Conveying system, processing device and method for conveying and processing workpieces

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveying system (100) for conveying and handling workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies and / or components thereof, the conveying system (100) comprising at least one conveying section (102) and at least one rotary conveying device (104) by means of which at least one workpiece can be conveyed along the conveying section (102), the workpiece can be rotated about at least one axis, in particular an at least approximately horizontal axis, of the rotary conveying device (104) by means of the rotary conveying device for workpiece treatment. The invention also relates to a processing device for conveying and processing workpieces, comprising a conveying system (100), and to a corresponding method for conveying and processing workpieces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveying system for transporting and processing workpieces, particularly the body of a transport vehicle and / or components thereof. Furthermore, the invention relates to a processing apparatus for transporting and processing workpieces, the apparatus including such a conveying system, and a corresponding method for transporting and processing the workpieces. Background Technology

[0002] In a known conveying system, a conveying device linearly moves a workpiece received on a corresponding receiving shaft along a conveying track for workpiece processing. This conveying track extends parallel to a plurality of successively arranged processing pools. The conveying device must be rotated 180 degrees at the end of the conveying track by means of a turntable in order to be able to travel in the opposite direction.

[0003] At the end of the process, the conveyor returns to its original course to accommodate other workpieces to be processed. For space-saving reasons, the shaft of the conveyor is usually flipped downwards along the return track, and the workpieces to be processed rotate around this shaft for processing.

[0004] However, the hinge used to flip the axis back is more complex to construct.

[0005] Furthermore, when setting up associated processing equipment including conveyor systems and processing pools, the conveyor tracks and pairing tracks must undergo complex coordination with each other.

[0006] Furthermore, the parts and components of known conveying devices, such as vertical bearings, transmission motors, or gears, are relatively heavy and large in order to introduce the torque required to rotate the workpiece, such as the main body of the conveyor, around the corresponding axis in or on the processing pool.

[0007] In addition, these parts and components must be protected from the effects of steam and / or process media. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a simpler, more flexible, more economical, and easier-to-modify and / or operate conveying system.

[0009] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a conveying system for transporting and processing workpieces, which has the features of technical solution 1.

[0010] Conveying systems, especially those used for conveying and handling the main body of a vehicle and / or its components.

[0011] The main body of the vehicle, especially the main modules, main components, vehicle accessories, structural components, and individual parts.

[0012] The main modules include, for example, the front module, the rear module, the top module, the passenger compartment module, the passenger cabin module, or the door module.

[0013] The main components include A-pillar components, B-pillar components, C-pillar components, floor plate components, wheel arch components, or rear bottom components.

[0014] Vehicle accessories also include, for example, bumpers, exterior mirrors, side skirt covers, mudguards, front covers, rear covers, side walls, doors, spoilers, or roof racks.

[0015] Structural components, especially those of the vehicle body that are at least partially invisible or not visible from the outside and / or inside, may therefore require a smaller scale of painting.

[0016] The workpiece processing is preferably carried out in one or more processing tanks.

[0017] The treatment of the vehicle body and / or its components may be, for example, pretreatment and / or cathodic dip coating in a treatment apparatus configured as a painting device, in which the workpiece to be treated is rotated through multiple pools filled with treatment fluid.

[0018] The conveying system according to the present invention includes the following:

[0019] -At least one transport segment; and

[0020] - At least one rotary conveyor, by means of which at least one workpiece can be conveyed along a conveying path, and by means of which the workpiece can be rotated about at least one axis of the rotary conveyor for workpiece handling.

[0021] This invention is based on the fundamental concept of replacing the existing combination of vertical bearings, gears, and motor transmissions in rotary conveyor systems with a cycloidal gearbox, thereby enabling the rotary conveyor system to be constructed or configured in a more compact and space-saving manner. By using a cycloidal gearbox, not only can the accuracy of the rotating workpiece be improved, but the weight of the rotary conveyor system can also be reduced by more than 25%, resulting in an estimated cost saving of 20% per rotary conveyor system. Furthermore, the hollow shaft structure of the workpiece carrier receiving part in the direction of the drive side of the cycloidal gearbox allows for cathode attachment or power supply for cathode dipping on the same side of the conveyor track where the conveyor sections are arranged, thus ensuring that all components, parts, and / or assemblies related to the power supply of the conveying system are located on the same side of the processing area of ​​the processing equipment for easy user access. Moreover, since the shaft or hollow shaft of the rotary conveyor system can pivot in a vertical plane, the conveyor track and mating track of the conveyor section do not need to be precisely aligned; that is, deviations can be compensated for within a large tolerance range. Furthermore, the sequential operability of the individual rotary conveyors ensures compliance with the safety requirements of DIN EN619 standard for mechanical conveying mechanisms used for transporting goods.

[0022] For workpiece processing, the workpiece to be processed rotates, in particular, about at least an approximately horizontal axis of the rotary conveyor.

[0023] The conveying path is preferably arranged on a platform, such as a steel platform, so that the rotary conveyor can move at or above the height of the upper edge of the pool filled with the processing fluid.

[0024] Advantageously, each rotary conveyor may include at least one conveying unit that can move on and / or within the conveying path, and at least one rotary unit.

[0025] It can also be specified that the rotating unit includes:

[0026] - At least one reduction gearbox; and / or

[0027] - At least one motor module, preferably an electric bevel gear transmission motor module, coupled to a reduction gear transmission to drive the reduction gear transmission; and / or

[0028] - At least one receiving element, especially a mounting plate, is fixedly, preferably, connected by a flange, to a reduction gearbox and / or motor module.

[0029] Preferably, a supply module, particularly an electrical switch box, is also arranged at the receiving element. The supply module is connected, in particular, to at least one transmission unit and a motor module, so as to supply current to the motor module on the one hand, and control and / or regulate the motor module on the other hand.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, each rotary conveyor may include a hollow shaft at which at least one workpiece may be arranged, wherein the hollow shaft is connected to the output side of a reduction gearbox, in particular by means of at least one flange element, so as to rotate the hollow shaft.

[0031] Beneficial options include cycloidal transmissions, especially fully integrated cycloidal transmissions, or planetary transmissions.

