Processing device and method for processing workpieces

Abstract

In order to provide a processing device (100) with a simple structure and capable of effectively sealing a processing chamber (104), it is proposed that the processing device (100) comprises: a processing chamber (104) for accommodating a workpiece (102) to be processed; a transport device (110), by means of which the workpiece (102) to be processed can be transported through the processing chamber (104); wherein the transport device (110) comprises a guiding device (114), which is arranged outside the processing chamber (104); wherein the transport device (110) comprises a plurality of receiving elements (124) for receiving the workpiece (102), wherein the receiving elements (124) are movably arranged at the guiding device (114), and the receiving elements extend into the processing chamber (104) through an opening (126) in a wall (128) surrounding the processing chamber (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a treatment device for treating a workpiece and a method for treating a workpiece. In particular, provision is made here for pre-treating, coating and / or drying a workpiece, for example, in the form of a vehicle body. Background Art

[0002] DE 10 2015 006 098 A1 discloses a drying device for vehicle bodies, in which a spatial and thermal separation of the vehicle bodies on the one hand and of a conveying system for transporting the vehicle bodies on the other hand is provided. Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a processing device which has a simple structure and can effectively seal a processing chamber, in particular, is used to prevent leakage of the processing chamber.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a processing device for processing workpieces, wherein the processing device comprises in particular:

[0005] A processing chamber for accommodating a workpiece to be processed;

[0006] a transport device, by means of which the workpieces to be processed can be transported through the processing chamber;

[0007] wherein the transport device comprises a guide device which is arranged outside the processing chamber, wherein the transport device comprises a plurality of receiving elements for receiving the workpieces,

[0008] In this case, the receiving element is arranged displaceably on the guide device and extends through an opening in a wall surrounding the treatment chamber into the treatment chamber.

[0009] In particular, it can be provided that the guide device is arranged in a guide chamber which is surrounded by a housing of the transport device.

[0010] Preferably, the processing apparatus further comprises a gas supply portion for supplying a gas to the guide chamber.

[0011] The treatment chamber is, in particular, a drying tunnel through which a workpiece, in particular in the form of a vehicle body, is transported after the coating process.

[0012] In the treatment chamber, the solvent is released, in particular from the coating of the workpiece. Under certain conditions, it may happen that the solvent condenses as condensate in the treatment chamber or condenses outside the treatment chamber after the solvent has flowed out. Such condensate formation should preferably be avoided.

[0013] In particular, when the transport device is arranged partly inside the treatment chamber and partly outside the treatment chamber, leakage cannot be avoided in the region of the opening in the wall surrounding the treatment chamber. Therefore, in particular, solvent can escape from the treatment chamber or can be deposited as condensate inside the treatment chamber in the case of unfavorable temperature distribution.

[0014] According to the invention, the guide device is preferably surrounded by the housing and gas can also be introduced into the guide chamber surrounded by the housing preferably by means of a gas supply, so that the flow through the opening in the wall surrounding the process chamber can be preferably regulated, wherein in particular it can be provided that the gas flows from the guide chamber into the process chamber. This effectively avoids leakage of solvent. In particular, an effective sealing of the process chamber can be ensured.

[0015] Preferably, the opening is a transport gap in a wall, in particular a bottom wall, of the treatment chamber, which extends in the transport direction of the transport device.

[0016] Advantageously, the guide chamber is fluidically connected to the process chamber via an opening, wherein a pressure in the guide chamber that is higher than the pressure in the process chamber can be generated by means of the gas supply. Thus, the gas supplied to the guide chamber preferably always flows from the guide chamber into the process chamber. As a result, backflow is preferably effectively prevented.

[0017] The opening, in particular the transport gap, is preferably partially covered and / or sealed or partially covered and / or sealed. For this purpose, in particular, a fish scale seal, a mechanical sheet seal, a local isolation flange and / or a nozzle forming a fluid shield can be provided, in particular on the side of the opening facing the processing chamber.

[0018] It can be advantageous if the transport device comprises one or more locks, through which transport elements of the transport device, in particular a chassis, can be moved into or out of the guide chamber.

[0019] The lock or locks are arranged in particular at one or more end regions of the treatment chamber and preferably delimit a guide chamber along a transport direction of the transport device.

[0020] Preferably, gas is also supplied to the one or more locks, in particular at an elevated pressure compared to the guide chamber and / or the process chamber, in order to avoid or at least reduce an undesired outflow of gas from the guide chamber and / or the process chamber into the surroundings of the processing device.

