Oven for heating articles on conveyor

Abstract

An oven (400) for applying heat to an article (116) on a conveyor (114) is disclosed, the oven (400) comprising: an air inlet (102); an internal circulation path (108) comprising a main heat source (109); an exhaust port (112); wherein the supplemental airflow path (104) opens into the internal circulation path (108), the supplemental airflow path (104) comprising: a supplemental airflow generator (302) for promoting an inflow of supplemental air through the air inlet (102); and a set of make-up air outlets (402) for providing make-up air from the make-up airflow path (104) to a first location within the oven (400) as part of the internal circulation path (108) and / or to a second location within the oven (400) as part of the internal circulation path (108), where: the first location faces an entry point of the conveyor (114) into the heating zone of the oven (400); and the second position faces a departure point of the conveyor (114) departing from the heating zone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an oven for applying heat to articles on a conveyor. Background Technology

[0002] During manufacturing processes related to articles, ovens can be used to apply heat to the articles. For example, heat can be applied to the articles to dry them (e.g., to evaporate water or other types of solvents from the surface of the articles) and / or (using heat) to treat substances coated on the articles. For example, heat can be applied to materials coated on the articles to cure them. As another example, heat can be applied to one or more paints coated on the articles to cure them.

[0003] When heat is applied to a material (such as paint), some volatile molecules may be released and dispersed into the air surrounding the material. Therefore, air management within the oven is necessary. To generate heat, ovens proposed in some precedent generally use some form of fuel, such as natural gas. For example, heat is generated within the oven by burning natural gas.

[0004] This disclosure provides several improvement schemes and / or solutions to the problems existing in the aforementioned ovens. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an oven is provided for applying heat to articles on a conveyor, the oven comprising: an air inlet configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into a supplemental airflow path; an internal circulation path including a main heat source, within which air circulates; and an exhaust port configured to discharge the air out of the oven along the internal circulation path to control the amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path; wherein the supplemental airflow path merges into the internal circulation path; wherein the supplemental airflow path includes: a supplemental airflow generator configured to cause the inflow of supplemental air through the air inlet; and a set of supplemental air outlets configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to a first position within the oven as part of the internal circulation path and / or a second position within the oven as part of the internal circulation path, thereby merging the supplemental airflow path into the internal circulation path, wherein: the first position faces an entry point of the conveyor into the heating zone of the oven, and the second position faces an exit point of the conveyor out of the heating zone.

[0006] Optionally, the set of supplemental air outlets includes one or more nozzles configured to direct the supplemental air onto the conveyor.

[0007] Optionally, the supplementary air flowing into the oven via the set of supplementary air outlets toward the first and / or the second position will generate an air pressure greater than the ambient air pressure outside the oven at or near the first and / or the second position.

[0008] Optionally, the air inlet may be a first air inlet, and the oven includes a second air inlet configured to receive the inflow of supplementary air into the supplementary airflow path; the supplementary airflow path includes a first supplementary air passage that receives the supplementary air from the first air inlet and a second supplementary air passage that receives the supplementary air from the second air inlet.

[0009] Optionally, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to the first position and the second position; the first supplemental air passage leads to the first position, and the second supplemental air passage leads to the second position.

[0010] Optionally, the supplemental airflow path includes a heat exchange mechanism configured to provide heat to the supplemental air flowing in the supplemental airflow path before it merges into the internal circulation path.

[0011] Optionally, the heat exchange mechanism includes an electric heater.

[0012] Optionally, the main heat source is a gas burner chamber located in the internal circulation path, through which the circulating air can pass.

[0013] Optionally, the gas burner chamber is supplied with hydrogen-containing gas, and the gas burner chamber can generate a flame exposed to the circulating air.

[0014] Optionally, the gas can be a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, or the gas can be a mixture of hydrogen and liquefied petroleum gas.

[0015] Optionally, the heat exchange mechanism can be controlled to directly provide heat to the supplementary air, so that the supplementary air has a temperature higher than the ambient temperature before entering the internal circulation path.

[0016] Optionally, the supplemental airflow generator is configured to induce the inflow of supplemental air to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port.

[0017] Optionally, the supplemental airflow generator is configured to be controlled to provide the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate of the inflow received at the inlet, the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate being the same as or similar to the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate of the air discharged via the exhaust port.

[0018] Optionally, the oven includes: an exhaust gas flow detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the air flow discharged via the exhaust port; and an exhaust gas flow temperature detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the air discharged via the exhaust port, wherein the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate is determined based on the one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow detector and the one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow temperature detector.

[0019] Optionally, the oven includes: an inlet airflow detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the inflow airflow received at the air inlet; and an inlet airflow temperature detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the supplemental air received at the air inlet, wherein the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate is determined based on the one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow detector and the one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow temperature detector.

[0020] Optionally, the supplemental airflow path includes: a set of supplemental air outlets that allow the supplemental air to exit the supplemental airflow path, the set of supplemental air outlets including: one or more nozzles configured to direct the supplemental air onto the conveyor; and an internal circulation path inlet configured to receive the supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path at a location along the internal circulation path, such that the supplemental air is mixed with the circulating air before being injected toward the conveyor, and the supplemental airflow path includes a valve configured to control the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path via the internal circulation path inlet.

[0021] Optionally, the oven includes: a nozzle temperature detector, mounted upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the supplemental air passing through the one or more nozzles; and a nozzle airflow detector, mounted upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the airflow of the supplemental air pre-entering the one or more nozzles.

[0022] Optionally, the valve is controlled based on the nozzle speed of the supplemental air passing through the one or more nozzles, wherein the nozzle speed is determined based on the one or more parameters detected by the nozzle temperature detector and the one or more parameters detected by the nozzle airflow detector.

[0023] Optionally, the nozzle speed can be controlled to ensure that it does not exceed a nozzle speed threshold.

[0024] Optionally, the nozzle velocity threshold value is between 4 m / s and 11 m / s.

[0025] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an oven system for applying heat to articles on a conveyor is provided, the oven system comprising: a plurality of ovens as described in the first aspect; and a conveyor configured to convey articles in a first direction, wherein: the plurality of ovens are linearly arranged along the first direction; and the conveyor is configured to convey the articles to and through a respective heating zone of each of the plurality of ovens.

[0026] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for drying articles and / or curing paint applied to articles, the method comprising: conveying the articles on a conveyor through an oven, the oven including: an air inlet configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into a supplemental airflow path; an internal circulation path including a main heat source, within which air can circulate; and an exhaust port configured to discharge air from the internal circulation path into the oven to control the amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path; wherein the supplemental airflow path merges into the internal circulation path; the supplemental airflow path includes: a supplemental airflow generator, the supplemental airflow generator... The oven is configured to allow supplemental air to flow through the air inlet; and a set of supplemental air outlets configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to a first position and / or a second position within the oven as part of the internal circulation path, thereby merging the supplemental airflow path into the internal circulation path, wherein: the first position faces the entry point of the conveyor into the heating zone of the oven, and the second position faces the exit point of the conveyor leaving the heating zone; and the oven is operated to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to the first position and / or the second position using the set of supplemental air outlets.

[0027] Optionally, in the method according to the third aspect, the supplemental airflow path of the oven includes an electric heater that provides heat to the supplemental air flowing in the supplemental airflow path before it merges into the internal circulation path; and the method includes operating the electric heater to provide heat to the supplemental air before it merges into the internal circulation path after being received through the air inlet.

[0028] Optionally, in the method as described in the third aspect, the supplemental airflow path of the oven includes a supplemental airflow generator configured to cause an inflow of supplemental air at a certain flow rate through the air inlet to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port; and the method includes operating the supplemental airflow generator to provide the supplemental air at a certain flow rate to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port during use.

[0029] Optionally, in the method as described in the third aspect, the supplemental airflow path of the oven includes: a set of supplemental air outlets that allow the supplemental air to exit the supplemental airflow path, the set of supplemental air outlets including: one or more nozzles configured to direct the supplemental air onto the conveyor; and an internal circulation path inlet configured to receive supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path at a location along the internal circulation path, such that the supplemental air is mixed with circulating air before being injected toward the conveyor; and the supplemental airflow path of the oven includes a valve configured to control the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path via the internal circulation path inlet; the method further includes: controlling the nozzle velocity of the supplemental air passing through the one or more nozzles by controlling the valve. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a simplified illustration of an oven as shown in the example.

[0032] Figure 2 As described in the first set of examples Figure 1 A simplified schematic of the first example of the oven shown.

[0033] Figure 3 As described in the second set of examples Figure 1 A simplified schematic of the second example of the oven shown.

[0034] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4CAs described in the third set of examples Figure 1 A simplified schematic of the third example of the oven shown.

