Drying and / or hardening system

Abstract

Drying and / or curing system (1), in particular for drying and / or curing painted and / or glued workpieces (4), with at least one zone (7 - 11) through which the workpieces (4) can be moved, and with a fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control (50) which serves to control a quantity of fresh air that can be introduced into the zone (7, 11) and / or a quantity of exhaust air that can be discharged from the zone (8, 10), wherein the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control (50) varies the quantity of fresh air and / or exhaust air depending on a current number of workpieces (4) supplied in a time interval, characterized by the fact that The amount of fresh and exhaust air is controlled depending on a determined dew point in such a way as to prevent the formation of condensate. and / or that the amount of fresh and exhaust air is controlled depending on the total heat capacity in such a way as to prevent the formation of condensate. and / or that the amount of fresh and exhaust air is controlled depending on the total amount of carbon in such a way as to prevent the formation of condensate.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a drying and / or curing system, which is particularly suitable for drying and / or curing painted and / or glued workpieces, with at least one zone through which the workpieces can be moved, and with a fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system, which serves to control a quantity of fresh air that can be introduced into the zone and / or a quantity of exhaust air that can be discharged from the zone, wherein the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system varies the quantity of fresh air and / or exhaust air depending on a current number of workpieces supplied in a time interval.

[0002] The invention specifically relates to the field of continuous dryers, continuous curing systems, chamber dryers and chamber curing systems in which bonded and / or painted car bodies or body parts can be dried and / or cured. Furthermore, the invention relates to a painting system with such a drying and / or curing system. State of the art

[0003] A drying system of the type mentioned above is known from EP 1 762 802 A2. This drying system includes an inner chamber in which the air temperature and humidity are continuously measured in order to control the air supply.

[0004] German patent DE 197 35 322 A1 describes a system for drying motor vehicle bodies in which the dryer exhaust air is used to generate heat that is then recycled back into the system. In this system, the energy-recovered exhaust air is returned to the system.

[0005] DE 38 42 642 A1 describes a system for drying and / or hardening workpieces, in which the residual oxygen content and hydrocarbon content in the exhaust air is monitored.

[0006] GB 2 123 936 A describes a drying system for motor vehicles in which the amount of fresh air and exhaust air supplied to a dryer tunnel is adjusted depending on the load.

[0007] From DE 29 45 914 A1, a painting system with paint spray booths is known, to which a hot-air-fed drying system for the painted workpieces is connected. The painting system is continuously supplied with a temperature-controlled fresh or mixed air stream, the exhaust air from which, enriched with paint mist, is cleaned by a washing device operated with circulating water. Furthermore, a heat pump for energy recovery is provided, which has a water tank as a heat storage medium, with a collection tank for the circulating water from the paint spray booths simultaneously serving as a heat storage medium for the heat pump. The heat pump also serves to supply energy to the drying system. The known heat pump is designed as a motor-driven heat pump.

[0008] The drying system known from DE 29 45 914 A1, which is located downstream of the paint shop, has the disadvantage that a large volume of fresh air is required to meet the requirements for preventing solvent accumulation and ensuring a seal to the outside. Heating this volume of fresh air results in high energy consumption. Therefore, operating the drying system is associated with high energy consumption and consequently high costs. Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to create a drying and / or curing system as well as a painting system with such a drying and / or curing system that enables optimized energy consumption.

[0010] The problem is solved by a drying and / or hardening system according to the invention with the features of claim 1.

[0011] The measures listed in the dependent claims relate to advantageous further developments of the drying and / or hardening system specified in claim 1.

[0012] The fresh air and exhaust air volumes can be advantageously optimized. It is also possible to recirculate all or part of the exhaust air from a zone back into the drying and / or curing system. This allows the exhaust air to serve as recirculated air, either wholly or partially.

[0013] It is advantageous if at least one fan unit, particularly a frequency-controlled one, is provided and assigned to the zone, so that the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system operates the fan to regulate the amount of fresh air supplied to the zone and / or the amount of exhaust air discharged from the zone as required. A single fan unit with several, possibly different, fans can be provided and assigned to a zone. These multiple fans can be controlled independently and switched individually using a simple on / off control. The multiple, individually switchable fans preferably function together as a single, multi-stage controlled fan unit. Furthermore, multiple zones can be provided, each assigned one or more fan units. It is also possible for one fan unit to serve multiple zones.By using a fan unit with at least one frequency-controlled fan, it is possible to quickly and easily vary the amount of fresh air and / or exhaust air. This allows for the optimization of energy consumption.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system varies the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume so that it is sufficient to prevent condensation in the zone. Preferably, the dew point in the zone or the actual relative and / or absolute humidity can be determined and used as parameters for system control. This allows for the optimization of energy consumption and ensures that the fresh air volume required for the airtightness of airlock zones is sufficiently large to prevent condensation in the system.

[0015] The fresh air volume can also be optimized with regard to other requirements. For example, solvent accumulation in the air of the drying and / or curing system can be limited to a specified threshold. For instance, solvent accumulation can be limited to below 25% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) according to DIN EN 1539. To calculate the fresh air volume required to prevent such solvent accumulation, the LEL according to DIN EN 1539 is then decisive, and empirical formulas are used to ensure airlock tightness, particularly through thermal separation using an air curtain. To meet both criteria, the larger of the two values ​​resulting from full dryer or curing system capacity should be selected for the installed fresh air volume.The amount of fresh air supplied, and therefore the energy consumption of the system, can be optimized to comply with such limit values. This is particularly advantageous when the system is operating at partial capacity temporarily.

[0016] It is advantageous if the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system regulates the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume based on the current number of workpieces being fed into the system. For example, the number of workpieces introduced into the system, particularly the number of car bodies or body parts, can be counted to determine the system's utilization rate. With a high number of workpieces being cured and / or dried in the drying and / or curing system or the painting system, the fresh air volume can be increased to a predetermined value, which can be determined, for example, using empirical formulas and / or by individual measurements. At lower utilization rates, the fresh air volume can then be reduced accordingly.

[0017] It is advantageous if the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control adjusts the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume based on the current humidity in at least one zone, particularly in a zone designed as an airlock. Measuring the air humidity (relative or absolute humidity) in the airlock ensures the reliability of the system, as condensation in the airlock and thus also in the usable space is prevented from the outset. In this process, cold ambient air, especially indoor air, drawn in from the surroundings, can be heated by an intermediate air-to-air heat exchanger before coming into contact with the air in the airlock. This prevents condensation from forming within the system.

[0018] It is advantageous if the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system regulates the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume based on a parameter derived from the emission of organic substances (hydrocarbon compounds) in at least one zone, particularly in a zone designed as an airlock, and / or if the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system adjusts the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume based on the energy consumption of a heating device, particularly the gas consumption of a gas burner in the heating device, and / or the position of a gas control damper for the gas burner in the heating device. This parameter, which is based on the emission of organic substances in the system or a usable space or zone of the system, can be measured at a measuring point in the usable space or zone, or in an exhaust air duct, using one or more sensors.With regard to a predetermined setpoint for this quantity, the drying and / or hardening system can also perform a control function. However, this quantity can also serve as a control parameter, which may be considered in conjunction with other control parameters. The aforementioned quantity can also be determined indirectly via the energy input, particularly gas consumption or the position of the gas control valve. That is to say, the energy input from the heating system provides an indirect process variable within the usable space that can be used for control or regulation.

[0019] It is advantageous if this quantity, based on the emission of organic substances, is a so-called total carbon (Ctotal) in the exhaust air. Regulation based on Ctotal aims to counteract solvent accumulation, particularly to limit solvent accumulation to 25% of the lower explosive limit (LEL). The total amount of carbon (total carbon Ctotal) can be determined absolutely or relatively. In a relative determination, the total amount of carbon in the exhaust air is calculated in relation to the volume of the exhaust air. This constitutes a concentration measurement. This reliably prevents reaching an explosive limit. When determining the total amount of carbon, hydrocarbons are specifically recorded with regard to their carbon content and, if necessary, weighted.In a modified embodiment, similar quantities such as a total amount of halogen, a total amount of hydrogen or a total amount of CO2 can be used alternatively or additionally.

