Processing apparatus for processing a workpiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a treatment apparatus (100) for treating workpieces (102), in particular for dip-coating and rinsing vehicle bodies (106), wherein the treatment apparatus (100) comprises: - at least one main conveyor (108) for conveying the workpieces (102) along a main conveying direction (110); and - a plurality of dip-treatment stations (112) arranged one after the other along the main conveying direction (110) and preferably on the same side of the main conveyor (108), wherein the workpieces (102) are arranged on workpiece carriers (132), respectively, wherein the at least one main conveyor (108) comprises one or more transverse displacement carriages (130) for conveying the workpieces (102), wherein the workpieces (102) can be conveyed into and / or out of the one or more dip-treatment stations (112) in a transverse conveying direction (135), and wherein the transverse conveying direction (135) extends at least approximately transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the main conveying direction (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing apparatus for handling workpieces, particularly for coating and cleaning workpieces such as vehicle bodies or vehicle components. More particularly, this invention relates to an immersion coating apparatus for vehicle bodies, wherein the vehicle body is electrophoretically coated and rinsed. Background Technology

[0002] In practice, it is known that processing equipment for coating, especially electrophoretic dip coating, the body of a vehicle includes an immersion coating station with an immersion coating tank, also known as a paint immersion tank, and a subsequent rinsing zone with one or more rinsing stations, wherein the body to be coated must pass through the stations in strict succession.

[0003] The rinsing zone can be a spray rinsing station or an immersion rinsing station with an immersion rinsing tank. Typically, the spray rinsing station is designated as the first rinsing zone, and the immersion rinsing station is designated as the second rinsing zone.

[0004] The ultrafiltrate generated from the treatment fluid in the immersion coating tank is used as the rinsing medium in the rinsing zone. For this purpose, the treatment stations are fluidly connected to each other in a closed ultrafiltrate loop.

[0005] The newly generated ultrafiltrate is typically directed to the final rinsing zone of the treatment equipment in the workpiece conveying direction, and from there it is cascaded and supplied to the preceding rinsing zones in the opposite direction of workpiece conveying, before finally being directed back to the immersion coating tank in the immersion coating station.

[0006] Following the rinsing zone operating with ultrafiltrate, other rinsing zones with one or more rinsing stations operating with deionized water can be set up. In individual cases, nanofiltrate generated from the previously produced ultrafiltrate can be used instead of deionized water.

[0007] The processing fluid, i.e., the paint, in the immersion coating tank must be continuously circulated to prevent separation. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the coating process to have at least moderate flow in the immersion coating tank, which helps to dissipate heat from the surface of the vehicle body during the electrophoretic immersion coating process, bring new paint material to the surface of the vehicle body, and remove air bubbles generated on the surface of the vehicle body.

[0008] Therefore, the immersion coating tank has a circulation loop to ensure continuous flow in the tank.

[0009] Furthermore, since the electrophoretic dip coating process introduces electrical power into the immersion bath, continuous cooling of the fluid bath is required. Therefore, the immersion bath is usually connected to a separate cooling circuit.

[0010] Therefore, three separate fluid loops are typically set up for the processing: an ultrafiltrate loop, a circulation loop, and a cooling loop.

[0011] In each loop, the paint is removed from the immersion paint tank by a separate pump and then guided back.

[0012] All three loops are equipped with corresponding filtration devices. These filtration devices typically include bag filters, through which the circulating paint is filtered.

[0013] Paint is typically returned from three loops into the immersion coating tank via nozzles or overflow pipes installed in the tank. These nozzles or overflow pipes are oriented to create a flow in the tank that is conducive to the coating process.

[0014] Therefore, the known device concepts to date have influenced the determined parameters and relationships to improve the coating quality of the workpiece to be treated.

[0015] However, a drawback of the dip coating equipment known to date is that the workpiece passes through the dip coating tank in the longitudinal direction, resulting in a very long equipment. In particular, the size of the dip coating tank must be set very long in order to achieve a large throughput.

[0016] To increase equipment capacity, the corresponding immersion coating tank must be extended, and for this purpose, the subsequent rinsing area must be relocated.

[0017] The costs and time required for these tasks are very high.

[0018] Conversely, in cases of low throughput, immersion paint baths are unnecessarily long and largely empty.

[0019] In addition, the only immersion paint tank usually has to be completely emptied for maintenance and repair work, which inevitably leads to a complete shutdown of the equipment.

[0020] Consequently, optimization measures, such as iterative adjustments to the nozzle orientation that require at least partial emptying of the pool, also become complex and expensive.

[0021] Even with different process times for different subject types, this is only achievable to a limited extent. In particular, shorter process times for individual subject types do not lead to a significant increase in overall throughput because they are slowed down by the rest of the subject types.

[0022] Furthermore, it is impossible to use different, for example, different colors of paint to treat different types of subjects, because the paint must first be replaced completely without leaving any residue. Summary of the Invention

[0023] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a processing device for processing workpieces, which enables more flexible, easier-to-maintain and more efficient processing of workpieces.

[0024] This objective is achieved by a processing device having the features of claim 1.

[0025] Processing equipment is used to treat workpieces, especially for coating.

[0026] Processing equipment, especially painting equipment used for painting workpieces that are constructed as the main body of a vehicle.

[0027] Preferably, the processing equipment is used for impregnation, painting, and rinsing of the vehicle body and / or vehicle components.

[0028] The processing equipment includes:

[0029] - At least one main conveying device for conveying workpieces along the main conveying direction; and

[0030] - Multiple impregnation treatment stations are arranged sequentially along the main conveying direction.

[0031] The impregnation treatment station is preferably located on the same side of the main conveyor.

[0032] The workpieces are respectively arranged on the workpiece support.

[0033] At least one main conveying device includes one or more lateral shifting brackets for conveying workpieces.

[0034] The workpiece can also be conveyed into or out of one or more impregnation stations in the transverse conveying direction.

[0035] The transverse conveying direction extends at least approximately transversely to, and preferably perpendicularly to, the main conveying direction.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the workpiece is conveyed along the main conveying direction on the transverse displacement bracket with its transverse orientation.

[0037] The processing equipment includes, in particular, impregnation tanks arranged side-by-side along the main conveying direction in the impregnation treatment station.

[0038] Preferably, the longitudinal extension of the impregnation tank extends parallel to the transverse conveying direction.

[0039] The workpiece is then preferably conveyed into and / or out of the immersion tank in the transverse conveying direction with its longitudinal orientation.

[0040] The workpiece is transferred from the main conveyor to the immersion treatment station, where it is immersed in the corresponding immersion tank and then extracted from the tank again before being conveyed to the next station via the main conveyor.

[0041] Preferably, the impregnation tank is adjacent to the main conveying device with one of its short sides, or with one of its short sides pointing toward the main conveying device.

[0042] It can also be envisioned that the impregnation tanks of the impregnation treatment station are arranged along the main conveying direction, such that their corresponding longitudinal extensions are oriented parallel to the main conveying direction.

[0043] Therefore, it can be stipulated that the workpiece has been oriented on the transverse shifting bracket so that its longitudinal orientation also extends parallel to the main conveying direction.

[0044] Correspondingly, in the arrangement of the immersion tank in which one of the long sides of the immersion tank points toward the direction of the main conveying device, the workpiece is conveyed into and / or out of the immersion tank in the transverse conveying direction with its transverse orientation.

[0045] Alternatively, the workpiece can be transported along the main conveying direction in its lateral orientation from the lateral shifting bracket to the immersion tank of the immersion treatment station or before being transported to the immersion tank of the immersion treatment station, but must then be rotated on the corresponding lateral shifting bracket or during the transfer process, so that the longitudinal orientation of the corresponding workpiece to be transferred is oriented in a manner parallel to the longitudinal extension of the immersion tank to which it is being transported.