[0035] Figure 5 As described in the fourth set of examples Figure 1 A simplified schematic of the fourth example of the oven shown.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a simplified schematic of an oven system as illustrated in the example.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the first method as described in the first set of examples.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the second method as described in the second set of examples.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the third method as described in the third set of examples.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the first method as described in the first set of examples. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This disclosure relates to an oven for applying heat to articles on a conveyor. In an example, the oven includes an air inlet for receiving supplemental air inflow. According to the example, the oven includes an internal circulation path including a main heat source, within which air circulates, and an exhaust port configured to discharge air from the internal circulation path into the oven to control the amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path. For example, the main heat source provides heat to the circulating air circulating within the internal circulation path. Various more specific examples of the disclosed oven are discussed below.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic of an example oven 100. Oven 100 includes an air inlet 102 configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into a supplemental airflow path 104. Figure 1 In the example, the flow of supplementary air within supplementary airflow path 104 is represented by solid arrow 106. Figure 1 In the example, the supplementary airflow path 104 is a single passage. However, in some examples, the supplementary airflow path 104 may include multiple different passages that together form the supplementary airflow path 104.

[0043] In these examples, oven 100 includes an internal circulation path 108, which includes a main heat source 109. Existing air within oven 100 circulates within the internal circulation path 108. In other words, the internal circulation path 108 is used for air circulation within oven 100. In other words, the internal circulation path 108 causes air within oven 100 to flow in a circulating manner between different areas of oven 100. In this description, the term "circulating air" is used to refer to the air circulating within the internal circulation path 108. The flow of circulating air within the internal circulation path 108 is generally indicated by the dashed arrow 110.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will understand that ovens include heat sources. For example, in the case of the types of ovens mentioned herein, there is typically a heat source that maintains the air circulating in the internal circulation path 108 at a desired temperature (or relatively close to a desired temperature). In these examples, the main heat source 109 provides heat to the circulating air to maintain the desired temperature of the circulating air.

[0045] In these examples, oven 100 includes an exhaust port 112. Exhaust port 112 is configured to discharge air from internal circulation path 108 into oven 100. The references herein include “circulated air” being discharged or “discharged air.” It should be understood that, in either case, the references refer to the discharge of air present within internal circulation path 108 within oven 100.

[0046] Conveyor 114 is shown in these examples. For example, article 116 may be conveyed on conveyor 114 through oven 100. For example, oven 100 may include a body 406, within which certain parts of oven 100 are housed. Heating zone 408 may be present inside body 406. Heating zone 408 is a position where articles are intended to be positioned for heating in oven 100. For example, heating zone 408 is part of internal circulation path 108. For example, internal circulation path 108 may include one or more passages guiding circulating air. One or more passages of internal circulation path 108 may converge into and receive circulating air from heating zone 408. For example, conveyor 114 is positioned in heating zone 408 such that articles conveyed on conveyor 114 are heated when located in heating zone 408.

[0047] For example, conveyor 114 may be in the form of a belt conveyor, a conveyor with rollers, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that various types of conveyors can be used to move articles from one location to another during the manufacturing process. For example, with a portion of conveyor 114 positioned in heating zone 408, the conveyor belt can move relative to oven 100 to transfer article 116 through oven 100 in conveying direction 410.

[0048] As described above, in an example where oven 100 is used to apply heat to article 116, article 116 may be coated with one or more substances that react with the heat applied by oven 100, and oven 100 may be designed to apply heat to such articles. In some examples, one or more substances are coated on article 116 that can release contaminants into the air in areas of article 116. For example, exhaust port 112 is configured to exhaust air from internal circulation path 108 in order to control the amount of contaminants flowing within internal circulation path 108.

[0049] For example, when air is discharged through exhaust port 112, air is drawn out from internal circulation path 108. Therefore, at least some of the pollutant molecules that may have mixed into the air circulating in internal circulation path 108 can be removed.

[0050] As described above, some of the recirculated air can be vented to control the amount of one or more contaminants flowing within the internal recirculation path 108. In some examples, the amount of recirculated air to be vented can be determined based on explosion limit calculations. For example, explosion limit calculations can be performed to determine a contaminant threshold for the amount (or concentration) of contaminants tolerable within the internal recirculation path 108 without making the explosion risk exceed the desired / acceptable range. The oven can then be controlled to not exceed the contaminant threshold. For example, explosion limit calculations can be based on the weight of one or more solvents present on the articles 116 entering the oven and the number of such articles entering the oven per unit time. For example, contaminants are introduced into the internal recirculation path 108 due to the evaporation of one or more solvents inside the oven.

[0051] For example, the amount of recirculated air discharged can be controlled so as not to exceed a contaminant threshold. For example, one or more dampers in the path of the discharged recirculated air can be controlled so as not to exceed the contaminant threshold. Alternatively or alternatively, an exhaust airflow generator can be provided and controlled to discharge sufficient recirculated air to exceed the contaminant threshold.

[0052] For example, replacing lost air with supplemental air (which does not contain contaminants before mixing with recirculating air) can also help control contaminant concentrations so as to help not exceed contaminant thresholds. The term "supplemental" air is used herein. In examples, supplemental air can be any gas suitable for use within oven 100 that does not contain any significant amounts of contaminants that may be present in the internal recirculation path 108 during use. For example, supplemental air can simply be fresh air from the external environment of oven 100. In some examples, supplemental air may be drawn from outdoor space and fed to the air inlet 102 of oven 100. In some examples, supplemental air can be air with a specific composition. For example, supplemental air with a specific composition may be stored (e.g., in a gas storage container) and then fed into oven 100. The type of supplemental air used can depend on the type of operation the oven is used for, the type of items being processed, the type of substance being coated on the items, etc.

[0053] For example, when air is removed via exhaust port 112, it may be necessary to introduce replacement air into oven 100 to take its place in internal circulation path 108. This replacement air is referred to herein as “replenish” air and is drawn in via intake port 102.

[0054] In these examples, supplemental airflow path 104 merges into internal circulation path 108. For example, supplemental airflow path 104 merges into the area of ​​oven 100 where air already circulates within internal circulation path 108. For example, after the supplemental air leaves supplemental airflow path 104, it mixes with the air circulating within internal circulation path 108. For example, supplemental air merging into internal circulation path 108 includes supplemental air that is directly supplied to heating zone 408 (e.g., directly directed to conveyor 114 before any significant opportunity for the supplemental air to mix with circulating air).

[0055] In some examples, the purpose of oven 100 is to apply heat to articles on which one or more substances are present. For example, article 116 is an article coated with one or more paints. For example, oven 100 can be used to dry article 116 by evaporating one or more substances (such as water or other solvents). For example, oven 100 can be used to cure or partially cure one or more paints applied to article 100.

[0056] In some examples, article 116 is a food container, such as a can. Article 116 may include various materials used for such containers, such as aluminum. However, article 116 can be any kind of article in which heat may be expected to be applied during the manufacturing process, and is not limited to a particular food container.

[0057] In some examples, oven 100 includes one or more processors that communicate with one or more components of oven 100. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Alternatively or alternatively, a control system including one or more processors may be provided, the control system being located outside the oven 100. For example, one or more processors may be configured to transmit data to and / or from one or more components of the oven 100. For example, one or more processors may be configured to transmit control signals to one or more components of the oven 100. As another example, one or more processors may be configured to receive detection signals from one or more components of the oven 100. In the following description (for the sake of brevity and simplicity), references are made to a single processor performing certain tasks.

[0058] For example, a processor communicates with a computer-readable storage device that stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform certain tasks according to the examples described herein. The computer-readable storage device can be used for long-term data storage, such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, solid-state drive, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), etc.

[0059] For example, the processor also communicates with a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (such as random access memory (RAM)) for short-term data storage in preparation of operations. Those skilled in the art will understand how the processor can be configured with other data processing components to provide functionality relevant to the described example. For instance, the processor controls the amount of recirculated air emitted as described above by communicating / exchanging signals with appropriate components of the oven 100 (such as exhaust fans, associated detectors, etc.).

[0060] It should be noted that various flow paths are mentioned in this document. A specific flow path may include a single passage for airflow, or it may include multiple passages. Multiple passages may share an inlet and / or outlet, or they may have separate respective inlets and / or outlets.

[0061] The following discussion focuses on a more specific example of oven 100. In the description of the following examples, the same reference numerals are used for similar features.

[0062] First set of examples

[0063] The first set of examples is from the previous section... Figure 1 A more specific version of the described example. In addition to the features discussed above, in the oven according to the first set of examples, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes an electric heater to provide heat to the supplementary air flowing in the supplementary airflow path before it merges into the internal circulation path 108.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic of the first oven 200 as described in the first set of examples. The first oven 200 represents... Figure 1 A more specific example of the oven 100 shown.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the examples shown, an electric heater 202 is provided. In these examples, the electric heater 202 is positioned relative to the supplementary airflow path 104 such that the electric heater provides heat to the supplementary air upstream of any point where the supplementary air merges with the internal circulation path 108.

