Transport device and method for varnish dipping

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transport device (1) for transporting objects, such as vehicle bodies, along a treatment path, wherein the transport device (1) comprises a transport unit (2) movable along the treatment path in a transport direction (R), a steering shaft located on the transport unit (2) for storing the object to be treated and introducing the object into the treatment path, and a support arm (4) protruding upward in a working position for supporting the transport unit (2), wherein the support arm (4) is movable so that the height of the transport device (1) is variable. In addition, the present invention relates to a device and a method for dipping vehicle bodies, wherein the transport device (1) can be moved along a treatment path located above a dipping tank and a return path located below the dipping tank.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT international application PCT / AT2018 / 060125 filed on June 18, 2018, which entered the Chinese national phase on December 27, 2019, and the invention patent application with Chinese patent number 201880043489.7 and invention name “Transportation device and method for paint dipping”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting objects, such as car bodies, along a processing path, wherein the transport device comprises a transport unit that moves along the processing path in a transport direction, a steering shaft located on the transport unit for storing the objects to be processed and introducing the objects into the processing path, and a raised support arm for supporting the transport unit in a working position.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a device for dipping a vehicle body in paint, comprising a dipping tank, a guide structure and the above-mentioned transport device.

[0004] The present invention also relates to an application of the above-mentioned transport device.

[0005] The invention further relates to a method for transporting objects, in particular vehicle bodies, along a processing path, wherein the transport device is provided with raised support arms along the processing path and / or the return path. Background Art

[0006] Various devices are known in the prior art for transporting car bodies along a processing path, wherein such a processing path includes at least one workstation for surface treatment of the car body or other object. Such a workstation, for example, may be an impregnation tank or a paint booth, into which the car body is introduced for painting. During such processes, particularly for large car bodies, space-saving and stable transportation is required.

[0007] Transport devices for transporting large vehicle bodies usually consist of a transport unit, in which a steering shaft is usually placed. The steering shaft is used to store the items to be processed, and the objects are immersed in the immersion tank via the steering shaft. For stability, the transport unit can be provided with essentially vertical support arms to prevent the transport device from tilting during loading. In order to provide a sufficiently wide range of support force, the support arms need to be of a high height, for example 2 meters or more, to create a leverage effect. This type of transport device usually returns laterally along the processing path for reloading. This results in a disadvantage that a large width is required when using such a transport device, which in turn makes these devices require a lot of space.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a transport device of the aforementioned type which enables a space-saving process path.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device of the aforementioned type which requires less space.

[0010] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a use of a transport device of the aforementioned type.

[0011] The object of the method according to the invention is to provide a method of the aforementioned type which enables a space-saving process path. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The primary task of the method is achieved in that the support arms of a transport device of the aforementioned type are movable, thereby making the height of the transport device variable.

[0013] An advantage achieved by the present invention is that the height of the transporter is reducible so that the return path of the transporter is below the processing path. For this reason, the support arm is detachable, telescopic and / or rotatable.

[0014] In order to ensure sufficient stability, it is advantageous if the support arm is essentially perpendicular to the transport direction in the operating position.

[0015] Another advantage is that the support arm is rotatably fastened to the transport unit, with the axis of rotation being perpendicular to the steering axis and / or arranged in the transport direction (R). This allows the support arm to be essentially parallel to the steering axis, thus reducing the height of the transport unit and eliminating the need for additional space for the support arm.

[0016] Advantageously, the support arm is movable between two end positions, the angle formed by the two end positions being between 0° and 180°, preferably at least 60°, in particular approximately 90°, wherein the first end position represents the working position and the second end position represents the return position. This ensures sufficient space. For example, when the vertical support arm is rotated 60°, its height is reduced by half. The support arm is preferably in the second end position having a lower height, so that loading can be performed along the return path.

[0017] In order to secure the support arm in the working position or the return position to prevent tilting or arbitrary rotation, it is advantageous to provide a means for securing the support arm in an end position.

[0018] Furthermore, the support arm can be provided with a corresponding mating element, such as a crossbeam, rail, or any other support, to prevent the transport device from being affected by unnecessary tilt and to maintain stability along the processing path. To minimize wear and friction along the supporting arm along the mating element, a rotatable guide element is advantageously provided at the upper end of the support arm. The rotatable guide element can, for example, include at least one rolling element. Optionally, a sliding element can also be provided.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is achieved in the following manner: for the above-mentioned type of equipment, the immersion tank is spaced apart from the ground where the equipment is located, and the transport device can be transported along a processing path above the immersion tank and a return path below.

[0020] One advantage that can be achieved with the above-described device is that the device can be of narrow and long construction, so that the space occupied is very small. Here, the immersion tank can be placed in particular on a frame or a support.

