Apparatus for treating a chemical product applied to a surface of an article

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for treating a chemical product applied to a surface of an article (200). The apparatus (100) comprises a duct chamber (104), a conveyor belt element (106), a first injection device (108) configured to supply an inert gas in the duct chamber (104), and a radiation device (100) configured to treat the chemical product. Furthermore, the apparatus (100) comprises a suction chamber (122) in fluid communication with the duct chamber (104), and a suction device (124) fluidly connected to the suction chamber (122). In particular, the suction chamber (122) is in fluid communication with the duct chamber (104) by means of a plurality of through conduits (128) formed on a wall element (130) separating the chambers (104, 122), and the conveyor belt element (106) is provided with a plurality of through openings (116) through the thickness of the conveyor belt element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for treating a chemical product applied to the surface of an article in a controlled atmosphere. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to treat a chemical product that can be photopolymerized / dried by means of radiation in a controlled atmosphere having one or more predetermined wavelengths. Background Technology

[0002] Articles, preferably sheet-like articles, having a surface layer composed of a chemical product—which is applied to impart desired surface properties, such as a given finish, a given scratch resistance, etc.—are known in the prior art.

[0003] Specifically, depending on the application field, sheet-like articles, such as panels made of various materials (wood, metal, plastic, glass, etc. or combinations thereof), are provided with chemical articles, which are first applied to one or more surfaces, for example by spraying, and then treated, for example by photopolymerization / drying, to react on the surface of the article, thereby imparting a given surface property to the surface of the article.

[0004] For example, in the field of furniture components, some types of sheet-like articles are provided with a surface layer made of a chemical product typically based on acrylic, which is suitable for being irradiated in a controlled atmosphere of inert gases (nitrogen, argon, etc.) by an excimer emitter (xenon lamp, argon lamp, etc.) to impart an opaque finish and increased scratch resistance to the surface of the article.

[0005] However, it is known that in order to obtain the desired surface layer properties, it is important to obtain a controlled atmosphere by replacing as much oxygen as possible from the natural atmosphere, and to process the material in an environment with a very high content of inert gases. Indeed, as is known, oxygen interferes with processing by irradiating chemical products, and the removal of oxygen allows for the acquisition of excellent properties such as high transparency (e.g., a gloss index value below 5) and high scratch resistance.

[0006] Document EP2198981 describes a method in which sheet articles coated with acrylate and methacrylate monomers and / or oligomers are treated in a controlled atmosphere of inert gas via an excimer emitter and an additional medium-pressure mercury emitter. Specifically, the sheet articles are conveyed by means of a conveyor belt element into a tunnel that defines a chamber with a very high inert gas content in order to remove as much oxygen as possible from the ambient atmosphere.

[0007] However, this document does not disclose a system for providing an atmosphere with a high inert gas content. Logically, this condition could be achieved by significantly increasing the inert gas flow rate, but this comes with the disadvantage of the potential danger of operator exposure to large amounts of inert gas.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to obtain an article with constant surface properties—for example, a given opacity—it is important to expose the article to a controlled atmosphere with a uniform distribution of high inert gas content that provides turbulent flow, so as not to degrade the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0009] In fact, the potential inhomogeneity of the distribution of inert gases (suitable for replacing oxygen) and the presence of turbulence induce undesirable non-uniformity in the processing of chemical products by means of an excimer emitter, thereby creating regions on the articles with non-uniform surface properties. This problem is particularly relevant when the equipment is equipped with a large chamber for performing the processing to allow for the handling of large quantities of articles.

[0010] Document WO20174352 describes an apparatus for making a chemical product applied to a sheet-like article opaque. The apparatus includes an inert gas injection station and an excimer laser processing station. Specifically, the sheet-like article is conveyed toward the station by means of a conveyor belt element with a V-shaped section. In particular, with this configuration, the chamber size is increased at the V-shaped section, which allows for better distribution of the inert gas, thereby improving the efficiency of the treatment.

[0011] However, this structure is complex and it is difficult to guarantee constant processing as process parameters change. For example, when the speed at which the items are conveyed is changed to increase the productivity of the equipment, it is difficult to adjust the inert gas flow rate settings to ensure the consistency of the surface properties that can be obtained through processing, also due to the turbulence caused by the increase in speed.

[0012] Furthermore, the V-shaped section along the conveyor belt element promotes the formation of inert airflow turbulence, thereby reducing the effectiveness of processing. In particular, turbulence causes defects on the surface of the articles, such as areas with non-uniform surface characteristics as described above.

[0013] Therefore, a solution is needed to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus suitable for effectively and reliably performing the treatment of a chemical product applied to the surface of an article in a controlled atmosphere of inert gas.

[0015] In the context of the aforementioned tasks, the object of the present invention relates to an apparatus suitable for providing a controlled atmosphere having a high percentage of inert gas content.