[0066] As described above, a primary heat source 109 is provided for providing heat to the circulating air. In these examples, an electric heater 202 is an auxiliary heat source. In these examples, the electric heater 202 provides heat directly to the makeup air. For example, the electric heater 202 is configured to preheat the makeup air before it mixes with the circulating air. For example, the electric heater 202 is controlled to provide heat directly to the makeup air such that the makeup air has a temperature higher than the ambient temperature before it enters the internal circulation path 108.

[0067] The advantage is that this means less heat needs to be supplied to the circulating air to maintain a specific temperature when supplemental air is added to it. For example, preheating the supplemental air using electric heater 202 reduces the demand on the main heat source 109. For instance, if the supplemental air is not preheated and mixed with the circulating air, the main heat source 109 needs to provide more heat per unit time to maintain the circulating air at a specific temperature. On the other hand, if the supplemental air is at a higher temperature before mixing with the circulating air (due to the operation of electric heater 202), the main heat source 109 only needs to provide relatively less heat to the circulating air per unit time to maintain the same temperature.

[0068] In some examples, the main heat source 109 is a gas burner chamber located in an internal circulation path 108 through which circulating air passes. For example, the gas burner chamber 109 generates heat by burning gas (which may be a mixture of gases).

[0069] For example, providing an electric heater 202 reduces the demand on the gas burner chamber 109, which has the advantage of meaning that the gas burner chamber 109 can consume less gas during operation. Therefore, the first oven 200 according to these examples is able to use a smaller amount of fuel for the gas burner chamber 109. The first oven 200 can be referred to as a hybrid oven. For example, the first oven 200 is a hybrid oven in the sense that it utilizes two different types of energy to provide heat. In these specific examples, the first oven 200 uses both electricity and gas.

[0070] The electric heater 202 may be a resistance heater. For example, the electric heater 202 includes a conductive element that generates heat when an electric current flows through it. The conductive element generates heat through the flow of current. In some other examples, the electric heater may be a convection heater. In some examples, the electric heater may be a pipe-integrated heater.

[0071] As described above, the electric heater 202 provides heat to the supplementary air before it enters the internal circulation path 108. Furthermore, as described above, the circulating air flowing within the internal circulation path 108 may contain contaminants. For example, inserting the electric heater into the airflow path may introduce physical features (e.g., specific surface areas) on which particles from the air circulating within the path may deposit and accumulate. Providing such physical features in the internal circulation path 108 may be undesirable to avoid contaminant deposition and accumulation. For example, such deposition and accumulation may adversely affect the operation of the oven. As described earlier, since the contaminants may be volatile, the circulating air may be emitted based on explosion limits. In some examples, contaminants may be undesirable because if contaminants accumulate on such physical features exceeding a threshold, the risk of uncontrolled reactions (such as explosions) may increase.

[0072] The advantage is that positioning the electric heater 202 in the described manner provides heat to the supplementary air before the supplementary air has a chance to mix with the circulating air, which means that the benefits of adding an electric heat source are still provided without adding additional physical characteristics to the flow path of the air containing contaminants.

[0073] In some examples, the gas burner chamber 109 is supplied with hydrogen-containing gas, and the gas burner chamber 109 is configured to generate a flame that can be exposed to circulating air. For example, the gas burner chamber 109 forms an internal circulation path 108 region such that the gas burner chamber 109 receives circulating air, applies heat to the received circulating air, and releases the heated air into the remainder of the internal circulation path 108.

[0074] In some such examples, the gas is a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, or a mixture of hydrogen and liquefied petroleum gas. On the other hand, in some examples, the gas contains hydrogen but not natural gas. An advantage is that using hydrogen means a reduction in carbon emissions associated with the use of the first oven 200. For example, if the gas contains only natural gas (which combustion of natural gas results in carbon emissions), the carbon emissions would be higher compared to incorporating hydrogen into the gas.

[0075] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the costs associated with hydrogen are higher. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that obtaining hydrogen is more expensive than obtaining natural gas. For example, while the operating costs associated with using hydrogen may be lower in some cases, the capital costs associated with hydrogen are higher. Those skilled in the art will also understand that there may be logistical difficulties associated with obtaining hydrogen (e.g., related to a specific amount of supply, transportation of hydrogen, storage of hydrogen, etc.). However, the use of hydrogen becomes more feasible for a given usage scenario requiring a smaller amount of hydrogen. For example, the described barriers to using hydrogen may be less significant (less harmful) for a smaller amount of hydrogen compared to a larger amount. The first oven 200 according to these examples reduces the amount of gas that needs to be consumed by the gas burner chamber 109. This reduction makes the use of hydrogen more feasible in these examples.

[0076] Therefore, the manner in which the first oven 200 includes the electric heater 202 makes it more feasible for the main heat source 109 to contain hydrogen in its combustion gas. The first oven 200 employs both an electric heat source and another heat source of burning fuel; in a sense, the first oven can be defined as a “hybrid” oven.

[0077] In some examples, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes a supplementary airflow generator. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image), the supplemental airflow generator is configured to cause the inflow of supplemental air through the air inlet 102. For example, the supplemental airflow generator can be configured to control the amount of supplemental air added to the internal circulation path 108. For example, when more supplemental air is needed, the supplemental airflow generator can be operated to cause more supplemental air to flow through the air inlet 102. For example, by operating the supplemental airflow generator, supplemental air can be actively pushed into the supplemental airflow path 104. In some examples, the supplemental airflow generator is a component that generates airflow by means of physical motion (such as rotation, e.g., the supplemental airflow generator is a fan).

[0078] For example, the features described in the first set of examples can be combined with any other features described in this article.

[0079] According to the first set of examples, a method is provided. For example, a method according to the first set of examples for drying an article and / or curing a paint applied to an article (e.g., such as article 116). For example, the method may be used solely to dry water present on the article. For example, the method may be used to dry the article by removing other solvents from it (e.g., evaporating them). For example, the method may be used to cure a paint. Figure 7 A flowchart of a first method 700 according to the first set of examples is shown. Block 702 of the first method 700 describes conveying an article 116 on a conveyor 114 through a first oven 200. In some examples of the first method 700, a first oven 200 as described in the first set of examples is used. In other words, in these examples, an oven including a described electric heater 202 is used. Block 704 of the first method 700 describes operating the electric heater 202 to provide heat to the supplementary air before it enters the internal circulation path 108 after being received through the air inlet 102.

[0080] Based on this approach, a method is provided for heating the supplemental air to be supplied to the internal circulation path 108 to achieve preheating. For example, the use of the first method 700 provides the advantages discussed above regarding the first oven 200.

[0081] Second set of examples

[0082] The second set of examples is from the previous section. Figure 1 A more specific version of the described examples. In some examples, the features of the second set of examples may also be combined with the features described in the first set of examples. In these examples, in addition to the features described above... Figure 1 In addition to the features discussed, the supplemental airflow generator is configured to cause an inflow of supplemental air at a certain velocity through the air inlet 102 in order to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port 112.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the second oven 300 as described in the second set of examples. The second oven 300 is... Figure 1 A more specific example of the oven 100 shown.

[0084] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, a supplementary airflow generator 302 is provided. As described above, in some examples, the supplementary airflow generator 302 includes a fan configured to cause air to enter the air inlet 102 from outside the second oven 300. For example, the supplementary airflow generator 302 is configured to be controlled to change the intensity of the supplementary air that is caused to enter the air inlet 102 by the supplementary airflow generator. For example, the fan speed can be controlled according to the amount of air discharged from the exhaust port 112.

[0085] As an example, the supplementary airflow generator 302 may be controlled by the described processor (e.g., provided as part of the second oven 300 or externally). In some examples, the supplementary airflow generator 302 is configured to be controlled to provide a temperature-normalized inlet flow rate that receives the inflow at the inlet 102, the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate being the same as or similar to the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate of the air discharged via the exhaust port 112. For example, the supplementary airflow generator 302 is configured to provide and be controlled to provide a temperature-normalized inlet flow rate suitable for replacing the air discharged via the exhaust port 112 within the second oven 300. It is understood that, for example, a fan may be selected based on factors such as speed range, size, and other operating characteristics to transfer a desired amount of air per unit time.

[0086] In these examples, temperature-normalized velocity refers to the velocity of the airflow after the temperature of the air has been normalized. Those skilled in the art will understand that velocity corresponds to the volume of air moved per unit time (e.g., the airflow speed multiplied by the area the air passes through), and is measured in meters (m²). 3 / s. For example, the density of air (the number of air molecules per unit volume of air) can vary with temperature. In contrast, hotter air may be less dense, and colder air may be more dense. Therefore, the velocity of an airflow may mean that the amount of air flowing through a point varies with the temperature of the air (e.g., the number of air molecules).

