Base for powder coating chamber

Abstract

The present invention relates to a base for a powder coating chamber, the base comprising a base structure (4) by which the chamber is intended to rest on a floor (1), the base structure (4) being configured to support the powder coating compartment of the chamber. The base also includes a bottom plate supported by the base structure (4) and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating compartment (3). According to the invention, to reduce the accumulation of residual powder, the bottom plate includes at least one inclined panel (15) inclined relative to a horizontal plane (X4, Y4) and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating compartment of the chamber, wherein the at least one inclined panel is porous so that air can pass through while residual powder generated by powder coating of articles within the powder coating compartment is impermeable.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a base for a powder coating chamber and a powder coating chamber including such a base. [Background Technology]

[0002] Powder coating chambers for applying coatings such as paints to articles are known by electrostatically powder coating the articles within a powder coating compartment of the chamber. The powder-to-article coating is accomplished using a powder projector that projects powder onto the article within the powder coating compartment. The powder adheres to the article via an electrostatic effect, and both the powder and the article are brought to a specific electrostatic potential. Once powder coating is complete, the article is conveyed to an oven to allow the thermosetting material that formed the powder to crosslink, thereby curing the coating on the article.

[0003] A significant portion of the powder ejected by the projector during powder coating does not reach the article and tends to settle on the walls and floor of the powder coating chamber. This chamber is equipped with a residual powder suction system that evacuates the interior of the powder coating chamber to recover most of this powder for recycling and mixing it with new powder for coating subsequent articles. Part of this vacuum system is typically formed within the chamber's base below the floor to recover powder accumulated on the floor. However, despite this suction system, residual powder often still adheres to the walls and floor, necessitating regular cleaning of the powder coating chamber, especially if the type of powder is changed, such as for a color change, which is time-consuming. The chamber floor is typically flat and level to facilitate operator cleaning of residual powder. Furthermore, the use of a powerful vacuum system consumes a significant amount of energy, impacting both the environment and the cost of powder coating operations. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a new base for a powder coating chamber, which reduces the accumulation of residual powder.

[0005] This invention relates to a base for a powder coating chamber, the base comprising: a base structure, the chamber being intended to be rested on a floor via the base structure, the base structure being configured to support a powder coating compartment of the chamber; and a base plate supported by the base structure and configured to delineate the bottom of the powder coating compartment. According to the invention, the base plate includes at least one inclined panel, the inclined panel being inclined relative to a horizontal plane and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating compartment of the chamber. At least the inclined panel is porous so that air can pass through while residual powder generated by powder coating of articles within the powder coating compartment is impermeable.

[0006] Preferably, the base includes means for introducing pressurized air beneath the at least one inclined panel, such that the introduced pressurized air passes through the at least one inclined panel into the interior of the powder coating compartment to separate residual powder present on the at least one inclined panel. As the introduction means, the base includes one or more compressed air inlets, for example, these inlets connected to a compressed air source for introducing pressurized air into the housing of the base, the housing being formed beneath and defined by the at least one inclined panel. Preferably, the housing is longitudinally defined by two transverse profile walls belonging to the base structure, transversely defined by two longitudinal partitions belonging to the base structure, defined at the bottom by a bottom wall belonging to the base structure, and defined at the top by the at least one inclined panel.

[0007] Preferably, the base includes a vibrator configured to vibrate the at least one inclined panel relative to the base structure. If a vibrator is provided, it is preferably received inside the housing. If a beam is provided, it is advantageously arranged inside the housing.

[0008] When the base structure rests on the floor, the vibration of the at least one tilted panel, combined with the fact that the at least one tilted panel is tilted relative to the horizontal plane, allows residual powder received on the tilted panel to flow along it. The at least one tilted panel is preferably oriented such that the residual powder flows toward a groove formed by the base structure of the base, from which it can be recovered by suction. This reduces the required suction power because the at least one tilted panel allows the residual powder to be concentrated in a predetermined area of ​​the base, such as the groove. Furthermore, since the at least one tilted panel automatically conveys the residual powder due to its tilt and the vibration generated by the vibrator, the accumulation of residual powder on the base plate itself is reduced. This also reduces the need for the operator to clean up residual powder.