[0020] It is advantageous if the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system regulates the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume based on the instantaneous total heat capacity of the air and / or the total amount of carbon in the air in at least one zone, particularly in a zone designed as an airlock zone, and / or if the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system adjusts the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume based on the energy consumption of a heating device, particularly the gas consumption of a gas burner in the heating device, and / or the position of a gas control damper for the gas burner in the heating device. The gas consumption or the position of the TAR gas control damper, i.e., the position of the gas control damper for thermal exhaust air purification (TAR), preferably serves as an indirect process variable for determining the total carbon (Ctotal).The total carbon content in the exhaust air can be measured at a suitably positioned measuring point, for example in an exhaust air duct, using one or more sensors. The drying and / or curing system can also be controlled based on a predetermined setpoint for the total carbon content. However, the total carbon content of the exhaust air can also serve as a control parameter, which may be considered in conjunction with other control parameters. The total carbon content of the exhaust air can also be determined indirectly through energy consumption, particularly gas consumption or the position of the gas control damper. That is, the energy consumption (gas consumption) of the heating system provides an indirect process variable for determining the total carbon content of the exhaust air in the usable space, which can then be used for control and regulation.

[0021] It is advantageous if a zone is designed as an airlock zone and if at least one nozzle is provided at one outer end of the airlock zone through which the fresh air can be introduced into the zone. Such a nozzle can be designed in various ways, for example as a slot nozzle or a discharge opening. The nozzle can advantageously be used to define a desired flow pattern for the fresh air introduced into the zone. This also allows for targeted mixing of fresh air and recirculated exhaust air within the airlock zone.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the nozzle is directed into the interior of the airlock zone or if the nozzle forms a fresh air curtain at the outer end of the airlock zone. This allows the heated air intended for use in the system to be retained within the system. The nozzle can counteract the thermal pressure of the warm system atmosphere. A reduction in the supplied fresh air can be compensated for, for example, by a corresponding increase in the exhaust air mixed with the fresh air.

[0023] It is advantageous to include an additional zone, particularly a holding zone, and to control the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system, which regulates the amount of fresh air that can be introduced into the airlock zone and the amount of exhaust air that can be discharged from the additional zone. For example, increased evaporation of solvents or similar substances may occur in the holding zone. However, the actual concentration of substances in the air within the holding zone can vary considerably, especially depending on the system's operating load. By controlling the amount of exhaust air discharged from the holding zone, energy consumption can be optimized. This is particularly beneficial if this exhaust air volume must be completely or partially replaced by fresh air, which then needs to be heated.

[0024] It is advantageous to introduce at least a portion of the exhaust air volume that can be discharged from the outer zone into the airlock zone along with the fresh air volume that can be introduced into the airlock zone. Preferably, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control system at least indirectly controls or regulates the portion of the exhaust air volume that can be introduced into the airlock zone. For example, a reduced fresh air volume can be compensated for by increasing the exhaust air volume added to the fresh air volume. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the exhaust air volume is drawn from a holding zone or similar area where the solvent concentration is high, in order to distribute the air evenly throughout the system. This can advantageously prevent the exceedance of a limit value.

[0025] It is further advantageous if a portion of the exhaust air volume that can be discharged from the outer zone can be mixed with the fresh air volume that can be introduced into the airlock zone before it enters the airlock zone, and / or if the fresh air volume and the exhaust air volume that can be introduced into the airlock zone can be routed to the airlock zone separately. It is also advantageous if a slot nozzle is provided through which the fresh air volume and the exhaust air volume can be introduced into the airlock zone. In this case, the fresh air can be heated by the warm exhaust air. This optimizes the heating of the fresh air. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding elements are provided with matching reference numerals. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a system in a schematic representation according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a system in a schematic representation according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a system in a schematic representation according to a third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a lock zone of a facility according to a possible design, which is particularly relevant in the case of the in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 illustrated embodiments may be provided for; Fig. 5 a system in a schematic representation according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 a system in a schematic representation according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 a lock zone of a facility according to a further possible design, which is particularly relevant in the case of the in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrated embodiments may be provided for; Fig. 8 a system in a schematic representation according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 a system in a schematic representation according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 a lock zone of a facility according to a possible design, which is particularly relevant in the case of the in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrated embodiments may be provided for; Fig. 11 a system in a schematic representation according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 a system in a schematic representation according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 13 a lock zone of a facility according to a further possible design, which is particularly relevant in the case of the in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 illustrated embodiments may be provided for; Fig. 14 a system in a schematic representation according to a tenth embodiment of the invention and Fig. 15 a system in a schematic representation according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a drying and / or curing system 1 in a schematic representation according to a first embodiment. The drying and / or curing system 1 can be part of a painting system 2. For example, the painting system 2 can have one or more painting zones 3 in which a workpiece 4 and a multitude of other such workpieces are painted. The drying and / or curing system 1 can be connected to these painting zones 3 and, in particular, be located downstream in a conveying direction. A cooling zone (not shown) is generally located downstream of this drying and / or curing system 1, in which the workpiece 4 is cooled for further process steps or work steps. The drying and / or curing system 1 is particularly suitable for drying and / or curing painted and / or bonded components, especially car bodies, body parts, or other assemblies / components of a land, water, or air vehicle.

[0028] Another possible type of dryer is an A-type dryer. In this type, the airlock and the system are located at different levels. The actual airlock function is achieved through thermal separation. In A-type dryers or A-type curing systems, the airlocks also operate with an air curtain. For this purpose, hot fresh air is blown into the A-type section at the level of the usable floor through a discharge opening.

[0029] For example, this is in the Fig. The workpiece 4 shown in Figure 1 is designed as a painted body for a vehicle or aircraft. The workpiece 4 is mounted on a suitable carrier 5, which is movable in a conveying direction 6 to transport the workpiece 4 from the painting zones 3 into the drying and / or curing system 1 and through the drying and / or curing system 1. The transport of the workpiece 1, in particular the body, can be continuous or discontinuous. However, the drying and / or curing system and the painting system 2 according to the invention are also suitable for other applications.

[0030] The drying and / or curing system 1 has several zones 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. One zone is designed as an airlock zone 7 in the form of an inlet airlock 7. One zone is designed as a first heating zone 8. Another zone is designed as a second heating zone 9. Furthermore, one zone is designed as a holding zone 10. And one zone is designed as an airlock zone 11 in the form of an outlet airlock 11. During operation of the drying and / or curing system 1, the workpiece 4 first enters the inlet airlock 7, which seals the interior 12 of the drying and / or curing system 1 from its surroundings, in particular a hall in which the drying and / or curing system 1 is located. This sealing essentially creates a certain thermal separation between the heated interior space 12 and the surrounding environment.Zones 7 to 11 are thermally insulated from the environment at their outer walls, in particular by suitable insulating materials. However, the workpiece 4 must enter and exit the drying and / or curing system 1. The airlock zones 7 and 11 are advantageously designed such that, in particular, heated air provided in the interior space 12 does not escape, or at least escape is largely prevented.

[0031] The first heating zone 8 and the second heating zone 9 enable the workpiece 4 to be heated, with heating in two stages being possible in this embodiment. At full capacity, one or more workpieces 4 can be heated in zones 8 and 9 simultaneously. After heating in zone 8, the workpiece 4 can be transferred to zone 9 for further heating. One or more workpieces 4 can remain in the holding zone 10 for a certain period of time. Drying and hardening of the workpiece 4, for example, takes place in the holding zone 10. Solvents in the form of aliphatic and / or aromatic hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, esters, ketones, glycol ethers, alcohols, water, and the like then accumulate mainly in the air of the interior 12 in the area of ​​zone 10.The exact location where the solvents escape in the drying and / or curing unit 1 depends on the specific solvent or solvent component. Low-boiling solvents escape at low temperatures (< 100°C), medium-boiling solvents at medium temperatures (100°C to 150°C), and high-boiling solvents at high temperatures (> 150°C). A specific time may be predetermined for the drying and / or curing process in holding zone 10, after which the workpiece 4 is conveyed out of the drying and / or curing unit 1 via the airlock zone 11. The bonded and / or painted workpiece 4 is then dry and / or cured.