[0032] Full integration specifically refers to the arrangement of all components of the cycloidal transmission (i.e., together with at least two main bearings) within a compact and enclosed housing. Therefore, all components of the cycloidal transmission are protected from external influences, such as process media, and external bearings are not required.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be specified that the cycloidal transmission includes:

[0034] - At least one cam disk, preferably two adjacent cam disks with phase offset, used for torque conversion; and / or

[0035] - At least one eccentric shaft, preferably three eccentric shafts arranged at equal angles, is used to transmit torque from the motor module to the cam disc; and / or

[0036] - At least one drive disc for transmitting the converted torque to the hollow shaft; and / or

[0037] - Pin ring.

[0038] Here, the cam disk is arranged inside the bolzenring and rolls (abwälzen) on the bolzenring by the rotation of the eccentric shaft.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the cycloidal gearbox may be specified to include at least two transmission stages and have a transmission ratio in the range of 80:1 to 300:1, preferably from 250:1 to 275:1.

[0040] The cycloidal transmission has a long service life due to its robust structure, during which no significant increase in clearance occurs.

[0041] The compact structure also preferably provides high stiffness with low weight.

[0042] Furthermore, it is particularly convenient that no additional front stage (Vorstufe) is required, and the described cycloidal transmission also preferably has high overload safety.

[0043] Due to its cycloidal structure, the described cycloidal transmission preferably requires no gears at output and is not subject to significant shear forces.

[0044] Cycloidal gearboxes transmit typical force or torque via pins and rollers, while also ensuring high efficiency, long service life, and minimal clearance within the gearbox.

[0045] Preferably, the cam disc and the pin ring are in almost complete contact, and the force distribution during operation is almost uniform, thereby achieving high load capacity.

[0046] The two-stage reduction principle is particularly effective in reducing vibration and inertia, and allows for a high overall reduction ratio.

[0047] Advantageously, the cycloidal transmission may include at least one central through-hole.

[0048] It can also be specified that the rotating unit may include a hollow short shaft (Stummelhohlwelle) which is connected, in particular without rotation, to the cycloidal transmission and / or the hollow shaft at its drive-side end, wherein the hollow short shaft extends through the central through-hole of the cycloidal transmission and protrudes at least partially from the cycloidal transmission on the drive side of the cycloidal transmission.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, a sliding contact unit is provided at the output end of the hollow short shaft, which is supported non-rotatably on the hollow short shaft and is preferably configured to be electrically connected to one or more conductive tracks in a translational sliding manner.

[0050] It is advantageous to have at least two workpiece carrier receiving parts spaced apart from each other at the hollow shaft.

[0051] It can also be specified that the workpiece carrier receiving part is constructed as asymmetrical in the plane in which the axis of rotation of the hollow shaft extends.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the rotating unit may include an electrically conductive element, particularly a copper electrically conductive element, which is arranged non-rotatably within the hollow shaft and the hollow short shaft, and electrically connects the workpiece carrier receiving portion to the sliding contact unit of the hollow short shaft, preferably in a rotatably sliding manner.

[0053] It is advantageous for each rotary conveyor to include two conveying units, wherein the rotary unit is arranged at least partially between the two conveying units.

[0054] Therefore, the conveying units are arranged in a spaced-apart manner, and the rotating units are arranged between them, wherein a portion of the rotating units may be arranged outside the vertical plane in which the two conveying units are located.

[0055] The rotary conveyor is preferably configured such that the conveying unit can move freely about two axes, thereby allowing the rotary conveyor to follow the curvature radius of the conveying track, and the rotary unit is at least partially rotatable, pivotable, or tiltable between the two conveying units.

[0056] It can also be specified that the receiving element of the rotating unit is connected to the horizontal rotating bearings of the two conveying units respectively.

[0057] It is advantageous that each of the conveying units includes at least one vertical rotary bearing, which is connected, in particular directly, to a corresponding horizontal rotary bearing.

[0058] Each conveying unit is preferably connected to the rotating unit via a universal joint or a double universal joint.

[0059] The vertical axis of rotation of the vertical rotating bearing is preferably arranged at least substantially in the plane of rotation of the impeller of the conveying unit. Therefore, the impeller and the vertical axis of rotation (relative to the conveying direction) are oriented at least substantially aligned.

[0060] Advantageously, another horizontal rotary bearing is arranged between the rotating unit and the conveying unit, with its horizontal axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the other two axes of rotation, specifically horizontally and perpendicularly to the conveying direction. Thus, the rotary conveying device can accommodate slopes and / or inclinations along the conveying path.

[0061] One advantage is that all the rotating bearings of the rotary conveyor are arranged above the conveying section.

[0062] Advantageously, the horizontal and vertical rotary bearings of one conveying unit may be arranged and / or constructed in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction, as with respect to the horizontal and vertical rotary bearings of another conveying unit.

[0063] In one design embodiment of the present invention, it can be specified that:

[0064] a) Horizontal rotary bearings include axial ball bearings or are configured to be such axial ball bearings; and / or

[0065] b) Vertical rotating bearings include sliding bearings or bearings constructed as such.

[0066] The axial ball bearing of the conveying unit preferably comprises two bearing shafts arranged aligned with each other, i.e., the axes of the shafts lie on a common axis.

[0067] The rotating unit can be flipped and / or uprighted at the conveying unit by means of an axial ball bearing.

[0068] Therefore, the rotating unit can preferably rotate from an upright posture to a flipped posture and from a flipped posture to an upright posture about the horizontal rotation axis of the horizontal rotating bearing of the conveying unit.

[0069] The sliding bearing has a vertical axis of rotation, which allows the corresponding rotary conveyor to follow the curved sections of the conveyor track or conveyor path. The conveyor unit rotates about the vertical axis of rotation as it travels through curves, and it pivots relative to the rotary unit.

[0070] Axial ball bearings are particularly effective at transmitting axial forces, while sliding bearings are particularly effective at transmitting rotational forces.

[0071] Preferably, the axis of the bearing is fixed on one hand relative to the direction of rotation to prevent torsion, and on the other hand fixed in the axial direction by a shaft nut.