[0009] In the variant, the base does not have a vibrator, or the vibrator is optional.

[0010] Other advantageous and optional features of the invention are described below.

[0011] Preferably, when the base is placed on the ground via the base structure, at least one inclined panel has an inclination of 5 to 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, preferably between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0012] Preferably, two inclined panels are provided, each having an upper edge and being joined to their respective upper edges.

[0013] Preferably, the base structure includes two opposing transverse profile walls, the at least one inclined panel connecting the two transverse profile walls to each other; and the base includes a beam supporting the at least one inclined panel and the vibrator, the beam extending below the at least one inclined panel and including two opposing beam ends, the beam being attached to the two transverse profile walls respectively through the beam ends.

[0014] Preferably, each beam end is attached to one of the two transverse profile walls via at least one vibration damping pad belonging to the base.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one inclined panel has a lower edge permanently attached to a longitudinal partition belonging to the base structure; the base structure includes at least one longitudinal groove defined by the longitudinal partition, extending below the base plate, opening toward the base plate, and having a discharge end through which the at least one groove leads to the outside of the base; the base plate includes at least one retractable cover plate movable between an extended position and an open position, in the extended position covering at least one longitudinal groove, and in the open position, in contrast to the extended position, at least one retractable cover plate not covering at least one longitudinal groove.

[0016] Preferably, at least one retractable cover is movable between an extended position and an open position by rotating relative to the base structure.

[0017] Preferably, the base includes means for introducing pressurized air under the at least one inclined panel, the base being configured such that the pressurized air introduced therefrom passes through the porous inclined panel into the interior of the powder coating compartment to separate residual powder present on the at least one inclined panel.

[0018] Preferably, the base plate comprises a tensioned fabric forming at least one inclined panel.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a powder coating chamber, which includes a base and a powder coating compartment as described above, the powder coating compartment being supported by a base structure and its bottom being defined by a base plate.

[0020] Independent of the above invention, specific embodiments may be considered, the purpose of which is to remedy the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a new base for a powder coating chamber, which reduces the accumulation of residual powder.

[0021] This particular embodiment provides a base for a powder coating chamber, the base comprising: a base structure, the chamber being intended to be rested on a floor via the base structure, the base structure being configured to support powder coating compartments within the chamber; and a base plate supported by the base structure and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating compartments. In this case, the base plate includes at least one inclined panel, the inclined panel being inclined relative to a horizontal plane and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating compartments within the chamber. In this case, the base includes a vibrator configured to vibrate the at least one inclined panel relative to the base structure.

[0022] When the base structure rests on the floor, the vibration of the at least one tilted panel, combined with the fact that the at least one tilted panel is tilted relative to the horizontal plane, allows residual powder received on the tilted panel to travel downwards along the at least one tilted panel. The at least one tilted panel is preferably tilted such that the residual powder flows toward a groove formed by the base structure of the base, from which it can be recovered by suction. This reduces the required suction power because the at least one tilted panel allows the residual powder to be concentrated in a predetermined area of ​​the base, such as the groove. Furthermore, since the at least one tilted panel automatically conveys the residual powder due to its tilt and the vibration generated by the vibrator, the accumulation of residual powder on the base plate itself is reduced. This also reduces the need for the operator to clean up residual powder.

[0023] Further advantageous and optional features of this particular implementation are described below.

[0024] Preferably, when the base is placed on the floor via the base structure, the at least one inclined panel has an inclination of 5 to 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, preferably between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0025] Preferably, two inclined panels are provided, each having an upper edge and being joined to their respective upper edges.

[0026] Preferably, the base structure includes two opposing transverse profile walls, the at least one inclined panel connecting the two transverse profile walls to each other; and the base includes a beam supporting the at least one inclined panel and the vibrator, the beam extending below the at least one inclined panel and including two opposing beam ends, the beam being attached to the two transverse profile walls respectively through the beam ends.