[0032] During the operation of the drying and / or curing system 1, a certain exchange of the air in the interior space 12 is necessary. For this purpose, a certain volume of air can be extracted from the drying and / or curing system and replaced with fresh air. This air exchange, or the fresh air, is necessary because the air in the interior space 12 becomes enriched with solvents that enter the interior space (usable area) 12 of the drying and / or curing system 1 from a coating film or adhesive during the drying and / or curing process, and this accumulation must be counteracted. This allows the solvent-enriched air to be gradually, and in particular continuously, replaced to ensure that the air can continue to absorb solvents.A certain threshold value may be specified, which should not be exceeded, or only slightly exceeded, to maintain a proper drying and / or curing process. This exchange or supply of fresh air into interior space 12 is controlled, whereby exchange via airlock zones 7 and 11 is prevented as much as possible, since otherwise warm air from interior space 12 would enter the hall in an undesirable manner.

[0033] The drying and / or curing system 1 of this embodiment has gas-operated heating devices 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. A gas burner 20 is provided on the heating device 15, which serves to heat a suitable medium, in particular air. In this embodiment, a thermal exhaust air purification (TAR) system is formed, which preferably represents a central heating unit or heat source and exhaust air purification system in one. In this embodiment, the hot gases generated by the gas burner 20 are passed over the heating devices 15 to 19 and then released into the atmosphere, as illustrated by arrow 21. That is, in this embodiment, the hot exhaust gases from the gas burner 20 are used as an energy source in the heating devices 15 to 19.For example, heating unit 16 has throttle valves 22, 23 to utilize a certain portion of the heat energy generated by the gas burner 20 within heating unit 16, while the remaining portion is directed to the next heating unit 17. Heating units 17, 18, 19 also have throttle valves. In this embodiment, heating unit 15 also has a throttle valve 24 through which a portion of the hot gases generated by the gas burner 20 can be directed directly to heating unit 16.

[0034] The heating devices 15 to 19 have heat exchangers 25, 26, 27, 28, 29. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 26 of the heating device 16 is connected to a suction side 30 and an outlet side 31 of an exhaust air duct 32. The heat exchanger 26 is arranged in the exhaust air duct 32 together with a fan 33. In this embodiment, the fan 33 is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger 26 in the direction of flow of the exhaust air conveyed through the exhaust air duct 32. Air from zone 8 can be drawn in at the suction side 30 and directed to the heat exchanger 26. Depending on the position of the throttle valves 22, 23, the exhaust air flowing through the heat exchanger 26 is heated to a greater or lesser extent. The heated exhaust air is then conveyed back into zone 8 via the fan 33 and the exhaust air duct 32. Thus, a certain air temperature can be reached and maintained in the first heating zone 8 during operation.Accordingly, zone 9 is connected to the heating unit 17 via an exhaust air duct 34, with the heat exchanger 27 located in the exhaust air duct 34. Furthermore, the holding zone 10 is connected to the heating unit 18 via an exhaust air duct 35, with the heat exchanger 28 located in the exhaust air duct 35. Thus, the air in zones 8, 9, and 10 can be heated and its temperature maintained at a desired level. Within certain limits, the temperature in zones 8, 9, and 10 can be controlled independently by the heating units 16, 17, and 18, respectively. For example, the temperature can be increased from zone 8 to zone 9 and from zone 9 to zone 10.

[0035] In this embodiment, an exhaust air duct 40 is also provided. A suction side 41 of the exhaust air duct 40 is located in zone 10. An outlet side 42 of the exhaust air duct 40 leads into a combustion chamber 43 of the gas burner 20. The oxygen required for combustion of the gas can thus be obtained from the air flowing through the exhaust air duct 40 from the holding zone 10, whereby this air is heated. The exhaust air from the holding zone is thermally cleaned, so that clean gas is released into the atmosphere in the direction of arrow 21. The heat exchanger 25 is located in the exhaust air duct 40, so that the exhaust air flowing into the combustion chamber 43 at the outlet side 42 can be preheated.

[0036] A throttle valve 44 is arranged in the exhaust duct 40. A fan 45 is also arranged in the exhaust duct 40, which is designed as a (frequency-)controlled fan 45. A control device 46 is provided, which forms an interface to the fan 45. In alternative embodiments, the fan's throughput (volume flow) is adjustable via adjustable inlet or outlet grilles or nozzles and / or via adjustable rotor blades and / or a variable rotational frequency.

[0037] The drying and / or curing system 1 has a fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 is connected to the control unit 46 of the fan 45. Thus, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can selectively control the amount of exhaust air extracted from zone 10 via the exhaust air duct 40.

[0038] Furthermore, the drying and / or curing system 1 has a fresh air duct 51. The fresh air duct 51 has a fresh air inlet 52 through which fresh air can be drawn in. From the fresh air inlet 52, the fresh air is first directed through the heating unit 19 via the fresh air duct 51. The heat exchanger 29 is located in the fresh air duct 51. In this embodiment, the fresh air duct 51 has a first outlet 53 at the airlock zone 7 and a second outlet 54 at the airlock zone 11. Throttle valves 55 and 56 are arranged upstream of the outlets 53 and 54 to determine and, if necessary, vary the proportion of fresh air supplied via the fresh air duct 51 that is directed to the respective outlets 53 and 54. Optionally, adjustable grilles or nozzles are provided at individual or all outlet points to allow adjustment of the flow rates.

[0039] Advantageously, a frequency-controlled fan 57 is arranged in the fresh air duct 51. In this embodiment, the fan 57 is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger 29 of the heating unit 19 in the fresh air duct 51. Furthermore, a control unit 58 is provided, which is associated with the fan 57 and forms an interface to it. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 is connected to the control unit 58 of the fan 57. Thus, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can control the amount of fresh air supplied to zones 7 and 11 via the fresh air duct 51. The throttle valves 55 and 56 can be fixed in position and, if necessary, their position can be changed by an operator.However, it is also possible that the throttle valves 55, 56 are variably adjusted by the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity control 50 in order to control the proportions of the fresh air quantity that are directed into zones 7, 11.

[0040] Nozzles 59 and 60 are arranged at the outlet points 53 and 54 of the fresh air duct 51. Nozzle 59 is located at an outer end 61 of the airlock zone 7. Nozzle 59 is directed obliquely into the interior 12, i.e., into the interior of the airlock zone 7. Furthermore, nozzle 60 is located at an outer end 62 of the airlock zone 11. Nozzle 60 is also directed obliquely into the interior 12, i.e., into the interior of the airlock zone 11.

[0041] The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 variably controls the fan 45 via the control unit 46 and the fan 57 via the control unit 58. The frequency-controlled fans 45 and 57 can be easily adjusted. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can thus adjust the exhaust air volume currently being discharged from zone 10 via the fan 45. Furthermore, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can adjust the fresh air volume supplied to zones 7 and 11 via the fresh air duct 51. The exhaust air volume extracted via the exhaust air duct 40 can thereby be replaced by a corresponding fresh air volume. The supplied fresh air volume and the discharged exhaust air volume are selected to prevent condensation in the area of ​​the airlock zones 7 and 11. Furthermore, the fresh air volume and the exhaust air volume are optimized, meaning they are selected to be as low as possible to save energy.In particular, energy is required in the heating unit 19 to heat the fresh air supplied via the fresh air duct 51, and its consumption can be optimized as a result. This allows the required minimum fresh air and exhaust air volumes to be set, ensuring a sufficient fresh air volume to prevent condensation in the airlock zones 7 and 11. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can take one or more parameters into account to control the fresh air volume introduced into zones 7 and 11 and the exhaust air volume discharged from zone 12. These parameters are advantageously stored in the control software and can be changed depending on the system's operation. Since the amount of solvent introduced into the interior 12 varies under different operating conditions, such as pause operation, partial load operation, or full load operation, the number of workpieces 4 can serve as one parameter.As a rule, the amount of solvent introduced into the interior 12 varies directly depending on the number of workpieces 4, so that the fresh air and exhaust air volumes can be varied proportionally to the number of workpieces 4. However, it is also possible to take other properties of the workpieces 4 into account, such as the size of the workpiece 4, the material of the workpiece 4, or the type and quantity of coating material or adhesive. This information can be obtained by the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 from a higher-level plant control system of the paint shop 2.