[0087] For example, if the temperature of the air in question is known, the flow rate value associated with the air can be normalized according to the temperature to obtain a temperature-normalized flow rate. For example, temperature-normalized flow rates can be compared without considering temperature to provide information about the amount of air entering or leaving the second oven 300. In some examples, the following equation is used to determine the temperature-normalized flow rate.

[0088]

[0089] In equation (1) above, Qn represents the temperature-normalized flow rate, Qt represents the actual flow rate (not normalized by temperature), and T represents the actual temperature.

[0090] For example, the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity reflects the amount of recirculated air leaving the second oven 300 via exhaust port 112 (e.g., the number of moles or molecules of recirculated air). To maintain the desired amount of air circulating in the internal recirculation path 108 within the second oven 300, the lost air is replaced by supplementary air flowing in via intake port 102. The supplementary airflow generator 302 is controlled in the manner described to control the inflow of supplementary air to achieve the input of an appropriate amount of supplementary air to replace the recirculated air that has been exhausted.

[0091] For example, if the temperature-normalized inlet velocity is the same as (or similar to) the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity, then regardless of the temperature difference between the intake air and the exhaust air, the amount of intake air (in the sense of moles or molecules) is the same as (or similar to) the amount of exhaust air (in the sense of moles or molecules).

[0092] In some examples, it is necessary to determine the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity of the recirculated air being discharged. For example, the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity can be determined by measuring the recirculated air being discharged (e.g., during the discharge of recirculated air).

[0093] In some examples, the second oven 300 includes an exhaust flow detector 304 that detects one or more parameters indicating the airflow exiting via the exhaust port 112. For example, the exhaust flow detector 304 is positioned appropriately relative to the exhaust port 112 to enable the detection of one or more parameters associated with the air exiting from the exhaust port 112.

[0094] In some examples, the second oven 300 includes an exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306 that detects one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the air discharged via the exhaust port 112. For example, the exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306 is positioned to be able to measure one or more parameters corresponding to the air temperature. In other words, both detectors 304 and 306 measure the same type of air. In this way, the speed measurement corresponds to the temperature measurement.

[0095] In some examples, the exhaust gas flow detector 304 may be a differential pressure sensor for measuring static and dynamic pressure (examples of one or more corresponding parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow detector 304), which can then be used to determine the total pressure associated with the air flowing through the exhaust port 112. After determining the total pressure, the velocity of the air flowing through the exhaust port 112 can then be determined using dynamic pressure calculations. It is understood that the temperature of the air flowing through the exhaust port 112 is known by means of the exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306, and the density of the air can also be determined and used for related calculations. By combining the determined velocity with the size (e.g., diameter) of the exhaust port 112 (or the pipe associated with the exhaust port 112, as appropriate), the volume of air discharged per unit time can be determined (in other words, the exhaust flow rate can be determined).

[0096] In these examples, the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity is determined based on one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow detector and one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow temperature detector. In other words, the exhaust air flow is determined in the manner described above, and the air flow is normalized according to the above equation (1) to obtain the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity.

[0097] For example, exhaust gas flow detector 304 is communicatively connected to the described processor. Similarly, exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306 is communicatively connected to the described processor. The processor can receive one or more parameters detected by exhaust gas flow detector 304 and one or more parameters detected by exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306. The processor can then use these parameters to determine a temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate. Those skilled in the art will understand that various parameters capable of indicating temperature can be employed (e.g., the resistance of circuitry in a resistive temperature detector that measures temperature based on resistance changes).

[0098] Therefore, an indicator of the amount of air discharged through exhaust port 112 can be determined. As described above, the amount of recirculated air to be discharged can be determined based on explosion limit calculations. For example, the processor controls the amount of air discharged based on the described explosion limit calculations. For example, the use of exhaust gas flow detector 304 and exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306 can further allow for better control of the amount of recirculated air discharged, so as to keep it below the threshold associated with the explosion limit calculations.

[0099] The processor can then communicate with the supplementary airflow generator 302 to control the supplementary airflow generator 302 to produce the same (or similar) temperature-normalized inlet flow rate, so that the exhaust air is replaced to prevent the recirculated air from being depleted.

[0100] For example, the processor sends a control signal to the supplementary airflow generator 302 to cause it to produce the same / similar temperature-normalized inlet flow rate. In some examples, the processor may access a predetermined signal based on the desired temperature-normalized inlet flow rate, which will be sent to the supplementary airflow generator 302. For example, the processor may access data indicating a correspondence between the control signal to be sent to the supplementary airflow generator 302 and the temperature-normalized flow rate provided by the supplementary airflow generator 302 in response to the signal. The processor may then determine an appropriate signal based on the data and the desired temperature-normalized flow rate and send that signal to the supplementary airflow generator 302. As an example, the processor controls the amount of electrical power to be supplied to a fan (e.g., the supplementary airflow generator 302).

[0101] In some examples, the second oven 300 may not include the exhaust gas flow detector 304 and the exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306. As described above, the processor can control the amount of discharged recirculated air in other ways. For example, the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate can be determined based on the control method of the discharged recirculated air. For example, an exhaust gas flow generator (such as an exhaust fan) can be provided. Figure 3 (Not shown in the diagram) to cause some of the recirculated air in the recirculated air to be discharged through exhaust port 112. For example, the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate can be determined based on the operation of the exhaust flow generator. For example, the processor can determine the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate based on the temperature maintained by the recirculated air and the intensity of driving the exhaust flow generator. For example, the processor can perform control to drive the exhaust flow generator such that the associated exhaust flow rate corresponds to the desired exhaust flow rate, thereby maintaining the system within the contaminant threshold range.

[0102] Alternatively or alternatively, the second oven 300 may include an inlet airflow detector 308. In these examples, the inlet airflow detector 308 detects one or more parameters indicating the incoming airflow received at the inlet 102. In some examples, the second oven 300 includes an inlet airflow temperature detector 310, which detects one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the air received at the inlet 102. In other words, the inlet airflow temperature detector 310 detects the temperature of the received supplementary air. In these examples, the supplementary airflow generator 302 may be controlled based on the parameters detected by the inlet airflow detector 308 and the inlet airflow temperature detector 310.

[0103] For example, the temperature-normalized inlet velocity can be determined based on one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow detector 308 and one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow temperature detector 310. For example, the temperature-normalized inlet velocity can be determined in a manner similar to that described above regarding the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity. In such examples, the supplementary airflow generator 302 can be controlled such that the determined temperature-normalized inlet velocity (based on measurements from the relevant detectors) becomes the same as or similar to the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity (determined based on the described exhaust airflow detectors 304, 306 or otherwise).

[0104] For example, the processor can determine the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate and compare it with the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate. Based on the determined difference between the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate and the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate, the processor can control the operation of the supplementary airflow generator 302 to reduce or eliminate the difference.

[0105] The same or similar flow rates are mentioned in this document. It is understood that the purpose of making the temperature-normalized flow rates of the intake and exhaust air equal is to maintain the air circulating within the internal circulation path 108 at a specific amount. Therefore, as used herein, "similar" means that the flow rates discussed are sufficiently similar (e.g., substantially the same within acceptable tolerances) such that the operation of the oven is not significantly affected by undesirable decreases or increases in the amount of circulating air in the internal circulation path 108.

[0106] As described above, recirculated air can be maintained within the contaminant threshold range by controlling the amount of recirculated air discharged. The second set of examples provides a way to match the inflow of makeup air with the exhaust flow rate (e.g., setting the exhaust flow rate to maintain the system below the contaminant threshold) so that contaminant-free makeup air can properly replace the discharged recirculated air that does not exceed the contaminant threshold.

[0107] According to the second set of examples, a method may be provided. For example, the method provided according to the second set of examples may be used to dry an article and / or cure a paint applied to an article (e.g., such as article 116). For example, the method may be used only to dry water present on the article. For example, the method may be used to dry the article by removing other solvents from the article (e.g., causing other solvents to evaporate). For example, the method may be used to cure a paint. Figure 8A flowchart of a second method 800 according to a second set of examples is shown. Block 802 of the second method 800 describes conveying an item 116 on a conveyor 114 through a second oven 300. In these examples of the second method 800, a second oven 300 according to a second set of examples is used. In other words, in these examples, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes a supplementary airflow generator 302 configured to cause an inflow of supplementary air at a certain velocity through the air inlet 102 to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port 112.

[0108] Block 804 of the second method 800 describes operating the supplementary airflow generator 302 to provide supplementary air at a certain flow rate to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port 112 during use. Based on this, a method for controlling the amount of air within the second oven 300 is provided, such that the discharged recirculated air is replaced by a corresponding amount of supplementary air. For example, the use of the second method 800 provides the advantages discussed above regarding the second oven 300.