[0016] Another objective relates to an apparatus suitable for providing a controlled atmosphere in which a uniform distribution of inert gas is provided in a chamber for the handling of articles.

[0017] Another objective relates to an apparatus suitable for providing a controlled atmosphere in which turbulence of an inert gas flow in a chamber for handling articles is reduced or eliminated.

[0018] Another objective involves a device whose design allows for a wide range of process parameters to be set, so that these parameters can be easily optimized according to production requirements, while maintaining effective and reliable handling of the goods.

[0019] Another objective involves a device whose construction allows for a wide range of simple design possibilities.

[0020] The aforementioned tasks and objectives, as well as other tasks and objectives that will become more apparent from the following description, are achieved by the apparatus of the present invention for treating a chemical product applied to the surface of an article. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Further features and advantages of the apparatus according to the invention for treating a chemical product applied to the surface of an article will become more apparent in the following description of a preferred embodiment provided by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0022] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the equipment;

[0024] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The longitudinal section of the equipment;

[0025] - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the area indicated by the letter "A" in the image;

[0026] - Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the area indicated by the letter "B" in the image;

[0027] - Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the area indicated by the letter "C" in the image;

[0028] - Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of a region of the longitudinal section of the device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] - Figure 8 This is a longitudinal section of the device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] - Figure 9 It is the first part of the longitudinal section of the device according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] - Figure 10 It is the second part of the longitudinal section of the device according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, terms such as “above,” “below,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “right,” “left,” etc., refer to the device according to the invention in a standard usage configuration, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view and a cross-sectional perspective view of the device 100 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively.

[0034] The apparatus 100 is configured to process a layer made of chemical products in a controlled atmosphere of inert gas, the layer being applied to the surface of an article 200 which is moving within the apparatus 100 along a longitudinal direction L (indicated by a dashed arrow in the figure) that is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane in which the apparatus 100 is located.

[0035] Specifically, each of the articles 200 has an outer surface (not numbered in the figure), to which a layer of the chemical product (not numbered in the figure) is applied and is adapted to be processed by the device 100 to impart a given surface property to the article 200.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, article 200 is a panel formed of various types of materials (wood, metal, plastic, glass, etc.), on which a photopolymerizable / dryable chemical product is pre-applied, for example by spraying, and which can be gelled using known techniques. Specifically, device 100 is configured to treat the chemical product in a controlled atmosphere of inert gas by means of radiation having one or more predetermined wavelengths—radiation suitable for inducing photopolymerization / drying (treatment of the chemical product)—in order to impart given surface properties to panel 200.

[0037] In the most preferred embodiment, the photopolymerizable / dryable chemical product is an acrylic monomer / oligomer-based substance contained in a solvent along with a photoinitiator suitable for triggering photopolymerization. Specifically, this photopolymerizable / dryable chemical product is irradiated in apparatus 100 in a controlled atmosphere of inert gas (nitrogen, argon, etc.) by an excimer emitter (xenon lamp, argon lamp, etc.) to impart a highly opaque finish (e.g., a gloss index value below 5) and increased scratch resistance to the surface of article 200. However, this choice should not be considered limiting, and the type of chemical product and irradiator can be suitably selected to impart given surface properties to article 200.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The apparatus 100 includes a covering element 102 defining a conduit chamber 104. Article 200 is conveyed through the conduit chamber 104 by means of a conveyor belt element 106 in a longitudinal direction L—that is, along the right-to-left direction of travel in the figure. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 includes: a first injection device 108 configured to supply inert gas into the conduit chamber 104; and a radiation device 110 configured to treat a chemical product applied to the surface of article 200 by means of radiation within the conduit chamber 104.

[0039] Covering element 102 is adapted to substantially isolate article 200 from external ambient atmosphere (which has nitrogen about 78 vol%, oxygen about 21 vol%, and argon about 1 vol%) as its main gases, so as to keep article 200 in a controlled atmosphere obtained in pipe chamber 104, as explained in more detail below.

[0040] The configuration and structure of the cover element 102 are selected, for example, based on the shape of the article 200 and the dimensions of the conveyor belt element 106. In a preferred embodiment, the cover element 102 includes a plurality of shaped portions formed to form an inverted "U" shape to cover the entire lateral extension of the conveyor belt element 106—that is, the entire width of the conveyor belt element 106—and the plurality of shaped portions are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction L to define the pipe chamber 104. However, this choice should not be considered limiting, and the cover element 102 can be configured in other adaptive ways.

[0041] The conduit chamber 104 extends along the longitudinal direction L and includes an inlet 104i and an outlet 104o for the article 200. In fact, the device 100 is typically inserted along a production line that can provide additional steps for processing the article 200, and these additional steps are performed upstream and / or downstream of the device 100. For example, the production line can provide: a step for spraying a chemical product onto the article 200; and a step for gelling the chemical product performed upstream of the device 100; and a drying step performed downstream of the device 100. However, this choice should not be considered limiting, and the possible additional processing steps upstream and / or downstream of the device 100 can be of various types.