[0072] It can also be specified that each conveying unit includes at least one wheel that rolls along the conveying track of the conveying section.

[0073] The conveying unit is preferably configured to guide the loads generated or applied by the rotating unit, the received and processed workpiece, and the workpiece carrier on which the workpiece is arranged to the conveying section via at least one wheel rolling above or on the conveying track.

[0074] It is also advantageous that the rotary conveying device has at least one driven conveying unit and / or at least one driven conveying unit, the driven conveying unit having at least one drive mechanism.

[0075] Preferably, at least one drive mechanism is replaceable. Therefore, the drive mechanism is constructed, in particular, in a modular manner.

[0076] It is advantageous that each drive mechanism includes at least one electric motor, at least one inverter, and at least one transmission, which can be manually and / or automatically disconnected from and / or connected to the electric motor.

[0077] The transmission of the drive mechanism is preferably laterally connected to the drive delivery unit via a flange and can be coupled to a pulley. The transmission output shaft of the transmission receives the pulley for coupling.

[0078] It is advantageous that the lever is manipulated to manually engage or disengage the transmission and motor of the drive mechanism.

[0079] The manual disengagement of the transmission and motor of the drive mechanism of the conveying unit allows the rotary conveyor to be manually offset on the conveying track when necessary.

[0080] When the lever, especially the manual lever, is switched again, the motor is reconnected to the gearbox.

[0081] The lever can also be automatically disengaged or engaged via a slid (Kulisse), or it can be disengaged or engaged by means of, for example, buttons, operating elements, or operating keys.

[0082] Advantageously, the driven conveying unit may include current collectors corresponding in number to the power supply lines of the conveying track, preferably spring-loaded finger elements that contact the power supply lines used for power supply, and in particular slide on the power supply lines.

[0083] Preferably, the four sliding contact elements are configured as current collectors, three 400V contacts and one ground contact.

[0084] In one embodiment of the invention, the driven transport unit may include at least one optical sensor mechanism, preferably a camera or laser scanner, for detecting one or more symbols and / or codes of the symbol and / or code elements of the transport track, and at least one antenna for short-segment-based communication with the leaky waveguide of the transport track.

[0085] Preferably, one of the symbols and / or code elements of the QR code configured as a QR band is detected by means of at least one optical sensor mechanism, thereby reliably detecting and determining the accurate position of the corresponding rotary conveyor along the conveying path.

[0086] Alternatively or supplementally, one of the transport units may be provided with a radio antenna, which enables wireless communication with the fixed control and / or regulation mechanisms of the transport system, in addition to communication based on short-circuit segments via a leaky waveguide.

[0087] It is also conceivable that one of the transmission units has a radio antenna, which can alternatively or supplementally communicate wirelessly with the fixed control and / or regulation mechanism of the transmission system, especially in the absence of a leakage waveguide.

[0088] It can also be specified that the positions of the driving and driven conveying units relative to the rotating unit are interchangeable.

[0089] It is also beneficial that each conveying unit has at least one maintenance inlet, preferably a closable maintenance door, which is preferably located on the side of the conveying unit away from the conveying track.

[0090] This allows for easy access, for example, to sliding current collectors, cameras, or laser scanners, for maintenance or adjustment work.

[0091] Advantageously, each conveying unit may include at least one pair, preferably four pairs, of guide rollers that roll laterally and relative to each other on the conveying track, wherein the guide rollers can be adjusted to adapt to the trajectory guidance of the corresponding rotary conveyor.

[0092] In order to reliably keep the rotary conveyor on the track of the conveyor, eight guide rollers are preferably arranged in an adjustable manner at each conveyor unit.

[0093] The guide rollers preferably roll laterally along the four sides of the double-T profile of the conveying track, and are arranged in pairs opposite to each other, so that the two guide rollers roll successively along each side with reference to the conveying direction.

[0094] In addition to trajectory guidance, possible lateral forces are directed onto the conveyor track via guide rollers. These lateral forces can be generated, for example, by the flipping or uprighting of the rotating unit.

[0095] In one embodiment of the invention, the rotating unit, together with the hollow shaft, can be brought to at least one processing posture and / or at least one return posture by rotating the rotating unit about the rotation axis of the horizontal rotating bearing of the conveying unit, in which the hollow shaft is preferably oriented substantially horizontally.

[0096] The center points of the conveying units or their impellers of the rotary conveyor are preferably spaced apart from each other and / or from the axis of the hollow shaft, such that the impellers do not lift off the conveying track, for example, when the rotary unit is flipped or upright, if the center of gravity of the rotary conveyor shifts.

[0097] It can also be specified that the rotating unit is connected to each conveying unit by means of at least one flexible and preferably replaceable hose connection through which wires for powering the motor module of the rotating unit are guided.

[0098] The flexibility of the hose connector and the wires guided inside it allows the horizontal and vertical rotary bearings between the conveying unit and the rotating unit to move freely in an articulated manner.

[0099] The length of the hose connection is preferably determined by the maximum range of motion of the connection between the rotating unit and the conveying unit.

[0100] Each hose connection is interchangeable with the wire that is guided through it.

[0101] In one embodiment of the invention, the conveying section may include at least one conveying track and at least one mating track for supporting the output end of the hollow shaft, wherein the conveying unit of the rotary conveying device travels on and / or along the conveying track, wherein the mating track extends at least in sections parallel to the conveying track.

[0102] It is advantageous to have at least one roller arranged at the output end of the hollow shaft, which rolls on and / or at the mating track.

[0103] It can also be specified that the conveying track includes one or more conveying track elements, preferably aluminum conveying track elements with extruded profiles.

[0104] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more transport track elements may be bent along the transport path to form a bending section.

[0105] The bending radii of the turning sections can be the same or different from each other.

[0106] The bending radius of the turning section is preferably adapted to the actual conditions of the installation location of the conveying system.

[0107] By using curved conveyor track elements, the turntable at the end of the conveyor track can be eliminated.

[0108] If the conveyor track element has multiple bending radii, these bending radii can be in the same direction and / or opposite directions. The latter will result in the conveyor track element being constructed in an S-shape or a meandering shape.