[0109] Third set of examples

[0110] The third set of examples is from the previous section. Figure 1 A more specific version of the described examples. In some examples, the features of the third set of examples may also be combined with the features described in the first set of examples and / or the features described in the second set of examples. In these examples, in addition to the features described above... Figure 1 In addition to the features discussed, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes an airflow generator configured to cause an inflow of supplemental air through the air inlet 102. For example, the airflow generator in these examples may be as described in the second set of examples above. In these examples, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a set of supplemental air outlets configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to a first location within the oven as part of an internal circulation path 108 and / or a second location within the oven as part of an internal circulation path 108, thereby merging the supplemental airflow path 104 into the internal circulation path 108. In these examples, the first location faces the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the heating zone 408 of the oven, and the second location faces the exit point of the conveyor leaving the heating zone 408.

[0111] In some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air to a first location. In other examples, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air to a second location. In some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air to both the first and second locations simultaneously. Therefore, supplemental air can be delivered to a desired location within the oven, such as a specific area of ​​heating zone 408, and guided onto conveyor 114.

[0112] Figure 4A This is based on the first simplified schematic diagram of the third oven 400 in the third set of examples. The third oven 400 is... Figure 1 A more specific example of the oven 100 shown. In the example of Figure 4, a set of supplementary air outlets 402 are provided.

[0113] In some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes a single supplemental air outlet. In other examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes multiple supplemental air outlets. In some examples, at least some of the supplemental air outlets 402 are provided in the form of nozzles. In some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes one or more nozzles that direct supplemental air onto the conveyor 114.

[0114] exist Figure 4A In the example, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes a nozzle 402a (hereinafter referred to as the first nozzle 402a) that directs supplemental air onto the conveyor 114. Figure 4A In the example, the first nozzle 402a is configured to provide supplemental air to a first position 404, which corresponds to the position where the conveyor 114 enters the vicinity of the third oven 400 in the conveying direction 410. In other words, the first position 404 is oriented towards the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the heating zone of the third oven 400. For example, as Figures 4A to 4C As shown, the first position is closer to the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the heating zone 408 than the center of the heating zone 408 of the third oven 400. As described above, the heating zone 408 is a portion of the interior of the body 406 of the third oven 400 surrounding the conveyor 114. For example, the heating zone 408 is the area in which recirculated air circulates. For example, the heating zone 408 is part of the internal circulation path 108. In these examples, the first nozzle 402a is configured, based on its position within the third oven 400, to provide supplemental air to the first position 404.

[0115] An advantage is that, since the first nozzle 402a is configured to direct supplemental air to the first position 404, the conveyed article 116 first encounters supplemental air (which does not contain significant contaminants), because at the first position, the supplemental air begins to mix with the circulating air present in the heating zone 408. For example, as the article 116 moves further into the heating zone 408, the concentration of contaminants can increase.

[0116] As described above, in some examples, features may be incorporated into the first set of examples. For example, the third oven 400 may include an electric heater 202. Figure 4A (Not shown in the diagram) to provide heat to the supplemental air before it enters the internal circulation path 108. Therefore, in some examples, the supplemental air may be preheated. In some such examples, the preheated supplemental air may have a temperature higher than ambient temperature but lower than the temperature of the circulating air. In such examples, directing the preheated supplemental air to the first location 404 allows the article 116 to experience a more gradual temperature rise upon entering the oven. For example, if preheated supplemental air were not provided to the first location 404, the article 116 might experience a more extreme temperature gradient upon entering the heating zone 408. For example, the conveyor 114 transports articles, such as article 116, through the heating zone 408 as indicated by arrow 410. For example, a gradual temperature rise during article heating provides a better temperature profile, which in some cases is beneficial for article shaping, prevents over-curing, reduces excess contaminants, and improves the final cured product.

[0117] In some examples, supplemental air entering via a set of supplemental air outlets 402 toward the first and / or second positions will generate an air pressure greater than the ambient air pressure outside the third oven 400 at or near the first and / or second positions, respectively. For example, the third oven 400 is in communication with the environment at the positions where the conveyor 114 enters and exits the body 406 of the third oven 400. For example, the body 406 may have an opening at a first end (near the first position 404) for receiving the conveyor 114, and may have another opening at a second end opposite the first end for the conveyor 114 to exit the body 406.

[0118] For example, since the third oven 400 is in communication with the environment near the first position 404 where the conveyor 114 enters its body 406, air may be drawn into the third oven 400 at the position where the conveyor 114 enters the body 406. For example, when recirculated air is discharged through the exhaust port 112, a negative pressure may be generated in the internal circulation path 108 in the heating zone 408, causing air to be drawn in. Such air intake may be undesirable. For example, the location and / or amount of air drawn in in this way may not be well controlled. Furthermore, in the particular example provided with the electric heater 202, it is desirable that the supplementary air introduced to replace the discharged air is preheated, and the intake of colder ambient air may be undesirable.

[0119] However, in Figure 4A In the example, advantageously, the first nozzle 402a is configured to direct supplemental air to the first position 404 to generate an additional air pressure (greater than the ambient air pressure outside the third oven 400) near the first position 404, thereby suppressing the intake of ambient air near the first position 404 due to the presence of said air pressure. Figure 4B This is a second simplified illustration of the third oven 400, as shown in the third set of examples. Figure 4B In the examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 is configured to simultaneously provide supplemental air to a first position 404 and a second position 412. In these examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes a first nozzle 402a and a second nozzle 402b. The second nozzle 402b is positioned to provide supplemental air to the second position 412 (towards the position where the conveyor 114 exits the third oven 400). For example, as... Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, the second position is closer to the departure point of the conveyor 114 from the heating zone 408 than the center of the heating zone 408 from the second position 412 to the third oven 400.

[0120] exist Figure 4B In the example, the second nozzle 402b is configured to direct supplemental air to the second position 412 to generate additional air pressure (greater than the ambient air pressure outside the third oven 400) near the second position 412, thereby inhibiting air from being drawn in near the second position 412 due to the presence of said air pressure. Figure 4B In the example, the inhalation of ambient air near both the first position 404 and the second position 412 is suppressed.

[0121] Based on this method, control can be obtained over how and where supplemental air is delivered into the internal circulation path 108. Furthermore, based on this method, for example, the flow rate of the supplemental air delivered into the oven can be more finely controlled (by controlling the supplemental airflow generator). Additionally, in an example where preheating of the supplemental air is desired, the inflow of ambient temperature air near the first position 404 can be avoided, allowing for better control of the temperature gradient within the heating zone 408 (in the direction of arrow 410) as the article 116 moves toward the center of the heating zone 408 (in the conveying direction 410). For example, the highest temperature within the third oven 400 may be located at or near the center of the heating zone 408. For example, the degree of temperature increase can be controlled based on the paint applied to the article 116. For example, the desired degree of temperature increase may depend on the thickness and / or composition of the paint applied to the article 116.

[0122] In some examples, one or more extraction inlets may be provided near a first position 404 (which may be inside or outside the body 406), and / or one or more extraction inlets may be provided near a second position 412 (which may be inside or outside the body 406). For example, the extraction inlets are configured to extract air attempting to escape from the oven at the location where the conveyor 114 enters the oven near the first position 404, and / or to extract air attempting to escape from the oven at the location where the conveyor 114 leaves the oven. For example, the extraction inlets are configured to extract air attempting to enter the oven at the location where the conveyor 114 enters the oven near the first position 404, and / or to extract air attempting to enter the oven at the location where the conveyor 114 leaves the oven. One or more extraction inlets (whether near the first position 404 or the second position 412) form part of the internal circulation path 108. For example, any air extracted by one or more extraction inlets converges into the internal circulation path. Figure 4C In the example, extraction inlets numbered 403 and 405 are shown. Such extraction inlets 403 and 405 may be additionally or alternatively located near the second location 412 (but...). Figure 4C (Not shown in the image).

[0123] exist Figure 4BIn the example, controlled cooling of article 116 can be achieved as it moves to the outlet of the third oven 400. For example, since preheated supplemental air (mentioned in the example where electric heater 202 is present) is supplied at the second position 412, a more gradual temperature gradient can be achieved between the peak temperature in the heating zone 408 and the temperature outside the third oven 400 when article 116 leaves the body 406. Furthermore, it is also possible to expose article 116 to supplemental air (which contains no significant contaminants) earlier than in the third oven 400. For example, exposing article 116 to relatively uncontaminated air earlier can improve the quality of the paint on article 116. Figure 4B The arrangement shown provides these advantages.

[0124] exist Figure 4B In the example, the supplementary airflow path 104 receives supplementary air from the air inlet 102 and then splits it into different paths, allowing the supplementary air to be supplied to different locations within the third oven 400. However, in Figure 4B In the example, different pathways of the supplementary airflow path 104 can receive air from the same air inlet 102. Figure 4C This is a simplified schematic of the third oven 400 as described in the third set of examples. In some examples, the air inlet 102 is a first air inlet, and the third oven 400 includes a second air inlet 414 configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into the supplemental airflow path 104.

