APPARATUS FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF VEHICLES OR VEHICLE PARTS

Abstract

apparatus for treating the surface of vehicles or vehicle parts. This is an apparatus (1) for treating the surface of a vehicle structure (v) by complete immersion in treatment baths contained in treatment tanks (2) comprising a plurality of trolleys (3) moved along a treatment path (p) by means of chain drive means (4), these trolleys (3) can be selectively engaged in engagement with said chain drive means (4), are supported by opposite support and sliding guides (9) extended along said path (p) and have a portion (12) engaged with cam sliding coupling with cam elements (11) arranged along said path (p) to determine a complete rotation of said trolleys (3) around a geometric axis of transverse rotation in said treatment tanks (2).

Description

DESCRIPTIVE REPORT “APPARATUS FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF VEHICLES OR VEHICLE PARTS” FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This invention relates to an apparatus for surface treatment of components according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular, for surface treatment of vehicles or vehicle parts.

[002] Within the scope of this invention, the term vehicle is closely connected with regard to the world of the automotive industry and, according to an illustrative and non-exhaustive list, the term vehicle refers to cars, vans, trucks, truck cabs, agricultural machinery such as tractors, earthmoving machines and the like.

[003] For simplicity of exposition, this description is produced in a non-limiting manner with particular reference to cars and the problems connected with the surface treatment of the body, chassis or other structural parts of a car, hereinafter referred to as the vehicle structure. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[004] In the field of car production, the body, chassis and other structural parts are subjected to multiple treatments such as washing, degreasing, treatment with activating agents, treatment with phosphating agents, passivation treatment, cataphoresis treatment, ultrafiltration and others.

[005] The individual treatments to be performed on the vehicle structure depend on the production specifications of each car manufacturer.

[006] In any case, although some of the aforementioned treatments, such as, for example, degreasing spraying, need to be carried out using a spraying technique, most of these treatments, for example, degreasing, phosphatase and cataphoresis, need to be carried out by complete immersion of the vehicle structure in a treatment bath. For this purpose, vehicle production plants are equipped with production lines comprising Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pages 158 / 210 2 / 21 several treatment tanks arranged in succession among themselves, within which a specific treatment tub is contained, in which the vehicle structure needs to be immersed to perform the specific treatment.

[007] In general, motor vehicle production lines comprise a part of the plant consisting of a series of about thirteen treatment tanks into which the vehicle structure to be treated needs to be inserted.

[008] For this purpose, it is specified that each vehicle, in order to be treated in its structural parts, is solidly supported and fixed to a transport trolley, in jargon, called said trolley, which is moved along specific lines of movement and is, by itself, immersed in the treatment tanks.

[009] According to a first type of treatment lines for vehicle structure parts, these lines provide a chain-driven system to which individual trolleys are, each time, hooked as needed when they support a vehicle to be treated. This type of treatment line, therefore, allows the undeniable advantage of having only the trolleys carrying the vehicle structure moved along the drive chain, thus avoiding the immersion of various empty trolleys in the treatment chambers, i.e., without the structure of a vehicle to be treated. Precisely because of this characteristic, plants of this type are generally called Power and Free.

[010] Each plant, in addition to providing a conveyor chain for the trolleys and a series of treatment tanks in succession, needs to provide upstream a station for loading / hooking the trolleys when they are transporting a vehicle to be treated and, downstream, a station for unloading the trolleys from the chain to allow each trolley to move forward with the relative car being treated towards a subsequent line.

[011] Furthermore, it should be noted that the chains of the aforementioned Power and Free plants provide integral hooks with the chain and suitable for engaging a specific trolley at the upstream station and for releasing the same trolley at the aforementioned downstream station. Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 159 / 210 3 / 21

[012] This type of plant, although very widespread, has the disadvantage of requiring very long lines in consideration of the size of the individual treatment tanks. In fact, in order to achieve the immersion of a trolley and the respective transported motor vehicle in a treatment tank, it is necessary to achieve a reduction in the drive line and total support of the chain and trolley, and this can only be achieved in front of a treatment tank that provides a descent ramp at the entrance and a very opposite exit ramp at the exit. In this regard, consider the slope used to be around 28° - 45° and that the necessary descent is even greater than one meter. It is only appropriate to point out that very long entry and exit ramps of treatment tanks cause a considerable and undesirable increase in the length of the treatment tanks, as well as an undesirable increase in the volume of the treatment tanks themselves.

[013] As an alternative to the aforementioned Power and Free type treatment plants, only power type plants, for example, the treatment plants disclosed in the previous technical document no. DE 196441048 Al, have been developed and proposed, in which the trolleys used to support and move the structure of the vehicle to be treated are always restrained by coupling with two lateral guide chains, one for each side of the trolley, which move synchronously with each other. In addition, the aforementioned trolleys comprise a first part integrally connected to the drive and lateral guide chains and a second rotational part that has the capacity to rotate in relation to said first part around a geometric axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of advance of the chains and situated in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane.This second rotational part of the trolley has desmodromic cam-engagement parts that extend longitudinally along the trolley's forward path with a stroke such as to cause a 180° rotation (an inversion) of this rotational part of the trolley relative to the part fixed to an underlying treatment tank and a further 180° rotation (in the same direction or in the opposite direction) so as to. Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pages 160 / 210 4 / 21 return the second rotational part of the trolley to the initial angular position before the specific trolley is situated beyond the outlet edge of an underlying treatment tank.