[0042] The conveyor belt element 106 is configured to allow the article 200 to move along the longitudinal direction L within the pipe chamber 104 by means of a known construction. In this preferred embodiment, the conveyor belt element 106 has a closed belt configuration including an upper forward portion 106f and a lower return portion 106r, which are continuously connected to each other to form a flexible annular belt driven by end rollers 112 and 114, one of which is motor-driven, while the other is idle.

[0043] With this configuration, the article 200 is arranged to rest essentially at the inlet 104i on the forward portion 106f of the conveyor belt element 106, and the article 200 is then conveyed along the longitudinal direction L toward the outlet 104o through the pipe chamber 104.

[0044] Specifically, according to the present invention, the conveyor belt element 106 is provided with a plurality of through openings 116 (capable of...). Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,and Figure 6 (As can be seen more clearly in the image), the plurality of through openings 116 extend through the thickness of the conveyor belt element 106, and the function of the plurality of through openings 116 will be described below. In other words, the two opposite faces of the belt defining the conveyor belt element 106 are in fluid communication with each other through the plurality of through openings 116.

[0045] The through opening 116 is preferably formed along the entire longitudinal and transverse extension of the conveyor belt element 106, and even more preferably, the through opening 116 is formed according to a regular pattern in order to impart a uniformity of fluid communication through the conveyor belt element 106, as more preferably explained below.

[0046] Furthermore, the through opening 116 has a shape and size selected, for example, based on the shape / size of the article 200, the size of the conveyor element 106, and the volume of the pipe chamber 104, in order to adjust the degree of fluid communication through the through opening 116.

[0047] In this preferred embodiment, the through opening 116 is a circular through-hole with a diameter ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm, formed along the entire longitudinal and transverse extension of the conveyor belt element 106, thereby defining a diamond-shaped pattern. However, this choice should not be considered limiting, and the shape, size, orientation, and pattern of the through opening 116 can be appropriately varied. For example, in another embodiment, the through opening 116 is a through slit rather than a circular through-hole.

[0048] The first injection device 108 is arranged downstream of the inlet 104i relative to the transport direction of the article 200 in the pipe chamber 104 to supply an inert gas, such as preferably nitrogen or argon, along the path of the article 200 in the pipe chamber 104.

[0049] Preferably, the first injection device 108 is configured to allow adjustment of parameters of the inert gas flow injected into the conduit chamber 104—for example, quantity, rate, direction, etc.

[0050] The first injection device 108 can be configured in any suitable way, and in this embodiment, the first injection device 108 includes three rod elements 118 configured to supply an inert gas, such as gaseous nitrogen, into the conduit chamber 104. The rod elements 118 are perpendicular to the direction of travel of the article 200—that is, along a transverse direction T orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L (the transverse direction can be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (better seen through the two-dot dashed arrow) – arranged to preferably supply inert gas along the entire lateral extension of the conveyor belt element 106 – i.e., the entire width of the conveyor belt element 106.

[0051] The number of rod elements 118, the mutual distance between rod elements 118 along the longitudinal direction L, and the arrangement of rod elements 118 relative to inlet 104i are selected to appropriately adjust the distribution characteristics of inert gas in pipe chamber 104 during the design phase.

[0052] In this embodiment, the rod element 118 is preferably through a perforated grid element 119 (capable of...). Figure 5(See better in the image) Inert gas is supplied into the pipe chamber 104, and the perforated grid 119 has a structure / shape / size that is selected to further adjust the distribution characteristics of the inert gas in the pipe chamber 104 at the design stage.

[0053] A radiation device 110 is arranged downstream of the first injection device 108 near the outlet 104o of the pipe chamber 104. The radiation device 110 is configured to irradiate the surface of the article 200 to which the chemical product has been applied.

[0054] Radiation device 110 is suitably selected to induce photopolymerization / drying (processing of chemical products) of a chemical product to impart given surface properties to article 200. Specifically, under operating conditions, article 200 is conveyed toward radiation device 110 by means of conveyor belt element 106, radiation device 110 emitting radiation having one or more predetermined wavelengths, which is suitable for inducing photopolymerization / drying of the chemical product in a controlled atmosphere of inert gas.

[0055] Preferably, the radiation device 110 includes a radiation emitter 120 that emits radiation at one or more predetermined wavelengths to treat a chemical product applied to the surface of the article 200. In particular, according to the invention, this treatment must be performed in a controlled atmosphere different from the natural atmosphere, which is enriched with inert gases (nitrogen, argon, etc.) to substantially remove oxygen from the natural atmosphere.