[0042] This prevents the accumulation of solvents that enter the working chamber 12 of the drying and / or curing system 1 from the coating film, adhesive, or the like during the drying and / or curing process. Sufficient fresh air can be continuously supplied to the working chamber 12, while solvent-laden air is simultaneously extracted from it. The extracted exhaust air can then undergo thermal purification in the heating unit 15. The energy consumption required for this process is optimized.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1, corresponding to a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a workpiece detection device 65 is provided, which, viewed in the conveying direction 6, is located upstream of the airlock zone 7 of the drying and / or curing system 1, but downstream of the painting zone 3. In a modified embodiment, a workpiece detection device is provided alternatively or additionally, which is located downstream of a dryer. In a further embodiment, a separate workpiece detection device is omitted if an indicator for the number of workpieces is defined by the system control in another way. According to the invention, sensors or transmitter / receiver units that operate on the basis of electromagnetic waves, induction, and / or weight force measurement are preferably suitable as workpiece detection devices.

[0044] The workpiece detection device 65 can be configured as a sensor that sends a clock signal to the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 when the carrier 5 or the workpiece 4 passes through it. From the received clock signals, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can then determine the current utilization rate of the drying and / or curing system 1. The current utilization rate depends on the number of workpieces 4 detected per time interval. Thus, with relatively little effort, advantageous control of the fresh air volume introduced into the drying and / or curing system 1 and the exhaust air volume discharged from the drying and / or curing system 1 can be achieved. However, the workpiece detection device 65 can also be configured as a reader, RFID reader, barcode reader, or the like.In such a configuration, the workpiece detection device 65 can detect a workpiece number of the workpiece 4 or information related to the workpiece 4. This allows the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 to take further information about the workpiece 4 into account during control. For example, the properties of the workpiece 4 can be considered. This can include the size of the workpiece 4, the material of the workpiece 4, or the type and quantity of a coating material, in particular a paint layer, or an adhesive. This information can be obtained from a higher-level plant control system by referencing a workpiece number of the workpiece 4.The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can take into account information from workpieces already in the drying and / or curing system 1, and / or information from one or more workpieces 4 that are about to undergo a drying or curing process. This allows for further optimization of the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control.

[0045] Another process parameter taken into account by the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 is the humidity of the air in the airlock area, i.e., in airlock zone 7 and / or airlock zone 11. In this embodiment, a humidity sensor 66 is arranged in airlock zone 7. The humidity sensor 66 detects the humidity in airlock zone 7, in particular the relative humidity. However, the sensor 66 can also detect several physical quantities, for example, both the humidity and the temperature in zone 7.

[0046] The humidity detected by the humidity sensor 66 is transmitted to the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 controls the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume depending on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 66 and other input variables, in particular the utilization rate of the drying and / or hardening system 1 detected by the workpiece detection device 65.

[0047] Furthermore, a sensor 77 is provided, which is connected via a line 78 to the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50. The sensor 77 serves to detect the total carbon in the usable space 12. In this embodiment, the sensor 77 is arranged in the holding zone 10.

[0048] It is advantageous if the sensor 77 is arranged in the exhaust air duct 40 to measure the total carbon content of the exhaust air passing through the exhaust air duct 40. Furthermore, a detection device 79 is provided on a gas line 80 for a gas burner 20, which serves to detect the instantaneous gas consumption of the gas burner 20. The detection device 79 can also detect the position of a gas control damper in the gas line 80. This allows for the indirect determination of process variables for the total carbon content with respect to the usable space 12 of zone 10. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can take the directly or indirectly determined total carbon content with respect to the usable space 12 into account when controlling the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control, either alone or together with other detected variables.

[0049] In this embodiment, an exhaust air duct 40 is provided. The suction side 41 of the exhaust air duct 40 is located in the holding zone 10. Furthermore, the exhaust air duct 40 leads through the heat exchanger 25 of the heating unit 15 to the gas burner 20. In addition, another exhaust air duct 82 is provided next to the exhaust air duct 40. A suction side 83 of the exhaust air duct 82 is also located in the holding zone 10. The second exhaust air duct 82 is joined with the fresh air duct 51 at a connection point 84. Thus, at the connection point 84, the fresh air from the fresh air duct 51 and the exhaust air from the second exhaust air duct 82 mix. From the connection point 84, this mixture is carried on in a common duct (gas duct) 85. The duct 85 has, according to the Fig. 1 shown fresh air duct 51 has a first outlet point 53 at the lock zone 7 and a second outlet point 54 at the lock zone 11.

[0050] In the further exhaust air duct 82, a fan 86, adjustable in its flow rate and in particular frequency-controlled, is arranged. The fan 86 is connected to a control unit 87, which serves as an interface to the fan 86. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 is connected to the control unit 87 of the fan 86. Furthermore, a throttle damper 88 is arranged in the further exhaust air duct 82. The throttle damper 88 is located downstream of the fan 86 in the further exhaust air duct 82, viewed in the direction of exhaust air flow. The throttle damper 88 is adjustable by means of an electric motor 89. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 is connected to the electric motor 89 of the throttle damper 88. In addition, the frequency-controlled fan 57 is arranged in the fresh air duct 51 and can be controlled by the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 via the control unit 58.

[0051] The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 regulates the fresh air and / or exhaust air volumes depending on the input variables. In this embodiment, the control is effected by a fan 45, preferably frequency-controlled, located in the exhaust air duct 40, another fan 86, preferably frequency-controlled, located in the further exhaust air duct 82, a throttle valve 88 located in the exhaust air duct 82, and another fan 57, preferably frequency-controlled, located in the fresh air duct 51. The control is performed with regard to two criteria, namely energy saving and condensation prevention, and a third criterion, namely limiting the solvent concentration to below 25% of the LEL (Lower Explosive Limit). To meet these criteria, a certain amount of exhaust air must be discharged from the retention zone 10.The exhaust air to be discharged is removed from the drying and / or hardening system 1 via the exhaust air line 40, whereby thermal exhaust air cleaning takes place in the combustion chamber 43.

[0052] The exhaust air extracted via exhaust duct 40 represents only a portion of the total exhaust air extracted from holding zone 10. Another portion of the exhaust air extracted from holding zone 10 passes through further exhaust duct 82 into duct 85. This other portion of the exhaust air is then introduced into zones 7 and 11 together with the fresh air. This remaining portion of the exhaust air thus serves as recirculated air for the entire drying and / or curing system 1. This allows the solvent-enriched air to be distributed throughout the interior space 12. This reduces the high concentration of solvents in the air of zone 10 while conserving thermal energy. Therefore, energy consumption can be further reduced. The total volume of exhaust air extracted from holding zone 11 can be precisely adjusted to the actual demand using fans 45 and 86.Furthermore, the portion of the exhaust air volume routed through exhaust duct 40 and the portion routed through the additional exhaust duct 82 can be specifically adjusted. Additionally, the throttle valve 88 can be used to control the portion of the exhaust air volume routed through the additional exhaust duct 82. Specifically, the throttle valve 88 can be used to block the additional exhaust duct 82, thus preventing fresh air from flowing in the opposite direction from fresh air duct 51 through the additional exhaust duct 82. This can be achieved, for example, when the drying and / or curing system 1 is operating at full capacity and the fan 86 may be switched off.

[0053] Thus, the portion of the exhaust air volume routed via the further exhaust air duct 82 can replace a portion of the supplied fresh air volume. The air mixture of exhaust air and fresh air entering the airlock zones 7 and 11 via nozzles 59 and 60 is heated and relatively dry when it comes into contact with the air recirculated within these zones. This prevents condensation from forming in the airlock zones 7 and 11.