[014] Basically, in the power-only devices considered above, the second rotational part of each trolley performs a 180° rotation in each treatment tank, as if to cause a reversal and the consequent rotational immersion of the structure of the vehicle being treated that is being transported. Obviously, as stated, the trajectory of the cams is such as to cause a rotation of the same amplitude as the second rotational part of the trolley before the trolley itself has completely exceeded the exit edge of the treatment tank, so as to avoid interference between the structure of the vehicle being treated and the treatment tank itself.

[015] Although compared to power and free plants, the power-only plants considered above allow for a reduction in the length of the treatment tanks and therefore their volume, this depends on the fact that the inclined inlet and outlet sections are no longer required, however, it is worth noting that even these plants, in any case, are not without disadvantages.

[016] First of all, the problem of being able to operate the two chains in a synchronized manner is highlighted, even in the presence of different wear between the meshes of the two chains, in order to avoid the risk of obstruction during the forward movement of the trolleys.

[017] An additional disadvantage of the power-only plants considered above must be checked for the fact that the trolleys are integral in advance with the currents, so that they are immersed in the treatment tubs of the treatment tanks, even when they do not carry any body carcass, which leads to higher energy consumption and an unnecessary increase in pollution of the treatment tub due to the immersion of empty trolleys, i.e., without the structure of the vehicle to be treated.

[018] Given the above, it is evident, therefore, that, nowadays, there is a Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pages 161 / 210 5 / 21 There is a great need for a device for surface treatment of vehicle components and the like that allows for the maximum possible containment of the longitudinal extent of the treatment tanks housing the treatment baths for treating vehicle structures, while at the same time allowing the vehicle transport trolleys to be moved only when they are actually transporting a vehicle structure to be treated by immersion in the treatment baths contained within the treatment tanks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[019] The underlying problem of this invention is to design an apparatus for the surface treatment of components as identified above that have structural and functional characteristics such as satisfying the aforementioned requirement, while at the same time obviating the disadvantages mentioned in reference to the known art.

[020] This problem is solved by an apparatus for surface treatment of components according to claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[021] Additional features and advantages of the apparatus for surface treatment of components according to this invention will be evident from the following description of some of its preferred embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a general perspective view of an apparatus according to this invention in a first embodiment thereof; Figures 2 and 3 are two distinct perspective views of a portion of the treatment path of the device in Figure 1 from two different viewpoints; Figure 4 is a longitudinal plan view of a portion of the treatment path of the device in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional plan view of the treatment path of the device in Figure 1 with a vehicle structure transported in a more... Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 162 / 210 6 / 21 high in relation to the height of the treatment tanks; Figure 5a is a plan view of the details of a two-armed lever in Figure 5; Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 1 with a vehicle structure transported in an inverted position inside a treatment tank; Figure 6a is a plan view of a detail of a two-armed lever in Figure 6; Figure 7 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 1, showing the position of the transported vehicle structure in relation to a treatment tank; Figure 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 1 with a vehicle structure transported in an inverted position inside a treatment tank and with an indication of the movement paths followed by the free ends of the two lever arms in Figures 5a and 6a following the interaction with cam elements; Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 1 with a vehicle structure transported in an inverted position inside a treatment tank; Figure 9a is a plan view of a detail of a cross with four arms in Figure 9; - Figure 10 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 1 with a vehicle structure transported in an inverted position inside a treatment tank and with an indication of the movement paths followed by the free ends of the cross arms in Figures 9a allowing interaction with cam elements; Figure 11 shows a simplified perspective view of a portion of the treatment path of a device according to the invention in a second embodiment; Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 163 / 210 7 / 21 Figure 12 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 11, showing the position of the transported vehicle structure in relation to a treatment tank; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 1 with a vehicle structure transported in a higher position relative to the height of the treatment tanks; Figure 13a is a plan view of the details of a two-armed lever in Figure 13; Figure 14 is a simplified perspective view of a detail of the apparatus in Figure 11, showing the horizontal to vertical movement of the trolleys at the exit of the treatment path after unloading the structure from transported vehicles; Figure 15 is a simplified perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention according to a third embodiment; Figure 16 is a distinct perspective view of a portion of the treatment path of the device in Figure 15; Figure 17 is a simplified perspective view of a detail of the apparatus in Figure 15, showing the horizontal to vertical movement of the trolleys at the exit of the treatment path after unloading the structure from transported vehicles; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional plan view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 15 with a vehicle structure transported in a higher position relative to the height of the treatment tanks; Figure 18a is a plan view of the details of a two-armed lever in Figure 18; Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 15 with a vehicle structure transported in an inverted position inside a treatment tank; Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the trajectory of Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 164 / 210 8 / 21 treatment of the apparatus in Figure 15 with a vehicle structure transported in a higher position relative to the height of the treatment tanks; Figure 20a is a plan view of a detail of a cross with four arms in Figure 20; - Figure 21 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the treatment path of the apparatus in Figure 15, in the version with the four-arm cross in Figures 20 and 20a, showing the position taken by the structure of the transported vehicles in relation to a treatment tank; Figure 22 is a schematic and simplified longitudinal view of a portion of an apparatus according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment corresponding to a version of the aforementioned third embodiment, and Figure 23 is a schematic and simplified plan view of Figure 22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[022] With reference to Figures 1 to 21, 1 indicates globally an apparatus for the surface treatment of components according to the invention, in particular an apparatus for treating a vehicle structure by means of full immersion treatments in treatment baths contained in treatment tanks.