[0109] Therefore, the conveyor path can also include, for example, curved sections with a semi-circular radius. This can replace the turntable currently used, and by means of curved conveyor track elements, parallel conveyor path sections can be directly connected to each other, thus enabling a more flexible and cost-efficient layout or design of the conveyor path.

[0110] Preferably, the conveyor rail elements, especially those made of aluminum extrusion profiles, together constitute an electric suspension rail-rail composite system, wherein each element has a double T-profile, I-profile, or H-profile, i.e., a symmetrical profile.

[0111] It can also be specified that, preferably at the web of the double-T profile of the conveying track element, a [feature / structure] is arranged at the conveying track.

[0112] a) At least one leaky waveguide for controlling and / or regulating the rotary conveyor; and / or

[0113] b) At least one symbol and / or code element, particularly at least one QR code and / or barcode element, for determining the position of the rotary conveyor along the conveying path; and / or

[0114] c) At least one, preferably four, power supply lines, especially copper power supply lines, for three-phase power supply of the rotating conveyor.

[0115] In particular, the web of the transport track element has perforated profiles along the entire length of the transport track element, so that retaining elements such as snap-fits can be arranged at least substantially freely along the respective transport track element.

[0116] Then, the leaky waveguide, QR tape or barcode element, and four power supply lines can be secured and guided at the transport track element using retaining elements.

[0117] The symbols and / or codes preferably have multiple consecutively arranged symbols and / or codes, preferably QR codes or matrix codes, wherein two adjacent symbols may be the same or different in shape and / or color. This allows for very accurate detection of the current position of the rotary conveyor relative to the conveying path.

[0118] The symbols and / or code elements are particularly preferably constructed as QR strips, wherein such strips comprise a plurality of consecutively arranged QR codes. Thus, the precise position of the rotary conveyor along the conveying path can be reliably determined by detecting one of these QR codes.

[0119] Another advantage is that the two transport track elements can be connected at least substantially seamlessly.

[0120] Therefore, two adjacent transport track elements can be seamlessly assembled.

[0121] It is advantageous that at least one connection between the two transport track elements includes or is configured to include a telescopic section.

[0122] The conveyor track components can be mechanically separated from each other via telescopic sections, which can serve as length compensation and mechanical separation points.

[0123] Especially when the bottom or platform on which the conveying section is mounted has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the conveying track elements, length compensation is required, and the telescopic part achieves length compensation between the conveying track elements.

[0124] Preferably, the expansion joints are arranged according to the predetermined maximum number of conveyor track elements and / or the building construction regulations.

[0125] It is advantageous that the telescopic section is arranged between the treatment pools of the processing equipment with reference to the conveying direction or conveying section, so that the conveying section section associated with the treatment pool for processing has no telescopic section between the conveying track elements.

[0126] Advantageously, the transport section may have multiple bottom supports, wherein each transport track element is arranged in a suspended manner, especially in a segmentally free-suspension manner, at at least one bottom support.

[0127] The connection between two adjacent conveyor rail elements without telescopic joints is advantageously supported by a bottom support, i.e., in particular, the relevant conveyor rail element is pushed horizontally onto the receiving part of the bottom support.

[0128] In one embodiment of the invention, each bottom support can be adjusted along and / or about a vertical axis to orient the transport track element.

[0129] Therefore, the bottom support can be calibrated vertically and by rotation to align the transport track elements relative to each other.

[0130] For example, the weight of the bottom support can be at least approximately 35 kg to 45 kg, preferably 40 kg.

[0131] The conveying system preferably includes a fixed control and / or regulating mechanism that is always aware of the safe position of each rotary conveyor, wherein the safe position should be understood as a position that is itself safe, can be safely detected by an optical sensor device, can be safely transmitted to the fixed control and / or regulating mechanism, and can also be safely handled by the fixed control and / or regulating mechanism. Preferably, the direction of travel and / or speed of each rotary conveyor is monitored for safety.

[0132] By identifying, transmitting, and handling the safe location of the rotating conveyor along the conveying route, personnel safety can be ensured in accordance with mechanical standards.

[0133] The fixed control and / or regulating mechanism of the rotary conveyor is preferably safety-oriented, which in particular relates to communication between the rotary conveyor and the fixed control and / or regulating mechanism.

[0134] The primary focus here is on improving personnel safety, especially in accordance with DIN EN619.

[0135] It can also be specified that the moving operating mechanism or moving operating device, such as a manual operating device, is battery-powered and wirelessly communicates with the rotating conveyor, wherein the radius of use or effective area of ​​the moving operating mechanism is limited by the selection of wireless communication.

[0136] It can also be stipulated that one or more effective areas are preferably set along the transport route within the area of ​​the transport system, which are secure and / or adaptable on the one hand, and especially safety-oriented on the other hand.

[0137] Each effective area is associated with one or more rotary conveyors, which, for personnel safety reasons, can preferably only be controlled and / or adjusted from the associated effective area. This specifically means that the effective area is connected to the location area of ​​the rotary conveyor.

[0138] An effective area can be a visible, working, and / or dwelling area where the operator is located and can only operate or dispatch the associated rotary conveyor from that area, i.e., especially control and / or adjust it. Therefore, the operator cannot control and / or adjust a rotary conveyor in another effective area, which avoids, for example, remote control of a rotary conveyor in another work area that is not visible to the operator, and thus could potentially harm or injure other operators or workers in that area.

[0139] It is also beneficial that the operating mechanism or device includes safety-oriented operating elements, such as a dual-channel enable switch and / or emergency stop trigger function.

[0140] Furthermore, the operating mechanism is preferably configured to initiate an emergency stop when it leaves the associated effective area, especially without prior withdrawal.

[0141] In addition, it can be stipulated that the operating mechanism or operating device of a movement must always be logged in first in the corresponding valid area in order to activate its operational feasibility.

[0142] Alternative or supplementary locations may stipulate that the operating mechanism of the movement must be synchronized with the corresponding effective area to activate its operational feasibility, thereby ensuring consistency of the corresponding data items.