[0054] The air in the interior 12 of the drying and / or curing plant 1, in particular the air in the airlock zones 7, 11, can also be filtered in a suitable manner.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 shows a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1 in a schematic representation according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, unlike the one shown based on the Fig. In the second embodiment described in Figure 2, a fan 57', which is particularly frequency-controlled, is arranged in duct 85. In an alternative embodiment, a fan 57', which may be uncontrolled, is associated with a diffuser / guide grille and / or a diffuser damper device, via which the airflow through the fan can be adjusted. The fan 57' is connected to a control unit 58', which serves as an interface. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can control the fan 57' and / or its diffuser grille via the control unit 58'. Thus, in the second embodiment, the fan 57' in duct 85 replaces the fan 86 in the further exhaust air duct 82 and the fan 57 in the fresh air duct 51. Consequently, the associated control units 58, 87 can also be replaced by a control unit 58'.In this embodiment, the preferably adjustable fan 57' serves as a (multifunctional) fan for drawing in fresh air via the fresh air duct 51 and for drawing in exhaust air from holding zone 10, which serves as recirculated air for the drying and / or curing system 1. Alternatively or additionally, the recirculated exhaust air can also be drawn from another zone, for example, heating zone 8 and / or heating zone 9. The total air volume that is directed into the drying and / or curing system 1 via the airlock zones 7 and 11 can thus be directly adjusted via the fan 57'. However, the proportion of exhaust air and the proportion of fresh air in the air mixture directed into the drying and / or curing system 1 cannot be adjusted by the fan 57', as it only affects the total volume.The throttle valve 88 in the further exhaust air duct 82 and a throttle valve 90 in the fresh air duct 51 are used to adjust the portion of the exhaust air volume routed via the further exhaust air duct 82 and the fresh air volume routed via the fresh air duct 51. An electric motor 91 is provided for the throttle valve 90, which can be controlled by the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50.

[0056] Thus, in this embodiment, fresh air can be mixed with a portion of the exhaust air, which serves as recirculated air, before entering the airlock zones 7, 11. Furthermore, the total volume of the air mixture can be controlled via the fan 57'. The proportions of exhaust air and fresh air in this air mixture can be adjusted via the throttle valves 88, 90. Advantageous control is possible through the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control, which can depend directly or indirectly on the current load and operating state of the drying and / or curing system 1.

[0057] Fig. Figure 4 shows a lock zone of a drying and / or hardening plant 1 according to a possible design, which is particularly relevant in the case of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. The drying and / or curing systems 1 described in Section 3 of the first, second, and third embodiments can be provided. The airlock zone 7 has a floor 92 and a ceiling 93. The first outlet 53 of the fresh air duct 51 or the duct 85 opens into an anteroom 95 separated from the interior 12 by suitable elements 94. A filter 96 is arranged in the anteroom 95, which is passed through by the air entering the anteroom 95 via the outlet 53. The air, i.e., the fresh air or the mixture of fresh air and exhaust air, flows from the anteroom 95 into the interior 12. At least one nozzle 59 is arranged at the outer end 61 of the airlock zone 7 and directed into the interior 12 at a certain angle. Preferably, one side of the slot nozzle is movable (e.g., in an elongated guide). This allows the commissioning personnel to adjust and fix the slot width of the nozzle.This allows the nozzle exit velocity to be adjusted.

[0058] The direction of the nozzle 59 defines a parting plane 106, which is located in the Fig. Figure 4 is illustrated by a dashed line 106. The dividing plane 106 divides the interior space 12 in the area of ​​the lock zone 7 into an outer part 97 and an inner part 98. In the inner part 98, a thermal pressure prevails due to the warm atmosphere, which causes a flow 99 in the inner part 98 of the interior space 12 towards the outer end 61 of the lock zone 7. The flow 99 is in the Fig. Figure 4 is illustrated by arrows 99. The air flowing in through nozzle 59 works against this flow 99. The flow 99 is deflected by the air flowing into the airlock zone 7 through nozzle 59, so that the heated air flows back into the interior, as illustrated by arrows 100. Thus, the hot air from the inner part 98 does not reach the outer part 97, creating an airlock. At the very least, energy loss through thermal convection is significantly reduced.

[0059] Especially in the case of the one based on the Fig. 2 and Fig. In the second and third embodiments described in section 3, the advantage is that the gas mixture flowing into the interior 12 via the nozzle 59 is well preheated and relatively dry, thus preventing condensation when the flow 99 meets the mixture flowing in through the nozzle 59. This optimizes the energy required in the heating device 19 to heat the fresh air.

[0060] Fig. Figure 5 shows a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1 in a schematic representation according to a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, an exhaust air duct 82' is provided through which exhaust air serving as recirculated air can be discharged from the holding zone 10. A suction side 83' of the exhaust air duct 82' is located at the beginning of the holding zone 10, viewed in the direction of conveyance. Furthermore, the exhaust air duct 40 is provided, the suction side 41 of which is also located at the beginning of the holding zone 10. The exhaust air duct 82' branches into a section 101 and a section 102. Section 101 of the exhaust air duct 82' leads to a first

[0061] The exhaust air duct 82' has an outlet 53'. The second part 102 of the exhaust air duct 82' leads to an outlet 54' of the exhaust air duct 82'. The exhaust air duct 82' divides into parts 101 and 102 at a branch point 103. Looking in the direction of exhaust air flow, a fan 86' is arranged in the exhaust air duct 82' upstream of the branch point 103. In this embodiment, the fan 86' is not necessarily frequency-controlled. In particular, the fan 86' can generate a constant exhaust air volume flow. The amount of exhaust air conveyed via the exhaust air duct 82' into zones 7 and 11 can be fixed. Dampers 104 and 105, which are fixed in position, are arranged in parts 101 and 102.For example, an operator or an auxiliary drive can manually and / or individually adjust the throttle valves 104, 105 in order to appropriately divide the exhaust air conveyed via the exhaust duct 82' between parts 101, 102 and thus the airlock zones 7, 11.

[0062] In this embodiment, the nozzles 59, 60 of the lock zones 7, 11 are designed in a split configuration. Nozzle 59 has an outer part 59' and an inner part 59". Furthermore, nozzle 60 has an outer part 60' and an inner part 60". The design of the nozzles 59, 60 is shown in the Fig. 7 described in further detail.

[0063] In this embodiment, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 determines the required fresh air volume. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 controls the frequency-controlled fan 57', which is arranged in the fresh air duct 51, so that the desired fresh air volume is supplied to the interior space 12. Corresponding to the supplied fresh air volume, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 controls the fan 45 to extract the corresponding exhaust air volume from the interior space 12 via the exhaust air duct 40. The exhaust air discharged from the retention zone 10 via the exhaust air duct 82' is not taken into account by this control, as it is recirculated to zones 7 and 11 and thus returns to the interior space 12.

[0064] Fig. Figure 6 shows a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1 in a schematic representation according to a fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, exhaust air ducts 82', 82" are provided. In contrast to the one shown based on the Fig. In the fourth embodiment described in Figure 5, an additional exhaust air duct 82" is provided alongside the exhaust air duct 82'. This also changes the design of the exhaust air duct 82'. In the embodiment described in Figure 5, the exhaust air duct 82' is provided in a further embodiment. Fig. In the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 6, a suction area 83' is located in the area of ​​the holding zone 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the airlock zone 11 is arranged next to the holding zone 10. The exhaust air duct 82' carries the exhaust air from the holding zone 10 into the airlock zone 11, which is located next to the holding zone 10. The exhaust air is then directed to the nozzle 60 at the second outlet point 54'. A fan 86' and a throttle valve 105 are arranged in the exhaust air duct 82'. Viewed in the direction of flow, the fan 86' is located upstream of the throttle valve 105. In this embodiment, the fan 86' is not frequency-controlled. The throttle valve 105 is fixed and can be adjusted, if necessary, by an operator or by means of an electric actuator.

[0065] The exhaust duct 82" has a suction section 83" located within the first heating zone 8. Viewed in the direction of airflow 6, the airlock zone 7 is situated directly upstream of the first heating zone 8. The exhaust duct 82" leads from the first heating zone 8 into the airlock zone 7, which is located next to the first heating zone 8. This allows a certain volume of exhaust air from the first heating zone 8 to be directed into the airlock zone 7. A fan 86" and a throttle valve 104 are arranged in the exhaust duct 82". Viewed in the direction of airflow, the throttle valve 104 is located downstream of the fan 86. The fan 86 is not necessarily frequency-controlled.