[023] Apparatus 1 for surface treatment of components comprises: - two or more treatment tanks 2, usually also thirteen (it should be noted that, for simplicity of representation, a reduced number of treatment tanks is shown in the attached Figures), to contain treatment tubs positioned in series with each other to define a trajectory P to treat the structure of a vehicle V; - a plurality of 3 trolleys, wherein each 3 trolley among said plurality of trolleys is suitable for hooking, supporting and transporting the structure of a vehicle V to be treated; - first chain drive means 4 for moving said trolleys 3 forward along said trajectory P in a forward direction Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 165 / 210 9 / 21 longitudinal XX from an upstream station 6 to a downstream station 7 for entry and, respectively, exit of said trolleys from said treatment path P; - second drive means to move said trolleys (3) on a return path from said downstream station 7 to said upstream station 6,

[024] Therefore, said path P is identified from said upstream station for insertion to said downstream station 7 for exit of said trolleys in reference to the direction of advance of said trolleys from said upstream station 6 for insertion to said downstream station 7 for exit.

[025] Said treatment tanks 2 comprise opposite longitudinal sides 2a and opposite transverse sides (or head ends) 2b, respectively extending longitudinally along said path P and transversely to said path P.

[026] It should be pointed out that the aforementioned P-path for treating vehicle structures is also commonly referred to as a tunnel or working tunnel, even in the absence of adequate containment elements to identify an effective closed tunnel open only at the ends of the head.

[027] The aforementioned 3 trolleys are: - selectively hookable in engagement with said first chain drive means 4 at said upstream station 6 to be moved along said path P in said forward path and - are selectively releasable from the connection with said first means of current actuation 4, according to the already known method and devices of the Power and Free type previously used.

[028] As will be evident from the following description, the selective engagement of trolleys 3 with the first chain drive means 4 occurs at the upstream station 6. Substantially, when necessary, a trolley loaded with the structure of a vehicle V to be processed is advanced to the upstream entry station so as to be engaged by the first chain drive means 4 which are generally always kept in motion of Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 166 / 210 10 / 21 in accordance with a closed-loop trajectory in which a forward branch and a return branch are identified between downstream station 7 and upstream station 6.

[029] Advantageously, each trolley 3 comprises: - a first portion 3a, which identifies a first part of the trolley, which can be integrally joined in translation with said first current drive means 4 in a releasable manner and - a second portion 3b that identifies a second part of the trolley which, during movement along said trajectory P, is extended in a transverse direction YY to the aforementioned longitudinal direction of travel XX and integrally connected in rotation to said first portion 3a of the trolley by the first hinge means 8.

[030] In view of this, each trolley is selectively and uniquely engaged in translation with said first means of current drive 4 when necessary, that is, when the trolley has been loaded with the structure of a vehicle V and it is intended to start the treatment cycle of that vehicle structure.

[031] It should be noted that: - the second portion 3b mentioned above is the part of trolley 3 suitable for hooking, supporting and transporting the structure of a vehicle V to be handled and - the aforementioned first hinge means 8 allow a rotation of said second portion 3b relative to said first portion 3a around an extended transverse geometric axis of rotation in said transverse direction YY.

[032] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises opposing support and sliding guides 9 that extend axially only along said path P, close to, i.e., at a minimum distance, an upper end of said longitudinal sides 2a of said treatment tanks 2 to support and / or guide opposing transverse ends 10 of said trolleys 3.

[033] According to the modalities shown, the aforementioned support and sliding guides 9 are separated from each other so as to be more Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 167 / 210 11 / 21 distant from the longitudinal centerline in relation to the longitudinal sides 2a of such treatment tanks 2. Thus, each trolley needs to be stably supported at its opposite transverse ends, i.e., the opposite ends of the trolley in the transverse direction YY, for the entire section through which it passes in the trajectory P.

[034] Advantageously, the second portion 3b of each trolley 3 comprises a coupling portion 12 which, in the portion of said path P, is engaged with a cam sliding coupling with cam elements 11 arranged along said path P.

[035] During the advance of a trolley 3 along the path P, the cam slider engagement that is performed between the aforementioned engagement portion 12 and the cam elements 11 arranged along said path P occurs in such a way as to cause a complete revolution of said trolleys in correspondence with one or more of said treatment tanks 2 during the advance of said trolleys 3 along said path P.

[036] In essence, when approaching a treatment tank 2, the following occur: - a first 180° inversion (a reversal) around said geometric axis of transverse rotation of the second portion 3b of a trolley 3, this inversion being performed in correspondence to an initial section of said treatment tank 2 and - a second inversion of 180° (a reversal) around said geometric axis of transverse rotation of the second portion 3b of a trolley 3, this inversion being performed in correspondence to a final section of said treatment tank 2, also in this case, identified in reference to the direction of advance of the trolleys 3 along said trajectory P.