[0021] Preferably, one or more locks of the transport device are simultaneously one or more locks of the treatment chamber or are locks different therefrom.

[0022] It may be advantageous if the gas supply comprises a regulating device for heating, cooling, dehumidifying and / or humidifying the gas flow to be supplied to the guide chamber.

[0023] In particular, the regulating device can include a heating device, a cooling device, a dehumidifier and / or a humidifier.

[0024] It can be advantageous if the control device comprises one or more heat exchangers, by means of which heat, in particular from the exhaust gas of the process installation, the working medium conducted in the process installation and / or a separate heat source, can be transferred to the gas flow to be supplied to the conduction chamber.

[0025] In this case, the heat transfer preferably takes place without media contact.

[0026] In particular, the heat exchanger is a gas-gas heat exchanger or a liquid-gas heat exchanger.

[0027] The gas supplied to the guide chamber can in particular be fresh air, which is heated by means of a fresh air heat exchanger before being supplied to the guide chamber.

[0028] The fresh air heat exchanger serves in particular to heat fresh air which is supplied to the treatment chamber, in particular via a lock of the treatment chamber which is designed as a drying tunnel.

[0029] In particular, the fresh air supplied to the guide chamber can be branched off from the total fresh air flow.

[0030] Furthermore, it can be provided that all of the fresh air supplied to the treatment chamber is introduced into the treatment chamber exclusively via the guide chamber and through the opening.

[0031] However, it can also be provided that the gas to be supplied to the guide chamber is regulated, in particular temperature-controlled, independently of the regulating device for regulating the fresh air. For this purpose, in particular a pure gas heat exchanger and a heating device with a combustion chamber or the like can be provided.

[0032] In particular, if fresh air is to be introduced into the treatment chamber via the guide chamber, the fresh air can be temperature-controlled at least partially within the guide chamber, since during operation of the treatment device the housing and the transport device are heated together and heat is thus also transferred to the gas flow supplied to the guide chamber.

[0033] Preferably, a separate pressure channel for supplying fresh air to the process chamber is not necessary when the fresh air required for the process chamber is supplied completely via the guide chamber.

[0034] If necessary, it can also be provided that fresh air is supplied to the treatment chamber via a lock.

[0035] The guide chamber is sealed in particular with respect to the surroundings of the treatment plant. For example, an entry door or an exit door is provided in the region of the entry and / or exit gates. This allows an increased pressure difference to be achieved between the pressure in the guide chamber on one side and the pressure in the treatment chamber and the surroundings on the other side.

[0036] It may be advantageous if the gas supply is fluidically connected to one or more further chambers of the processing device than the processing chamber.

[0037] In particular, the connection is provided in such a way that gas is supplied from the chamber or chambers to the guide chamber.

[0038] It can be provided that the treatment chamber is a drying chamber and that the gas supply is fluidically connected to one or more further drying chambers of the treatment device, one or more coating chambers of the treatment device and / or one or more control chambers of the treatment device.

[0039] In particular, the drying chamber is a chamber of a predryer, a main dryer or a further region or section of a process chamber designed as a drying tunnel.

[0040] In particular, the section of the drying chamber is a heating zone, a holding zone or a cooling zone.

[0041] A coating chamber is, in particular, a chamber in which the workpiece is pretreated or painted, in particular coated with a paint, primer, topcoat and / or clearcoat.

[0042] The control chamber is, in particular, a chamber in which the applied and hardened coating is controlled and / or processed and / or repaired.

[0043] Preferably, one or more gaps are formed between the receiving element and the opening. Preferably, the gas flows from the guide chamber into the processing chamber through the one or more gaps.

[0044] It can be provided that one or more slots each have one or more flow deflectors. In particular, one or more labyrinth-like slots are provided, whereby in particular a reduced flow velocity and / or a longer residence time of the gas in the respective slot can be achieved. In particular, a preheating of the gas to be supplied to the process chamber, in particular fresh air, can thus be achieved.

[0045] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for processing workpieces which can be carried out simply and which ensures a secure sealing of the processing chamber.

[0046] According to the present invention, this object is achieved in the following manner, that is, the method for processing a workpiece comprises:

[0047] The workpiece is guided through the processing chamber by means of a transport device, wherein the transport device comprises a guide device arranged outside the processing chamber, wherein the workpiece is received by means of a plurality of receiving elements which are movably arranged on the guide device and which extend through openings in a wall surrounding the processing chamber into the processing chamber.