[0046] Therefore, the lateral displacement bracket may include a rotating device by means of which the workpiece can be rotated at least approximately 90 degrees about the vertical axis of the workpiece for the transfer process.

[0047] In addition to the impregnation tank of the impregnation treatment station, other treatment stations or process areas can be set up, such as tilting the main body or spraying it to drain the cavity.

[0048] The first immersion tank in the main conveying direction is preferably the immersion tank of the immersion coating station, in which the workpiece, especially the main body of the transport vehicle, is subjected to electrophoretic immersion coating.

[0049] To increase throughput, one or two additional dip coating stations can be set up immediately afterward.

[0050] Each dip coating station is preferably designed to handle a throughput of up to 10 workpieces per hour.

[0051] Advantageously, multiple dip coating stations can be selectively used for individual workpieces, meaning each workpiece is processed in only one dip tank of the dip coating station.

[0052] Following the immersion coating station is the rinsing zone, wherein the first rinsing zone preferably includes a spray rinsing station.

[0053] Following this, preferably at least a second and a third rinsing zone, are constructed as immersion rinsing stations with a corresponding immersion tank.

[0054] Spray rinsing stations are preferably located between immersion tanks, but alternatively they can be integrated into the main conveying unit.

[0055] Each workpiece passes through one of the preferred immersion coating stations, a spray rinsing station, and a first immersion rinsing station and a second immersion rinsing station in this sequence.

[0056] The components required for the fluid circuit of each impregnation tank, such as pumps, filters, and heat exchangers, are preferably arranged on the same plane as the impregnation tank. Here, they are preferably arranged on the equipment surface or equipment plane directly below the main conveying device.

[0057] It can be advantageous to arrange one or more workpieces on a workpiece carrier.

[0058] The workpiece carrier, especially the carriage, is preferably configured to receive a workpiece that is constructed as the main body of a transport vehicle.

[0059] Then, the conveying and / or movement of the workpiece is preferably carried out together with the workpiece carrier, so the expression "conveying the workpiece" or "moving the workpiece" can also be understood as conveying or moving at least one workpiece carrier together with at least one workpiece arranged therein.

[0060] It can be specified that each lateral displacement bracket includes:

[0061] a) At least one transverse conveying device by means of which workpieces can be conveyed in the transverse conveying direction; and / or

[0062] b) At least one lifting device by means of which the workpiece can be placed at the transfer position along the main conveyor and / or lifted from the transfer position along the main conveyor.

[0063] For transporting or conveying workpieces along the main conveyor, especially along the main conveyor route of the main conveyor, multiple lateral displacement brackets are preferably used.

[0064] In addition, it is preferable to use a carriage as the workpiece carrier, with the slide length exceeding the length of the workpiece.

[0065] Then, each lateral shifting bracket preferably has a roller conveyor as a lateral conveying device, which allows the workpiece to be conveyed in the lateral conveying direction into and out of the corresponding processing station.

[0066] If shorter workpiece carriers are used or configured, each lateral shifting bracket is preferably alternatively equipped with a chain conveyor.

[0067] Furthermore, it can be specified that, in the case of short workpiece carriers, the lateral conveyor is telescopic to minimize the gap with the station conveyor of the processing station and thus prevent tilting. Alternatively, for tilt protection purposes, a rolling support can be installed between the lateral shifting bracket and the station conveyor.

[0068] The travel areas of adjacent lateral shifting carriages preferably intersect at a corresponding station. Thus, each workpiece is carried into the processing station by the lateral shifting carriage and, after the corresponding processing, is received by the subsequent lateral shifting carriage in the main conveying direction.

[0069] Therefore, the transfer of workpieces between lateral shifting brackets is especially carried out via a processing station.

[0070] To maximize throughput, each lateral shifter's travel area includes only two stations.

[0071] If the capacity of the lateral shifting bracket is not limited by the throughput, for example if there are fewer than two immersion paint tanks, fewer lateral shifting brackets can be used.

[0072] In this case, the travel range of a single lateral displacement bracket covers more than two stations.

[0073] To avoid mutual obstruction and the resulting waiting time, it is preferable to provide a parking position for each intermediate (i.e., having front and rear lateral shift brackets) lateral shift bracket, which is arranged between the travel areas of the front and rear lateral shift brackets.

[0074] If the middle lateral shifter is positioned there, the front lateral shifter can also reach the farthest station in its region along the main transport direction, while the rear lateral shifter can reach the farthest station in its region against the main transport direction.

[0075] If the location used to receive or output workpieces from the processing equipment does not need to be traversed by other lateral shifters, then the travel areas of the first and last lateral shifters do not require separate parking locations.

[0076] The power supply chain for the lateral displacement bracket is preferably installed on the side facing away from the immersion tank.

[0077] The energy chains of adjacent lateral shifting carriages are preferably arranged on different sides of the main conveyor so that the energy chains can be alternately traversed by the corresponding adjacent lateral shifting carriages.

[0078] If the spray washing station is integrated into the main conveyor, the treatment area of ​​the spray washing station is preferably used as the handover position between two adjacent lateral shifting brackets.

[0079] In a spray washing station, the workpiece, or especially the workpiece carrier constructed as a carriage, is placed on a carrier mechanism, such as a carrier support, which is arranged laterally on the gauge of the transverse displacement bracket so that the carriage slide rests flat on it when it descends.

[0080] Subsequently, the lateral displacement bracket is sent out from the spray washing station in the opposite direction of the main conveying direction.

[0081] The workpiece is picked up from the spray washing station integrated into the main conveyor by a lateral displacement bracket that follows in the main conveyor direction. The lateral displacement bracket moves into the spray washing station against the main conveyor direction and lifts the receiving carriage and the workpiece.

[0082] In this variant, all lateral displacement brackets are equipped with lifting platforms for raising and placing workpieces.

[0083] The transfer to the immersion treatment station is preferably carried out by placing the workpiece on a support mechanism constructed as a rolling support, similar to the transfer position in the spray washing station where the support supports are arranged in pairs opposite each other on the side of the main conveyor or on the side of the track of the transverse shifting bracket at the height of the immersion tank.

[0084] It can also be stipulated that the support frame in the spray washing station has a chain conveyor, which can realize the reverse movement of the workpiece during the spray washing process.

[0085] Alternatively or supplementarily, movable nozzles or movable nozzle seats may be provided to ensure uninterrupted application to the workpiece surface during the spray rinsing process.

[0086] It can also be specified that the immersion treatment station includes at least one immersion tank for treating the workpiece with the treatment fluid and at least one station conveying device, by means of which the main conveying device can receive the workpiece to be treated, bring the workpiece to be treated into at least one treatment position in the immersion tank and transfer it to the main conveying device.

[0087] Advantageously, the station conveying device includes at least two lifting conveying towers arranged sequentially in the transverse conveying direction and preferably traveling on the same side of the impregnation tank of the impregnation treatment station in the transverse conveying direction.

[0088] Alternatively, the station conveying device may be specified to include two lifting conveyor towers arranged on opposite sides of the impregnation tank of the impregnation treatment station and capable of traveling along the respective sides in the lateral conveying direction.

[0089] It is advantageous that the lifting towers each have at least one receiving arm for receiving a section of the workpiece carrier and / or workpiece, which can travel along the respective lifting conveyor tower in the lifting direction.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment, the station conveying device may consist of only a lifting conveyor tower that can travel in the lateral conveying direction on one side of the impregnation tank of the impregnation treatment station.

[0091] In this case, a single lifting conveyor tower preferably has a swing arm that can travel along the lifting direction of the lifting conveyor tower, and preferably has two receiving arms arranged in a rotatable bearing manner for receiving workpiece carriers and / or workpieces.