[0027] Preferably, each beam end is attached to one of the two transverse profile walls via at least one vibration damping pad belonging to the base.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one inclined panel has a lower edge permanently attached to a longitudinal partition belonging to the base structure; the base structure includes at least one longitudinal groove defined by the longitudinal partition, extending below the base plate, opening toward the base plate, and having a discharge end through which the at least one groove leads to the outside of the base; the base plate includes at least one retractable cover plate movable between an extended position and an open position, in the extended position covering at least one longitudinal groove, and in the open position, in contrast to the extended position, at least one retractable cover plate not covering at least one longitudinal groove.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one retractable cover is movable between an extended position and an open position by rotating relative to the base structure.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one inclined panel is airtight.

[0031] Preferably, the at least one inclined panel is porous so that air can pass through while residual powder from the powder coating of articles within the powder coating compartment cannot.

[0032] Preferably, the base includes means for introducing pressurized air under the at least one inclined panel, the base being configured such that the pressurized air introduced in this way passes through the porous inclined panel into the interior of the powder coating compartment to loosen residual powder present on the at least one inclined panel.

[0033] Preferably, the base plate comprises a tensioned fabric forming at least one inclined panel.

[0034] This particular embodiment also relates to a powder coating chamber comprising a base as described above and a powder coating compartment supported by a base structure, the bottom of which is defined by a base plate.

[0035] In this particular embodiment, any of the features described in connection with the invention may also be provided. [Attached Image Description]

[0036] The invention and its advantages will become more apparent from the following description of examples according to the invention, which are given for non-limiting purposes and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a front view of a powder coating chamber including a base according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the powder coating chamber, showing the base in more detail.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a side view of the powder coating chamber shown in the aforementioned figure, illustrating... Figure 2 Section II-II.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a powder coating booth placed on a flat and level floor 1. The powder coating booth consists of a base 2 and a powder coating compartment 3.

[0041] The powder coating chamber is designed to accommodate the operation of applying coatings such as paint to articles by electrostatic powder coating within the powder coating compartment 3.

[0042] Base 2 includes Figures 1 to 3 The visible base structure 4 and in Figure 2 The base plate 5 is visible in the middle.

[0043] When the chamber is placed on the floor, the longitudinal direction X4 and the transverse direction Y4 are defined as horizontal and vertical, respectively. When the chamber is placed on the floor, the height direction Z4 is perpendicular to the X4 and Y4 directions and points upward. The X4, Y4, and Z4 directions are fixed relative to the base structure 4.

[0044] The powder coating compartment 3 is defined at its bottom by a base plate 5, which forms a raised base plate for the compartment 3. The compartment 3 is composed of two opposing longitudinal main walls 41 parallel to the X4 and Z4 directions. The compartment 3 is also composed of two opposing transverse main walls 42 parallel to the Y4 and Z4 directions. The walls 41 and 42 form a closed shell that rises from the perimeter of the base plate 5 to delineate the compartment 3.

[0045] The powder coating compartment 3 includes at least one opening for introducing and / or removing the article to be coated from the interior of the compartment 3. Each opening 43 is preferably formed through a wall 42. The opening 43 can be closed, for example, by means of two doors of the compartment 3 held by the relevant wall 42. Figure 1 In the image, opening 43 is shown as being closed by a door, which is a hinged door.

[0046] The powder coating compartment 3 has at least one opening 44, preferably several openings, such as eight openings 44. Each opening 44 is designed to be passed through by a powder projector (e.g., an electrostatic spray gun), allowing the powder projector to project powder into the compartment 3 for coating the article introduced therein. Figure 3 As can be seen, opening 44 is made by passing through wall 41.

[0047] Compartment 3 advantageously includes a top plate 45 that defines the top of the compartment by closing walls 41 and 42 above. The top plate 45 is preferably cut along its entire length by a longitudinal notch 47 for a conveyor for suspending items above to pass through, and is responsible for moving items into compartment 3 through opening 43, positioning items within compartment 3 such that the items are powder-coated, and removing items from compartment 3 through the same opening 43 or through another similar opening on the opposite wall 42.

[0048] Preferably, compartment 3 is made entirely or primarily of polymer plastic, or at least of dielectric material.