[0048] Optionally, provision can also be made for the gas to be supplied to a guide chamber which is surrounded by a housing of the transport device and in which the guide device is arranged.

[0049] Preferably, the method according to the invention has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the processing device according to the invention.

[0050] It may be advantageous if the gas supplied to the guide chamber is exhaust gas from another process chamber or process area of ​​the processing device.

[0051] It can be provided that the gas is conditioned before it is supplied to the guide chamber. In particular, preheating or preheating can be provided as conditioning.

[0052] The temperature of the gas supplied to the guiding cavity is preferably at least about 50°C, such as at least about 70°C and / or at most about 100°C, such as at most about 90°C, preferably at most about 80°C.

[0053] Preferably, a pressure of at least about 50 Pa, preferably at least about 200 Pa, for example at least about 500 Pa, higher than the pressure in the process chamber is generated in the guide chamber by the supply of gas.

[0054] The gas supplied to the guide chamber preferably flows through the opening and is preferably heated in the process, in particular by direct contact with a wall of the process chamber which heats up during operation of the process device and / or with a receiving element which heats up during operation of the process device.

[0055] It may be advantageous if one or more receiving elements and / or one or more transport elements, for example one or more chassis, are partially or completely thermally insulated, in particular with respect to the gas guided in the guide chamber.

[0056] In particular, one or more, preferably all, electrical and / or electronic components of the transport device, for example a transport element or a chassis, are thermally insulated from the gas guided in the guide chamber.

[0057] The guide device comprises in particular a guide rail.

[0058] In particular, the transport device is a so-called monorail transporter.

[0059] Preferably, the opening in the wall of the treatment chamber is covered in a region in which no receiving element projects at least temporarily through the opening.

[0060] The guide chamber is in particular a pressure chamber which forms an intermediate region between the surroundings of the treatment device and the treatment chamber, in particular for optimal sealing of the treatment chamber.

[0061] Preferably, a solvent-free environment is maintained in the guide chamber, in particular by supplying fresh air via a gas supply. Thus, the guide device, in particular the sensitive electrical and mechanical components of the guide device's chassis, are reliably protected from possible damage by solvent condensate.

[0062] Furthermore, the guide chamber preferably forms an intermediate stage between the surroundings of the treatment device and the treatment chamber, whereby the risk of condensation can likewise be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the following description and the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0064] In the attached figure:

[0065] Figure 1 shows a schematic vertical transverse cross-sectional view of a processing device;

[0066] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of region II in FIG.

[0067] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of a processing device is shown. Figure 2 Corresponding drawings.

[0068] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] A processing device, generally designated 100, for processing a workpiece 102 is provided. Figure 1 and 2 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is, in particular, a drying plant for drying coated vehicle bodies.

[0070] The treatment device 100 comprises a treatment chamber 104 , in particular a drying chamber 106 , for example a drying tunnel 108 .

[0071] Furthermore, the processing device 100 comprises a transport device 110 , by means of which the workpieces 102 can be transported through the processing chamber 104 .

[0072] The transport device 110 is designed, for example, as a monorail conveyor 112 .

[0073] Preferably, the transport device 110 comprises a guide device 114 , which is in particular designed as a guide rail 116 and on which one or more transport elements 118 , in particular a chassis 120 , are arranged so as to be movable in a transport direction.

[0074] In particular, provision can be made for the transport elements 118 designed as carriages 120 to have a separate drive 122 , in particular a drive motor, associated with each carriage 120 . The carriages 120 can thus be moved independently of one another along the guide device 114 .

[0075] In particular, the receiving element 124 is provided for receiving the workpiece 102 .

[0076] In particular, the receiving element 124 is a component of the transport element 118 or is fastened to the transport element 118 .

[0077] In the processing device 100 Figure 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a portion of the transport device 110 is arranged inside the processing chamber 104 , while another portion of the transport device 110 is arranged outside the processing chamber 104 .

[0078] In particular, the guide device 114 and the drive device 122 of the chassis 120 are arranged outside the treatment chamber 104 .

[0079] Preferably, the receiving element 124 extends through an opening 126 in a wall 128 surrounding the process chamber 104 and thus forms a connection between a part of the transport device 110 arranged outside the process chamber 104 on one side and a workpiece 102 arranged within the process chamber 104 on the other side.

[0080] The opening 126 is, in particular, a transport gap 130 which extends parallel to the guide device 114 in the transport direction.