[0056] In the most preferred embodiment, the radiation emitter 120 is an excimer lamp (xenon lamp, argon lamp, etc.), wherein radiation is generated by the spontaneous emission of the excimer. Specifically, the excimer lamp 120 allows for the opacification of chemical products in a controlled atmosphere of an inert gas (nitrogen, argon, etc.) to impart a highly opaque finish (e.g., a gloss index value below 5) and increased scratch resistance to the surface of the article 200. In this embodiment, the wavelength emitted by the excimer lamp is between 165 nm and 200 nm, more preferably, the wavelength emitted by the excimer lamp is 172 nm, which is generated by a xenon lamp. However, the radiation device 110 may include one or more excimer lamps 120 that emit the same wavelength or one or more different wavelengths falling within the range between 165 nm and 200 nm.

[0057] In another preferred embodiment, the radiation emitter 120 is a UV lamp that emits wavelengths between 365 nm and 420 nm for drying chemical products applied to the surface of the article 200.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment, the radiation emitter 120 is a radiation source having an emitter in the ultraviolet spectral region between 100 nm and 420 nm to perform appropriate treatment on chemical products applied to the surface of the article 200.

[0059] However, it should be clear that these choices should not be considered restrictive, and the radiation device 110—that is, the radiation emitter 120—can be appropriately selected based on the type of chemical product to be treated and the properties desired to be obtained on the surface of the article 200.

[0060] The radiation device 110 can be configured in any suitable way, and in this embodiment, the radiation device 110 includes a tubular radiation emitter 120 which is arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel of the article 200—that is, along the transverse direction T orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L—to provide radiation preferably along the entire transverse extension of the conveyor belt element 106—that is, the entire width.

[0061] According to the present invention, below the conveyor belt element 106 on which the article 200 is placed, the device 100 includes: a suction chamber 122 in fluid communication with a pipe chamber 104; and a suction device 124 in fluid connection with the suction chamber 122.

[0062] This configuration allows for the continuous extraction of gas contained in the pipe chamber 104 via the extraction chamber 122 using an extraction device 124, such as a vacuum pump. In other words, the extraction chamber 122 is positioned between the pipe chamber 104 and the extraction device 124 in fluid communication.

[0063] Specifically, the suction chamber 122 and the suction device 124 are adapted to remove the gas contained in the pipe chamber 104 to ensure a controlled atmosphere in the pipe chamber 104 by means of a continuous supply of inert gas via the first injection device 108. In fact, under operating conditions, oxygen contained in the natural atmosphere continuously enters the pipe chamber 104 from the inlet 104i, even as the article 200 moving in the direction of travel essentially acts as a blade to draw the natural atmosphere from the outside of the pipe chamber 104 inwards. Then, the first injection device 108 continuously supplies inert gas at a suitable flow rate, thereby diluting the natural atmosphere (containing oxygen) flowing into the pipe chamber 104. Simultaneously, the suction chamber 122 and the suction device 124 continuously remove the gas contained in the pipe chamber 104 (the injected inert gas and the natural atmosphere), thereby achieving enrichment of inert gas in the pipe chamber by a suitable flow rate from the first injection device 108 set to saturate the pipe chamber 104. In this state, oxygen is essentially completely removed from the pipe chamber 104 to obtain a controlled atmosphere.

[0064] The suction chamber 122 has a configuration and structure selected, for example, based on the dimensions of the pipe chamber 104 and the conveyor belt element 106. In this preferred embodiment, the suction chamber 122 is defined by a hollow box-like structure 126 arranged between the forward portion 106f and the return portion 106r of the conveyor belt element 106. In particular, the dimensions of the suction chamber 122 are designed to have a lateral dimension substantially corresponding to the width of the conveyor belt element 106 and a longitudinal dimension substantially corresponding to the longitudinal dimension of the pipe chamber 104.

[0065] According to the present invention, the suction chamber 122 is provided by a plurality of through conduits 128 formed on a wall element 130 defining the suction chamber 122 (the through conduits 128 are capable of...). Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 (It can be seen better in the middle) and is in fluid communication with the pipe chamber 104.

[0066] Specifically, the suction chamber 122 is configured such that the wall element 130 separates the suction chamber 122 from the conduit chamber 104. In other words, the two opposite faces of the wall element 130—facing the conduit chamber 104 and the suction chamber 104 respectively—are in fluid communication with each other through the plurality of through conduits 128.