[0049] Powder projected by the projector adheres to the article through an electrostatic effect, and both the powder and the article are brought to a specific electrostatic potential. This powder coating results in residual powder deposition at the bottom of the powder coating compartment 3.

[0050] The base 2 has an advantageous operating and cleaning configuration. The operating configuration is performed at least when powder is supplied to articles in compartment 3, and the cleaning configuration is performed when no articles are supplied with powder. The cleaning configuration is implemented, for example, for powder changes, such as for color changes. During the powder coating process, opening 43 is preferably open to allow air to be drawn into compartment 3 via a powder suction system connected to the base 2. In the cleaning configuration, opening 43 is preferably closed.

[0051] The chamber is rested on the floor 1 via a base structure 4, such that the base structure 4 is a fixed part of the base 2, and more generally, a fixed part of the chamber. The base structure 4 supports the rest of the chamber from below. For this purpose, the base structure 4 includes, for example, legs 6 resting on the floor 1 and a rear wall 7 supported by the legs 6 and parallel to the X4 and Y4 axes.

[0052] Optionally, compartment 3 has a lamp 46 supported by wall 41 to illuminate the interior of compartment 3.

[0053] The base structure 4 also includes four profile walls that rise from the perimeter of the rear wall 7 and form a shell defining the closed profile of the base structure 4. The profile walls include two opposing longitudinal profile walls 8 and two opposing transverse profile walls 9. The longitudinal profile walls 8 are parallel to the X4 and Z4 directions. The transverse walls 9 are parallel to the Y4 and Z4 directions.

[0054] Preferably, wall 41 rises from wall 8, and wall 42 rises from wall 9.

[0055] The base structure 4 also includes two longitudinal inner walls 10. The inner walls 10 are parallel to the longitudinal profile walls 8 and are distributed between the longitudinal profile walls 8, that is, each wall 10 extends parallel to the X4 and Z4 directions. The partition walls 10 rise from the bottom wall 7 and connect to the transverse wall 9. In the Z4 direction, the partition walls 10 are preferably lower than the profile walls 8 and 9, so that they do not protrude beyond the profile walls.

[0056] The base structure 4 defines two longitudinal grooves 11. Each groove 11 has a U-shaped cross-section. Each groove 11 opens upward, i.e., opens in the Z4 direction, preferably along its entire length. The grooves 11 are equidistant from each other in the Y4 direction, such that they are laterally arranged within the base 2. In particular, each groove 11 is defined by a longitudinal profile wall 8, a partition 10 closest to the wall 8, and a bottom wall 7.

[0057] Parallel to the X4 direction, each groove 11 has two longitudinal ends, for example, at the corresponding wall 9. One longitudinal end of each groove 11 constitutes the discharge end 12 of the groove 11, which is the longitudinal end opposite to the X4 direction, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Each discharge end 12 provides a through opening through the transverse profile wall 9. More generally, it is desirable that each groove 11 leads to the exterior of the base 2 through its respective discharge end 12, parallel to the X4 direction. Preferably, a powder suction system disposed outside the base 2 and outside the exterior is connected to the discharge end 12 to suction residual powder present in the groove 11 by evacuating the volume defined by the groove 11. This vacuum tends to draw residual powder present in the compartment 3 into the groove 11. The suctioned residual powder is then preferably recovered.

[0058] Between the grooves 11, the base structure 4 defines a container-shaped shell 13. The shell 13 is positioned between the grooves 11 along the Y4 direction. Specifically, the shell 13 is defined by a partition 10 along the Y4 direction, by a wall 9 along the X4 direction, and by a bottom wall 7 opposite to the Z4 direction. The shell 13 is open in the Z4 direction.

[0059] Preferably, the base structure 4, except for the legs 6, may be made entirely or primarily of polymer plastic, or at least of dielectric material.