[0092] Two receiving arms are arranged at the swing arm in a spaced-apart manner.

[0093] The lowering and / or raising of the receiving arm can be controlled and / or adjusted by rotating the swing arm about the horizontal axis.

[0094] The processing stations along the main conveying direction preferably include process conveying technology or station conveying devices, which enable the workpiece to be received by the lateral shifting bracket and brought to the processing position within the processing station.

[0095] For spray rinsing stations arranged between immersion tanks, the station conveying device is preferably a roller conveyor, such as a roller track, or a chain conveyor if short workpiece carriers are used.

[0096] For processing in the immersion tank, the corresponding station conveying device must not only be able to realize conveying movement in the transverse conveying direction, but also must provide lifting movement in the lifting direction for immersing and leaching the workpiece into and out of the immersion tank.

[0097] Therefore, the station conveying device of the impregnation treatment station preferably includes two lifting towers that can travel along the impregnation tank. The lifting towers have receiving arms that can travel in height and can achieve a superposition of horizontal travel and lifting movements that are largely freely configured.

[0098] This allows for the free specification of the workpiece's tilt angle between 0 and 60 degrees, as well as the speed of the workpiece during segmented immersion and leaching.

[0099] Preferably, the two lifting towers are arranged successively on the same long side of the immersion tank on a common travel track.

[0100] The running track can preferably be covered for maintenance purposes, thereby providing a flat and passable surface on the track.

[0101] For example, it may be necessary to travel along a track to access the dialysis compartment that forms and / or contains the anode, which is arranged inside the sidewall of the impregnation tank.

[0102] For example, the grille can be used as a cover, and the cover can be supported by fulcrums along the travel track.

[0103] A particular advantage of having two independently movable lifting towers is that different trajectories for immersion and leaching can be defined for different workpieces in this way.

[0104] For example, it can be advantageous to reduce the immersion rate in sections to limit the fluid forces in sensitive sections, such as the engine hood of a workpiece constructed as the main body of a vehicle.

[0105] It is also advantageous to determine the leaching angle based on the workpiece to ensure that the treatment fluid flows out well from the cavity of the workpiece.

[0106] It can also be specified that one or more immersion treatment stations are configured as immersion coating stations, in which workpieces can be treated with paint, especially electrophoretic immersion coating.

[0107] In the design scheme of the present invention, it can be specified that 5 to 15 workpieces, preferably 10 workpieces, can be processed per hour in the immersion coating station.

[0108] It can also be stipulated that the impregnation tanks of the impregnation and coating station each have an overflow area separated by weirs.

[0109] Advantageously, the overflow area is arranged on the side of the immersion tank facing the main conveyor, wherein each immersion coating station has multiple spray nozzles for rinsing the processed workpieces as they are conveyed away from the respective immersion coating station.

[0110] Spray nozzles are preferably

[0111] a) Arranged on the side of the impregnation tank facing the main conveying device; and / or

[0112] b) Arranged laterally in the transverse conveying direction and on its inner side in the upper region of the impregnation tank; and / or

[0113] c) Arranged above the immersion tank, preferably in a circumferential, e.g., U-shaped arrangement, wherein the spray nozzles for rinsing the workpiece from above are preferably arranged offset relative to the spray nozzles set for rinsing the workpiece from the side, with reference to the transverse conveying direction.

[0114] It can also be specified that the spray nozzles arranged laterally on the workpiece to be rinsed are oriented such that the corresponding spray direction forms an angle with the transverse conveying direction.

[0115] The immersion coating tank preferably includes, in addition to the main volume, an overflow area separated by a weir, in which the treated fluid in the main volume forms a treatment bath, and the overflow area has a bath liquid level that is slightly lower than that in the main volume.

[0116] This is used for leveling and safely removing foam and other impurities floating on the surface of the bath.

[0117] The lower bath level is achieved by continuously draining paint from the overflow area via one or more circulation loops and supplying it to the main volume of the pool.

[0118] The return flow into the main volume is guided by nozzles oriented in a particularly corresponding manner, so that at the bath surface, the flow is directed toward the overflow area in order to remove floating impurities from the main volume via a weir. This prevents such impurities from depositing on the workpiece during leaching at the end of the coating process, and thus avoiding damage to the coating quality.

[0119] The bath liquid level in the main volume is preferably about 1.0 m deeper than the lower edge of the workpiece carrier or the upper edge of the transverse conveyor at the transfer point of the main conveyor. This height difference allows the receiving arm to pass under the workpiece without requiring an unnecessarily large stroke for immersion.

[0120] The dimensions of the immersion tank are preferably set such that there is a lateral distance of approximately 0.5 m between the workpiece and the sidewalls of the immersion tank. In the longitudinal direction of the immersion tank, i.e., especially in the transverse conveying direction, the internal dimension of the main volume of the immersion tank is approximately 1 m longer than the workpiece carrier or the workpiece.

[0121] It may be advantageous to install one or more spray guard walls, such as one or more spray guard plates, at least in sections along at least one side of the immersion tank. These are particularly useful for preventing secondary splashing caused by the processing fluid flowing from the immersed workpiece and dripping back into the immersion tank, in order to prevent or reduce pollution to the surrounding environment.

[0122] Spray protective walls are preferably arranged on and / or at the edge of the respective immersion tank. In particular, the spray protective walls may be inserted into or suspended from the edge of the respective tank or from the frame structure above it and are arranged such that they also protect the upper edge of the dialysis compartment from contamination.

[0123] It can also be specified that the upper edge of the spray guard wall is constructed in a manner corresponding to the motion trajectory of the correspondingly adjacent receiving arm, which is drawn by the receiving arm when processing the workpiece, and / or is always spaced apart from the adjacent receiving arm.

[0124] This ensures that, on the one hand, the spray protection wall can be constructed to have the largest possible area to protect the surrounding environment of the immersion tank from secondary splashing of the treatment fluid, and on the other hand, the receiving arm of the lifting conveyor tower does not touch or come into contact with the spray protection wall, especially during workpiece handling.

[0125] Spray guard walls can be constructed to be substantially flat and / or at least generally follow the contour of the receiving arm, especially since they are arranged at least in sections between the receiving arm and the lifting conveyor tower.

[0126] Advantageously, the spray protection section may be implemented as high in the lateral area of ​​the overflow area, and may extend, for example, even all the way to the upper edge of the workpiece being conveyed into or out of the immersion treatment station.

[0127] In this area, spray protection may also be required in the upper area due to the leaching spray nozzles.

[0128] In particular, the higher-level spray protection units can also be installed in a suspended manner.

[0129] The dialysis compartment is preferably located on the inside of the sidewall of the long side of the immersion tank of the immersion coating station and the short side opposite to the main conveying device. The dialysis compartment forms and / or contains an anode that serves as the opposite pole to the workpiece as the cathode during the coating process, thereby enabling the current flow required for the coating process, especially the electrophoretic dip coating process.

[0130] The overflow area is preferably located on one of the short side or end side of the impregnation tank of the impregnation and coating station, especially on the short side facing the main conveying device.

[0131] In this case, the overflow area can extend directly to the lateral conveying device of the lateral shifting bracket in the handover position in front of the immersion tank, or preferably partially extend below the lateral conveying device of the lateral shifting bracket in the handover position in front of the immersion tank.

[0132] The immersion coating station preferably has multiple circulation loops through which paint is continuously removed from the immersion tank and resupplyed via nozzles installed in and / or at the immersion tank.

[0133] Each circulation loop includes at least one pump and at least one filtration device or filter.

[0134] In addition, at least one of the circulation loops includes at least one heat exchanger for cooling the paint, while the other circulation loop preferably includes an ultrafiltration module for producing an ultrafiltrate from the paint.