[0021] Advantageously, the guide structure comprises a rotatable guide rail, with which the rotatable guide element can engage in the operating position. This allows for quick release and a stable transport device via the support arm. Furthermore, low-friction rotatable guide elements can be used in the guide rail. Preferably, the guide rail is arranged parallel to the processing path. Furthermore, the guide rail is advantageously arranged in the region of the upper end of the support arm.

[0022] Another advantage is that the guide structure includes a support rail, with which the rotating guide element engages in the return position. This ensures the stability of the support arm while reducing the forces exerted on the transport device by the rotatable fastening of the support arm. Optionally, the fastening can be a hinge or a similar pivoting joint. Advantageously, the forces acting on the fastening are reduced, thereby increasing the service life of the fastening.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the guide structure has a travel track, with which at least one rolling element of the transport unit engages along the processing path, so that the transport device for processing the objects travels along a defined path.

[0024] Furthermore, it is very advantageous if the guide structure has a further travel track, with which at least one rolling element of the transport unit engages along the return path, so that the transport device can return along a defined path after processing the items.

[0025] In order to move the transport device from a first path along the processing path in the transport direction to a reverse return path located below, a lifting device is preferably provided for raising and / or lowering the transport device.

[0026] To move the transport device from a first path along the processing path in the transport direction to another path, a lifting platform is preferably provided, wherein the lifting platform's rotation axis is perpendicular to the guide rails. Alternatively, the other path can be adjacent to the first path and extend along another processing path. The direction of the other path is opposite to the transport direction. Alternatively, the other path can be the first path of another device, thereby connecting the two devices using the lifting platform. Alternatively, the transport device can also return along the other path to the starting point of the processing path.

[0027] The above-mentioned other task is accomplished by using the transport device of the present invention to dip paint on the vehicle body.

[0028] One advantage achieved thereby is that the transport device can lower the height of the support arm, so that the transport device can be returned from under the processing path, saving space.

[0029] The method according to the invention makes it possible to release the objects at one end of the processing path and for the device without the objects to return to the starting point along a return path below the processing path.

[0030] One advantage of this method is that it can be processed in a small space.

[0031] Advantageously, the support arm of the device at the end of the processing path or the beginning of the return path moves from a working position to a return position, and the support arm at the beginning of the processing path or the end of the return path moves from a return position to a working position. This ensures that the transport device is supported by the support arm while processing objects. Furthermore, the support arm is positioned in the return position along the return path, thereby reducing the height of the transport device. This provides an advantage in that, in addition to requiring less space, object processing can also be accomplished in a smaller space.

[0032] In order to provide enough space to fold the support arm, it is advantageous that the support of the object will translate or rotate downwardly with the rotation. For example, a steering shaft on which the support is fixed can be provided, and the steering shaft can be rotated so that the support is located below the steering shaft.

[0033] Advantageously, the device is lowered to the return path by a lifting device at the end of the treatment path and is raised to the treatment path by a lifting device at the end of the return path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The specific content of the present invention is described in detail below. In the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1a and 1b It is a transport device with a rotatable support arm;

[0036] Figure 2 Here is another view of the transport unit;

[0037] 3a to 3f are detailed views of the fixing device in sequence;

[0038] Figure 4 is part of a first embodiment of the apparatus;

[0039] Figure 5is another part of the first embodiment of the device;

[0040] Figures 6a to 6b is part of another embodiment of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] A first embodiment of the transport device 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 1a and 1b The transport device 1 comprises a transport unit 2 , a steering axle arranged on the transport unit, a support arm 4 and a support 5 for an object, and is used in particular for transporting vehicle bodies.

[0042] Figure 1a The transport unit 1 is shown in operation, with the support arm 4 in an operating position, in which the support arm 4 is substantially vertically upward. In this embodiment, the main line 3 is connected to the transport unit 2, for example, by screws. The steering shaft is at least partially located within the main line 3, and a sliding bearing is provided at each end of the main line 3 for storing the rotating steering shaft. The main line 3 is used to support the steering shaft, such as Figure 1a As shown in the comprehensive view described. Optionally, the main line 3 can have a plurality of gaps to reduce weight and material usage. In addition to the main line 3, an alternative device can be provided for supporting the steering shaft, or the steering shaft can be suspended and connected to the transport unit 2. The bracket 5 is fixed to the steering shaft and is oriented upward in the figure. During operation, the bracket 5 can be rotated around the axis of rotation of the steering shaft, for example to introduce an object into the immersion tank, import or translate it into the immersion tank. To this end, the steering shaft is arranged on the transport unit 2, basically perpendicular to the transport direction R. Furthermore, the bracket 5 can also be arranged to be rotatable around one or more other axes. The upper end of the support arm 4 has a rolling element 7, which can reduce the frictional resistance during the folding process of the support arm 4. Alternatively, one or more sliding elements or a plurality of rolling elements 7 can also be provided.