[0143] It can also be specified that the conveying system is configured to control and / or regulate the motion of the rotary conveyors, i.e., preferably the translational and rotational motion, and / or the distance between every two rotary conveyors.

[0144] The latter is especially intended to avoid collisions between rotating conveyors and / or between rotating conveyors and areas of equipment surrounding the conveying system.

[0145] The movement of the rotary conveyors and the distances between them can preferably be parameterized, wherein the parameters can be pre-adjusted and / or automatically set or adapted according to the position information of each rotary conveyor.

[0146] According to the invention, the conveying system further includes a processing device for conveying and processing workpieces, particularly the body of a carrier and / or its components, such as pretreatment and / or dip coating.

[0147] This processing equipment preferably includes:

[0148] - At least one processing area having at least one processing tank, preferably a plurality of processing tanks arranged sequentially, such as a pretreatment tank and / or an immersion coating tank, the processing tank being filled with a processing fluid for workpiece processing; and

[0149] - At least one conveying system according to the invention is arranged at least partially in the processing area.

[0150] It is advantageous to arrange the conveyor rails of the conveyor section on one side of the treatment pool, and the paired rails on the opposite side of the treatment pool.

[0151] It can also be specified that a lifting device with a lifting direction is provided in the entrance area and / or exit area of ​​the processing area, which lifts and / or lowers the hollow shaft of the rotary conveyor.

[0152] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for conveying and handling workpieces, especially the main body of a transport vehicle and / or its components, which has the characteristics of a methodological solution.

[0153] The method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0154] - Transfer the workpiece to the processing equipment, especially the processing area of ​​the processing equipment according to the invention, to one of the multiple rotary conveyors of the conveying system according to the invention;

[0155] - The workpiece arranged on the workpiece carrier is received on the hollow shaft of the rotary conveyor, wherein the rotary conveyor for receiving is in its handling posture.

[0156] - The received workpiece is conveyed along a conveyor path, wherein the workpiece is rotated through a fluid tank of one or more processing pools of the processing equipment in a processing section of the conveyor path by means of a rotating unit of a rotary conveyor; and

[0157] - The workpiece to be processed is transferred out of the processing area of ​​the processing equipment.

[0158] In addition, the method may also include the following steps:

[0159] - The rotary conveyor used for transfer is guided back, especially in its return orientation, to receive other workpieces to be processed.

[0160] In order to process the workpiece in one of the processing pools, the corresponding rotary conveyor can be temporarily held at a position next to the corresponding processing pool, and then the rotating unit rotates the workpiece received and locked at the shaft through the fluid tank at a predetermined rotation speed.

[0161] Alternatively or supplementarily, the rotary conveyor can continue to travel along the conveying direction at a predetermined conveying or traveling speed during processing, particularly while the workpiece is rotating through the corresponding fluid tank. In this case, the rotary conveyor does not stop beside the corresponding processing tank, so that the workpiece can be rotated through the fluid tank for processing.

[0162] The method preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in conjunction with the conveying system. Furthermore, the conveying system preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in conjunction with the method. Attached Figure Description

[0163] Other preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and drawings of the embodiments.

[0164] In the diagram:

[0165] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the conveying system according to the present invention is shown;

[0166] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the rotary conveyor device in the conveying system;

[0167] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic top view of the rotary conveyor in the diagram;

[0168] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A schematic vertical cross-section of line AA passing through the rotary conveyor;

[0169] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A schematic side view of the rotary conveyor in the diagram; and

[0170] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 A schematic horizontal cross-section of line BB passing through the rotary conveyor.

[0171] Identical or functionally equivalent elements in all figures are labeled with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0172] Figures 1 to 6 The conveyor system 100 shown is used for conveying and handling workpieces (not shown).

[0173] Workpieces, especially the main body of a vehicle and / or its components.

[0174] The treatment is preferably a pretreatment and / or cathodic dip coating carried out in a treatment apparatus configured as a painting apparatus, having a plurality of treatment tanks preferably arranged sequentially, the treatment tanks being particularly configured as pretreatment tanks or dip coating tanks.

[0175] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the conveying system 100 is shown, and specifically viewed from the side of the conveying system 100 away from the processing pool of the processing equipment.

[0176] Figure 1 The conveying system 100 includes a conveying section 102 and at least one rotary conveying device 104, which can convey or move along the conveying section 102 in the conveying direction 106.

[0177] The rotary conveyor 104 includes a driven conveying unit 108, a driven conveying unit 110, and a rotating unit 112, which is at least partially arranged between the two conveying units 108 and 110.

[0178] The conveying section 102 has a conveying track 114, which is arranged at a plurality of bottom supports 116.

[0179] The driven conveying unit 110 can be arranged in front of the driven conveying unit 108 with reference to the conveying direction 106.

[0180] However, the driven conveying unit 108 may also be arranged in front of the driven conveying unit 110 with reference to the conveying direction 106, that is, the driven conveying unit 110 follows the driven conveying unit 108.

[0181] The driven conveying unit 108 and the driven conveying unit 110 are preferably configured such that they can be interchanged at their respective positions.

[0182] Conveying units 108 and 110 roll on and / or on the travel track 114, while rotating unit 112 is not directly connected to the travel track 114.

[0183] The bottom support 116 is preferably fastened to a steel platform, which is arranged next to the treatment pool of the treatment equipment.

[0184] The driven conveying unit 108 includes a drive mechanism 118.

[0185] Each of the conveying devices 108 and 110 is equipped with a horizontal rotary bearing 120 and a vertical rotary bearing 122.

[0186] The horizontal rotary bearing 120 allows rotation about a common horizontal axis of rotation. The vertical rotary bearing 122, on the other hand, allows rotation about its own vertical axis of rotation.

[0187] The common horizontal axis of rotation and the vertical axis of rotation of the conveying units 108 and 110 are oriented perpendicularly to each other and intersect each other.

[0188] With the aid of two horizontal rotating bearings 120, the rotating unit 112 can rotate about a common horizontal axis of rotation, thereby... Figure 1 The upright posture shown changes to a flipped posture.

[0189] Conversely, the flipping rotating unit 112 can be rotated into an upright position by rotating about the common horizontal axis of rotation of the horizontal rotating bearings 120 of the two conveying units 108, 110.