[0135] Each immersion tank in the immersion coating station is preferably equipped with a spray nozzle arranged above the immersion tank, especially above the overflow section, and used to rinse the immersed or freshly immersed workpiece with ultrafiltrate of the paint.

[0136] Preferably, the impregnation tank and rinsing station of the impregnation coating station are fluidly connected to each other by means of a closed ultrafiltration circuit or by means of fluid technology.

[0137] Ultrafiltrate is generated from the paint in the immersion tank of the immersion coating station. It is used to rinse the workpiece after immersion coating in two sequentially arranged rinsing zones. The ultrafiltrate is then guided or directed from the rinsing zones back to the immersion tank of the immersion coating station.

[0138] Alternatively or supplementary, it may be stipulated that the paint in the impregnation tank of the impregnation and coating station be continuously mixed.

[0139] Therefore, the paint from the circulation loops of each impregnation tank can be guided through a common mixing pipe before the total flow is diverted again and guided back to the individual impregnation tanks.

[0140] It is advantageous that one or more immersion treatment stations are configured as immersion rinsing stations for immersion rinsing of workpieces.

[0141] In the design of this invention, it can be specified that the one or more immersion rinsing stations are arranged in the main conveying direction after the one or more immersion coating stations.

[0142] It may also be specified that the treatment equipment has one or more auxiliary treatment stations arranged before, between and / or after the impregnation treatment station.

[0143] Advantageously, at least one auxiliary processing station is configured as a spray rinsing station for spray rinsing the workpiece, wherein at least one spray rinsing station is arranged between the immersion coating station and the immersion rinsing station.

[0144] It may be advantageous for the processing equipment to include at least one, preferably three, impregnation and coating stations, at least one spray rinsing station, and at least one, preferably two, impregnation and rinsing stations arranged sequentially in the main conveying direction.

[0145] If the spray rinsing station is arranged between the immersion tanks, the workpiece is conveyed into and out of the tank from the end side, i.e., from the side facing the main conveyor, in a longitudinal direction, in a manner similar to that in the immersion tank.

[0146] The spray washing station is equipped with multiple spray nozzles, which are arranged in the form of multiple spray nozzle groups arranged sequentially along the transverse conveying direction, so as to surround the workpiece in a ring and / or tunnel shape.

[0147] Additionally, it can be specified that the nozzles are arranged in the form of spray pipes from the back side of the spray rinsing station opposite to the end side, so that they extend into the interior space through the front or rear window opening of the workpiece, which is constructed as the main body of the vehicle.

[0148] The nozzle of this nozzle can be, for example, a rotary nozzle, which can be used to flush the interior space of the vehicle body.

[0149] The spray flushing station is preferably separated from adjacent equipment components, especially adjacent treatment stations, by a spray protective wall.

[0150] Optionally, the handover area of ​​the spray washing station can be enclosed with a roller shutter door to prevent the main conveyor from being contaminated, and workpieces are conveyed into or out of the station via the handover area.

[0151] Furthermore, it can be stipulated that the workpiece moves back and forth in the spray station during spray rinsing so that the spray cone of the spray nozzle can reliably ensure uninterrupted application to the workpiece surface.

[0152] Alternatively or supplementally, it may be specified that the spray nozzles are already in operation during the period when the workpiece is being transported into the spray rinsing station and / or while it is still being transported out of the spray rinsing station.

[0153] Alternatively, the spray washing station can be located within the main conveyor system.

[0154] In this type of arrangement of a spray washing station, the workpiece is conveyed into and placed in the station with its lateral orientation.

[0155] After the spray rinsing process, the rinsed workpieces are conveyed out of the station on opposite sides in the main conveying direction.

[0156] Here, the spray rinsing station is also equipped with spray nozzles in such a way that the spray nozzles at least partially surround the workpiece to be rinsed.

[0157] Advantageously, the integrated spray flushing station can be closed with a roller shutter door on the side facing the main conveyor direction. The roller shutter door protects adjacent areas of the main conveyor unit from the entry of the spray.

[0158] In the design of this invention, it can be specified that the treatment stations are fluidly connected to each other in at least one closed ultrafiltrate circuit, through which ultrafiltrate can be cascaded to the treatment station in the opposite direction of the main delivery.

[0159] It can also be specified that the processing equipment includes a housing that surrounds the main conveyor and the processing station.

[0160] In particular, a maintenance path is arranged accordingly between the two processing stations and optionally along the external processing station, which allows access to the enclosure, for example for maintenance or cleaning work.

[0161] The maintenance path is specifically designed to be deeper than the edge of the immersion tank, so that the corresponding tank wall can also serve as a protective barrier to prevent falls into the immersion tank.

[0162] The maintenance path also allows for access to the main conveyor and its conveying route, so that maintenance or cleaning work can also be carried out there.

[0163] The enclosure is used to prevent steam from escaping into the surrounding area of ​​the processing equipment, and at the same time to prevent dirt, especially dust, from entering the processing station or onto the workpieces being processed.

[0164] The enclosure preferably spans the main conveyor and the adjacent processing station in a hall-like configuration.

[0165] The housing is preferably constructed of plates with circumferential edging for reinforcement. The plates are screwed together or welded along the edges. Additionally, the bolted joints are sealed with a durable, elastic sealant.

[0166] Due to the large span, the top of the casing is preferably supported in a region parallel to the central axis of the main conveying direction. For this purpose, supports can be provided between the impregnation tanks in a manner adjacent to the main conveying device or its conveying section, on which longitudinal load-bearing members are arranged.

[0167] The required height of the enclosure above the treatment station or process area is determined by the height of the lifting tower and / or the range of rotation of the workpiece during leaching and immersion in the immersion tank.

[0168] Advantageously, the cover above the main conveyor has a low height, since only the height of the workpiece conveyed to the lateral shifter is needed as the net dimension.

[0169] A support rail is preferably provided along the edge of the tank, at the top or below the casing, and a lifting and securing mechanism is mounted on this support rail and can move along the edge of the tank. For example, a chain trolley can be secured here to raise the dialysis compartment from the tank.

[0170] In the transport section of the main conveyor, the bottom can preferably be sealed and welded and equipped with a defined discharge port to collect and discharge fluid dripping from the processed workpiece in a controlled manner.

[0171] Specifically, below the energy chain supplying power to the lateral displacement brackets, the tunnel floor can preferably be lowered or deepened. This allows the energy chain to be positioned deep enough to enable passage over the resulting radius arc via the corresponding adjacent lateral displacement brackets.

[0172] For example, for cleaning or maintenance purposes, access to the enclosure can be made from the end opposite the main conveyor in the processing station or process area. Therefore, the accessible planar access path is preferably located outside the enclosure at this point.

[0173] From this approach route, maintenance paths between processing stations or process areas can be accessed through the corresponding approach gates of the approach route itself.

[0174] The window is preferably located in the casing wall near the door so as to enable observation of the processing.

[0175] Continuous air exchange is preferably carried out within the enclosure. For this purpose, exhaust fans are used to draw air from multiple locations, where the air volume at each location can be adjusted via a manually controlled valve. The extraction locations are preferably situated above the processing station or process area to prevent steam from diffusing along the main conveyor.

[0176] Advantageously, the processing equipment may include at least one matching tank, by which at least the fluid volume of the impregnation processing station can be accommodated.

[0177] To allow for the temporary emptying of the immersion tank, for example for maintenance or cleaning purposes, a matching tank is provided, the volume of which corresponds at least to the fluid volume of one of the immersion tanks.