[0060] like Figure 2 As can be seen, the base plate 5 is supported by the base structure 4. The base plate 5 consists of several parts, all of which are supported by the base structure 4. The base plate 5 defines the top of the base 2 in the Z4 direction and defines the bottom of the powder coating chamber 3. The base plate 5 is opposite to the wall 7 in the Z4 direction and extends from one longitudinal profile wall 8 to another longitudinal profile wall in the Y4 direction, and from one transverse profile wall 9 to another transverse profile wall in the X4 direction. As described below, when the chamber is used to powder coat an article, the base plate 5 receives residual powder caused by the powder coating, wherein the residual powder settles on the top of the base plate 5.

[0061] like Figure 2As shown, the base plate 5 preferably includes a central portion, which is composed of two inclined panels 15 and two longitudinally retractable covers 14 arranged laterally relative to the central portion. The panels 15 and covers 14 define the bottom of the compartment 3. Grooves 11 extend below the base plate 5, particularly below the covers 14 respectively. The grooves 11 open in the Z4 direction, opening towards the base plate 5 and the covers 14 respectively.

[0062] Each inclined panel 15 is advantageously generally flat and preferably rectangular in shape. Each inclined panel 15 extends from one transverse profile wall 9 to another. When the chamber is placed on the floor 1 via the base structure 4, each inclined panel 15 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. More precisely, each inclined panel 15 is inclined relative to a plane oriented along the X4 and Y4 directions. Preferably, each inclined panel 15 is inclined parallel to the X4 direction by rotation about the X4 direction, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Preferably, each inclined panel 15 is inclined at an angle A15 between 5 and 45 degrees so as not to obstruct the bottom of the powder coating compartment 3, while allowing good flow of residual powder present on the top of each inclined panel 15. Angle A15 is defined between the horizontal plane (i.e., oriented along the X4 and Y4 directions) and the plane of the relevant plate 15, preferably defined about the axis oriented along the X4 direction. Angle A15 is preferably between 10 and 20 degrees to optimize the flow of residual powder.

[0063] By tilting, each tilted panel 15 defines a lower edge 16 parallel to the X4 direction and advantageously connecting the walls 9 together, and an upper edge 17 parallel to edge 16 and advantageously connecting the walls 9 together. For each tilted panel 15, considering the Z4 direction, edge 17 is higher than edge 16 due to the tilt of the panel 15. According to the Z4 direction, neither edge 16 protrudes beyond the walls 8 and 9. The edges 16 of the two panels are advantageously located at the same level in the Z4 direction, as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0064] For each inclined panel 15, the lower edge 16 is preferably permanently attached to the upper edge of a wall 10 along its entire length.

[0065] The inclined panels 15 are advantageously flipped over each other, and advantageously joined together along their respective upper edges 17. Thus, the inclined panels 15 are arranged in the shape of two inclined top plates. Figure 2The inclined panel 15 is shown arranged in such a way that it defines a V-shaped cross-section with the tip pointing upwards, i.e., having an inverted "V" shape. The upper edge 17 of the panel 15 is preferably the highest point of the base plate 5 in the Z4 direction. At the respective upper edge 17 of the panel, the inclined panel 15 forms a top edge, which is advantageously parallel to the X4 direction. Preferably, the inclined panels 15 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane, such as a plane oriented by the X4 and Z4 axes.

[0066] The inclined panel 15 completely covers the housing 13, which closes the opening defined by the partition 10 and the wall 9, like a canopy. The closed housing 13 is advantageously a closed shell, or at least separated from the powder coating compartment 3 in a way that prevents residual powder from passing through and is optionally breathable.

[0067] Due to the tilt of the inclined panel 15, residual powder that may have been deposited on the top of the inclined panel 15 tends to slide off or flow from the upper edge 17 to the lower edge 16 of the panel 15 and fall into the groove 11.

[0068] Preferably, each inclined panel 15 is porous, allowing air to pass through while preventing the passage of residual powder, i.e., the powder used for electrostatic powder coating of the items within compartment 3. For example, each inclined panel 15 has holes that are narrow enough to allow air to pass through while substantially preventing the passage of powder, even if the powder has a minimum particle size between 5 and 100 micrometers.