[0066] The throttle valve 104 can be permanently set by an operator. Predetermined, constant exhaust air volumes, serving as recirculated air volumes, can be routed via the exhaust air ducts 82' and 82" respectively. The exhaust air volume routed via exhaust air duct 82' is drawn from holding zone 10. Furthermore, the exhaust air volume routed via exhaust air duct 82" is drawn from the first heating zone 8. The extracted exhaust air volumes are then routed back into the interior 12 via the airlock zones 7 and 11.

[0067] In this embodiment, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 regulates the volume of exhaust air ultimately extracted from the interior 12 via the exhaust air duct 40 by means of a fan 45 with an adjustable flow rate. Furthermore, this exhaust air volume is replaced by a corresponding volume of fresh air. For this purpose, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 preferably adjusts the rotational speed or the cross-sectional area of ​​the fan 57 according to the system requirements. With multiple fans connected in parallel, these can be individually switched on or off in stages, according to the requirements.

[0068] Fig. Figure 7 shows the lock zone 7 of a drying and / or hardening plant 1 according to another possible configuration, which is particularly relevant in the case of the Fig. 5 described fourth embodiment and the one based on the Fig. The fifth embodiment described in section 6 can be provided. Fresh air is supplied to the airlock zone 7 via the first outlet 53 of the fresh air duct 51. Exhaust air is also supplied to the airlock zone 7 via the first outlet 53 of part 101 of the exhaust duct 82' or exhaust duct 82". The fresh air from outlet 53 enters a filter 96, and the exhaust air from outlet 53' enters a further filter 69'. In this embodiment, the anteroom 95 is divided into two parts. One part 95' is provided for the passage of fresh air from outlet 53. One part 95" of the anteroom 95 is provided for the exhaust air from outlet 53. The two sections 95', 95" of the anteroom 95 are separated from each other by a fixed partition 107. The partition 107 separates the fresh air flowing through the anteroom 95 from the exhaust air flowing through the anteroom 95.This ensures that the fresh air and exhaust air are directed separately to the nozzle 59. The fresh air from part 95' of the anteroom 95 is directed into the outer part 59' of the nozzle 59, while the exhaust air is directed into the inner part 59" of the nozzle 59. The nozzle 59 is designed such that two parallel airflows are generated in the interior 12. This is shown in the... Fig. Figure 7 illustrates this with separation planes 106' and 106". Here, separation plane 106, which is assigned to the fresh air, is located closer to the outer end 61 of the airlock zone 7 than separation plane 106", which is assigned to the exhaust air. Viewed from the outer end 61, the outer part 59' is positioned upstream of the inner part 59" of the nozzle 59. Thus, the cold, drawn-in air from the hall is heated by the fresh air curtain in the area of ​​separation plane 106' before it comes into contact with the air in the airlock. In this way, for example, condensation can be prevented.

[0069] In this process, the flow 99 is also deflected by the exhaust air flow from nozzle 59 as well as the fresh air flow from nozzle 59, as illustrated by arrows 100.

[0070] In this embodiment as well, one or more slot nozzles can be movably mounted on one side (e.g., using a slotted guide). This allows the commissioning personnel to adjust and then fix the slot width. This, in turn, allows the nozzle exit velocity to be set. Furthermore, several nozzles connected in parallel can be arranged next to each other, with or without a significant gap.

[0071] Fig. Figure 8 shows a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1 in a schematic representation according to an eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, the exhaust air duct 82' is provided, which directs the exhaust air from the holding zone 11, serving as recirculated air at its suction side 83', via the parts 101, 102 of the exhaust air duct 82' to the nozzles 59, 60 of the airlock zones 7, 11. However, in contrast to the one shown based on the Fig. In the embodiment described in Figure 5, a control device 87' is provided for the fan 86'. The fan 86' is designed as a frequency-controlled fan. The control device 87' serves as an interface for the (frequency) controlled fan 86'. The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can control the fan 86' via the control device 87'. Thus, the exhaust air, which serves as recirculated air and is directed from the holding zone 10 into the airlock zones 7 and 11 via the exhaust air duct 82', can have its exhaust air volume varied by the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50. This can, for example, reduce an increased concentration of solvents occurring in the holding zone 10 by increasing the redistribution within the interior 12. This, in turn, reduces the exhaust air volume discharged via the exhaust air duct 40 and thus the fresh air supplied via the fresh air duct 51.This allows for energy savings.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, actuators 108, 109 are provided for the nozzles 59, 60. The design of the actuators 108, 109 for the nozzles 59, 60 is shown in the Fig. 10 described in further detail.

[0073] Fig. Figure 9 shows a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1 in a schematic representation according to a seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the exhaust air duct 82" is provided, which directs exhaust air from the first heating zone 8 into the airlock zone 7. Furthermore, the exhaust air duct 82 is provided, which directs exhaust air from the holding zone 10 into the airlock zone 11. In contrast to the one shown based on the Fig. In the fifth embodiment described in Figure 6, a control device 87 is provided for the fan 86. The fan 86 is designed, in particular, as a frequency-controlled fan 86. Furthermore, a control unit 87' is provided for the fan 86'. The fan 86' is also designed, in particular, as a frequency-controlled fan 86'. In modified embodiments, the volume flow rates of the fans 86, 86' are remotely adjustable electromechanically by means of guide / pass grilles or flaps.

[0074] The fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can control the fan 86 located in the exhaust air duct 82" via the control unit 87. Furthermore, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can control the fan 86' located in the exhaust air duct 82" via the control unit 87'. This allows the exhaust air volume, which is routed as recirculated air from the first heating zone 8 into the airlock zone 7, to be adjusted as needed. Additionally, the exhaust air, which is routed as recirculated air from the holding zone 10 into the airlock zone 11, can be adjusted as required. Furthermore, the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 can actuate the actuators 108, 109, as will be shown in more detail below. Fig. 10 is described.

[0075] Fig. Figure 10 shows a lock zone 7 of a drying and / or hardening plant 1 according to a further possible embodiment, which is particularly evident in the case of the Fig. 8 described sixth embodiment and based on the Fig. The seventh embodiment described in section 9 can be provided. In this embodiment, the partition 107 is connected to the actuator 108. The actuator 108 can adjust the partition 107, as illustrated by the double arrow 115. The partition 107 can, for example, be designed as a divider plate 107. In the case of the Fig. In the described embodiment of the lock zone 7, the partition 107 is preferably arranged such that the outer part 59' and the inner part 59" of the nozzle 59 have at least approximately the same slot nozzle widths. Preferably, one side of each nozzle is movable (e.g., by means of a slotted guide). This allows the commissioning personnel to adjust and then fix the slot width. This, in turn, allows the nozzle exit velocity of both nozzles to be adjusted.

[0076] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the partition 107 can be adjusted manually or automatically, so that, starting from a basic position during operation of the system, the slot nozzle widths of the outer part 59' and the inner part 59" of the nozzle 59 can be varied. The actuator 108 can be controlled by the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50, as shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 illustrates this. Accordingly, the actuator 109 can also be controlled by the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50 to vary the slot nozzle widths of the outer part 60' and the inner part 60" of the nozzle 60 in the airlock zone 11. This allows for adaptation to different volumes of fresh air and / or exhaust air being directed into the airlock zones 7 and 11. Thus, a constant nozzle velocity can be achieved even with varying volumes of fresh air or exhaust air.

[0077] Fig. Figure 11 shows a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1 in a schematic representation according to an eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, the fan arranged in the exhaust air duct 82' generates a constant recirculated airflow. Thus, a constant quantity of exhaust air is directed into the airlock zones 7, 11 via the exhaust air duct 82'. In contrast to the one shown based on the Fig. In the fourth embodiment described in section 5, nozzle 59 is arranged in the airlock zone 7. In this embodiment, it serves only for the exhaust air flowing through the first outlet 53' of part 101 of the exhaust duct 82'. Similarly, nozzle 60 in airlock zone 11 serves only for the exhaust air flowing through part 102 of the exhaust duct 82'. Separate fresh air inlet areas 116 and 117 are provided for the fresh air flowing into airlock zones 7 and 11 via the fresh air duct 51 at outlets 53 and 54. These inlet areas are oriented downwards and create a fresh air curtain. The quantities of fresh air directed into the airlock zones 7, 11 via the fresh air inlet areas 116, 117 preferably create vertically extended fresh air curtains to seal the interior 12 at the outer ends 61, 62 of the airlock zones 7, 11 against the cold hall air.Such fresh air inlet areas can be specifically designed as follows: nozzles, for example slot nozzles, round nozzles, high-pressure nozzles, nozzles with variable cross-section for variable velocity. In addition, air outlets, for example comprising filters or louvers, can be used and arranged at various positions distributed across the entire clear cross-section of the airlock. This prevents condensation in the airlock zones 7, 11. In a modified embodiment, the nozzles 59, 60 are directed obliquely into the interior to restrict a flow 99.