[0178] The pairing box can be arranged on the same plane as the immersion tank and adjacent to it. Attached Figure Description

[0179] Other preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0180] In the attached diagram:

[0181] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a first embodiment of the processing apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0182] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the processing apparatus according to the present invention is shown, looking at the back side of the processing apparatus away from the conveying side;

[0183] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The structure of the processing equipment is a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the impregnation treatment station of the impregnation coating station;

[0184] Figure 4 A schematic top view of a third embodiment of the processing apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0185] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 The schematic perspective view of the second embodiment of the impregnation treatment station of the impregnation coating station shows the structure of the processing equipment, in which a lifting conveyor tower transfers the processed workpiece to a lateral displacement bracket; and

[0186] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an impregnation treatment station, in which the workpiece being treated has been completely transferred to a lateral displacement bracket.

[0187] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals in all the figures. Detailed Implementation

[0188] exist Figure 1 The first embodiment of the processing apparatus shown in the figure and generally designated as 100 is used to process workpiece 102.

[0189] The processing equipment 100 is preferably an electrophoretic dip coating equipment 104, used to paint and wash the workpiece 102, which is constructed as the main body of a vehicle 106.

[0190] The processing equipment 100 includes a main conveying device 108 having a main conveying direction 110 and a plurality of impregnation treatment stations 112 arranged on the main conveying direction 110.

[0191] The first three impregnation treatment stations 112 on the main conveying direction 110 are configured as impregnation and painting stations 114, and the last two impregnation treatment stations 112 on the main conveying direction 110 are configured as impregnation and rinsing stations 116.

[0192] An auxiliary treatment station 118, configured as a spray rinsing station 120, is arranged between the immersion coating station 114 and the immersion rinsing station 116.

[0193] All processing stations 112 and 118 are arranged to the right of the main conveyor 108 with reference to the main conveying direction 110, so as to keep the transverse extension of the processing equipment 100 to the main conveying direction 110 as small as possible.

[0194] The impregnation treatment station 112 includes a station conveying device 122 and an impregnation tank 124.

[0195] Combination Figure 3 The impregnation treatment station 112, and especially the impregnation coating station 114, are described in more detail.

[0196] The processing equipment 100 also includes a workpiece source 126 and a workpiece tank 128. The workpiece 102 to be processed is transferred from the workpiece source to the main conveying device 108, and the main conveying device 108 transfers the processed workpiece 102 to the workpiece tank 128.

[0197] The workpiece source 126 and the workpiece groove 128 are preferably configured as lifting and conveying devices.

[0198] The main conveying device 108 includes a plurality of transverse shifting brackets 130, which can be used to transport the workpiece 102 arranged or supported on the workpiece carrier 132 along the main conveying direction 110 to the processing stations 112, 118.

[0199] Each of the transverse shifting brackets 130 has a transverse conveying device 134 by means of which the workpiece 102 can be conveyed in and / or out of the processing stations 112, 118 along the transverse conveying direction 135.

[0200] If the workpiece carrier 132 is constructed as a so-called carriage, with its slide length exceeding the longitudinal extension of the vehicle body 106, then the transverse conveying device 134 is preferably constructed as a roller conveyor.

[0201] Conversely, if the workpiece carrier 132 is shorter than the longitudinal extension of the transport vehicle body 106, the transverse conveyor 134 is preferably constructed as a chain conveyor, wherein it may be specified that the chain conveyor is retractable so as to enable uninterrupted workpiece transfer between the respective station conveyor and the transverse conveyor 134.

[0202] The travel area of ​​the lateral shift bracket 130 preferably intersects with the travel area of ​​the lateral shift bracket 130 surrounding the front and / or rear of the processing stations 112, 118.

[0203] Therefore, the transfer of workpiece 102 between the lateral shifting carriages 130 is carried out via processing stations 112, 118, as the lateral shifting carriages 130 transfer workpiece 102 to processing stations 112, 118, and accordingly the subsequent lateral shifting carriages 130 receive workpiece 102 processed in the relevant processing stations 112, 118.

[0204] Therefore, for maximum throughput, the number of stations m required for the entire processing of the workpiece, i.e., including the workpiece source 126 and the workpiece slot 128, is 1 greater than the number n of the lateral shifting brackets 130.

[0205] It should be noted here that each workpiece 102 is designed to complete the work according to... Figure 1 The complete processing in processing equipment 100 goes through the following stations:

[0206] - Workpiece source 126;

[0207] - One of the three impregnation coating stations 114;

[0208] - Spray washing station 120;

[0209] - Two immersion rinsing stations 116; and

[0210] - Workpiece groove 128.

[0211] Each workpiece 102 is processed in only one of the existing immersion coating stations 114 and then rinsed.

[0212] Therefore, with m=6 stations to be traversed, it can be achieved using n=m-1=5 lateral shifting brackets 130. Figure 1 The maximum throughput in the first implementation.

[0213] Furthermore, the capacity of the lateral shifter 130 is not limited in terms of throughput. For example, in the case of fewer than two dip coating stations 114, fewer lateral shifter 130s can be used, where each lateral shifter 130 can then travel to more than two of the required stations.

[0214] The spray washing station 120 includes a station conveyor 122 and a plurality of spray nozzles 136, the station conveyor being configured as a roller conveyor or a chain conveyor.

[0215] The spray nozzles 136 preferably form a plurality of spray nozzle groups 138 arranged sequentially in the transverse conveying direction 135, wherein each group at least substantially tunnels or rings around a corresponding section of the processing area 139 of the spray rinsing station 10, such that the workpiece 102 located in the processing area 139 can be rinsed at least substantially completely.

[0216] Advantageously, the spray areas of each spray nozzle group overlap.

[0217] The impregnation tank 124 of the impregnation and coating station 114 also includes an overflow area 142 separated by a weir 140, which is preferably arranged between the impregnation tank 124 and the main conveying device 108.

[0218] Preferably, one or more spray nozzles 136 are arranged above the overflow area 142 of the immersion coating station 114, which can be used to rinse the workpiece 102 immersed from the transverse conveyor 134 of the transverse shift bracket 130 or the workpiece 102 to be transferred to the transverse conveyor 134 of the transverse shift bracket 130.

[0219] The overflow area 142 preferably has a fluid bath level lower than that of the immersion tank 124 itself. This serves both for level regulation and for the safe removal of foam and other impurities floating on the surface of the fluid bath of the immersion tank 124.

[0220] The lower bath level in overflow zone 142 is achieved by continuously discharging the processing fluid, i.e., paint, from the overflow zone via one or more circulation loops and supplying it to the main volume of immersion tank 124. Return guidance to the main volume is achieved through nozzles oriented such that there is flow toward overflow zone 142 at the surface of the fluid bath in immersion tank 124. Therefore, floating impurities reach overflow zone 142 via weir 140, and these impurities are prevented from depositing on the surface of workpiece 102 when it is immersed from the fluid bath of immersion tank 124 of immersion coating station 114 at the end of processing.

[0221] In principle, the impregnation treatment station 112 should have impregnation tanks 124 each having two at least generally parallel long sides 144 and two at least generally parallel short sides 146, thus resulting in a substantially rectangular shape in a top view. The long sides of the impregnation treatment station 112 are preferably parallel to each other and / or oriented parallel to the transverse conveying direction 135. Therefore, one of the corresponding short sides points towards the main conveyor 108, while the other points away from the main conveyor 108.

[0222] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the processing device 100 is shown, which is related to Figure 1 The main difference in the first embodiment is that all processing stations 112 and 118 are arranged on the left side of the main conveying device 108 with reference to the main conveying direction 110; therefore, from a global perspective, the processing flow is the opposite of the processing flow in the first embodiment.

[0223] Figure 2 The schematic three-dimensional or isometric views in the diagram can illustrate and explain other details of the processing device 100.

[0224] exist Figure 2 In the example shown at the handover position before processing stations 112 and 118, six lateral shifting brackets 130 are arranged on which workpieces 102 configured as the main body of a transport vehicle 106 are arranged. The workpieces 102 are transported from the handover position along the lateral transport direction 135 to the corresponding processing stations 112 and 118.