[0069] Since each of the inclined panels 15 is porous, it is advantageous to provide that the base 2 has an opening 18 that opens below the inclined panels 15, i.e., inside the housing 13. For example, the opening 18 is made through a wall 9. The opening 18 is configured to connect to a compressed air source to introduce pressurized air into the housing 13 for cleaning the inclined panels 15. In this case, the opening 18 is a means of introducing pressurized air below the inclined panels 15. Preferably, pressurized air is introduced into the housing 13 continuously or at timed intervals, depending on the amount of powder retained on the inclined panels 15. Air emitted from the central portion of the base plate 5 toward the interior of the compartment 3 removes any residual powder present on the panels 15, which is then discharged toward the groove 11 by suction from the end 12.

[0070] Preferably, the base plate 5 comprises a tensioned fabric forming inclined panels 15. Preferably, the two inclined panels 15 are formed from the same fabric sheet constituting the fabric, which is shaped according to the two panels 15. Preferably, the fabric is attached to the partition 10 via a lower edge 16.

[0071] Preferably, the fabric is woven from continuous warp and weft yarns. The fabric is preferably elastic. However, a non-elastic fabric may be selected.

[0072] Using a fabric panel 15 facilitates achieving the aforementioned porosity, allowing pressurized air to pass through while preventing powder from passing through. In this case, the fabric is chosen to have mesh openings sufficient to allow air blown through the tilted panel 15 to pass through while preventing powder from passing through.

[0073] In a particular embodiment independent of the present invention, in a variation, the fabric or any other material forming the inclined panel 15 is made airtight without air blowing over it.

[0074] The base 2 advantageously includes a beam 20. The beam 20 advantageously extends below the inclined panel 15, particularly at the height of the lower edge 16, below the upper edge 17 of the inclined panel 15 along the Z4 direction. The beam 20 is arranged inside the housing 13. The beam 20 is preferably parallel to the X4 direction. In this example, the beam 20 has an inverted T-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the beam 20 has a main frame 24 parallel to the X4 and Z4 directions, which has an upward-facing top edge 28. In the case of the T-shaped cross-section, the lower edge of the main frame 24 is attached to an auxiliary frame 25 of the beam 20, which is oriented parallel to the X4 and Y4 axes.

[0075] Preferably, beam 20 supports the corresponding upper edge 17 of the inclined panel 15 via the upper edge 28 of the main frame 24. Thus, beam 20 supports the top edge of the central portion of the base plate 5 in a manner similar to a ridge. Preferably, in the case where the panel 15 is formed of the aforementioned fabric, beam 20 acts as a tensioner for the panel 15 by applying tension to the fabric relative to the base structure 4, wherein the tension is oriented along the Z4 direction, and the fabric is held by the lower edge 16.

[0076] Beam 20 has two beam ends 21, which are longitudinal ends. Each end of beam 21 connects beam 20 to a transverse profile wall 9. Specifically, each wall 9 supports a corresponding bracket 22 belonging to the base structure 4, the bracket 22 being attached to the inner surface of the wall 9 inside the housing 13. Each bracket 22 preferably supports one end 21 of beam 20 by means of two vibration damping pads 23. Specifically, the vibration damping pads 23 are located between the frame 25 and the protrusions of the brackets 22, which extend parallel to the X4 and Y4 directions. Thus, in this example, beam 20 is supported by four vibration damping pads on the base structure 4, allowing beam 20 to vibrate even when the base structure 4 does not vibrate or the amount of vibration is reduced.

[0077] Preferably, beam 20 is height-adjustable, meaning its position relative to base structure 4 in the Z4 direction is adjustable. If panel 15 is made of fabric, the fabric tension can advantageously be adjusted via the upper edge 28 of beam 20. For this purpose, for example, each end 21 of beam 20 is connected to its corresponding bracket 22 by one or more screws, which can be screwed together in such a way that the distance between the relevant end 21 and the bracket 22 can be adjusted in the Z4 direction.

[0078] The base 2 includes a vibrator 26 configured to vibrate the inclined panel 15 relative to the base structure 4. This vibration facilitates the sliding or flow of residual powder received on the top of the panel 15 from the upper edge 17 to the lower edge 16, and particularly to the groove 11. Preferably, the panel 15 is made of fabric, which is advantageous for transmitting vibration to the panel 15 without causing the rest of the chamber to vibrate.