[0067] Furthermore, the wall element 130 is arranged such that the conveyor belt element 106 is operably positioned at least partially between the article 200 and the plurality of through conduits 128. In other words, the conveyor belt element 106 is adapted to slide on the wall element 130, and at the plurality of through conduits 128, the conveyor belt element 106 is positioned between the plurality of through conduits 128 and the article 200 conveyed by the conveyor belt element 106. Specifically, the wall element 130 is arranged such that the conveyor belt element 106—or preferably the advancing portion 106f of the conveyor belt element 106—is adapted to slide at least partially on the wall element 130, and at the plurality of through conduits 128, the conveyor belt element 106—or preferably the advancing portion 106f of the conveyor belt element 106—is positioned between the plurality of through conduits 128 and the article 200 conveyed by the conveyor belt element 106. Therefore, assuming that the conveyor belt element 106 is provided with the plurality of through openings 116 extending through the thickness of the conveyor belt element 106, at least a portion of the gas present in the pipe chamber 104 is drawn into the suction chamber 122 by means of the suction device 124 through the plurality of through openings 116 of the conveyor belt element 106 and the plurality of through conduits 128 of the wall element 130. In this embodiment, the advancing portion 106f of the conveyor belt element 106 is operably positioned at least partially between the article 200 transported by the advancing portion 106f of the conveyor belt element 106 and the plurality of through conduits 128, i.e., between the article 200 and the wall element 130.

[0068] The plurality of through conduits 128 are preferably formed along the entire lateral extension of the wall element 130, and even more preferably, the plurality of through conduits 128 are formed according to a regular pattern to ensure the uniformity and regularity of fluid communication between the pipe chamber 104 and the suction chamber 122.

[0069] Furthermore, the through conduit 128 has a shape and size selected, for example, based on the volume of the pipe chamber 104, the volume of the suction chamber 122, and the size of the conveyor belt element 106, to adjust the degree of fluid communication through the through conduit 128.

[0070] In this preferred embodiment, the conduit—through conduit 128—is formed along the entire lateral extension of the wall element 130 and has a circular hole with a diameter ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm, thereby defining a rhomboid pattern. However, this choice should not be considered limiting, and the shape, size, orientation, and pattern of the through conduit 128 can be suitably varied.

[0071] Therefore, during the processing performed by the device 100, the article 200 enters the pipe chamber 104 via the inlet 104i, and the article 200 is conveyed along the longitudinal direction L by means of the conveyor belt element 106. The first injection device 108 continuously supplies inert gas at a suitable flow rate into the pipe chamber 104 to dilute the ambient atmosphere and remove oxygen from the surface of the article 200 to which the chemical product has been applied, thereby blowing air onto the surface of the article 200. Simultaneously, as the article 200 is conveyed within the pipe chamber 104, the suction chamber 122 and the suction device 124 continuously remove the gas contained in the pipe chamber 104 (the injected inert gas and the oxygen-containing ambient atmosphere), thereby enriching the pipe chamber 104 with inert gas by means of the following suitable flow rate from the first injection device 108: this suitable flow rate is set to saturate the pipe chamber 104. In this state, oxygen is substantially completely removed from the surface of the article 200 and the pipe chamber 104, thereby obtaining a controlled atmosphere. When the article 200 arrives at the area of ​​the conduit chamber 104 corresponding to the radiation device 110, the radiation device 110 irradiates the surface of the article 200 to treat the chemical product in a controlled atmosphere, thereby imparting a given surface characteristic to the article 200. The article 200 then exits the conduit chamber 104 via the outlet 104o.

[0072] Advantageously, in this state, a controlled atmosphere is obtained efficiently and reliably because: by means of the first injection device 108, inert gas is continuously supplied and oxygen is simultaneously continuously removed from the surface of the article 200 and the conduit chamber 104, thereby allowing the inert gas to accumulate in the conduit chamber 104. In particular, the construction of the device 100 imparts increased uniformity and regularity to the airflow within the conduit chamber 104, thereby allowing efficient and reliable treatment of the chemical product applied to the surface of the article 200 in a controlled atmosphere by means of the radiation device 110.

[0073] In fact, appropriate selection of the inert gas supply characteristics (by means of the first injection device 108) and suction characteristics (by means of the plurality of through openings 116, the plurality of through conduits 128, the suction chamber 122 and the suction device 124) allows for the adjustment and maintenance of a high percentage of inert gas to remove oxygen that inevitably enters continuously from the inlet 104i of the conduit chamber 104 under operating conditions.

[0074] Furthermore, continuous suction of gas via the suction device 124 through the plurality of through openings 116 of the conveyor belt element 106 and the plurality of through conduits 128 of the wall element 130 allows for a uniform distribution of gas with a high inert gas content within the pipe chamber 104. In particular, with this configuration, oxygen flowing in from the inlet 104i is effectively removed, and oxygen flowing in from the inlet 104i is unlikely to reach the area of ​​the radiant device 110 in the pipe chamber 104, even when process parameters—such as the speed at which the article 200 is conveyed by the conveyor belt element 106—vary widely.

[0075] Advantageously, it should be observed that the number and position of the plurality of through conduits 128 relative to the conduit chamber 104 can be widely selected to obtain a desired uniform distribution of high inert gas content, i.e., to achieve effective oxygen removal.