[037] For this purpose, the aforementioned cam elements 11 are provided on opposite transverse sides 2b of the treatment tanks 2 for which a trolley 3 and the related fixed and transported vehicle structure V need to be rotated end to end. Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pages 168 / 210 12 / 21 head to be completely immersed in the treatment tub contained in said treatment tank 2.

[038] In fact, reversing the trolley that enters and exits treatment tanks 2 allows the longitudinal length of treatment tanks 2 to be contained, since it is not necessary to provide entry and exit ramps on opposite transverse sides 2b of treatment tanks that identify opposite entry ends in reference to the direction of advance of trolleys 3 along trajectory P.

[039] Preferably, said cam elements 11 arranged along said path P are shaped to create a desmodromic engagement with said engagement portion 12 second portion 3b of a trolley 3.

[040] Preferably, the cam path 11 above has a C shape in cross-section.

[041] Preferably, the cam elements 11 above arranged along path P comprise one or more guide rails 11 extending along the entire length of path P.

[042] It should be noted that, as previously described, it is advantageous that the aforementioned opposing support and sliding guides 9 extended along the aforementioned path P be positioned at a minimum distance, preferably just above, from the upper end of the longitudinal sides 2a of the treatment tanks 2 in order to ensure complete immersion in the treatment bath contained in the treatment tank 2 of the vehicle structure V transported by the trolleys 3 following, that is, after the first 180° inversion mentioned above around the said geometric axis of transverse rotation of the second portion 3b of trolleys 3. In fact, this avoids having to implement the presence of additional handling and actuation means to lower the height of the vehicles V transported by trolleys 3 in treatment tank 2, as required by way of example in the previous technical document no. W02009 / 9083081.

[043] According to one embodiment (for example, see Figures 2, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, 8, 12, 13, 13a, 14, 16, 17, 18 and 18a), the aforementioned coupling portion 12 of Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 169 / 210 13 / 21 The second part 3b of a trolley 3 comprises a lever having two opposing arms extending into each other. An intermediate portion of said lever 12 is integrally connected in rotation with the second part 3b of the respective trolley 3, such that a rotation of said lever 12 around a geometric axis of rotation extended in a transverse direction YY causes an equal rotation of said second part 3b of the trolley. The free ends I and II of the aforementioned opposing arms of said lever 12 are the elements that identify the sliders suitable for engaging the aforementioned cam elements 11 arranged along said path P, to be guided by them so as to rotate said lever around the aforementioned geometric axis of rotation extended in said transverse direction YY.

[044] In Figure 8, curves I and II represent the points reached by ends I and II respectively during the advance along trajectory P corresponding to a treatment tank 2 and, as described, determine a complete revolution of the second part 3a of the trolley 3 around the geometric axis of transverse rotation YY.

[045] According to a modality (for example, see Figures 9, 9a, 10, 20, 20a, 21), the aforementioned engagement portion 12 of the second part 3b of a trolley 3 comprises a four-armed cross, a central portion thereof being integrally connected in rotation with the second part 3b of the respective trolley 3, such that a rotation about a geometric axis of rotation extended in the transverse direction YY causes an equal rotation of said second part 3b of the trolley. The free ends I, II, III, and IV of the four aforementioned arms of said cross 12 are the elements that identify the sliders suitable for engaging the aforementioned cam elements 11 arranged along said path P, to be guided by them in order to establish rotation of said lever about the aforementioned geometric axis of rotation extended in said transverse direction YY. In Figure 10, curves I, n, III, and IV constitute the representation of the points traversed by ends I, II, III, and IV respectively during the advance along the Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pages 170 / 210 14 / 21 trajectory P corresponding to a treatment tank 2 and, as described, determines a complete revolution of the second part 3 of the trolley 3 around the geometric axis of transverse rotation YY.

[046] Preferably, the free ends I and II or I, n, HI and IV of said lever arms 12 or cross 12 provide for the presence of means of revolution to cause a slip-free rotation of said free ends with the aforementioned cam elements 11.

[047] It should be noted that having the engagement portion 12 of the second part 3b of the trolley modeled as a lever or cross (as described above) depends on the specific requirements to be met, both of which are implementable in the three different modalities described below.

[048] According to a first modality (see Figures 1 to 7 and 9), the first means of current actuation 4 mentioned above extend to: • along said path P, • at a higher level than the maximum height reached by said sides 2a, 2b of said treatment tanks 2 and • in a lateral position relative to the longitudinal centerline of said treatment tanks 2, preferably in a lateral position or, in most cases, aligned with the vertical line that crosses the longitudinal sides 2a of said treatment tanks 2.

[049] According to this first embodiment, the first portion 3a of said trolley 3 comprises an arm extending downward from the first chain drive means 4 to said second portion 3b of said trolley 3, preferably to one of the two opposite transverse ends of said first portion 3a.