[0078] Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1, corresponding to a ninth embodiment. In this embodiment, the exhaust air duct 82' is provided between the first heating zone 8 and the airlock zone 7. This allows exhaust air from the first heating zone 8 to be directed into the airlock zone 7. The exhaust air volume serves as recirculated air. The exhaust air volume is constant, although it can be adjusted by an operator via the throttle 104. Similarly, the exhaust air duct 82' serves to direct a certain amount of exhaust air from the holding zone 10 into the airlock zone 11. The exhaust air flows from the exhaust air duct 82' through the nozzle 59 into the interior 12 of the airlock zone 7. Furthermore, the exhaust air flows from the exhaust air duct 82' through the nozzle 60 into the interior 12 of the airlock zone 11.

[0079] Separate fresh air inlet areas 116 and 117 are provided for the supplied fresh air, the quantity of which can be controlled by the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50. These separate fresh air inlet areas 116 and 117 create vertically oriented fresh air curtains. Various nozzles, such as slot nozzles, round nozzles, high-pressure nozzles, and nozzles with variable cross-sections for variable velocity, or air outlets, such as filters or louvers, can be used and distributed at various positions across the entire clear cross-section of the airlock.

[0080] Fig. Figure 13 shows a lock zone 7 of a drying and / or hardening plant 1 according to a possible further embodiment, which is particularly evident in the case of the Fig. The eighth embodiment described in 11, or in the case of the one based on the Fig. In the ninth embodiment of the paint shop 2 described in Figure 12, the drying and / or curing system 1 can be provided. Zone 7 has elements 94 in the area of ​​its ceiling 93, which separate the anteroom 95 from the interior 12. In this embodiment, only the exhaust air is routed through the anteroom 95. Fresh air is routed via a separate anteroom 95'. In this embodiment, the nozzle 116 is designed in the form of a baffle, which may have one or more baffle openings separated from each other by struts or the like. In this embodiment, the nozzle 116 also includes one or more openings 116' on a side wall of Zone 7. Corresponding openings, opposite the openings 116' of the nozzle 116, are provided on the other side wall of Zone 7. Thus, fresh air flows through the nozzle 116 both from top to bottom and from both sides to the interior.A fresh air curtain is created by the fresh air inlet area 116, 116'. This fresh air curtain raises the temperature of the cold hall air before it comes into contact with the air circulating in the airlock. This allows air outlets, such as filters and louvers, to be installed across the entire clear cross-section of the airlock.

[0081] Openings 118, 119 corresponding to openings 116, 116' (fresh air intake areas) can thus be used in the following ways: Fig. 11 and Fig. These fresh air inlet areas 118, 119 are provided in the embodiments described in section 12. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 illustrated as hatched areas.

[0082] The exhaust air, routed via the anteroom 95, flows through the nozzle 59, which is directed obliquely into the interior 12. The exhaust air thus deflects the flow 99, as illustrated by arrows 100. Fig. Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of a tenth embodiment of a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1. In this embodiment, an exhaust air duct 82' is provided, which is assigned to the holding zone 10. Exhaust air from the holding zone 10 can be discharged via the exhaust air duct 82'. The suction side 83' of the exhaust air duct 82' is located in the holding zone 10. The fan 86' is arranged in the exhaust air duct 82'. The fan 86' can be adjusted by an operator, if necessary, to generate a specific, constant exhaust air volume flow.

[0083] In this embodiment, the exhaust air volume flow generated by the fan 86' is divided downstream of the fan 86' into sections 101 and 102 of the exhaust duct 82'. Section 101 of the exhaust duct 82' leads to the airlock zone 7, while section 102 leads to the airlock zone 11. An operator or an auxiliary actuator can adjust the throttle valves 104 and 105 as needed. By adjusting the throttle valves 104 and 105, as well as the fan 86', a specific exhaust air volume for airlock zone 7 and a specific exhaust air volume for airlock zone 11 can be set within certain limits. The exhaust air volume for airlock zone 7 can be set to be less than, equal to, or greater than the exhaust air volume for airlock zone 11, as required.

[0084] Fresh air is also drawn in via the fresh air inlet 52, and a fresh air volume flow is generated through the fresh air duct 51 by means of the fan 57. An operator or a system control unit can adjust the fan 57 to generate the desired fresh air volume flow through the fresh air duct 51. Furthermore, the operator can adjust the dampers 55, 56, which are assigned to the airlock zones 7 and 11, respectively. By adjusting the fan 57 and the dampers 55, 56, a fresh air volume for airlock zone 7 and a fresh air volume for airlock zone 11 can be specified. The fresh air volumes for airlock zones 7 and 11 can be set to be the same or different, depending on the desired operating condition.

[0085] During the Fig. The drying and / or curing system 1 of the tenth embodiment shown in Figure 14 can therefore also be operated without a fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50, such as those found, for example, in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the fresh air supply can be supplemented by an exhaust air supply. This reduces the required fresh air supply, resulting in energy savings. In this embodiment, the exhaust air is drawn from the holding zone 10. This corresponds to a situation also seen, for example, in the Fig. 5 is described. However, other configurations are also possible. For example, a configuration is also possible as described in the Fig. 6 is described. The exhaust air volume for the airlock zone 7 can be taken from the first heating zone 8. And the exhaust air volume for the airlock zone 11 can be taken from the holding zone 10. Furthermore, it is possible that a calculation based on the Fig. Variant 2 described is implemented accordingly, in which the fresh air and exhaust air are mixed in duct 85. The fan 86, which is located in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the throttle valve 88 can also be individually adjusted by an operator or an auxiliary actuator. Furthermore, the throttle valve 88 can also be adjusted by an operator or an auxiliary actuator. Thus, even in this variant without a fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50, energy savings can be achieved by mixing a certain amount of exhaust air with the fresh air. This reduces the required amount of fresh air.

[0086] Furthermore, different lock concepts can be implemented in lock zones 7 and 11. For example, lock 7 can be configured according to the specifications based on the Fig. It should be designed as described in the embodiment 7.

[0087] In a design of the in the Fig. 14 shown lock zone 7 according to the one based on the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the fresh air nozzle area formed by the outer part 59' can be positioned upstream of the dryer exhaust nozzle area formed by the inner part 59". This means that the cold hall air drawn in at the outer end 61 of the airlock zone 7 is first brought up to temperature by the fresh air curtain before it comes into contact with the air recirculated within the airlock.

[0088] The nozzle 59 can be designed in various ways. For example, the nozzle 59 can be a slot nozzle, a round nozzle, a high-pressure nozzle, a nozzle with a variable cross-section for variable velocity, or the like. It is also possible for the nozzle 59 to be divided into several sub-nozzles distributed at different positions across the entire clear cross-section of the airlock. This allows the fresh air to be used to effectively counteract condensation.

[0089] Advantageously, the inner part 59" of the nozzle 59, which serves as a dryer exhaust nozzle or dryer recirculation nozzle, is located downstream of the outer part 59' of the nozzle 59, which serves as a fresh air nozzle. The inner part 59" of the nozzle 59 generates an air curtain directed into the inner part 98, counteracting the thermal pressure of the warm system atmosphere. The inner part 98 represents the system interior and thus the usable space. The nozzle 59 can be designed in various ways, for example, as a slot nozzle, round nozzle, high-pressure nozzle, a nozzle with a variable cross-section for variable velocity, or the like. Furthermore, different air outlets can be used, which can be arranged at various positions across the entire clear cross-section of the airlock. Filters or louvers, among other things, can serve as air outlets.Thus, the tightness of the lock zone 11, which serves as a lock, can be ensured by means of the dryer exhaust air or dryer recirculation air.