[0190] The upright posture is also known as the machining posture, in which the workpiece is rotated by the rotating unit 112 around the hollow shaft 124 of the rotary conveyor 104 for machining.

[0191] The flipping posture of the rotating unit 112 is also called the return posture.

[0192] The horizontal rotary bearing 120 and vertical rotary bearing 122 of the driven conveying unit 108 are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction 106 with respect to the driven conveying unit 110.

[0193] The vertical rotation bearings 122 of the two conveying units 108 and 110 allow the rotating conveying device 104 to follow the curved or bent direction of the conveying track 114.

[0194] The rotary conveyor 104 may have, for example, one driven conveyor unit 108 and one driven conveyor unit 110, or two driven conveyor units 108.

[0195] The conveying units 108 and 110 are preferably configured such that their positions relative to the rotary conveyor 104 are interchangeable, i.e., the driving conveying unit 108 can also be a forward conveying unit arranged in the conveying direction 104, so that the driven conveying unit 110 is arranged accordingly in the rear.

[0196] Figure 1 The conveyor track 114 includes a plurality of conveyor track elements 125, which are arranged in an interconnected manner at the five bottom supports 116 shown.

[0197] The conveyor track element 125 is suspended at the bottom support 116. Therefore, the conveyor section 102 is in particular an electrically operated suspended track.

[0198] The conveyor track element 125 is preferably an aluminum conveyor track element with an extruded profile.

[0199] Figure 1 The profile of the conveyor track element 125 is preferably a double-T profile.

[0200] In addition, two workpiece carrier receiving parts 126 spaced apart from each other are arranged at the hollow shaft 124.

[0201] The rotary conveyor 104 can receive a workpiece carrier (not shown) on which workpieces to be processed are arranged, using the workpiece carrier receiving part 126.

[0202] In addition, the hollow shaft 124 includes a roller 130 at its output end 128, which rolls on a mating track (not shown) when the hollow shaft 124 is in its processing posture for workpiece processing. The mating track extends parallel to the conveyor track 114 on the opposite side of the processing pool of the processing equipment.

[0203] The workpiece carrier receiving portion 126 is configured in a V-shape, wherein, in particular, the two legs 132 are configured to be approximately mirror-symmetrical with respect to the plane in which the axis of rotation of the hollow shaft 124 extends. Only the locking mechanism 134 at the free end of the legs 132 of the workpiece carrier receiving portion 204 is not mirror-symmetrical, so that when the workpiece carrier receiving portion is transferred to the processing area, it can be locked in the workpiece carrier receiving portion 204 without problems and in the same manner.

[0204] Preferably, the legs 132 are configured to be asymmetrical with respect to the described plane, i.e., one leg 132 is longer than the other. This causes the center of gravity of the workpiece carrier and / or the workpiece to be offset relative to the axis of the hollow shaft 124. The center of gravity of the workpiece carrier and / or the workpiece is preferably offset eccentrically relative to the hollow shaft 124.

[0205] In the inlet and / or outlet areas of the processing area of ​​the processing equipment, a lifting device with a lifting direction may also be provided. This lifting device raises and / or lowers the hollow shaft 124 of the rotary conveyor 104, or at least supports it in this case. The lifting device brings the rotary unit 112 together with the corresponding hollow shaft 124 to the processing posture and / or return posture.

[0206] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of the rotary conveyor 104 in the diagram, therefore, will now be based on Figure 2 The rotary conveyor 104 is described in detail.

[0207] The rotating unit 112 of the rotary conveyor 104 includes a reduction gearbox 136, a motor module 138, and a receiving element 140.

[0208] The reduction gearbox 136 is preferably configured as a cycloidal gearbox 142.

[0209] Motor module 138 is preferably an electric bevel gear transmission motor module 144.

[0210] The receiving element 140 is specifically configured as a mounting plate 146.

[0211] The reduction gearbox 136 and the motor module 138 are fastened, in particular, to the receiving element 140 via a flange connection.

[0212] In addition, the horizontal rotation bearing 120 of the conveying units 108 and 110 is fastened to the receiving element 140.

[0213] Therefore, the receiving element 140 is not arranged directly above the transport track 114, but is offset laterally relative to it.

[0214] Four power supply lines 148, preferably copper power supply lines, are also arranged, and in particular, embedded in the conveyor track 114. The power supply lines form three phases and a grounding point to provide a voltage of 400V to the conveyor units 108 and 110.

[0215] One or more flexible hose connections 150 are guided from delivery units 108, 110 to supply module 152, which is also located at receiving element 140 of rotating unit 112.

[0216] The supply module 152 is specifically configured as an electrical switch box 154.

[0217] The flexible hose connector 150 is particularly replaceable, and preferably replaceable via a quick-locking mechanism.

[0218] The power supply line is guided through the flexible hose connection 150, so that the supply module 152 can supply current to the power supply line 154 via the delivery units 108, 110.

[0219] The supply module 152, which is electrically connected to the motor module 138, supplies current to drive the reduction gearbox 136 with current.

[0220] In addition, the supply module 152 also controls and / or adjusts the motor module 138 to control and / or adjust the rotation of the workpiece about the axis of the hollow shaft 124.

[0221] The reduction gear 136, configured as a cycloidal gearbox 142, is arranged at the receiving element 140 such that the drive side 156 of the cycloidal gearbox 142 is away from the processing pool of the processing device, while the output side 158 is close to the processing pool of the processing device.

[0222] Hollow shaft 124 is connected to the output side 158 of cycloidal transmission 142, so that the torque input from motor module 138 to cycloidal transmission 142 is converted in cycloidal transmission 142 and finally transmitted to hollow shaft 124 as converted torque. Hollow shaft 124 then rotates the received workpiece about the axis of hollow shaft 124 for workpiece handling.

[0223] The cycloidal transmission 142 is fully integrated, meaning that all components are arranged within a compact and enclosed housing 160.

[0224] The cycloidal transmission 142 preferably includes at least two cam discs that are phase-off with each other and roll on pin rings around them to convert torque.