[0125] In these examples, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a first supplemental air passage 104a that receives supplemental air from the first air inlet 102 and a second supplemental air passage 104b that receives supplemental air from the second air inlet 414. As mentioned herein, the term "supplemental airflow path" may include one or more different passages for airflow and is not limited to a single passage.

[0126] In some examples (such as) Figure 4CIn the example, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 is configured to provide supplemental air from a supplemental airflow path to a first position 404 and a second position 412. In some such examples, a first supplemental air passage 104a leads to the first position 404, and a second supplemental air passage 104b leads to the second position 412. In other words, supplemental air is provided through a first air inlet 102 to a first supplemental air passage 104a leading to a first nozzle 402a, which directs the supplemental air to the first position 404. For example, supplemental air can also be provided through a second air inlet 414 to a second supplemental air passage 104b leading to a second nozzle 402b, which directs the supplemental air to the second position 412. In the example, multiple nozzles may be provided for directing supplemental air to the first position 404, and / or multiple nozzles may be provided for directing supplemental air to the second position 412.

[0127] However, in some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 may be configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to only one of the first location 404 or the second location 412. In these examples, the third oven 400 may still include a first inlet 102 for providing supplemental air to the first supplemental air passage and a second inlet 414 for providing air to the second supplemental air passage 104b. However, the supplemental air flowing in the first supplemental air passage 104a and the second supplemental air passage 104b may converge (merge together) before reaching the set of supplemental air outlets 402. The specific configuration used may depend on the external environment of the third oven 400 (from which supplemental air will be collected), the desired amount of supplemental air, the desired delivery configuration of the supplemental air within the oven, etc.

[0128] In the example including the second air inlet 414, the supplementary airflow generator 302 described above may be the first supplementary airflow generator 302, and a second supplementary airflow generator 416 may also be additionally provided, the second supplementary airflow generator 416 being configured to cause the inflow of supplementary air through the air inlet 414.

[0129] As described above, the features of the third set of examples can be combined with the features described in any of the other examples. In the example where the flow rate of the incoming supplementary air is controlled to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port 112, this can be achieved by controlling the first supplementary airflow generator 302 and the second supplementary airflow generator 416. For example, the first supplementary airflow generator 302 and the second supplementary airflow generator 416 can be controlled to provide a total temperature-normalized inlet flow rate received at the first air inlet 102 and the second air inlet 414, which is the same as or similar to the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate of the air discharged via the exhaust port 112.

[0130] For example, the inlet airflow detector 308 discussed above could be a first inlet velocity detector associated with the first air inlet 102, and the inlet airflow temperature detector 310 discussed above could be a first inlet temperature detector associated with the first air inlet 102. For example, a second inlet velocity detector associated with a second air inlet 414 could also be provided, which is functionally similar to the first inlet airflow detector 308 but associated with the second air inlet 414. For example, a second inlet temperature detector associated with a second air inlet 414 could also be provided, which is functionally similar to the first inlet airflow temperature detector 310 but associated with the second air inlet 414. Figure 4C (These detectors are not shown in the diagram). For example, the temperature-normalized inlet velocity of the first inlet 102 can be added to the temperature-normalized inlet velocity of the second inlet 414 to obtain the total temperature-normalized inlet velocity, which, as described above, can be compared with the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity.

[0131] According to the third set of examples, a method is provided. For example, the method provided according to the third set of examples can be used to dry an article and / or cure a paint applied to an article (e.g., such as article 116). For example, the method can be used simply to dry water present on the article. For example, the method can be used to dry the article by removing other solvents from the article (e.g., evaporating them). For example, the method can be used to cure a paint. Figure 9A flowchart of a third method 900 according to a third set of examples is shown. Block 902 of the third method 900 describes conveying an item 116 on a conveyor 114 through a third oven 400. In these examples of the third method 900, the third oven 400 as described in the third set of examples is used. In other words, in these examples, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes: a supplementary airflow generator 302 configured to cause an inflow of supplementary air through an air inlet 102; and a set of supplementary air outlets 402 configured to provide supplementary air from the supplementary airflow path 104 to a first position 404 within the third oven 400 as part of an internal circulation path 108 and / or a second position 412 within the third oven 400 as part of the internal circulation path 108, thereby merging the supplementary airflow path into the internal circulation path 108. In these examples of the third method 900, the first position 404 is an entry point toward the conveyor 114 entering the heating zone 408 of the third oven 400, and the second position 412 is an exit point toward the conveyor 114 leaving the heating zone 408.

[0132] Block 904 of the third method 900 describes operating the third oven 400 to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to the first position 404 and / or the second position 412 using the aforementioned set of supplemental air outlets 402. Based on this, a method is provided to directly provide supplemental air to a specific location within the third oven 400.

[0133] Fourth group of examples

[0134] The fourth set of examples is from the previous ones about Figure 1 A more specific version of the described examples. In some examples, the features of the fourth set of examples may also be combined with the features of the first set of examples and / or the features of the second set of examples and / or the features of the third set of examples. In these examples, in addition to the features mentioned above... Figure 1In addition to the described features, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a set of supplemental air outlets to allow supplemental air to exit the supplemental airflow path 104. In these examples, the set of supplemental air outlets includes one or more nozzles configured to direct supplemental air onto the conveyor 114. For example, the set of supplemental air outlets in these examples may include a first nozzle 402a and / or a second nozzle 402b described in the third set of examples above. In the following description, the same reference numeral "402" is used for the set of supplemental air outlets as in the third set of examples. In these examples, the set of supplemental air outlets also includes an internal circulation path inlet. The internal circulation path inlet is configured to receive supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 at a location along the internal circulation path 108, such that the supplemental air is mixed with circulating air before being injected toward the conveyor 114.

[0135] For example, an internal circulation path inlet supplies supplemental air to the internal circulation path 108 at a location other than within the heating zone 408 where the conveyor 114 is intended to be positioned. For example, the internal circulation path inlet can supply supplemental air to one or more passages of the internal circulation path 108 in a manner that mixes the supplemental air with circulating air before reaching the heating zone 408. For example, the internal circulation path inlet can be positioned relative to a passage of the internal circulation path 108, away from the location where the passage merges into the heating zone 408.

[0136] In these examples, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a valve configured to control the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path 108 via the internal circulation path inlet. As described above, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 may include nozzles directing supplemental air to the conveyor 114. Control of the flow of supplemental air within the oven can be further provided by providing valves for controlling the supplemental air converging into the internal circulation path 108 at different points.

[0137] Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the fourth oven 500 as described in the fourth set of examples. The fourth oven 500 is... Figure 1 A more specific example of the oven 100 shown.

[0138] exist Figure 5 In the examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes a first nozzle 402a and an internal circulation path inlet 502. In these examples, the supplemental airflow path is divided into different pathways, such that supplemental air is directed to the first nozzle 402a and the internal circulation path inlet 502. Figure 5 In the example, there is a supplementary air junction 506, at which the supplementary airflow path 104 is divided into different paths.

[0139] In these examples, a valve 504 is provided. Valve 504 is installed in the passageway leading to the internal circulation path inlet 502. For example, when valve 504 is open, supplementary air flow is permitted to the internal circulation path inlet 502. However, when valve 504 is fully closed, supplementary air flow to the internal circulation path inlet 502 is blocked (or severely inhibited). Different degrees of valve 504 opening allow different amounts of supplementary air flow to the internal circulation path inlet 502. In some examples, valve 504 may allow several discontinuous positions between fully open and fully closed. In other examples, valve 504 may allow continuous adjustment between fully open and fully closed. The configuration of valve 504 may depend on the level of fineness required to control the amount of supplementary air flowing to the internal circulation path inlet 502.

[0140] In some examples, the fourth oven 500 includes a nozzle temperature detector mounted upstream of one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the supplemental air passing through the one or more nozzles. Figure 5 In the example, a nozzle temperature detector 508 is provided. For example, the nozzle temperature detector 508 is positioned to measure the temperature of the supplemental air that is about to exit via the first nozzle 402a. Figure 5 In the example, the nozzle temperature detector 508 is located after the junction 506 (downstream of the junction).

[0141] In an example where an electric heater 202 is provided to provide heat to the makeup air before it enters the internal circulation path 108, a nozzle temperature detector 508 is installed downstream of the electric heater. With this arrangement, the nozzle temperature detector 508 can measure the temperature of the makeup air after it has been preheated by the electric heater 202.

[0142] In some examples, the fourth oven 500 includes a nozzle airflow detector mounted upstream of one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the airflow of supplemental air approaching the one or more nozzles. Figure 5 In the example, a nozzle airflow detector 510 is provided. Installed after the junction 506, the nozzle airflow detector 510 detects one or more parameters associated with the makeup air, taking into account the makeup air flowing through valve 504 to the internal circulation path inlet 502. It will be understood that the flow rate of the makeup air through the first nozzle 402a will depend on the amount of makeup air allowed to flow through valve 504 to the internal circulation path inlet 502.