[0076] In addition, refer to Figures 4 to 6 ,exist Figures 4 to 6 In the diagram, airflow is indicated by dashed arrows. The continuous suction of gas by the suction device 124 via the plurality of through openings 116 of the conveyor belt element 106 and the plurality of through conduits 128 of the wall element 130 reduces the likelihood of turbulence forming within the pipe chamber 104. Specifically, although the article 200 is in motion, this configuration results in a preferred airflow path that remains regular by allowing the airflow to slide across the surface of the article 200 and be directed toward the suction chamber 122 below the article 200 in the region corresponding to the through conduits 128, thereby making it unlikely that turbulence will form in the pipe chamber 104. The absence of turbulence is advantageously guaranteed even when process parameters—such as the speed at which the article 200 is conveyed by the conveyor belt element 106 or the rate of the inert gas flow from the first injection device 108—vary widely.

[0077] Preferably, especially referring to Figures 3 to 6 The first injection device 108 is arranged upstream of the radiation device 110 relative to the transport direction of the article 200 in the pipe chamber 104.

[0078] In this configuration, a controlled atmosphere that is essentially free of oxygen is effectively and reliably maintained before the chemical product is treated by means of the radiation device 110. In particular, with this configuration, an inert gas stream flows over the surface of the article 200 on which the chemical product is applied to effectively remove oxygen, which would otherwise degrade the treatment performed by means of the radiation device 110.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of through conduits 128 are arranged upstream of the radiating device 110 relative to the transport direction of the article 200 in the conduit chamber 104.

[0080] In this state, the gas flow in the pipe chamber 104 is ensured to have a preferred direction that is substantially opposite to the direction of travel of the article 200, thereby making the removal of oxygen from the surface of the article 200 by the inert gas supplied by the first injection device 108 very effective.

[0081] Preferably, especially referring to Figures 4 to 6 The wall element 130 is configured such that the plurality of through conduits 128 include: a first conduit group 128a, which is formed by through conduits 128 arranged substantially at or slightly upstream of the radiating device 110; and at least one second conduit group 128b, which is different from the first conduit group 128a.

[0082] In this configuration, a substantially oxygen-free controlled atmosphere is advantageously, effectively, and reliably maintained in the area of ​​the pipe chamber 104 where the chemical product is processed by the radiation device 110. In particular, with this configuration, an inert gas flow flows over the surface of the article 200 where the chemical product is applied, to more effectively remove oxygen from the area of ​​the pipe chamber 104 where the chemical product is processed by the radiation device 110.

[0083] Preferably, the wall element 130 is configured such that the second conduit assembly 128b is arranged upstream of the first injection device 108, and furthermore, the second conduit assembly 128b is separated from the first conduit assembly 128a by a continuous wall portion 132 of the wall element 130, which does not have a through conduit 128 (the continuous wall portion 132 is capable of...). Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 (See it better in the middle).

[0084] In this configuration, a substantially oxygen-free controlled atmosphere is advantageously, effectively, and reliably maintained in the area of ​​the conduit chamber 104 where the chemical product is processed by the radiation device 110. Specifically, this configuration induces an inert gas flow that flows substantially entirely along the longitudinal direction L at the continuous wall portion 132. Thus, an inert gas flow parallel to the larger surface of the article 200—preferably sheet-like—is obtained at the continuous wall portion 132, more effectively removing any possible residual oxygen remaining on the chemical product. Specifically, any possible residual oxygen is removed before the article 200 reaches the area of ​​the conduit chamber 104 where the chemical product is processed by the radiation device 110 and is subsequently also drawn into the suction chamber 122 via the first conduit assembly 128a.

[0085] Preferably, refer to Figure 6 The device 100 also includes a second injection device 134, which is also configured to supply inert gas into the pipe chamber 104, and in addition to including a radiation emitter 120, the radiation device 110 also includes a reflector element 136 adapted to reflect radiation from the radiation emitter 120 toward the surface of the article 200 to which the chemical product has been applied.

[0086] In particular, according to this preferred embodiment, the reflector element 136 is placed between the radiation emitter 120 and the second injection device 134, and furthermore, the reflector element 136 is provided with a channel device 138, which is configured to allow inert gas to flow into the pipe chamber 104 via the reflector element 136.

[0087] In this configuration, a substantially oxygen-free controlled atmosphere is advantageously, effectively, and reliably maintained in the area of ​​the piping chamber 104 where the chemical product is treated by means of the radiation device 110. In particular, this compact configuration provides an additional inert gas flow suitable for precisely removing oxygen from the surface of the article 200 to which the chemical product is applied in the area of ​​the piping chamber 104 where the chemical product is treated by means of the radiation device 110.

[0088] Furthermore, this configuration, by means of a second injection device 134, supplies a gas flow for cooling the radiation emitter 120, thereby advantageously ensuring increased reliability of the operation of the radiation emitter 120.

[0089] It should be understood that the present invention can be obtained through other embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0090] Further embodiments of the invention are described below, which provide modifications to some elements of the device 100. Therefore, elements that remain substantially unchanged and perform the same function will not be described again, and the same reference numerals will be used.