[0225] The torque of the motor module 138 is transmitted to the cam disk via the cycloidal transmission 142, specifically the three eccentric shafts, wherein the eccentric shafts are preferably arranged at equal angles, i.e., particularly offset by 120 degrees on a common circular track.

[0226] The converted torque is transmitted to the hollow shaft 124 via the output disc of the cycloidal transmission 142 (which is engaged with the cam disc by a plurality of output pins), the drive-side end 162 of which is fastened to the drive disc by means of flange element 164.

[0227] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cycloidal transmission 142 includes a central through opening 166.

[0228] The hollow short shaft 168 is guided through the central through opening 166, and its drive-side end 170 is connected to the cycloidal gearbox 142 and / or the hollow shaft 124.

[0229] The hollow short shaft 168 is screwed into the flange element 164 between the cycloidal gearbox 142 and the hollow shaft 124.

[0230] A sliding contact unit 174 is arranged at the output side end 172 of the hollow short shaft 168, and the drive side end protrudes from the cycloidal transmission 142 on its drive side 156.

[0231] The sliding contact unit is supported, in particular, at the output end 172 of the hollow short shaft 168 in a non-rotational manner, and preferably is provided for this purpose, forming a translational sliding electrical connection with one or more conductive tracks via one or more sliding contact elements 176.

[0232] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a conductive element 178 is arranged inside the hollow short shaft 168 and the hollow shaft 124.

[0233] The electrical conductive element 178 is preferably a copper electrical conductive element 180, such as a copper cable.

[0234] The electrically conductive element 178 is preferably supported in the hollow short shaft 168 and the hollow shaft 124 in a non-rotational manner, and is electrically connected to the sliding contact unit 174 on one side and the workpiece carrier receiving part 126 on the other side in a rotationally sliding manner.

[0235] In the case of cathodic immersion coating, an anode plate is arranged on one or more inner sides of the immersion tank in the corresponding immersion treatment tank, and the workpiece to be treated is connected to one or more conductive tracks representing the cathode, specifically via a sliding contact unit 174, an electrical conductive element 178, a workpiece carrier receiving part 126, and (lastly) an associated workpiece carrier.

[0236] A display element 182 is also arranged in the section of the hollow short shaft 168 located outside the cycloidal gearbox 142, which makes it particularly easy to determine the zero position of the hollow shaft 124 in terms of its rotation.

[0237] This is, for example, when the rotary conveyor 104 is at least partially separated from the processing tank by a cover or the like, and therefore the location of the hollow shaft 124 or the workpiece cannot be seen from outside the cover. Such a cover for the processing tank may be necessary when it is necessary to protect the environment of the processing tank from splashes and / or steam from the processing fluid.

[0238] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0239] 100 Conveying System

[0240] 102 transport section

[0241] 104 Rotary Conveyor

[0242] 106 Conveying Direction

[0243] 108 driven conveyor unit

[0244] 110 driven conveyor unit

[0245] 112 rotating units

[0246] 114 conveyor rails

[0247] 116 Bottom Support

[0248] 118 drive mechanism

[0249] 120 Horizontal Rotary Bearing

[0250] 122 Vertical Rotation Bearing

[0251] 124 hollow shaft

[0252] 125 conveyor rail components

[0253] 126 Workpiece Carrier Receiving Section

[0254] 128 hollow shaft output side end

[0255] 130 rollers

[0256] 132 Legs of the workpiece carrier receiving section

[0257] 134 Locking Mechanism

[0258] 136 reduction gearbox

[0259] 138 motor module

[0260] 140 receiving element

[0261] 142 cycloidal gearbox

[0262] 144 Electric Bevel Gear Transmission Motor Module

[0263] 146 Assembly Plate

[0264] 148 power supply line

[0265] 150 Flexible Hose Access

[0266] 152 Supply Module

[0267] 154 Electrical Switch Box

[0268] 156 cycloidal transmission drive side

[0269] 158 cycloidal gearbox output side

[0270] 160 Cycloidal Gearbox Housing

[0271] Drive side end of 162 hollow shaft

[0272] 164 flange element

[0273] The central through-hole of the 166 cycloidal gearbox

[0274] 168 Hollow Short Shaft

[0275] Drive side end of 170 hollow short shaft

[0276] 172 Hollow Short Shaft Output Side End

[0277] 174 sliding contact units

[0278] 176 sliding contact element

[0279] 178 Electrical Conductive Components

[0280] 180 copper electrical conduction element

[0281] 182 display elements

Claims

1. Conveyor system (100) for conveying and processing workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies and / or components thereof, wherein the conveyor system (100) comprises: - at least one conveying path (102); and - at least one rotary conveyor device (104) by means of which at least one workpiece can be conveyed along the conveying path (102) and by means of which the workpiece can be rotated about at least one axis, in particular at least approximately horizontal, of the rotary conveyor device (104) for workpiece processing. Each rotary conveyor device (104) comprises at least one conveying unit (108, 110) which is movable on and / or at the conveying path (102), and at least one rotary unit (112).

2. The delivery system (100) of claim 1, characterized in that The rotary unit (112) comprises:

3. The delivery system (100) of claim 2, characterized in that - at least one reduction gear (136); and / or - at least one motor module (138), preferably an electric bevel gear transmission motor module (144), which is coupled to the reduction gear (136) to drive the reduction gear; and / or - at least one receiving element (140), in particular a mounting plate (146), at which the reduction gear (136) and / or the motor module (138) is fastened, preferably by means of a flange connection. Each rotary conveyor device (104) comprises a hollow shaft (124) at which at least one workpiece can be arranged, wherein the hollow shaft (124) is connected to an output side (158) of the reduction gear (136), in particular by means of at least one flange element (164), in order to rotate the hollow shaft.

4. The delivery system (100) of claim 3, characterized in that The reduction gear (136) is a cycloidal gear (142), in particular a fully integrated cycloidal gear, or a planetary gear.