[0043] Figure 1b The transport device 1 is shown in a return state, wherein the support arm 4 is in a return position, which is inclined by more than 90° to the working position, thereby reducing the overall height of the transport device 1. However, the return position is not limited to the position shown in the figure. In principle, the support arm 4 can be folded at any angle to reduce the height of the transport device 1 and placed in the return position. Preferably, there is an angle of between 60° and 90° between the working position and the return position of the support arm 4. In the return state, the bracket 5 is rotated to the side of the support arm 4 away from the steering axis. Thereby, sufficient space is provided for the foldable support arm 4. The support arm 4 is fixed by a, in particular detachable, fixing device 6 in both the working position and the return position.

[0044] Figure 2Another view of the transport device 1 in operation is shown, illustrating rolling elements 7 and hinges 8. These rolling elements 7 are provided on the transport unit 2 to reduce frictional resistance during movement. Hinge 8 is secured to the transport unit 2 on one side and to the support arm 4 on the other, rotatably connecting the support arm 4 to the transport unit 2. Alternatively, other connection methods may be employed to achieve a rotatable connection.

[0045] 3 a shows a detail of the fixing device 6, wherein the support arm 4 is fixed in the working position. Here, the fixing screw 9 is inserted into the hole 11 on the hinge screw 13 to prevent twisting and fix the support arm 4, in particular, to prevent accidental folding or rotation.

[0046] Figure 3b shows the fixing device 6, with the support arm 4 fixed in the retracted position. A hole 11 is provided on the hinge bolt 13, corresponding to each position of the support arm 4. Thus, the support arm 4 can engage with the corresponding hole 11 at discrete positions. In the illustrated embodiment, each hole 11 can serve as both an active position and a retracted position. The fixing bolt 9 is pressed into the hole 11 by a spring element 10. To rotate the support arm 4, the fixing bolt 9 is forced out of the hole 11 by the spring force.

[0047] Figure 3c A plan view of the fixing device 6 is shown. The hinge 8 is in an orientation corresponding to the working position. The fixing bolt 9 is pressed into a hole 11 (not shown) by a spring element 10. Optionally, the pressure surface of the spring element 10 can be used, for example, for a washer 12 arranged on the fixing bolt 9.

[0048] Figure 3d A cross section along line III-III is shown, wherein the fastening screw 9 engages with the hole 11 in the hinge screw 13 .

[0049] Figure 3e and 3f A lateral view and an overall view of the fixing device 6 are shown respectively.

[0050] Figure 4 A part of a device for coating articles is shown, wherein the support arm 4 is in the working position and engages with the guide rail 14 via the rolling element 7, thereby stabilizing the transport device 1. The transport unit 2 engages with the travel rail 15 via other rolling elements 7, so that it is moved in accordance with Figure 1a The transport direction R is shown. The transport direction R is perpendicular to the viewing plane. The support 5 is oriented upward in this view, but can be rotated during operation, in particular along the processing path, about a steering axis.

[0051] Figure 5Another part of the apparatus for dipping articles is shown, in which the support arm 4 is in the return position and engages with the support rail 16 via the rolling element 7. The weight of the support arm 4 thus rests at least partially on the support rail 16, thereby relieving the load on the hinge 8. Furthermore, the bracket 5 is pivoted downward to make room for the support arm 4. The space saved by folding the support arm 4 allows the transport device 1 to travel under a processing path, such as a dipping tank, which can be placed on a frame 17 for this purpose. This allows the apparatus for dipping car bodies to be constructed in a slender manner. The width of the apparatus is primarily limited to the width of the frame 17 or the dipping tank. However, optional units, such as a drive unit or a control unit, can also be provided, which could increase the width of the apparatus. To enable the transport device 1 to return, a travel track 15 is also provided along the return path.

[0052] Generally speaking, the transport device 1 with the objects to be processed travels along a processing path in a transport direction R, releases the objects at the end of the processing path, and then returns to the starting point along a return path. In the embodiment shown, the return path may be below the processing path.

[0053] Optionally, in addition to the rotatable support arm 4, the support arm 4 can also be configured to be retractable, thereby lowering the height of the transport device 1 and allowing the transport device 1 to return from below the processing path to save space.

[0054] In another advantageous embodiment, the support arm 4 can be detachably connected to the transport device 1, for example, via a socket connection. In this case, the support arm 4 can be detached from the transport device 1 and fixed thereto, so that the height of the transport device 1 can also be lowered, and the return path can be below the processing path.