[050] According to a second modality (see Figures 11 to 14), the first means of current actuation 4 mentioned above extend to: • along said path P, • at a higher level than the maximum height reached by said sides 2a, 2b of said treatment tanks 2 and Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 171 / 210 15 / 21 • in a position substantially aligned with the longitudinal centerline of said treatment tanks 2 or at a maximum displacement of a distance so as not to exceed the vertical line passing through the longitudinal sides 2a of said treatment tanks 2.

[051] In this third embodiment, said first portion 3a of said trolley 3 comprises an arm that extends transversely and downwards from said first chain drive means 4 to said second portion 3b of said trolley 3.

[052] According to a third modality (see Figures 15 to 21), the first means of current actuation 4 mentioned above extend to: • along said path P, • at a height that corresponds substantially to the height of said opposite support and sliding guides (9) and • at a lateral position that, in relation to the longitudinal centerline of said treatment tanks 2, is more external or more aligned with respect to the vertical line that passes through the longitudinal sides 2a of said treatment tanks 2.

[053] According to this second embodiment, said first portion 3a of each trolley 3 comprises an arm that extends from said first chain drive means 4 to said second portion 3b of said trolley 3.

[054] Preferably, the aforementioned first chain drive means 4 comprise a single chain adapted to selectively engage portions of said first trolleys 3 to move them along said first branch of said trajectory.

[055] According to the embodiments shown, the aforementioned second drive means for moving the trolleys 3 on the return path from the downstream station 7 to the upstream station 6 comprise the return branch of the aforementioned first chain drive means 4 that extends from the downstream station 7 to the upstream station 6.

[056] Alternatively, according to a modality not shown, it is Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 172 / 210 16 / 21 It is possible to provide the presence of second distinct drive means to move the trolleys 3 on the return path from said downstream station 7 to said upstream station 6, for example, by providing the presence of a friction conveyor or other means of transport. This alternative arrangement is useful if the return branch of the first chain drive means 4 mentioned above has to be optimized in order to limit the overall dimensions of the apparatus, it being clear that, for this purpose, it is not always possible to achieve this by also entrusting the chain drive means 4 with the task of returning the trolleys 3 from the downstream station 7 to the upstream station 6.

[057] According to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the invention, the first portion 3a mentioned above of the trolleys 3 comprises: - an arm along which they are positioned: • Second hinge means 13 to allow rotation around a vertical geometric axis ZZ of a portion of said arm downstream of said second hinge means 13) in relation to a portion of said arm closer to said first chain drive means 4 and / or • Third hinge means 14 to allow rotation about a horizontal geometric axis of a portion of said arm downstream of said third hinge means 14 in relation to a portion of said arm upstream closer to said first chain drive means 4, as well as mechanical means (for example, linear actuators or cylinder piston assemblies and the like) to cause rotation of said portions of said arm of each trolley around said vertical geometric axis ZZ and / or said horizontal geometric axis in the vicinity of or at the exit of said downstream station and in proximity to or at the entrance of said upstream station,in order to allow movement of said trolleys 3 along said return path in a smaller rotated configuration. Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 173 / 210 17 / 21

[058] Thus, the apparatus according to this invention provides a single-current transport system, which can be lateral (right or left) or central in relation to the treatment tanks, in a low, medium or high position in relation to the upper end of the treatment tanks, for the movement of trolleys that have a geometric axis of rotation transverse to the direction of travel along the treatment path and, preferably, a geometric axis of rotation longitudinal to the direction of advance of the trolley itself to allow entry into the treatment path and exit from it, the rotation respectively from vertical to horizontal and from horizontal to vertical of the second portion of the trolleys in relation to the first portion.

[059] In the vicinity of the upstream station 6 of the treatment path P, each trolley, due to an actuation (mechanical, electric or pneumatic) of the aforementioned mechanical means, is moved in such a way as to bring its own geometric axis of rotation from a lower vertical position (in which it is moved on the return path as shown, for example, in Figures 1, 13, 14, 15 and 17) to a horizontal position transverse to the direction of advance in which the trolley is ready to be loaded with a vehicle structure V first to be initiated along the aforementioned path P supported by the opposing support and sliding guides 9. Once this configuration has been achieved, the trolley is inserted aligned along the aforementioned treatment path P after having been loaded with the frame structure of the vehicle V to be treated.

[060] In the loading area of ​​the vehicle structures V on the trolleys 3, each vehicle structure V can advantageously be fixed directly to the respective trolley 3. For this purpose, the vehicle structure V is arranged in a manner known to itself with suitable holes for engagement by eccentrics with which the trolleys 3 are supplied. The insertion of these eccentrics into the aforementioned holes allows each vehicle structure (V) to be rigidly locked to a respective trolley 3.

[061] Alternatively, the structure of the V vehicles to be handled may already be fixed to the sliding movement platforms which are, in turn, hooked Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 174 / 210 18 / 21 and secured in a respective trolley 3. Similarly, upon exiting the treatment path P, each trolley will leave its respective vehicle structure P transported in the unloading area identified by the downstream station 7, to be subsequently rotated to the aforementioned lowest vertical position.

[062] In accordance with all the arrangements described above, guide rails 11 extend along the entire length of said path P, even above tanks 2.

[063] Alternatively, according to an alternative form of construction relating to all three modalities described above, it is possible that the guide rails 11 are interrupted in certain longitudinal sections of said path P above the tanks 2 as described below with reference to Figures 22 and 23.