[0225] However, for Figure 2The second embodiment also applies in which each workpiece 102 is processed in only one of the three immersion coating stations 114, while all the remaining processing stations 112, 118 are preferably passed through by each workpiece 102 and used for processing.

[0226] exist Figure 2 As can be seen from the diagram, the station conveying device 122 of the impregnation treatment station 112 includes two lifting towers 148, which can successively move along the long side 144 of the corresponding impregnation pool 124 in the transverse conveying direction 135.

[0227] The lifting towers 148 are controlled and / or adjusted such that they receive workpieces 102 from the transverse conveying device 134 of the transverse shifting bracket 130 in a coordinated manner, wherein each lifting conveying tower 148 has a receiving arm 152 that can travel in the lifting direction 150 for receiving a workpiece carrier 132 with workpieces 102 arranged thereon.

[0228] The receiving arm 152 is preferably configured in an L-shape.

[0229] With the aid of a coordinated sequence of movements between the lifting towers 148 in the transverse conveying direction 135 and between the associated receiving arms 152 in the lifting direction 150, the received workpiece 102 is brought to at least one processing position in the immersion tank 124.

[0230] The immersion tank 124 of the immersion coating station 114 is filled with paint as a processing fluid, which forms a paint fluid bath.

[0231] To achieve electrophoretic dip coating, such as in Figure 3 As can be seen, in the corresponding immersion tank 124 of the immersion coating station 114, an anode 154 in the form of a so-called dialysis compartment 156 is arranged along the side wall. Conversely, the workpiece 102 to be treated forms the cathode.

[0232] The current flow required for electrophoretic dip coating, from the anode 154 through the paint fluid bath to the workpiece 102 which serves as the cathode and back to the anode 154, is achieved through electrical conduits in the corresponding station conveyor 122, particularly the lifting tower 148 and the receiving arm 152.

[0233] from Figure 2 It can be seen that the horizontal cross-section of the immersion pool 124 of the immersion coating station 114 and the immersion rinsing station 116 gradually narrows in the lower region of the pool 124, thereby reducing the amount of the corresponding processing fluid.

[0234] The dimensions of the impregnation tank 124 are set such that the internal dimension in the transverse conveying direction 135, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the workpiece 102, is 0.5m to 1.5m longer than the workpiece 102, especially 1m. For the internal dimension perpendicular to it, only a space allowance of 0.25m to 0.75m, especially 0.5m, is required to exceed the width of the workpiece 102.

[0235] Figure 2 It is also shown that the main conveying unit 108 and all processing stations 112, 118 are surrounded or enclosed by a housing 158, thereby ensuring that no processed fluid is discharged into or pollutes the surrounding environment of the processing equipment 100.

[0236] The height of the housing 158 is determined by the height of the lifting tower 148, and may be above the main conveyor 108 but below the processing stations 112, 118.

[0237] Furthermore, it can be seen that the processing equipment 100 has a passable plane 160 arranged at the height of the main conveyor 108. The passable plane 160 is adjacent to the main conveyor 108 and correspondingly surrounds the horizontal approach plane of the processing stations 112, 118.

[0238] The passable plane 160 includes an access path 162 through which a maintenance door is located on the side of the housing 158 opposite the main conveyor 108, and through which processing stations 112, 118 and the main conveyor 108 can be reached for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

[0239] One or more maintenance paths 164 extending in the lateral conveying direction 135 are arranged between processing stations 112 and 118 and / or with reference to the lateral conveying direction 135. The maintenance paths are offset downward relative to the horizontal height of the accessible plane 160, such that sections of the sidewall of the impregnation tank 124 form a protective wall to prevent falling into the tank 124.

[0240] The components required for the fluid circuit, such as pump 166, are arranged below the passable plane 160.

[0241] In addition, a pairing box 168 is arranged below a passable plane 160 before all processing stations 112 and 118, with reference to the main conveying direction 110. The pairing box is configured to receive at least the fluid volume of the impregnation processing station 112 if necessary.

[0242] Figure 1 or Figure 2 In the first and second embodiments, the three immersion coating stations 114, the spray rinsing station 120, and the two immersion rinsing stations 116 are fluidly connected to each other via an ultrafiltration circuit.

[0243] The ultrafiltrate is generated by the processing fluid of the immersion coating station 114 and is supplied to at least one immersion rinsing station 116.

[0244] In the second immersion rinsing station 116, it is preferably in Figure 2 The final impregnation treatment station 112 on the main conveying direction 110 of the processing equipment 100 shown preferably rinses the workpiece 102 with deionized water, ultrafiltrate or nanofiltrate.

[0245] Ultrafiltrate is supplied from immersion rinsing station 116 to spray rinsing station 120.

[0246] Next, the ultrafiltrate is directed back to the immersion coating station 116, and thereafter preferably returned to the immersion tank 124 via spray nozzle 136.

[0247] Therefore, in general, the ultrafiltrate is returned and guided to the impregnation and coating station 116 in a cascaded manner against the main transport direction 110.

[0248] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the processing equipment 100, specifically showing one of the impregnation processing stations 112 configured as an impregnation coating station 114 that interacts with the main conveying device 108.

[0249] In the state shown, the lateral shifting bracket 130, on its lateral conveying device 134, has arranged a workpiece 102, which is configured as a carrier body 106, together with a workpiece carrier 132, which has reached the transfer position along the main conveying direction 110. The workpiece 102 can be conveyed from the transfer position to the impregnation and coating station 114 for processing.

[0250] The workpiece 102 is conveyed and / or transferred by means of a workpiece carrier 132, wherein the workpiece carrier 132 is connected to the workpiece 102 in a separable manner on the underside of the workpiece 102.

[0251] Then, the workpiece 102 is conveyed in the transverse conveying direction 135 by the transverse conveying device 134 and here is conveyed to the overhang position, from which the workpiece is first received in the front section of the workpiece carrier 132 by the receiving arm 152 of the lifting conveying tower 148 guided in the transverse conveying direction 135, specifically, preferably before the workpiece 102 is tilted toward the impregnation tank 124.

[0252] Next, the receiving arm 152 of the lifting conveyor tower 148 following in the transverse conveying direction 135 receives the workpiece carrier 132 in the rear section of the workpiece carrier; preferably, the workpiece 102 is received before it sinks from the transverse conveyor device 134.

[0253] After the workpiece carrier 132, together with the workpiece 102, has been received by the receiving arm 152 and locked thereto at least during processing, the station conveyor 122 carries the workpiece 102 to at least one processing position in the immersion tank 124, where the processing fluid is, for illustrated purposes, in... Figure 3 The middle part is hidden.

[0254] Preferably, the front of the vehicle body 106 first descends into the immersion tank 124, for which the receiving arm 152 of the guided lifting conveyor tower 148 must first descend to a greater extent in the lifting direction 150.

[0255] Subsequently, the receiving arm 152 of the following lifting conveyor tower 144 is also lowered in the lifting direction 150 to the extent required for full immersion, wherein preferably at the same time or at least immediately thereafter the guided receiving arm 152 is raised again in the lifting direction 150.

[0256] Finally, the following receiving arm 152 is also lifted again in the lifting direction 150, and the processed workpiece 102, especially the carrier body 106 of the electrophoretic dip coating, is transferred again to the transverse conveying device 134 of the transverse shifting bracket 130 in the reverse order.

[0257] Since the receiving arms 152 are rigidly connected to each other via the workpiece carriers 132, the movement of the receiving arms 152 is not disengaged from the movement of the lifting tower 148 along the transverse conveying direction 135, so as to bring the workpiece 102 to be processed to one or more processing positions.

[0258] It is also conceivable that if only partial processing is desired or required, the workpiece 102 to be processed may only be partially lowered into the immersion tank 124.