[0079] The vibrator 26 is advantageously supported by the beam 20 by being fixed to it, for example, at a midpoint between the transverse profile walls 9. Figure 2 As shown. Preferably, the vibrator 26 is a pneumatic or electric vibrator.

[0080] According to the Z4 direction, each cover plate 14 is preferably arranged at approximately the same height as the panel 15. Each cover plate 14 advantageously extends from one profile transverse wall 9 to another profile transverse wall, and is attached to the profile transverse wall through the longitudinal end of the cover plate 14. Each cover plate 14 advantageously includes two inclined panels, such that they have a V-shaped cross-section.

[0081] Each retractable cover 14 is movable relative to the base structure 4, for example by rotating about a corresponding axis of rotation X14, which is the axis of the cover 14 itself and parallel to the X4 direction. Each cover 14 can... Figure 2 The right side shows the protrusion position of cover plate 14 and Figure 2The left side moves between the open positions indicated by the cover 14, for example by making a right-angle turn. Preferably, the extended position is implemented in the operating configuration of the base 2 during powder coating of the article. In the extended position, the retractable cover 14 covers a groove 11 like a top plate, which is substantially parallel to the X4 and Y4 directions. In this case, the V-shaped profile of the cover 14 is oriented with its tip pointing upwards according to the Z4 direction. As seen in the panel 15, the top plate shape of the cover 14 facilitates the flow of residual powder to the lower longitudinal edge of the cover and into the groove 11 below. In the extended position, in the Y4 direction, the cover 14 extends beyond the overhanging groove 11 of the panel 15 adjacent to the wall 8 of the cover 14 from the edge 16 of the panel 15. Preferably, the first lower longitudinal edge of the cover 14 is adjacent to the edge 16 at a certain gap distance so as to form a longitudinal notch parallel to the X4 direction with the edge 16 when the cover is in the extended position. Preferably, the second lower longitudinal edge of the cover plate 14 is adjacent to the wall 8 with a certain gap distance so that when the cover plate is in the extended position, it forms another longitudinal notch parallel to the X4 direction with the wall 8. Thus, in the extended position, the cover plate 14 covers the groove 11 while allowing residual powder to enter the groove 11, preferably through one or two notches formed at the longitudinal edge of the cover plate 14.

[0082] Preferably, in the unfolded position, the cover plate 14 and the panel 15 occupy almost the entire surface, which is parallel to the X4 and Y4 directions and is defined by contour walls 8 and 9, except for the notches in the grooves 11 formed in the periphery of the cover plate 14 to allow powder to enter.

[0083] In the open position, each cover 14 does not cover its overhanging longitudinal groove 11, such that the cover 14 covers less of the groove 11 when in the open position compared to the extended position. The open position is preferred in the cleaning configuration. The opening 43 is then advantageously closed, and preferably no items are present in the compartment 3. Any residual powder that may have been retained on the cover 14 when it is thus moved to the open position, or any residual powder that may have been collected in the recesses formed at the periphery of the cover 14 when it is in the extended position, falls into the groove 11 directly below.

[0084] Preferably, each cover plate 14 is made entirely or substantially of polymer plastic, or at least of dielectric material.

[0085] Preferably, such as Figure 1As seen in the diagram, the base has actuators 29 that operate the cover plates 14 to switch them between an extended position and an open position. Preferably, each actuator 29 is supported by a wall 9 opposite to the wall 9 supporting the discharge end 12. For example, each actuator 29 includes a cylinder that actuates a connecting rod attached to a cover plate 14 to rotate the cover plate 14. Preferably, the actuators 29 are arranged outside the base structure 4, particularly extending beyond the wall 9 relative to the cover plate 14, so that they are protected from residual powder inside the chamber.

[0086] In a particular embodiment independent of the present invention, in a variation, each panel 15 is made of a plate or sheet of polymeric plastic material or at least dielectric material.

[0087] In the variant, either end 21 of beam 20 may be supported by the base structure 4 by means of a single vibration damping pad 23 or by a corresponding number of vibration damping pads other than two.