[0081] In particular, the opening 126 is formed in a bottom wall 132 which closes the treatment chamber 104 downwardly with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0082] In particular, the guide device 114 and the drive device 122 of the chassis 120 are arranged below the bottom wall 132 .

[0083] Especially from Figure 2 It can be seen that a gap 134 is formed between the receiving element 124 and the wall 128 , which gap forms a fluid-active connection between the treatment chamber 104 on one side and a region outside the treatment chamber 104 on the other side.

[0084] Thus, during operation of the processing device 100 , solvent which is exhausted into the air contained in the processing chamber 104 , for example when drying the workpiece 102 , may escape from the processing chamber 104 .

[0085] Due to the fact that the components of the treatment plant 100 can have temperatures that are somewhat different, the escaping solvent can lead to condensate formation, which can ultimately lead to damage, among other things, to the transport device 110. Furthermore, the escaping solvent can also be a hazard to the health of the workers.

[0086] Especially from Figure 3 It is known from the literature that the outflow of solvent in the region of the opening 126 can be reduced by at least partially covering the opening 126 , for example by means of a cover 136 , or at least making the flow through the opening 126 more difficult.

[0087] A leakage reduction effect can also be produced by one or more flow diverters 138 in the region of the gap 134 .

[0088] Preferably, however, leakage in the region of the opening 126 can be completely avoided by ensuring a preferred flow direction in the region of the opening 126 , ie from outside the process chamber 104 through the opening 126 into the process chamber 104 .

[0089] For this purpose, the treatment device 100 preferably comprises a housing 140 which surrounds the guide device 114 of the transport device 110 and thereby forms a guide chamber 142 which is arranged, for example, below the treatment chamber 104 .

[0090] The guide chamber 142 extends substantially parallel to the process chamber 104 along the transport direction and is separated from the process chamber 104 by a wall 128 , in particular a bottom wall 132 , of the process chamber 104 .

[0091] However, a fluidic connection between the treatment chamber 104 and the guide chamber 142 is formed via the opening 126 .

[0092] An intermediate area between the treatment chamber 104 and the surroundings of the treatment device 100 is therefore formed by means of the housing 140 .

[0093] Furthermore, the treatment device 100 comprises a gas supply 144 , by means of which gas, in particular fresh air, can be introduced into the guide chamber 142 , ie into the interior of the housing 140 .

[0094] Therefore, a solvent-free atmosphere can be ensured within the guide chamber 142 , which atmosphere preferably also has an elevated pressure compared to the pressure in the process chamber 104 .

[0095] Therefore, in the region of the opening 126 , the gas must flow continuously starting from the guide chamber 142 into the process chamber 104 .

[0096] In particular, when fresh air is selected as the gas supplied by means of the gas supply 144 , the fresh air is thus supplied to the process chamber 104 through the opening 126 .

[0097] In addition, the gas supplied to the guide chamber 142 can be regulated, for example heated, by means of the regulating device 146 of the gas supply 144. This can particularly prevent the solvent in the process chamber 104 from condensing when supercooled gas, in particular supercooled fresh air, flows into the process chamber 104 through the opening 126.

[0098] However, the gas supplied to the guide chamber 142 is preferably heated by means of the regulating device 146 only to such an extent that components of the transport device 110 , in particular temperature-sensitive components such as electric motors, etc., are not damaged. In particular, a maximum temperature of approximately 80° C. can be set in the guide chamber 142 .

[0099] During operation of the processing device 100 , the wall 128 surrounding the processing chamber 104 is heated.

[0100] Thus, when flowing through the opening 126 , heat is transferred from the wall 128 to the gas flowing out of the guide cavity 142 and into the processing chamber 104 .

[0101] In particular, the heat transfer can be optimized in a suitable design of the slot 134. For example, the slot 134 can be configured in a labyrinth-like manner by using one or more flow deflectors 138. Thus, an optimized separation is formed between the processing chamber 104 and the guide chamber 142, so that in particular an increased pressure difference between the two chambers 104, 142 is achieved. In addition, the residence time of the gas, in particular the fresh air, flowing out of the guide chamber 142 and into the processing chamber 104 is prolonged in order to optimize the heat transfer from the wall 128 to the gas, in particular the fresh air.

[0102] In particular, in other (not shown) embodiments of the processing device 100, different variants of the transport device 110 can be provided. For example, a suspended transport device can be provided. In this case, the opening 126 can be particularly configured in the top wall opposite the bottom wall 132. In this case, the guide device 114 and the housing 140 and the guide chamber 142 surrounded by it are preferably arranged above the processing chamber 104.