[0259] The lifting tower 148 of the station conveying device 122 is arranged sequentially on the long side 144 of the immersion tank 124 in the transverse conveying direction 135.

[0260] The movement of the lifting tower 148 in the lateral conveying direction 135 and the movement of the receiving arm 152 in the lifting direction 150 are coordinated by at least one control and adjustment device.

[0261] Preferably, the movement of the lateral shifting bracket 130 along the main conveying direction 110 and the conveying movement of the lateral conveying device 134 of the bracket 130 are also coordinated by at least one control and adjustment device.

[0262] Preferably, all control and regulation tasks of the processing equipment 100 are coordinated and monitored by a central control and regulation unit.

[0263] exist Figure 3It can also be seen that in the impregnation tank 124, the anode 154, which is configured as a dialysis compartment 156, is arranged on the inner side of the two side walls of the long side 144 and on the inner side of the short side 146 away from the side wall pointing to the main conveying device 108.

[0264] Figure 4 A schematic top view of a third embodiment of the processing device 100 is shown, which is consistent with... Figure 1 The difference in the first embodiment is that the auxiliary processing station 118, which is configured as a spray rinsing station 120, is not arranged next to the main conveying device 108 between the impregnation and coating station 114 and the impregnation and rinsing station 116, but is integrated into the main conveying device 108.

[0265] In the case where at least one spray rinsing station 120 is arranged or integrated into the main conveyor 108, the workpiece 102 to be sprayed and rinsed is conveyed to the spray rinsing station 120 by the lateral shifting bracket 130 after the corresponding impregnation and coating station 114 and placed in the processing area there.

[0266] In a third embodiment of the processing equipment 100, all lateral displacement brackets 130 are equipped with lifting devices, such as lifting platforms, for placing and lifting workpieces 102.

[0267] These lateral shifting brackets 130 do not have a lateral conveying device 134.

[0268] In order to transfer the workpiece 102 to the immersion treatment station 112 and place it in the treatment area 139 of the spray rinsing station 120, the main conveyor 108 has a track gauge 170, which is set such that a support mechanism 172 can be arranged on both sides of the main conveyor 108, on which the workpiece support 132 can be placed.

[0269] The carrying mechanisms 172 are preferably arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the main conveying device 108 and together define the transfer position 173.

[0270] The load-bearing mechanism 172 of the processing area 139, especially the load-bearing support 174.

[0271] The workpiece carriers 132 on which the workpieces 102 are arranged extend at least far enough beyond the gauge 170 of the main conveyor 108 that they can be safely placed in one of the transfer positions 173 on a pair of carrier mechanisms 172 and lifted again from that transfer position.

[0272] Therefore, the lateral displacement bracket 130 is lower in height than the resting height of the pair of support mechanisms 172, so the lifting device of the bracket 130 must be lowered for resting.

[0273] Therefore, when the lifting device descends, the lateral displacement bracket 130 can preferably pass under the workpiece carrier 132 in one of the transfer positions 173 placed on the carrying mechanism 172.

[0274] For the spray washing station 120, this means that after the workpiece carrier is placed on the pair of carrier supports 174 of the spray washing station 120, i.e., in the transfer position 173, the placed lateral displacement bracket 130 travels away from the spray washing station 120 in the opposite direction of the main conveying direction 110.

[0275] Multiple spray nozzles 136 are arranged in the spray rinsing station 120 such that they surround the workpiece 102 to be sprayed and rinsed, preferably in the longitudinal direction.

[0276] The longitudinal orientation of the workpiece 102 to be processed is preferably not changed throughout the entire processing equipment 100, that is, the longitudinal orientation is substantially parallel to the transverse conveying direction 135.

[0277] After the spray rinsing process, the workpiece carrier 132, together with the rinsed workpiece 102 arranged on it, is transported away from the spray rinsing station 120 by the lateral shift bracket 130, which is located after the spray rinsing station 120 in the main transport direction 110.

[0278] Therefore, the lateral shifting bracket 130 travels against the main conveying direction 110 to the transfer position 173 below the workpiece carrier 132 placed on the carrier support 174 and lifts it up by means of its lifting device.

[0279] Next, the lateral shifting bracket 130 transports the workpiece 102 along the main conveying direction 110 to the next handover position 173 before the subsequent immersion rinsing station 116.

[0280] In the same manner, the lateral shifting bracket 130 places the workpiece 102 or workpiece carrier 132 on the corresponding pair of carrier mechanisms 172, which is associated with the transfer position 173 prior to the impregnation treatment station 112.

[0281] The carrying mechanism 172 in the transfer position 173 before the impregnation treatment station 112 is preferably constructed as a rolling support 176, which transports the workpiece carrier 132 together with the workpiece 102 along the transverse conveying direction 135 to the impregnation treatment station 112 after the placement process.

[0282] Conversely, the rolling support enables the return transport of the processed workpiece 102 to the corresponding transfer position 173, from which the workpiece can be lifted by the subsequent lateral shifting bracket 130 and transported to the next processing station 112, 118.

[0283] The paired support mechanisms 172 at the beginning and end of the main conveyor 108 are also preferably configured as rolling supports to enable reception from the workpiece source 126 or transfer to the workpiece groove 128.

[0284] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the processing equipment 100, which is configured as an impregnation treatment station 112 of an impregnation coating station 114, is shown.

[0285] The station conveying device 122 of the second embodiment includes two lifting conveying towers 148, which are arranged on opposite sides of the immersion tank 124 and can also travel in the lateral conveying direction 135.

[0286] With this type of arrangement of the lifting conveyor tower 148, a horizontal section of one receiving arm 152 can move around another horizontal section of the receiving arm 152, thereby achieving a different motion trajectory from the successively arranged lifting conveyor tower 148 in terms of the immersion motion of the workpiece 102 to be processed.

[0287] exist Figure 5 In the process, the workpiece 102 is transferred from the impregnation treatment station 112 to the transverse transfer bracket 130 by the lifting conveyor tower 148.

[0288] The leached workpiece 102 is rinsed by multiple spray nozzles 136 as it returns to the waiting lateral displacement bracket 130.

[0289] To this end, spray nozzles 136 are provided, which are arranged in the upper region of the immersion tank 124, preferably near the edge of the tank, on the inner side of the immersion tank 124, specifically in front of the weir 140.

[0290] These spray nozzles 136 essentially rinse the workpiece 102 from below.

[0291] On the other hand, other spray nozzles 136 are arranged at a U-shaped frame 178, which is arranged in the area of ​​the weir 140 above the immersion tank 124, such that the associated spray nozzles 136 can rinse the workpiece 102 being processed from above and from both sides.

[0292] Here, the frame 178 is configured such that the upper spray nozzle 136 is arranged offset relative to the lateral spray nozzle with reference to the transverse conveying direction 135, so that when immersing from the spray nozzle 136 of the frame 178, the workpiece 102 being processed is preferably rinsed first from above and then from the side.

[0293] In addition, spray protection walls 180 are arranged in sections along the two long sides 144 of the immersion tank 124 at the edge of the tank or at the edge of the tank, which in particular protect the surrounding environment of the immersion tank 124 from so-called secondary splashing.

[0294] Each spray guard 180 is arranged at least in sections between the corresponding receiving arm 152 and the associated lifting conveyor tower 148, and therefore preferably at least substantially follows the outline of the adjacent section of the associated receiving arm 152.

[0295] Furthermore, the profile of the upper edge of the spray guard wall 180 is specifically designed such that the receiving arm 152 does not touch the spray guard wall 180 during the processing of the workpiece 102 in the immersion tank 124.

[0296] Figure 6 This shows the state where the processed workpiece 102 has been completely transferred to the lateral shifting bracket 130.