[0055] Alternatively, the support arm 4 removed from the transport device 1 can be returned along another pipeline, for example, by hanging, and prepared at the starting point of the processing path, and the support arm 4 is connected to the transport unit 2. In this embodiment, the transport unit 2 can also be returned to the bottom of the processing path to save space.

[0056] To move the transport device 1 or transport unit 2 from the processing path to the return path below the processing path, or from the return path to the processing path above the return path, a lifting device can be provided. Advantageously, the lifting device decouples the rolling elements 7 from the corresponding guide rails 14, 15, and 16. For example, the rolling elements 7 at the upper ends of the support arms 4 can be removed from the guide rails 14, the entire transport device 1 can be lowered, the support arms 4 folded, and the rolling elements 7 can then be placed into the support rails 16. The lifting device, which can be, for example, a height-adjustable or tiltable running rail 14, ensures that the transport device 1 can engage with the running rails 14 provided on the return path.

[0057] Figure 6a and 6b A further embodiment of a device for painting automobile bodies is shown. In this embodiment, the return path is parallel to the process path. In this embodiment, the travel rails 14 of the return path and the travel rails 14 of the process path are connected to each other via a curved guide rail 18. In addition, a turning table 19 is provided. During operation, the transport device 1 reaches the position of the turning table 19 and is fixed therein. The transport device 1 then moves along the curved guide rail 18, causing the turning table 19 to rotate about its axis with the transport device 1. The transport device 1 can be released again and travel along the travel rails 15 and the process path. It is also possible, for example, to continue traveling along the return path or another process path. Thus, it is also possible, for example, to connect multiple process paths.

Claims

1. A transport device (1) for transporting objects along a processing path, wherein The transport device (1) comprises a transport unit (2) that moves along a processing path in a transport direction (R), a steering shaft mounted on the transport unit (2) for storing objects to be processed and introducing the objects into the processing path, and a support arm (4) that protrudes upward in a working position and is used to support the transport unit (2), wherein the transport unit (2) has at least one rolling element (7) and is provided with a rotatable guide element or a sliding element, and the rotatable guide element or the sliding element is located at the upper end of the support arm (4), characterized in that the support arm (4) is movable so that the height of the transport device (1) is variable; the support arm (4) is rotatably fixed to the transport unit (2), wherein the rotation axis is perpendicular to the steering axis and / or is arranged in the transport direction (R).

2. The transport device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The support arm (4) is positioned substantially perpendicular to the transport direction (R) in the working position.

3. The transport device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The support arm (4) is movable between two end positions, the angle between the two end positions being between 0° and 180°, wherein the first end position represents the working position and the second end position represents the return position.

4. The transport device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The angle between the two end positions is at least 60°.

5. The transport device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The angle between the two end positions is 90°.

6. The transport device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The object is a vehicle body.

7. The transport device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that Means are provided for fixing the support arm (4) in the end position.

8. An apparatus for dipping a vehicle body in paint, comprising a dipping tank, a guide structure and a transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The immersion tank is spaced apart from the ground where the equipment is located, wherein the transport device (1) can travel along a treatment path located above the immersion tank and along a return path located below the immersion tank.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The guide structure has a guide rail (14), with which the rotatable guide element engages in the working position.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The guide structure has a support rail (16) with which the rotatable guide element engages in the return position.

11. The device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The guide structure has a travel track (15), wherein the at least one rolling element (7) of the transport unit (2) engages with the travel track along the processing path.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The guide structure has a further travel track (15), wherein the at least one rolling element (7) of the transport unit (2) engages with the further travel track along the return path.

13. The device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that At least one lifting device is provided for raising and / or lowering the transport device (1).

14. The device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that A lifting platform (19) is provided for moving the transport device (1) from a path extending along the processing path in the transport direction to another path, wherein a rotation axis of the lifting platform (19) is perpendicular to the travel track (15).

15. Use of the transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for dip painting of a vehicle body.

16. A method of transporting objects along a processing path, wherein: A transport device (1) having an upwardly protruding support arm travels along a processing path and / or a return path, characterized in that the object is released at the end of the processing path, and the transport device without the object returns to the starting point along the return path located below the processing path, wherein the transport device (1) is a transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The support arm (4) of the transport device (1) at the end of the processing path or the starting point of the return path moves from the working position to the return position, or the support arm (4) of the transport device (1) at the end of the processing path or the starting point of the return path moves from the return position to the working position.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The support (5) for the object rotates downwards with the rotation.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that At the end of the processing path, the device is lowered to the return path by a lifting device, and at the end of the return path, the device is raised to the processing path by a lifting device.

20. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The object is a vehicle body.

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