[0091] Figure 7 An enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device 100 in the second embodiment is shown, which is different from that in the first embodiment. Figure 5 The enlarged view shown is similar, except for the structure of the conveyor belt element 106. In particular, in this second preferred embodiment, the conveyor belt element 106 includes a plurality of protruding elements 140 that are distinct from each other. The protruding elements 140—preferably generally hemispherical—extend from the surface of the conveyor belt element 106 to operably support the article 200, thereby keeping the article 200 spaced apart from the plurality of through openings 116.

[0092] The protruding element 140 is preferably formed along the entire longitudinal and transverse extension of the conveyor belt element 106, and even more preferably, the protruding element 140 is formed according to a regular pattern.

[0093] However, it should be clear that the protruding element 140 can be configured to have a shape, size, and pattern appropriately selected, for example, based on the shape / size of the article 200 and the size of the conveyor belt element 106.

[0094] In this configuration, since the article 200 does not close the through opening 116, the uniformity of gas drawn from the pipe chamber 104 is increased, which advantageously further ensures a uniform inert gas distribution and the absence of turbulence. In particular, with this configuration, the gas flow can essentially flow even between the article 200 and the conveyor belt element 106 on which the article 200 rests (e.g., Figure 7 (Indicated by the dashed arrow).

[0095] This solution is particularly advantageous for sheet-like articles 200, which are typically arranged on conveyor belt element 106 resting on one of the extended surfaces of a larger extended surface, thereby closing a large number of through openings 116 depending on the size of the article 200. In particular, by using the protruding element 140, the preferred airflow path in the duct chamber 104 is unlikely to change significantly when some characteristics of the article 200—for example, the size of the article 200 or the arrangement of the article 200 on conveyor belt element 106—change.

[0096] Figure 8 A longitudinal section of the device 100 in the third embodiment is shown, which is different from that in the first embodiment. Figure 3The longitudinal cross-section shown is similar, except for the structure of the suction chamber 122. In particular, in this second preferred embodiment, the suction chamber 122 is defined by a plurality of sub-chambers 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h, and 122i, which are fluidly connected to each other by fluid connection means 142, and each of these sub-chambers is fluidly connected to the pipe chamber 104 by one or more of the plurality of through conduits 128.

[0097] The fluid connection device 142 may be a partition wall that is perforated and arranged one on one within the suction chamber 122 to define sub-chambers 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h, 122i, thereby keeping these sub-chambers in fluid communication with each other (e.g., arranging the partition walls in series).

[0098] Alternatively, the fluid connection device 142 can be formed of a hollow frame whose structure defines sub-chambers 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h, and 122i, which are kept in fluid communication with each other through holes connecting the cavity of the frame to the sub-chambers. In this case, the suction device 124 is preferably directly fluidly connected to the cavity of the frame.

[0099] In this configuration, given that the degree of gas extraction from the conduit chamber 104 via the suction chamber 122 can be adjusted during the design phase, a uniform inert gas distribution and the absence of turbulence are advantageously further ensured. Specifically, this configuration allows for the selection of a corresponding volume and / or number of through-conduits 128 for each of the sub-chambers 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h, and 122i, to maintain the desired degree of extraction based on the position of these sub-chambers relative to the conduit chamber 104.

[0100] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A portion of the longitudinal section of the device 100 in the fourth embodiment is shown, which is different from that in the first embodiment. Figure 3 The longitudinal cross-section shown is similar, except for the structure of the cover element 102. In particular, in this fourth preferred embodiment, the device 100 includes an adjustment device 144 configured to adjust the distance dl between the conveyor belt element 106 and the cover element 102 to adjust the volume of the pipe chamber 104.

[0101] Adjustment devices 144, such as pantograph lifting systems or screw lifting systems, allow for changes in the dimensions of the pipe chamber 104 to be selected based on the dimensions of the article 200 and the free volume to be maintained under operating conditions. Specifically, by lowering the cover element 102 toward the conveyor belt element 106 at a decreasing distance from the article 200, a small free volume is created in the pipe chamber 104, making oxygen removal more efficient under the same inert gas flow conditions using the first injection device 118 and the second injection device 134.

[0102] In this state, higher efficiency in the consumption of inert gas and increased versatility in the use of equipment 100 are advantageously guaranteed.

[0103] The device 100 according to the invention is particularly advantageous for: performing treatment on an article 200—preferably sheet-like—by means of a radiation emitter having one or more wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectral region, preferably opaque to the article 200, applying a photopolymerizable / dryable chemical product to the surface of the article 200, the chemical product preferably being an acrylic monomer / based oligomer, the radiation emitter preferably being a lamp emitting radiation having a wavelength between 165 nm and 200 nm, more preferably a xenon lamp emitting radiation having a wavelength of 172 nm.