[0088] In a variant, for a specific application, the base 2 is provided with a single inclined panel 15 and a single groove 11 to receive residual powder dripping from the inclined panel 15. In this case, a single cover 14 aligned with the groove 11 is preferred. In this case, the upper edge 17 of the inclined panel is attached to a wall 8, for example. In this case, the base 2 advantageously includes a single partition 10 with an edge 16 attached. The housing 13 is defined by the partition 10 and the wall 8. In this case, the base may have a single actuator 29 for operating a damper 14.

[0089] In variations, for other applications, the base 2 may have more than two corresponding numbers of inclined panels 15, grooves 11, covers 14, etc.

[0090] Any of the features described in any of the above-described embodiments and variations may be implemented in the other embodiments and variations described above.

Claims

1. A base (2) for a powder coating chamber, the base (2) comprising: A base structure (4), the powder coating chamber is intended to be rested on a floor (1) by the base structure, the base structure (4) being configured to support the powder coating compartment (3) of the powder coating chamber; and a base plate (5), the base plate being supported by the base structure (4) and being configured to define the bottom of the powder coating compartment (3). in The base plate (5) includes at least one inclined panel (15), the at least one inclined panel (15): Inclined relative to the horizontal plane (X4, Y4), It has a lower edge (16) attached to the base structure (4). The bottom of the powder coating compartment (3) configured to define the powder coating chamber, and It is porous so that air can pass through while residual powder from the powder coating of the article within the powder coating compartment cannot. A beam (20) supporting the upper edge (17) of the at least one inclined panel (15) and extending below the at least one inclined panel (15), wherein the beam (20) is supported by the base structure (4) by means of at least one anti-vibration pad (23) belonging to the base (2); and A vibrator (26), which is supported by the beam (20) and is configured to cause the at least one inclined panel (15) to vibrate relative to the base structure (4).

2. The base (2) according to claim 1, wherein, When the base (2) is placed on the floor (1) via the base structure (4), the at least one inclined panel (15) has an angle (A15) between 5 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane (X4, Y4).

3. The base according to claim 1, wherein, When the base is placed on the floor via the base structure, the at least one inclined panel (15) has an angle (A15) between 10 and 20 degrees relative to the horizontal plane (X4, Y4).

4. The base (2) according to claim 1, wherein, Two inclined panels (15) are provided, which are joined to their respective upper edges (17).

5. The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The base structure (4) includes two opposing transverse profile walls (9), and the at least one inclined panel (15) connects the two transverse profile walls (9) to each other; and The beam (20) includes two opposing beam ends (21), which are respectively attached to the two transverse contour walls (9) via the beam ends.

6. The base (2) according to claim 5, wherein, Each beam end (21) is attached to one of the two transverse profile walls (9) via the at least one vibration damping pad (23).

7. The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The lower edge (16) of the at least one inclined panel (15) is permanently attached to the longitudinal partition (10) belonging to the base structure (4). The base structure (4) includes at least one longitudinal groove (11), defined by the longitudinal partition (10), extending below the base plate (5), opening toward the base plate (5), and having a discharge end (12), the at least one longitudinal groove (11) extending from the base (2) through the discharge end; and The base plate (5) includes at least one retractable cover plate (14) movable between the following positions: In the extended position, the at least one retractable cover (14) covers the at least one longitudinal groove (11); and In the open position, compared to the extended position, the at least one retractable cover (14) does not cover the at least one longitudinal groove (11).

8. The base (2) according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one retractable cover (14) is movable between the extended position and the open position by rotating relative to the base structure (4).

9. The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising means (18) for introducing pressurized air under the at least one inclined panel (15), the base (2) being configured such that the pressurized air introduced therein passes through the porous inclined panel (15) toward the interior of the powder coating compartment (3) to separate residual powder present on the at least one inclined panel (15).

10. The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The base plate (5) includes a tensioned fabric forming the at least one inclined panel (15).

11. A powder coating chamber, comprising: The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and The powder coating compartment (3) is supported by the base structure (4) and its bottom is defined by the base plate (5).

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