[0103] Preferably, the same advantages are achieved in terms of functionality. In particular, in this design, leakage of solvent can also be preferably minimized or completely avoided.

Claims

1. A processing device (100) for processing a workpiece (102), include: - a processing chamber (104) for accommodating the workpiece (102) to be processed; a transport device (110), by means of which the workpiece (102) to be processed can be transported through the processing chamber (104); The transport device (110) comprises a guide device (114), and the guide device is arranged outside the processing chamber (104); wherein the transport device (110) comprises a plurality of receiving elements (124) for receiving the workpiece (102), wherein the receiving element (124) is movably arranged on the guide device (114) and extends into the treatment chamber (104) through an opening (126) in a wall (128) surrounding the treatment chamber (104), The guide device (114) is arranged in a guide cavity (142) surrounded by a housing (140) of the transport device (110), wherein the processing device (100) comprises a gas supply part (144) for supplying gas to the guide cavity (142), The transport device (110) comprises one or more locks, through which a transport element (118) of the transport device (110) can be moved into the guide chamber (142) or out of the guide chamber (142).

2. The processing device (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The treatment device (100) is a treatment device for drying a vehicle body.

3. The processing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The opening (126) is a transport gap (130) in a wall (128) of the treatment chamber (104) extending along the transport direction of the transport device (110).

4. The processing device (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The wall (128) is a bottom wall (132).

5. The processing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The guide chamber (142) is fluidically connected to the process chamber (104) via the opening (126), wherein a pressure in the guide chamber (142) that is higher than a pressure in the process chamber (104) can be generated by means of the gas supply (144).

6. The processing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The gas supply (144) comprises a regulating device (146) for heating, cooling, dehumidifying and / or humidifying the gas flow to be supplied to the guide chamber (142).

7. The processing device (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The regulating device (146) comprises one or more heat exchangers, through which the heat from a) exhaust of the processing device (100); b) a working medium guided in the processing device (100); and / or c) Heat from a separate heat source is transferred to the gas flow to be supplied to the guide cavity (142).

8. The processing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The gas supply (144) is fluidically connected to one or more other chambers of the processing device (100) that are different from the processing chamber (104).

9. The processing device (100) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The processing chamber (104) is a drying chamber (106), and the gas supply part (144) is connected to a) one or more other drying chambers (106) of the processing device (100), b) one or more coating chambers of the processing device (100), and / or c) one or more control chambers of the processing device (100) Connected by fluid action.

10. The processing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that One or more gaps (134) are formed between the receiving element (124) and the opening (126), each of which has one or more flow deflectors (138).

11. A method for processing a workpiece (102), include: The workpiece (102) is guided through a process chamber (104) by means of a transport device (110), wherein the transport device (110) comprises a guide device (114) arranged outside the process chamber (104), wherein the workpiece (102) is received by means of a plurality of receiving elements (124), which are movably arranged on the guide device (114) and extend into the process chamber (104) through openings (126) in a wall (128) surrounding the process chamber (104), Gas is supplied to a guide chamber (142) which is surrounded by a housing (140) of the transport device (110) and in which the guide device (114) is arranged. The transport element (118) of the transport device (110) moves into the guide chamber (142) or out of the guide chamber (142) through one or more locks of the transport device (110).

12. The method according to claim 11, It is characterized in that a) the gas supplied to the guide chamber (142) is exhaust gas from another chamber or area of ​​the processing device (100); and / or b) conditioning the gas before it is supplied to the guide chamber (142).

13. The method according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The temperature of the gas supplied to the guide chamber (142) is at most 100°C.

14. The method according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The temperature of the gas supplied to the guide chamber (142) is at most 90°C.

15. The method according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The temperature of the gas supplied to the guide chamber (142) is at most 80°C.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, It is characterized in that The supply of the gas generates a pressure in the guide chamber (142) that is at least 50 Pa higher than the pressure in the processing chamber (104).

17. The method according to claim 16, It is characterized in that The supply of the gas generates a pressure in the guide chamber (142) that is at least 200 Pa higher than the pressure in the processing chamber (104).

18. The method according to claim 17, It is characterized in that The supply of the gas generates a pressure in the guide chamber (142) that is at least 500 Pa higher than the pressure in the processing chamber (104).

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, It is characterized in that The gas supplied to the guide chamber (142) flows through the opening (126) and is heated therein.

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