[0143] In some examples, valve 504 is controlled based on the nozzle velocity of supplemental air passing through one or more nozzles, wherein the nozzle velocity is determined based on one or more parameters detected by a nozzle temperature detector and one or more parameters detected by a nozzle airflow detector. The nozzle velocity depends on the amount of air allowed to pass through valve 504. Therefore, by controlling valve 504, the nozzle velocity through the nozzles can be controlled.

[0144] For example, the temperature-normalized velocity of the make-up air immediately upstream of one or more nozzles can be determined using a method similar to that described for the temperature-normalized inlet velocity and temperature-normalized exhaust velocity, based on detections by nozzle temperature detectors and nozzle airflow detectors. For example, the associated velocity (using the velocity values ​​described above) can be determined using the area of ​​the duct immediately upstream of one or more nozzles. One or more nozzles may have different cross-sectional areas at the nozzle exit through which the make-up air passes. Taking a single nozzle as an example, the nozzle velocity can be determined using the temperature-normalized velocity of the make-up air immediately upstream of that nozzle and the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle exit. For example, the velocity of the make-up air leaving the nozzle (in m / s) can be determined by dividing the temperature-normalized velocity of the make-up air immediately upstream of the nozzle by the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle exit.

[0145] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, only one nozzle is depicted to direct supplemental air onto conveyor 114. Therefore, it is appropriate to properly mount the nozzle airflow detector 510 before the nozzle to determine the velocity of the supplemental air flowing through the nozzle. In other examples, if there are more than one nozzle for directing supplemental air onto conveyor 114, a nozzle airflow detector may be appropriately provided for each nozzle.

[0146] exist Figure 5 In the example, the nozzle is a first nozzle 402a, and valve 504 is controlled based on the nozzle velocity of supplemental air passing through the first nozzle 402a. In examples with more than one nozzle, valve 504 may be controlled based on the corresponding nozzle velocity associated with each nozzle. However, in some examples with more than one nozzle, valve 504 may still be controlled based on the nozzle velocity associated with one nozzle (or a subset of nozzles). For example, it may be desirable to control only the temperature-normalized flow rate associated with some of the nozzles, and valve 504 may be controlled based on the temperature-normalized flow rate determined only for those nozzles.

[0147] As described above, temperature-normalized flow rate refers to the velocity of the airflow normalized to the temperature of the air, indicating the amount of airflow independent of temperature and associated density variations. In some examples, control valve 504 ensures that the nozzle velocity (of one or more nozzles for which such control is desired) does not exceed a nozzle velocity threshold.

[0148] by Figure 5 For example, it might be desirable to ensure that the nozzle speed of the first nozzle 402a does not exceed a nozzle speed threshold. For instance, as... Figure 5 As shown in (and other figures), the first nozzle 402a is configured to direct supplemental air onto the conveyor 114. When the article 116 is aligned with the first nozzle 402a, the first nozzle 402a directs supplemental air onto the article 116. If the air directed onto the article 116 is too fast (depending on the shape of the article 116), the airflow may blow the article 116 over. The article 116 being blown over on the conveyor 114 is undesirable (for various reasons, as those skilled in the art will understand, such as damaging uncured paint, causing problems in subsequent manufacturing steps, etc.).

[0149] For example, the nozzle speed threshold can be selected based on the shape of the article 116 processed in the fourth oven 500. As an example, a higher nozzle speed threshold might be suitable for articles with a wider base, while a relatively lower nozzle speed threshold might be suitable for articles with a relatively narrow base. The valve 504 can be opened / closed to different degrees to maintain the nozzle speed below a specific desired threshold. In some examples, the nozzle speed threshold is 11 m / s. In some examples, the nozzle speed threshold is between 4 m / s and 7 m / s. In some specific examples, the nozzle speed threshold is 7 m / s.

[0150] In examples that include a supplemental airflow generator 302, control of the nozzle speed may be particularly advantageous because, due to the action of the supplemental airflow generator 302, supplemental air may potentially be delivered at a higher flow rate.

[0151] As an example, valve 504 may be controlled by the described processor (e.g., the processor may be part of the oven or located outside the oven).

[0152] According to the fourth set of examples, a method is provided. For example, the method provided according to the fourth set of examples can be used to dry an article and / or cure a paint applied to an article (e.g., such as article 116). For example, the method can be used simply to dry water present on the article. For example, the method can be used to dry the article by removing other solvents from the article (e.g., evaporating them). For example, the method can be used to cure a paint. Figure 10A flowchart of the fourth method 1000 according to the fourth set of examples is shown. Block 1002 of the fourth method 1000 describes conveying an article 116 on a conveyor 114 through a fourth oven 500. In these examples of the fourth method 1000, the fourth oven 500 as described in the fourth set of examples is used.

[0153] Block 1004 of the fourth method 1000 describes controlling the nozzle speed of supplementary air passing through one or more nozzles by controlling valve 504. Based on this, a method for controlling the flow rate of supplementary air guided onto a conveyor is provided.

[0154] Oven system

[0155] In some examples, an oven system for applying heat to articles on a conveyor may be provided. The oven system may include multiple ovens according to any of the examples described herein. Furthermore, the oven system may include a conveyor configured to convey articles in a conveying direction. For example, the oven system includes… Figures 1 to 5 The conveyor 114 shown is configured to transport items 116 in the conveying direction 410.

[0156] In these examples, multiple ovens are arranged linearly along the conveying direction, and a conveyor is configured to transport items through a corresponding heating zone of each of the multiple ovens. For example, two or more ovens according to any of the described examples may be arranged linearly along the conveying direction and configured with a conveyor such that corresponding portions of the conveyor are positioned within the heating zone of each of those ovens. In the examples described herein, the conveyor is used to pass items through the described oven so that the items can be heat-treated within the oven.

[0157] For example, two or more linearly arranged ovens may include ovens according to different examples described herein. For example, the system may include a first oven (including an electric heater) according to a first set of examples and an oven according to... Figure 4B The example is a second oven. The characteristics selected for each oven in the system may depend on the specific heat treatment / heat processing procedure to which the article will be applied. For example, each oven may be operated to provide circulating air at different temperatures to each other according to the desired heat treatment.

[0158] Figure 6This is a simplified schematic of an example oven system 600. In these examples, a first system oven 602, a second system oven 604, and a third system oven 606 are provided. In these examples, similar features present within these different system ovens 602, 604, and 606 utilize the same reference numerals as those used for similar features in the previously described examples. In these examples, in each of the first system ovens 602, 604, and 606, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes an electric heater 202 to provide heat to the supplementary air flowing in the supplementary airflow path before it merges into the internal circulation path 108. In these examples, in each of the first system ovens 602, 604, and 606, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes a supplementary airflow generator 302 configured to cause an inflow of supplementary air at a certain velocity through the inlet 102 to replace the air discharged from the outlet 112.

[0159] In these examples, in each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a set of supplemental air outlets configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to a first and / or a second location, thereby converging the supplemental airflow path 104 into an internal circulation path (where the first location faces the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the corresponding heating zone of each oven, and the second location faces the exit point of the conveyor leaving the corresponding heating zone of each oven). In the case of the first system oven 602 and the second system oven 604, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes nozzles 402a configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to a corresponding first location 404 of the conveyor 114. As mentioned herein, there is a "first location" for each of the ovens discussed. The first location of the first system oven 602 faces the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the first system oven 602. The first position of the second system oven 604 is a different position 114 compared to the first position of the first system oven 602. The first position of the second system oven 604 faces the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the second system oven 604.

[0160] In these examples, in the first system oven 602 and the second system oven 604, supplemental air is directed toward a first position 404 of each respective oven. However, in the case of the third system oven 606 in these examples, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air to a second position 412, which is located toward the exit point of the conveyor in direction 410 from the third system oven 606. For example, the third system oven 606 includes a nozzle 402a, which is positioned to direct supplemental air toward the second position 412 within the third system oven 606.

[0161] In these examples, it may be desirable for article 116 to experience a gradual increase in temperature by first encountering supplemental air preheated from nozzle 402a of the first system oven 602. As an example, in this way, two or more ovens arranged linearly can apply different temperatures to article 116 as it is conveyed on conveyor 114 through all the linearly arranged system ovens 602, 604, 606. For example, the peak temperature in the second system oven 604 may be higher than the peak temperature in the first system oven 602. For example, nozzle 402a of the second system oven 604 may provide supplemental air drawn in by the corresponding inlet 102 of the second system oven 604 at a temperature higher than the peak temperature in the first system oven 602 to a first position 404 of the second system oven 604. The temperature may also be lower than the peak temperature in the second system oven 604, so that article 116 is further preheated before experiencing a higher temperature in the second system oven 604.