5. The delivery system (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The cycloidal gear (142) comprises:

6. The delivery system (100) of claim 5, characterized by - at least one cam disc, preferably at least two cam discs which are adjacent to one another and phase-shifted relative to one another, for torque conversion of a torque; and / or - at least one eccentric shaft, preferably three equiangularly arranged eccentric shafts, for transmitting the torque from the motor module (138) to the cam disc; and / or - at least one output disc for transmitting the converted torque to the hollow shaft (124); and / or - a pin ring, wherein the cam disc is arranged within the pin ring and rolls on the pin ring by rotation of the eccentric shaft. The cycloidal gear (142) comprises at least two transmission stages and has a transmission ratio in the range of 80:1 to 300:1, preferably 250:1 to 275:

1.

7. The delivery system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The cycloidal gear (142) comprises at least one central through-opening (166).

8. The delivery system (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that ​ 9. The delivery system (100) of claim 8, characterized in that The rotary unit (112) comprises a hollow stub shaft (168) which is connected with its drive-side end (170) to the cycloidal gear (142) and / or to the hollow shaft (124), wherein the hollow stub shaft (168) extends through the central through-opening (166) of the cycloidal gear (142) and at least partially protrudes from the cycloidal gear (142) on the drive side (156) thereof.

10. The delivery system (100) of claim 9, characterized in that At the output-side end (172) of the hollow stub shaft (168) a sliding contact unit (174) is arranged which is in particular rotationally supported at the hollow stub shaft (168) and is preferably provided for a translatory sliding electrical connection with one or more electrically conductive tracks.

11. The delivery system (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that At the hollow shaft (124) at least two workpiece carrier receptacles (126) are arranged which are spaced apart from one another.

12. The delivery system (100) of claim 11, characterized by The workpiece carrier receptacles (126) are configured asymmetrically with respect to a plane in which the axis of rotation of the hollow shaft (124) extends.

13. The delivery system (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The rotary unit (112) comprises an electrically conductive element (178), in particular a copper electrically conductive element (180), which is in particular rotationally arranged within the hollow shaft (124) and the hollow stub shaft (168), and the workpiece carrier receptacles (126) are electrically connected, preferably rotationally sliding electrically connected, with the sliding contact unit (174) of the hollow stub shaft (168).

14. The delivery system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that Each rotary conveyor (104) comprises two conveyor units (108, 110), wherein the rotary unit (112) is arranged at least partially between the two conveyor units (108, 110).

15. The delivery system (100) of claim 14, characterized by The receiving element (140) of the rotary unit (112) is respectively connected with the horizontal rotational bearing (120) of the two conveyor units (108, 110).

16. The delivery system (100) of claim 15, characterized by The rotary unit (112) together with the hollow shaft (124) can be brought into at least one handling posture and / or at least one return posture by a rotation of the rotary unit (112) about the axis of rotation of the horizontal rotational bearing (120) of the conveyor units (108, 110), in which handling posture the hollow shaft (124) is preferably oriented approximately horizontally.

17. The delivery system (100) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that Each of the conveyor units (108, 110) comprises at least one vertical rotational bearing (122) which is connected, in particular directly connected, with the respective horizontal rotational bearing (120).

18. The delivery system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 17, characterized in that The rotary unit (112) is respectively connected with each conveyor unit (108, 110) by means of at least one flexible and preferably replaceable hose connection (150) through which an electric line for the power supply of a motor module (138) of the rotary unit (112) is guided.

19. The delivery system (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 18, characterized in that The conveying path section (102) comprises at least one conveying track (114) and at least one counter track for supporting the output-side end (128) of the hollow shaft (124), the conveying units (108, 110) of the rotary conveying devices (104) travelling on and / or at the conveying track along the conveying track, wherein the counter track runs at least sectionally parallel to the conveying track (114).

20. The delivery system (100) of claim 19, characterized by At the output-side end (128) of the hollow shaft (124) at least one roller (130) is arranged, which rolls on and / or at the counter track.

21. The delivery system (100) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The conveying track (114) comprises one or more conveying track elements (125), preferably aluminium conveying track elements with extruded profiles.

22. The delivery system (100) of claim 21, characterized by One or more conveying track elements (125) are curved to configure a curved section along the conveying path section (102).

23. Processing plant for conveying and processing workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies and / or components thereof, for example pre-treatment and / or dip coating, wherein the processing plant comprises: at least one processing area with at least one processing bath, preferably a plurality of successively arranged processing baths, for example pre-treatment baths and / or dip coating baths, which are filled with a processing fluid for workpiece processing; and at least one conveying system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, which is arranged at least partially in the processing area.

24. The processing device of claim 23, wherein, The conveying track (114) of the conveying path section (102) is arranged on one side of the processing bath and the counter track is arranged on the opposite side of the processing bath.

25. Method for conveying and processing workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies and / or components thereof, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - transferring a workpiece into a processing area of a processing plant, in particular according to claim 23 or 24, into one of a plurality of rotary conveying devices (104) of a conveying system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22; - receiving the workpiece arranged on a workpiece carrier on the hollow shaft (124) of the rotary conveying device (104), wherein the rotary conveying device (104) for receiving is in particular in its processing attitude; - conveying the received workpiece along the conveying path section (102), wherein the workpiece is rotated by means of the rotary unit (112) of the rotary conveying device (104) through a fluid tank of one or more processing baths of the processing plant in a processing section of the conveying path section (102); and - transferring the processed workpiece out of the processing area of the processing plant. The method further comprises the following steps:

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, - guiding the rotary conveying device for transferring, in particular in its return attitude, back to receive further workpieces to be processed. - transferring a workpiece into a processing area of a processing plant, in particular according to claim 23 or 24, into one of a plurality of rotary conveying devices (104) of a conveying system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22; - receiving the workpiece arranged on a workpiece carrier on the hollow shaft (124) of the rotary conveying device (104), wherein the rotary conveying device (104) for receiving is in particular in its processing attitude; - conveying the received workpiece along the conveying path section (102), wherein the workpiece is rotated by means of the rotary unit (112) of the rotary conveying device (104) through a fluid tank of one or more processing baths of the processing plant in a processing section of the conveying path section (102); and - transferring the processed workpiece out of the processing area of the processing plant. The method further comprises the following steps: - guiding the rotary conveying device for transferring, in particular in its return attitude, back to receive further workpieces to be processed.

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