system (112).

(268) 10. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 9, characterised in that the filter system (112) includes a plurality of filter module receptacles (120) that form flow channels (130) of the filter system (112) which are configured for mutually independent through flow, wherein individual or a plurality of flow channels (130) are blockable or clearable by means of valve devices (128) of the filter system (112).

(269) 11. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 10, characterised in that the filter system (112) includes at least one untreated gas shaft (142) that extends between at least two filter module receptacles (120) and through which the stream of untreated gas is guidable and is feedable to inlet openings (134) in the filter module receptacles (120).

(270) 12. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 11, characterised in that the filter system (112) includes at least one clean gas channel (160) that extends between at least two filter module receptacles (120) and through which a stream of clean gas, which is obtainable as a result of separating off contaminants from the stream of untreated gas, is guidable away.

(271) 13. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 12, characterised in that at least one filter module receptacle (120) is arranged on an outer wall (150) of the base construction (116) and/or is integrated in the outer wall (150) of the base construction (116), and in that at least one filter module (122) is arrangeable on the at least one filter module receptacle (120), by bringing the at least one filter module (122) into abutment against the outer wall (150).

(272) 14. A filter system (112) for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants, in particular according to one of embodiments 1 to 13, including at least one filter element receptacle (184) for receiving at least one filter element (182) and at least one change-over device (208) for automatically exchanging a more pronouncedly contaminated filter element (182) that is arranged in the at least one filter element receptacle (184) for a filter element (182) that is less pronouncedly contaminated.

(273) 15. A filter system (112) for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants, in particular according to one of embodiments 1 to 14, including: a base construction (116) through which the stream of untreated gas is guidable; and a fire protection device (300) by means of which a fire in the filter system (112) is preventable, containable and/or extinguishable, wherein the fire protection device (300) includes one or more fire protection elements (302) for affecting propagation of the flames.

(274) 16. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 15, characterised in that the fire protection device (300) includes one or more fire protection elements (302) that are actuable in the event of a fire.

(275) 17. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 or 16, characterised in that one or more fire protection elements (302) include a fire-retardant material or are formed from a fire-retardant material.

(276) 18. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 17, characterised in that one or more fire protection elements (302) include a material or are formed from a material which, under the effect of heat and/or in contact with a reagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/or combustible.

(277) 19. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 18, characterised in that the one or more fire protection elements (302) are arranged, in an initial position, on one or more receptacles (314) for one or more fire protection elements (302), and in that, by comparison with a material of the one or more receptacles (314), the material of the one or more fire protection elements (302) has a lower melting point, a lower fire resistance and/or a lower chemical stability and/or physical resistance.

(278) 20. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 19, characterised in that one or more extinguishing openings (304) in the filter system (112) are clearable in the event of a fire by means of one or more fire protection elements (302).

(279) 21. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 20, characterised in that the one or more extinguishing openings (304) of the filter system (112) are cutouts or apertures in one or more walls (308, 322, 324) of the filter system (112) that are closed in normal operation of the filter system (112) by means of one or more fire protection elements (302).

(280) 22. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 21, characterised in that the filter system (112) includes one or more filter elements (182) and/or one or more filter modules (122) whereof the interior space (248) is accessible from outside in the event of a fire, by removing one or more fire protection elements (302).

(281) 23. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 22, characterised in that the fire protection device (300) includes an application device (306) by means of which an extinguishing material and/or a reagent is dischargeable.

(282) 24. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 23, characterised in that an extinguishing material and/or a reagent are dischargeable by means of the application device (306) onto one or more fire protection elements (302).

(283) 25. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 23 or 24, characterised in that, in the event of a fire, extinguishing material and/or reagent are dischargeable by means of the application device (306) through one or more extinguishing openings (304) in the filter system (112) and into an interior space (142, 248) of the filter system (112).

(284) 26. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 23 to 25, characterised in that the application device (306) is arranged outside an interior space (142, 248) of the filter system (112), in particular outside an untreated gas space (312) of the filter system (112) and/or outside a clean gas space of the filter system (112).

(285) 27. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 26, characterised in that the filter system (112) includes one or more filter modules (122) that take the form of rollable or displaceable transport carriages (180), wherein a wall (308, 322, 324) of the one or more transport carriages (180) includes one or more extinguishing openings (304) which, in normal operation of the filter system (112), are closed by means of one or more fire protection elements (302).

(286) 28. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 27, characterised in that the filter system (112) includes one or more filter modules (122) and a collecting channel (162), to which a stream of clean gas obtainable by cleaning the stream of untreated gas is feedable from the one or more filter modules (122), wherein the collecting channel (162) is arranged above the one or more filter modules (122), in particular directly over the one or more filter modules (122).

(287) 29. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 28, characterised in that the filter system (112) includes one or more filter modules (122) that include a pre-separating device (412), wherein if necessary the pre-separating device (412) is arrangeable on the filter module (122), and/or wherein the pre-separating device (412) includes an inertial filter (416) or labyrinth filter (414).

(288) 30. A painting system (100) for painting workpieces (102), in particular vehicle bodies (104), including at least one filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 29.

(289) 31. A method for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants by means of a filter system (112), including: feeding the stream of untreated gas to a plurality of filter elements (182) that are arranged in filter element receptacles (184) of a filter module (122), wherein the filter module (122) is arranged on and/or in a filter module receptacle (120) of the filter system (112); separating off contaminants from the stream of untreated gas at the filter elements (182); removing the filter module (122) from and/or out of the filter module receptacle (120); exchanging one or more of the more pronouncedly contaminated filter elements (182) arranged in the filter element receptacles (184) for one or more less pronouncedly contaminated filter elements (182); arranging the filter module (122) on and/or in the filter module receptacle (120).

(290) 32. A method for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants, in particular according to embodiment 31, including: feeding the stream of untreated gas to at least one filter element (182); separating off contaminants from the stream of untreated gas at the at least one filter element (182), as a result of which the at least one filter element (182) is contaminated; exchanging the at least one contaminated filter element (182) for a fresh filter element (182) by means of an automatic change-over device (208).

(291) 33. A method for operating a filter system (112) for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants, in particular a filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 29, including:

(292) activation of a fire protection device (300) for preventing, containing and/or extinguishing a fire in the filter system (112), wherein the propagation of flames is affected by means of one or more fire protection elements (302) of the fire protection device (300).

(293) 34. A method according to embodiment 33, characterised in that one or more extinguishing openings (304) in the filter system (112) are cleared in the event of a fire by means of one or more fire protection elements (302).