[064] It should be noted that Figures 22 and 23 show an alternative to the third modalities illustrated in Figures 11 to 14, but the same considerations also apply to the other two modalities described above as far as the guideway feature 11 being interrupted at certain longitudinal sections of the trajectory P and other elements described below.

[065] Therefore, with specific reference to the modality illustrated in Figures 22 and 23: - one or more of the aforementioned guide rails 11 are interrupted at a longitudinal inlet section Tj and at a longitudinal outlet section To of each treatment tank 2 starting from said transverse sides 2b and, at the same time - in said longitudinal inlet section Tj and in said longitudinal outlet section To of each tank 2, said cam elements 11 comprise discontinuous stop elements 20 positioned to interfere with said part 12 of said second part 3b of said trolleys 3 and to determine said complete revolution around said geometric axis of transverse rotation extended in said transverse direction YY of said trolleys in each treatment tank 2 during forward travel of said trolleys 3 along said trajectory P. Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pages 175 / 210 19 / 21

[066] Preferably, the discontinuous stop elements 20 mentioned above comprise rolling rollers 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d held in a fixed position along said path P in such a way that they can rotate around a respective geometric axis of rotation extended in said transverse direction YY.

[067] Preferably, for each treatment tank 2, said apparatus 1 comprises: - in said longitudinal inlet section Tj a first stop element 20a positioned at a lower height than the height of rail 11 and a second stop element 20b positioned at a lower height than said first stop element 20a and longitudinally closer to the intermediate portion of treatment tank 2 than said first stop element 20a; - in said longitudinal outlet section To a third 20c stop element 20c positioned lower than the height of said rail 11 and a fourth stop element 20d positioned at a height between the height of said third stop element 20c and the height of said rails 11 and longitudinally further from the intermediate portion of the treatment tank 2 than said third stop element 20c.

[068] Said first stop element 20a and said second stop element 20b determine a 180° inversion around said extended transverse geometric axis of rotation in said YY transverse direction of said trolleys 3 in said longitudinal entry section Ti, while said third stop element 20c and said fourth stop element 20d determine a second and subsequent 180° inversion around said extended transverse geometric axis of rotation in said YY transverse direction of said trolleys 3 in said exit section To. Preferably, said coupling portion 12 of the second part 3b of said trolleys 3 should include: - a median portion 21 suitable for desmodromic coupling with the Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pp. 176 / 210 20 / 21 guide rails 11 and - lever arms 22, preferably four-arm cross lever arms, suitable for interfering with said discontinuous stopping elements 20 during the forward travel of each trolley 3 along said path P, to determine said trolley reversal at each longitudinal inlet section Ti and at each longitudinal outlet section To of each treatment tank 3.

[069] Preferably, said intermediate portion 21 of said engagement portion shall comprise two rolling rollers 22a, 22b supported by said engagement portion 12 so as to be able to rotate around an extended geometric axis of rotation in said transverse direction YY, said two rolling rollers 22a, 22b being suitable for engaging said guide rails 11 at two longitudinally staggered points between them.

[070] As can be seen from what has been described, the apparatus according to this invention for surface treatment of components, in particular, for treating the structure of a vehicle by complete immersion in treatment baths contained in treatment tanks, makes it possible to satisfy the aforementioned requirement and at the same time overcome the disadvantages mentioned in the introductory part of this description in reference to the prior art.

[071] In fact, by means of the apparatus according to this invention, it is possible to minimize the longitudinal extension of the treatment tanks that house the treatment baths of the vehicle structures and, at the same time, move the vehicle transport trolleys only when the latter are actually transporting a vehicle structure to be treated.

[072] Another advantage of the apparatus according to this invention is based on the stable transverse support attached to the trolleys by the opposing support guides and sliding along the entire treatment path, this stable support allowing the trolleys and the bodies attached to them to be rotated / inverted safely and stably in the treatment tanks. Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, pages 177 / 210 21 / 21

[073] Yet another advantage of the apparatus according to this invention is based on the unusual structural simplicity suitable to ensure satisfactory operation over time, easy maintenance and a low manufacturing cost.