[0297] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the diagram, the base unit 182 for receiving arm 152 is shown at possible other locations along the lifting conveyor tower 148, which connects the receiving arm 152 to the corresponding lifting conveyor tower 148. Therefore, the shown other possible locations do not obstruct or damage the actual base unit 182 when traveling at the corresponding lifting conveyor tower 148.

[0298] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0299] 100 processing equipment

[0300] 102 workpieces

[0301] 104 Electrophoretic Dip Coating Equipment

[0302] 106 Main body of the transport vehicle

[0303] 108 Main Conveyor

[0304] 110 Main Conveying Direction

[0305] 112 Impregnation Treatment Station

[0306] 114 Impregnation Coating Station

[0307] 116 Immersion Rinse Station

[0308] 118 Auxiliary Processing Station

[0309] 120 Spray Washing Station

[0310] 122 Station Conveying Device

[0311] 124 Immersion Tank

[0312] 126 workpiece source

[0313] 128 workpiece slot

[0314] 130 Lateral Displacement Bracket

[0315] 132 Workpiece Bearing

[0316] 134 Horizontal Conveying Device

[0317] 135 Lateral Conveying Direction

[0318] 136 spray nozzle

[0319] 138 spray nozzle assembly

[0320] 139 processing area

[0321] 140 weir

[0322] 142 Overflow Area

[0323] The long side of 144 immersion tank

[0324] The short side of 146 immersion tank

[0325] 148 Lifting Conveyor Tower

[0326] 150 lifting direction

[0327] 152 receiving arm

[0328] 154 anode

[0329] 156 Dialysis Chambers

[0330] 158 casing

[0331] 160-degree passable plane

[0332] 162 Approach Path

[0333] 164 maintenance path

[0334] 166 pump

[0335] 168 Pairing Box

[0336] 170 gauge

[0337] 172 bearing mechanism

[0338] 173 handover location

[0339] 174 load-bearing bracket

[0340] 176 Rolling Bracket

[0341] 178 U-shaped frame

[0342] 180 spray protective wall

[0343] 182 base units

[0344] m The number of stations each workpiece must pass through / is to pass through

[0345] The number of lateral displacement brackets

Claims

1. A processing apparatus (100) for processing workpieces (102), said processing apparatus being particularly used for impregnating, painting and rinsing vehicle bodies (106), said processing apparatus (100) comprising: - At least one main conveying device (108) for conveying the workpiece (102) along the main conveying direction (110); and - Multiple impregnation treatment stations (112) are arranged sequentially along the main conveying direction (110) and preferably on the same side of the main conveying device (108). The workpieces (102) are respectively arranged on workpiece carriers (132), wherein at least one of the main conveying devices (108) includes one or more lateral shifting brackets (130) for conveying the workpieces (102), wherein the workpieces (102) can be conveyed into one or more impregnation stations (112) and / or out of one or more of the impregnation stations (112) in a lateral conveying direction (135), and wherein the lateral conveying direction (135) extends at least substantially laterally to, and preferably perpendicularly to, the main conveying direction (110).

2. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workpiece can be conveyed along the main conveying direction (110) with its lateral orientation by means of the lateral displacement bracket.

3. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The workpiece (102) can be conveyed in or out of one or more of the impregnation stations (112) in the transverse conveying direction (135) with its longitudinal orientation.

4. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each lateral displacement bracket (130) includes: a) at least one transverse conveying device (134) by means of which the workpiece (102) can be conveyed in the transverse conveying direction (135); and / or b) At least one lifting device by means of which the workpiece (102) can be placed at the transfer position (173) along the main conveyor (108) and / or lifted from the transfer position (173) along the main conveyor (108).

5. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The immersion treatment station (112) includes at least one immersion tank (124) for treating the workpiece (102) with a treatment fluid and at least one station conveying device (122) by means of which the workpiece (102) to be treated can be received from the main conveying device (108), the workpiece to be treated can be brought into at least one processing position in the immersion tank (124) and transferred to the main conveying device (108).

6. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The station conveying device (122) a) Includes at least two lifting conveyor towers (148), which are arranged sequentially in the transverse conveying direction (135) and are capable of traveling in the transverse conveying direction (135) on the same side of the impregnation tank (124) of the impregnation treatment station (112); or b) includes at least two lifting conveyor towers (148) arranged on opposite sides of the impregnation tank (124) of the impregnation treatment station (112) and capable of traveling along the respective sides in the lateral conveying direction (135).

7. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lifting tower (148) has at least one receiving arm (152) for receiving a section of the workpiece carrier (132) and / or the workpiece (102), the receiving arm being able to travel along the respective lifting conveyor tower (148) in the lifting direction (150).

8. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, One or more immersion treatment stations (112) are configured as immersion coating stations (114) in which the workpiece (102) can be treated with paint, especially electrophoretic immersion coating.

9. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The immersion coating station can process 5 to 15 workpieces (102) per hour, preferably 10 workpieces (102).

10. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The impregnation tanks (124) of the impregnation and coating station (114) each have overflow areas (142) separated by weirs (140).

11. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The overflow area (142) is arranged on the side of the impregnation tank (124) facing the main conveying device (108).

12. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, Each of the immersion coating stations (114) has a plurality of spray nozzles (136) for rinsing the processed workpiece (102) as it is being transported away from the respective immersion coating station (114).

13. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The spray nozzle (136) a) Arranged on the side of the impregnation tank (124) facing the main conveying device (108); and / or b) Located laterally in the transverse conveying direction (135) and in the upper region of the impregnation tank (124) on the inner side of the impregnation tank (124); and / or c) Arranged above the immersion tank (124), preferably in a circumferential, for example, U-shaped arrangement, wherein preferably, the spray nozzles (136) of the workpiece (102) being rinsed from above are arranged offset relative to the spray nozzles (136) of the workpiece (102) being arranged for rinsing from the side with reference to the transverse conveying direction (135).

14. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that, One or more spray protection walls (180), such as one or more spray protection panels, are provided at least in sections along at least one side of the impregnation tank (124).

15. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The spray protection wall (180) is arranged on and / or at the edge of the corresponding immersion pool.

16. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The upper edge of the spray guard wall (180) is constructed in a manner corresponding to the movement trajectory of the correspondingly adjacent receiving arm (152), the movement trajectory being drawn by the receiving arm when processing the workpiece (102), and / or always spaced apart from the adjacent receiving arm (152).

17. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, One or more immersion treatment stations (112) are configured as immersion rinsing stations (116) for immersion rinsing of workpieces (102).

18. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that, One or more of the impregnation rinsing stations (116) are arranged in the main conveying direction (110) after one or more of the impregnation coating stations (114).

19. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The processing equipment (100) has one or more auxiliary processing stations (118) arranged before, between and / or after the impregnation processing station (112).

20. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that, At least one auxiliary processing station (118) is configured as a spray rinsing station (120) for spray rinsing the workpiece (102), wherein at least one of the spray rinsing stations (120) is arranged between the immersion coating station (114) and the immersion rinsing station (116).

21. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, The processing equipment (100) includes at least one, preferably three, impregnation and coating stations (114), at least one spray rinsing station (120), and at least one, preferably two impregnation and rinsing stations (116) arranged sequentially in the main conveying direction (110).

22. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that, The treatment stations (112, 118) are fluidly connected to each other in at least one closed ultrafiltrate circuit, through which ultrafiltrate can be cascaded in the opposite direction of the main delivery (110) to supply ultrafiltrate to the treatment stations (112, 118).

23. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that, The processing equipment (100) includes a housing (158) that surrounds the main conveying device (108) and the processing stations (112, 118).

24. The processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that, The processing device (100) includes at least one mating box (168) which can accommodate at least the fluid volume of the impregnation processing station (112).

Images