[0090] The separate nozzle sections for fresh air and dryer exhaust / recirculation air make it possible to separate certain functions of an airlock, namely airtightness and condensation prevention. This functional separation allows for a significant reduction in the fresh air volume compared to other airlock designs that operate with pure fresh air. The fresh air volume is a particularly important parameter for the energy consumption of system 1.

[0091] Based on the in Fig. In the tenth embodiment described in Figure 14, the fresh air on the cold side is adjusted by means of the fan 57. The recirculated air volume flow is determined by the fan 86', with the throttle valves 104, 105 being used to divide it between the airlock zones 7, 11. A possible extraction point for the recirculated air from the interior (usable space) 12 of the drying and / or curing system 1 is located at the beginning of the holding zone 10. This is shown in the Fig. 14 illustrated by the arrangement of the suction side 83' at the holding zone 10.

[0092] Fig. Figure 15 shows a schematic representation of a painting system 2 with a drying and / or curing system 1, corresponding to an eleventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the exhaust air for the airlock zone 7 is taken from the first heating zone 8. The exhaust air for the airlock zone 11 is taken from the holding zone 10. Exhaust air ducts 82' and 82" are provided to direct the respective exhaust air to the airlock zones 7 and 11.

[0093] In this embodiment, an operator adjusts the fan 86 and the throttle valve 104 to determine the exhaust air volume for airlock zone 7. The operator also adjusts the fan 86' and the throttle valve 105 to determine the exhaust air volume for airlock zone 11. The respective fresh air volume for airlock zones 7 and 11 can be adjusted by the operator via the fan 57 and the throttle valves 55 and 56. Thus, the fresh air volume for airlock zone 7 can be determined separately, and the fresh air volume for airlock zone 11 can also be determined separately. A fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control 50, such as that used, for example, in the [reference to the] Fig. The exemplary embodiment described in section 6 is used; it may be unnecessary to do so.

[0094] Thus, fresh air can be supplemented by exhaust air, reducing the required amount of fresh air. This enables significant energy savings. An advantageous airlock concept can therefore be implemented independently of fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control. This is particularly evident from the Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 described. However, a fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control or regulation can be advantageously combined with such an airlock concept.

[0095] The exemplary embodiments of the paint shop 2 with the drying and / or curing system 1 thus offer several advantages. Energy savings can be achieved through optimized, demand-based fresh air and exhaust air volumes. Furthermore, an optimized air balance with regard to exhaust air, fresh air, and air circulation in the airlocks can be achieved with respect to condensation formation in the airlock zones 7 and 11. Additionally, drift behavior of the drying and / or curing system 1, particularly towards overheating, can be avoided during partial load and idle operation.

[0096] This allows for flexible adaptation to different operating conditions, particularly the number, size, and material of the workpieces 4 to be dried, and optimal use of the heat energy supplied by the thermal exhaust air purification via the gas burner. This avoids the problem of temperature drift in the system's usable space 12, where the temperature rises above the setpoint, when the heat energy input from the thermal exhaust air purification system of the pure gas-heated drying and / or curing system 1 is set to a constant level. For example, during periods of inactivity or partial load operation, the energy input to the drying and / or curing system 1 can be reduced, and the output of the gas burner 20 can be throttled if necessary.

[0097] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different embodiments can be combined and / or interchanged.

Claims

[1] Drying and / or curing system (1), in particular for drying and / or curing painted and / or bonded workpieces (4), with at least one zone (7 - 11) through which the workpieces (4) can be moved, and with a fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity control (50) which serves to control a quantity of fresh air that can be introduced into the zone (7, 11) and / or a quantity of exhaust air that can be discharged from the zone (8, 10), wherein the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity control (50) varies the quantity of fresh air and / or exhaust air depending on an instantaneous number of workpieces (4) supplied in a time interval, characterized by , that The amount of fresh and exhaust air is controlled depending on a determined dew point in such a way as to prevent the formation of condensate. and / or that the amount of fresh and exhaust air is controlled depending on the total heat capacity in such a way as to prevent the formation of condensate. and / or that the amount of fresh and exhaust air is controlled depending on the total amount of carbon in such a way as to prevent the formation of condensate. [2] Drying and / or hardening plant, in particular according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one fan unit (45, 57, 86) is provided with a variable delivery volume flow rate which is assigned to a zone (7-11), and that the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control (50) controls the fan unit (45, 57, 86) in order to control the amount of fresh air that can be introduced into zone (7, 11) and / or the amount of exhaust air that can be discharged from zone (8, 10). [3] Drying and / or hardening plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control (50) adjusts the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume so that the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume is sufficient to prevent condensation in zone (7 - 11). [4] Drying and / or hardening plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity control (50) adjusts the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity depending on an instantaneous humidity in at least one zone (7 - 11), in particular in a zone designed as an airlock zone (7, 11). [5] Drying and / or hardening plant according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity control (50) sets the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity in a zone designed as an airlock zone (7, 11) or as a holding zone (10). [6] Drying and / or hardening plant according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity control (50) adjusts the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity depending on the energy consumption of a heating device (15 - 19), in particular the gas consumption of a gas burner (20) of the heating device (15 - 19), and / or depending on the position of a gas control damper for the gas burner (20) of the heating device (15 - 19). [7] Drying and / or hardening plant according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a zone (7, 11) is designed as a lock zone (7, 11) and that at least one nozzle (59, 60, 116, 117) is provided at an outer end (61, 62) of the lock zone (7, 11) through which a quantity of fresh air can be introduced into the lock zone (7, 11). [8] Drying and / or hardening plant according to claim 7, characterized by, that the nozzle (59, 60) is directed into an interior of the lock zone (7, 11) and / or that the nozzle (116, 117) forms a fresh air curtain at the outer end (61, 62) of the lock zone (7, 11). [9] Drying and / or hardening plant according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that a further zone, in particular a holding zone (10), is provided, and that the fresh air and / or exhaust air quantity control (50) controls the quantity of fresh air that can be introduced into the lock zone (7, 11) and the quantity of exhaust air that can be discharged from the further zone (10). [10] Drying and / or hardening plant according to claim 9, characterized by , that at least part of the exhaust air volume that can be discharged from the further zone (10) can be introduced into the lock zone (7, 11) together with the fresh air volume that can be introduced into the lock zone (7, 11) and that the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control (50) controls at least indirectly the part of the exhaust air volume that can be introduced into the lock zone (7, 11). [11] Drying and / or hardening plant according to claim 10, characterized by , that a further part of the exhaust air volume that can be discharged from zone (10) can be introduced into the further lock zone (10, 11) together with a fresh air volume that can be introduced into a further lock zone (10, 11) and that the fresh air and / or exhaust air volume control (50) controls at least indirectly the further part of the exhaust air volume that can be introduced into the further lock zone (7, 11). [12] Drying and / or hardening plant according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by, that the portion of the exhaust air quantity that can be discharged from the further zone (10) can be mixed with the fresh air quantity that can be introduced into the lock zone (7, 11) before being introduced into the lock zone (7, 11), and / or that the fresh air quantity and the exhaust air quantity that can be introduced into the lock zone (10, 11) can be directed separately to the lock zone (7, 11) and that a slot nozzle (59, 60) is provided through which the fresh air quantity and the exhaust air quantity can be introduced into the lock zone (10, 11). [13] Drying and / or hardening plant (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by , that at least one nozzle (59, 60, 116, 117) can introduce a quantity of fresh air and a quantity of exhaust air into the lock zone (7, 11). [14] Drying and / or hardening plant according to claim 13, characterized by, that the exhaust air quantity can be mixed with the fresh air quantity that can be introduced into the airlock zone before being introduced into the airlock zone (7, 11) and / or that the fresh air quantity and the exhaust air quantity that can be introduced into the airlock zone (7, 11) can be directed separately to the airlock zone (7, 11) and / or that a slot nozzle (59, 60) is provided through which the fresh air quantity and the exhaust air quantity can be introduced into the airlock zone (10, 11) and / or that the fresh air is supplied to prevent condensation and that a tightness is ensured by the additional exhaust air serving as recirculated air. [15] Painting system (2) comprising a drying and / or curing system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images