[074] Obviously, a person skilled in the art, in order to meet specific contingent and needs, may make various changes and variations to the apparatus in accordance with the invention described above, however, all contained within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for surface treatment of components, in particular, for treating the structure of a vehicle by complete immersion in treatment baths contained in treatment tanks, said apparatus comprising: - two or more treatment tanks (2) to contain treatment baths positioned in series along a path (P) to treat the structure of a vehicle (V), said treatment tanks (2) comprising opposite longitudinal sides (2a) and opposite transverse sides (2b), respectively extending longitudinally along said path (P) and transversely to said path (P); - a plurality of trolleys (3), each trolley (3) among said plurality of trolleys being suitable for hooking,to support and transport the structure of a vehicle (V) to be treated; - first chain drive means (4) to move said trolleys (3) in a forward path along said path (P) in a longitudinal advance direction (XX) from an upstream station (6) to a downstream station (7) of entry and, respectively, of exit of said trolleys from said treatment path (P); - second drive means for moving said trolleys (3) on a return path from said downstream station (7) to said upstream station (6), wherein said trolleys (3) are: - selectively hookable in engagement with said first chain drive means (4) at said upstream station (6) to be moved along said path (P) on said forward path and - are selectively releasable from the engagement association with said first chain drive means (4), characterized by: - ​​said trolleys (3) comprising: Petition 870210121058,from 12 / 27 / 2021, page 179 / 210 2 / 8 • a first portion (3a) that is integrally engageable in translation with said first chain drive means (4) in a releasable manner and • a second portion (3b) which, during the movement of the trolley along said trajectory (P), extends in a transverse direction (YY) to said longitudinal advance direction (XX) and is integrally connected in rotation to said first portion (3a) of said trolleys (3) by means of first hinge means (8) capable of allowing rotation of said second portion (3b) relative to said first portion (3a) around a geometric axis of transverse rotation that extends in said transverse direction (YY), said second portion (3b) of said trolleys (3) being the part suitable for engaging, supporting and transporting the structure of a vehicle (V) to be treated,- the same comprises opposing support and sliding guides (9) extending axially along said path (P) near an upper end of said longitudinal sides (2a) of said treatment tanks (2) to support and / or guide opposing transverse ends (10) of said trolleys (3) and - said second portion (3b) of said trolleys (3) comprises a coupling portion (12) which, when in said path (P), is engaged with a cam-sliding coupling with cam elements (11) arranged along said path (P) to cause a complete revolution around said geometric axis of transverse rotation extended in said transverse direction (YY) of said trolleys corresponding to one or more of said treatment tanks (2) during the advancement of said trolleys (3) along said path (P),an inversion of said second portion (3b) of a trolley (3) which causes a complete immersion in the treatment bath of an underlying treatment tank (2) of the structure of a vehicle (V) hooked, supported and transported by said second portion (3b) of said trolley.

2. Apparatus (1), according to claim 1, characterized by: - ​​said first chain drive means (4) extending: • along said path (P), • at a higher level than the maximum height reached by said sides (2a, 2b) of said treatment tanks (2) and • in a lateral position relative to the longitudinal centerline of said treatment tanks (2); - in each trolley (3) said first portion (3a) of said trolley (3) comprises an arm extending from said first chain drive means (4) down to said second portion (3b) of said trolley (3).

3. Apparatus (1), according to claim 2, characterized in that said first current drive means (4) are positioned in relation to the longitudinal center line of said treatment tanks (2) in a more external position or in the most aligned position in relation to the vertical line that passes through the longitudinal sides (2a) of said treatment tanks (2).

4. Apparatus (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that: - said first chain drive means (4) extend: • along said path (P), • to a height that corresponds substantially to the height of said opposing support and sliding guides (9) and • to a lateral position that, in relation to the longitudinal centerline of said treatment tanks (2), is more external or more aligned with respect to the vertical line that passes through the longitudinal sides (2a) of said treatment tanks (2) and - in each trolley (3) said first portion (3a) of said trolley (3) comprises an arm that extends downward from said first chain drive means (4) to said second portion (3b) of said trolley (3).

5. Apparatus (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that: - said first chain drive means (4) extend: • along said path (P), • at a level higher than the maximum height reached by said sides (2a, 2b) of said treatment tanks (2) and • in a position substantially aligned with the longitudinal centerline of said treatment tanks (2) or at a maximum displacement of a distance so as not to exceed the vertical line passing through the longitudinal sides (2a) of said treatment tanks (2) and - in each trolley (3) said first portion (3a) of said trolley (3) comprises an arm extending down from said first chain drive means (4) to said second portion (3b) of said trolley (3).

6. Apparatus (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first chain drive means (4) comprise a single chain adapted to selectively engage portions of said first trolleys (3) to move them along said first branch of said path.

7. Apparatus (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second drive means for moving said trolleys (3) in a return path from said downstream station (7) to said upstream station (6) comprise the return branch of said first current drive means (4) extending from said downstream station (7) to said upstream station (6).

8. Apparatus (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second drive means for moving said trolleys (3) on a return path from said downstream station (7) to said upstream station (6) comprise a friction conveyor.

9. Apparatus (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said first portion (3a) integrally engageable in translation with said first chain-driven means (4) comprises: - an arm along which the same are positioned: • second hinge means (13) to permit rotation around a vertical geometric axis (ZZ) of a portion of said arm downstream of said second hinge means (13) in relation to a portion of said arm closer to said first chain-driven means (4); second means Petition 870210121058, of 12 / 27 / 2021, p. 182 / 210 5 / 8 hinge (13) to allow rotation around a vertical geometric axis (ZZ) of a portion of said arm downstream of said second hinge means (13) in relation to a portion of said arm closer to said first chain drive means (4);• third hinge means (14) to permit rotation about a horizontal geometric axis of a portion of said arm downstream of said third hinge means (14) in relation to a portion of said arm upstream closest to said first chain drive means (4) so ​​as to permit the second portion of each trolley (3) to be rotated from a horizontal transverse position in which it advances in said trajectory (P) to a smaller vertical position; - mechanical means to determine a rotation of said portions of said arm of each trolley about said vertical geometric axis (ZZ) and / or said horizontal geometric axis (XX) in proximity to or leaving said downstream station and in proximity to or entering said upstream station, so as to permit movement of said trolleys (3) in said return trajectory in a smaller rotated configuration.