[0162] For example, the peak temperature within the third system oven 606 may be higher than the peak temperature within the second system oven 604. For example, the nozzle 402b of the third system oven 606 is positioned to direct supplemental air preheated by the electric heater 202 of the third system oven 606 to a second position 412 of the third system oven 606. For example, delivering preheated supplemental air at the second position of the third system oven 606 can provide controlled / gradual cooling to the article 116 as it leaves the third system oven 606 and enters the external environment (where the ambient temperature may be significantly lower than the temperature inside the third system oven 606).

[0163] In these examples, in each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a set of supplemental air outlets, said set of supplemental air outlets including one or more nozzles configured to direct supplemental air away from the respective supplemental airflow path. In these examples, in each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606, the supplemental airflow path 104 also includes an internal circulation path inlet 502, said internal circulation path inlet being configured to receive supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path at a location along the internal circulation path 108, such that the supplemental air is mixed with circulating air before being injected toward the conveyor. In these examples, in each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606, the supplemental airflow path 104 also includes a valve 504, said valve being configured to control the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path 108 via the internal circulation path inlet 502.

[0164] Therefore, in these examples, each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606 includes features from each of the first, second, third, and fourth sets of examples. In the examples, features from any one or more sets of the first, second, third, and fourth sets of examples may be omitted from any one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth system ovens. Based on this, a highly configurable oven system for applying heat to articles can be provided.

[0165] although Figure 6 Not shown, but in some examples, the first system oven 602 may include an extraction inlet near a first location 404 (the first location may be inside or outside the body 406). Although Figure 6 Not shown, but in some examples, the third system oven 606 may include one or more extraction inlets near the second location 412 (the second location may be inside or outside the body 406).

[0166] Various specific examples have been described above. It should be noted that all documents and materials submitted concurrently with or prior to this specification, relating to this application and publicly available for review together with this specification, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0167] All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination except for combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0168] Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features having the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated, each disclosed feature is merely one example of a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0169] This invention is not limited to the details of the examples described above. The invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination thereof disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel step or any novel combination thereof of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An oven for applying heat to articles on a conveyor, characterized in that, The oven includes: An air inlet, configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into the supplemental airflow path; An internal circulation path, the internal circulation path including a main heat source, wherein air circulates within the internal circulation path; An exhaust port, configured to discharge air from the internal circulation path of the oven in order to control the amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path; The supplementary airflow path merges into the internal circulation path. The supplementary airflow path includes: A supplemental airflow generator, configured to cause an inflow of supplemental air through the air inlet; and, A set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to a first location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path and a second location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path, thereby merging the supplemental airflow path into the internal circulation path, wherein: The first position is toward the entry point of the conveyor into the heating zone of the oven, and the second position is toward the exit point of the conveyor leaving the heating zone.

2. The drying oven as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The set of supplemental air outlets includes one or more nozzles configured to direct the supplemental air to the conveyor.

3. The oven as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: When the supplemental air is introduced into the first and second positions through the set of supplemental air outlets, it will generate an air pressure greater than the external ambient air pressure of the oven at or near the first and second positions.

4. The oven as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The air inlet is a first air inlet, and the oven further includes a second air inlet configured to receive the inflow of supplementary air into the supplementary airflow path; and The supplemental airflow path includes a first supplemental air passage that receives supplemental air from the first air inlet and a second supplemental air passage that receives supplemental air from the second air inlet.

5. The drying oven as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to the first and second locations; and The first supplemental air passage leads to the first position, and the second supplemental air passage leads to the second position.

6. The oven as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The supplemental airflow path includes a heat exchange mechanism configured to provide heat to the supplemental air flowing in the supplemental airflow path before it merges into the internal circulation path.

7. The drying oven as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The heat exchange mechanism includes an electric heater.

8. The oven as described in claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that: The main heat source is the gas burner chamber located in the internal circulation path, through which circulating air passes.

9. The drying oven as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The gas burner chamber is supplied with hydrogen-containing gas, and the gas burner chamber is configured to generate a flame exposed to the circulating air.

10. The drying oven as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The gas is a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, or a mixture of hydrogen and liquefied petroleum gas.

11. The oven as described in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that: The heat exchange mechanism is controlled to directly provide heat to the supplemental air, such that the supplemental air is at a temperature higher than the ambient temperature before it enters the internal circulation path.

12. The oven as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The supplemental airflow generator is configured to induce supplemental air to flow in in order to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port.

13. The drying oven as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The supplemental airflow generator is configured to be controlled to provide a temperature-normalized inlet flow rate received at the inlet, the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate being the same as or similar to the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate of the air discharged via the outlet.

14. The oven as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The oven includes: An exhaust gas flow detector, configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the airflow exiting via the exhaust port; and, An exhaust gas flow temperature detector, configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the temperature of air discharged through the exhaust port. The temperature-normalized exhaust velocity is determined based on one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow detector and one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow temperature detector.

15. The oven as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, characterized in that, The oven includes: An inlet airflow detector, configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the inflow airflow received at the air inlet; and An inlet airflow temperature detector, configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the air received at the air inlet. The temperature-normalized inlet velocity is determined based on one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow detector and one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow temperature detector.

16. The oven as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The supplementary airflow path includes: A set of supplemental air outlets, the set of supplemental air outlets allowing the supplemental air to exit the supplemental airflow path, the set of supplemental air outlets including: One or more nozzles, the one or more nozzles being configured to direct the supplemental air onto the conveyor; and An internal circulation path inlet is configured to receive supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path at a location along the internal circulation path, such that the supplemental air is mixed with the circulating air before being injected toward the conveyor. The supplemental airflow path includes a valve configured to control the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path via the internal circulation path inlet.

17. The oven as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The oven includes: A nozzle temperature detector, mounted upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the supplemental air passing through the one or more nozzles; and, A nozzle airflow detector, which is mounted upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters for indicating the airflow of the supplemental air approaching the one or more nozzles.

18. The drying oven as described in claim 17, characterized in that: The valve is controlled based on the nozzle velocity of the supplemental air passing through the one or more nozzles, wherein the nozzle velocity is determined by the one or more parameters detected by the nozzle temperature detector and the one or more parameters detected by the nozzle airflow detector.

19. The drying oven as described in claim 18, characterized in that: The valve is controlled to ensure that the nozzle speed does not exceed a nozzle speed threshold.

20. The oven as described in claim 19, characterized in that: The nozzle velocity threshold is between 4 m / s and 11 m / s.

21. An oven system for applying heat to items on a conveyor, characterized in that, The oven system includes: Multiple ovens as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; and, A conveyor configured to transport the article in a first direction. in: The plurality of ovens are arranged linearly along the first direction; and, The conveyor is configured to transport the items through the respective heating zone of each of the plurality of ovens.

22. A method for drying articles and / or curing paint applied to articles, characterized in that, The method includes: The items on the conveyor are conveyed through an oven, the oven comprising: An air inlet, configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into the supplemental airflow path; An internal circulation path, the internal circulation path including a main heat source, wherein air circulates within the internal circulation path; An exhaust port, configured to discharge air from the internal circulation path of the oven, in order to control the amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path; The supplementary airflow path merges into the internal circulation path. The supplementary airflow path includes: A supplemental airflow generator, configured to cause an inflow of supplemental air through the air inlet; and, A set of supplemental air outlets is configured to supply supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to a first location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path and a second location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path, thereby merging the supplemental airflow path into the internal circulation path. in: The first position faces the entry point of the conveyor into the heating zone of the oven, and the second position faces the exit point of the conveyor leaving the heating zone; and, The oven is operated to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to the first and second positions using the set of supplemental air outlets.

23. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that: The supplemental airflow path of the oven includes an electric heater that provides heat to the supplemental air flowing in the supplemental airflow path before it merges into the internal circulation path; and... The method includes operating the electric heater to provide heat to the supplemental air before it is received through the air inlet and incorporated into the internal circulation path.

24. The method as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, characterized in that: The supplemental airflow path of the oven includes a supplemental airflow generator configured to cause supplemental air to flow in at a certain velocity through the air inlet, replacing the air discharged from the exhaust outlet; and The method includes operating the supplemental airflow generator to provide supplemental air at a certain flow rate to replace the air discharged from the exhaust port during use.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that: The supplementary airflow path of the oven includes: A set of supplemental air outlets, the set of supplemental air outlets allowing the supplemental air to exit the supplemental airflow path, the set of supplemental air outlets including: One or more nozzles, the one or more nozzles being configured to direct the supplemental air onto the conveyor; and An internal circulation path inlet is configured to receive supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path at a location along the internal circulation path, such that the supplemental air is mixed with the circulating air before being injected toward the conveyor. The supplemental airflow path of the oven includes a valve configured to control the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path via the internal circulation path inlet. The method further includes: The nozzle speed at which the supplemental air passes through the one or more nozzles is controlled by controlling the valve.

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