[0104] The method includes the following steps:

[0105] a) Applying a chemical product to the surface of the article 200, preferably by means of roller coating, roll coating, spraying or the like;

[0106] b) Optionally, the chemical product is gelled, preferably by means of radiation having a wavelength in the ultraviolet spectral region;

[0107] c) The article 200 coated with the chemical product is introduced into the device 100 according to the invention to remove oxygen from the article 200 and to treat the chemical product in an inert atmosphere by means of radiation from a radiation emitter.

[0108] d) The opaque item 200 is transported outside the device 100 in a natural atmosphere;

[0109] e) Optionally, the opaque article 200 may be dried by means of a device arranged downstream of the device 100.

[0110] In view of the above, it is clear that significant results have been achieved, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art and allowing the device 100 to be adapted to perform controlled atmosphere treatment of chemical products applied to the surface of the article 200 effectively and reliably.

[0111] In particular, the apparatus 100 is suitable for providing a controlled atmosphere with a high percentage of inert gas.

[0112] In addition, the device 100 is adapted to provide a uniform and regular distribution of inert gas in the conduit chamber 104 in which the article 200 is processed.

[0113] Furthermore, the equipment 100 is configured to allow for a wide range of process parameter settings to optimize the process parameters according to production requirements, while maintaining the effective and reliable handling of the articles 200.

[0114] Finally, device 100 is configured in a way that allows for a wide range of simple design options.

[0115] Of course, depending on the specific requirements, the materials and equipment used to implement this invention, as well as the shape and size of individual elements, may be most suitable.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for treating a chemical product applied to a surface of an article (200), the apparatus (100) comprising: - a covering element (102) defining a tunnel chamber (104) through which the article (200) is conveyed by a conveyor belt element (106), - a first injection device (108) configured to supply an inert gas in the tunnel chamber (104), - a radiation device (110) configured for treating the chemical product within the tunnel chamber (104) by means of radiation, characterized in that the apparatus (100) further comprises a suction chamber (122) and a suction device (124) fluidically connected to the suction chamber (122), the suction chamber (122) being separated from the tunnel chamber (104) by a wall element (130) arranged so that the conveyor belt element (106) is operatively at least partially interposed between the article (200) and a plurality of through ducts (128) formed on the wall element (130), and the conveyor belt element (106) is provided with a plurality of through openings (116) passing through the thickness of the conveyor belt element (106), wherein the suction chamber (122) is in fluid communication with the tunnel chamber (104) through the plurality of through ducts (128) and the plurality of through openings (116), so that the inert gas and the oxygen-containing natural atmosphere contained in the tunnel chamber (104) are continuously removed by the suction device (124) via the suction chamber (122), so as to obtain an enrichment of inert gas in the tunnel chamber (104) by the first injection device (108).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor belt element (106) comprises a plurality of protruding elements (140) extending from the surface of the conveyor belt element (106), the protruding elements (140) are adapted to operatively support the article (200), so as to keep the article (200) spaced apart from the plurality of through openings (116).

3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first injection device (108) is arranged upstream of the radiation device (110) with respect to a conveying direction of the article (200) in the tunnel chamber (104) by the conveyor belt element (106).

4. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of through ducts (128) is arranged upstream of the radiation device (110) with respect to a conveying direction of the article (200) in the tunnel chamber (104) by the conveyor belt element (106).

5. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wall element (130) is configured such that the plurality of through-going conduits (128) comprises a first conduit group (128a) arranged at or upstream of the radiation device (110) and at least one second conduit group (128b) which is different from the first conduit group (128a).

6. The device (100) according to claim 5, wherein The wall element (130) is configured such that the at least one second conduit group (128b) is arranged upstream of the injection device (108) and The first conduit group (128a) and the at least one second conduit group (128b) are formed on the wall element (130) such that there is a continuous wall portion (132) of the wall element (130) between the first conduit group (128a) and the at least one second conduit group (128b), which continuous wall portion (132) does not have a through-going conduit (128).

7. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The apparatus (100) comprises a second injection device (134) configured to supply an inert gas in the duct chamber (104), The radiation device (110) comprises a radiation emitter (120) and a reflector element (136) adapted to reflect the radiation in the duct chamber (104) towards a surface of the article (200) on the conveyor belt element (106), wherein The reflector element (136) is interposed between the radiation emitter (120) and the second injection device (134) and is further provided with a passage device (138) configured to allow inert gas from the second injection device (134) to enter the duct chamber (104) via the reflector element (136).

8. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The radiation device (110) comprises a radiation emitter (120).

9. The device (100) according to claim 8, wherein The radiation emitter (120) comprises a lamp having radiation emission in the ultraviolet spectral region.

10. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The suction chamber (122) is delimited by a plurality of sub-chambers (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h, 122i) which are in fluid communication with each other by means of fluid connection devices (142).

11. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The distance (dl) between the conveyor belt element (106) and the cover element (102) is adjustable by means of adjustment devices (144) to adjust the volume of the duct chamber (104).

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