10. Apparatus (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by: - ​​said engagement portion (12) of said second part (3b) of said trolleys (3) comprising a lever having two opposing arms extending in length between each other, a median portion of said lever being integrally connected in rotation with said second part (3b) of said trolleys (3), such that a rotation of said lever around a geometric axis of rotation extended in said transverse direction (YY) causes an equal rotation of said second part (3b) of said trolleys or - said engagement portion (12) of said second part (3b) of said trolleys (3) comprising a four-armed cross, wherein a central portion of said cross being integrally connected in rotation with said second part (3b) of said Petition 870210121058, of 12 / 27 / 2021, p.183 / 210 6 / 8 trolleys (3), such that a rotation of said cross around an extended geometric axis of rotation in said transverse direction (YY) causes an equal rotation of said second part (3b) of said trolleys (3), wherein the ends of said arms of said lever or said cross engage with said cam elements (11) arranged along said path (P) to be guided so as to rotate said lever and / or said arms around said extended geometric axis of rotation in said transverse direction (YY).

11. Apparatus (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said cam elements (11) arranged along said path (P) are shaped to create a desmodromic engagement with said engagement portion (12) of said second part (3b) of said trolleys (3).

12. Apparatus (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said cam elements (11) arranged along said path (P) comprise one or more (11), preferably, guide rails C shaped in cross-section, extending along said path (P).

13. Apparatus (1), according to claim 12, characterized in that said one or more guide rails (11) extend along the entire length of said path (P).

14. Apparatus (1), according to claim 12, characterized by: - ​​said one or more guide rails (11) being interrupted at a longitudinal inlet (TO) and a longitudinal outlet (To) of each treatment tank (2) of said transverse sides (2b) and - at said longitudinal inlet (Tj) and outlet (To) of each treatment tank (2), said cam elements (11) comprising discontinuous stop elements (20) positioned to interfere with said engagement portion (12) of said second part (3b) of said trolleys (3) and to determine said complete revolution around said geometric axis of transverse rotation extended in said transverse direction (YY) of said trolleys (3) in each treatment tank (2) during the forward travel of said trolleys (3) along said trajectory (P). Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, p. 184 / 210 7 / 8 15. Apparatus (1), according to claim 14, characterized in that said discontinuous stopping elements include rolling rollers (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) supported in a fixed position along said path (P) so as to rotate around a respective geometric axis of rotation extended in said transverse direction YY.

16. Apparatus (1), according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, for each treatment tank (2), it comprises: - in said longitudinal inlet section (TO), a first stop element (20a) positioned lower than said rails (11) and a second stop element (20b) positioned lower than said first stop element (20a) and longitudinally closer to the intermediate portion of the treatment tank (2) than said first stop element (20a); - in said longitudinal outlet section (To), a third stop element (20c) positioned lower than said rails (11) and a fourth stop element (20d) positioned between the height of said third stop element (20c) and the height of said rails (11) and longitudinally further from the intermediate portion of the treatment tank (2) than said third stop element (20c),The said first stop element (20a) and the said second stop element (20b) determine a 180° inversion around the said geometric axis of transverse rotation extended in the said transverse direction (YY) of the said trolleys (3) corresponding to the said longitudinal entry section (Ti), while the said third stop element (20c) and the said fourth stop element (20d) determine a second and subsequent 180° inversion around the said geometric axis of transverse rotation extended in the said transverse direction (YY) of the said trolleys (3) corresponding to the said longitudinal exit section (To).

17. Apparatus (1), according to claim 16, characterized in that said portion of the engagement portion (12) of said second part (3b) of said trolley (3) includes: - a median portion (21) capable of engaging in a desmodromic manner with said drive paths (11) and Petition 870210121058, dated 12 / 27 / 2021, page 185 / 210 8 / 8 - lever arms (22), preferably lever arms of a four-arm cruiser, suitable for interfering with said discontinuous stop elements (20) during the advance of each trolley (3) along said trajectory, to determine said trolley reversals at each longitudinal entry (Ti) and each longitudinal exit section (To) of each tank (3).

18. Apparatus (1), according to claim 17, characterized in that said median portion (21) of said portion of the engagement portion (12) comprises two rolling rollers (22a, 22b) supported by said portion of the engagement portion (12) so as to be able to rotate around an extended geometric axis of rotation in said transverse direction YY, said two rolling rollers (22a, 22b) being suitable for engaging said guide rails (11) at two longitudinally staggered points between them.

19. Apparatus (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said cam elements (11) are provided on opposite transverse sides (2b) of said treatment tanks wherein it is determined that a trolley and the related structure of a vehicle (V) hooked and transported need to be turned upside down to be completely immersed in the treatment bath contained in said treatment tank (2) to cause a first reversal of said second part (3b) of said trolleys (3) when said trolleys are in an initial section of said treatment tank (2), identified in reference to the direction of advance of the trolleys (3) along said trajectory (P), and a second reversal of said trolleys (3) corresponding to a final section of said treatment tank (2).

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