Treatment installation and method for treating workpieces

Abstract

In order to obtain a treatment installation for treating workpieces, which is of simple construction and allows an optimized treatment of workpieces, it is proposed that the treatment installation comprises a treatment chamber and a conveying device, by which the workpieces can be fed to the treatment chamber, can be discharged from the treatment chamber and / or can be conveyed in a conveying direction through the treatment chamber.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment system and a method for treating workpieces. In particular, the treatment system is used for drying coated vehicle bodies. The method for treating workpieces is therefore, in particular, a method for drying coated vehicle bodies.

[0002] Treatment facilities and treatment processes are known in particular from EP 1 998 129 B1, US 2006 / 0068094 A1, EP 1 302 737 A2, DE 199 41 184 A1, WO 2004 / 010066 A1, US 2012 / 0015102 A1 and WO 02 / 073109 A1.

[0003] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a treatment system which is simple in design and enables optimized workpiece treatment.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by a treatment system according to claim 1.

[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, the workpieces can be picked up by the conveying device and conveyed at least section by section through the treatment chamber such that a longitudinal direction of the workpieces is aligned at least approximately horizontally and / or transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction. A vertical axis of the workpiece, which is aligned at least approximately vertically in the finished state of the workpiece, is preferably aligned at least approximately vertically or at least approximately horizontally during the conveying of the workpiece through the treatment chamber.

[0006] In particular, it may be provided that the workpieces can be picked up by means of the conveying device and conveyed at least section by section through the treatment room in such a way that a longitudinal direction of the workpieces is at least approximately horizontally aligned and / or includes an angle of at least approximately 90° with the conveying direction.

[0007] For example, the workpieces are arranged in a plane that is at least approximately horizontal, rotated at least approximately 90° around an axis that is at least approximately vertical, for conveying purposes.

[0008] In this description and the attached claims, the terms "at least approximately" and "approximately" are preferably to be understood as a deviation of at most + / - 20%, for example at most + / - 10%, and in particular at most + / - 5%, from the specified value.

[0009] It can be advantageous if the treatment system includes at least one inlet opening for supplying gas to the treatment chamber and at least one outlet opening for removing gas from the treatment chamber, which are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the workpiece.

[0010] At least one inlet opening and / or at least one outlet opening can, for example, be arranged and / or formed in a wall that borders the treatment room.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that at least one inlet opening and / or at least one outlet opening is formed by an end section of a flow guide leading into the treatment chamber. Such a flow guide may, for example, comprise one or more flow guide elements or flow control elements and / or a guide channel.It is particularly important that a flow guidance area forming at least one inlet opening and / or at least one outlet opening serves to deliver at least a large part of the supplied gas flow into the treatment chamber and / or to discharge at least a large part of the gas flow to be discharged from the treatment chamber, in particular regardless of whether the gas flow is guided section by section within an inner contour of the housing surrounding the treatment chamber and / or within the treatment chamber before its supply to the treatment chamber and / or after its discharge from the treatment chamber.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one inlet opening on the one hand and the at least one outlet opening on the other hand are arranged on different sides of a vertical workpiece transverse center plane.

[0013] A vertical workpiece transverse median plane is, in particular, a plane which is oriented perpendicular to a workpiece longitudinal direction and passes through a center point and / or center of gravity of the workpiece which is central with respect to a workpiece longitudinal direction.

[0014] It can be advantageous if all inlet openings on the one hand and all outlet openings on the other are arranged on opposite sides of a vertical transverse plane of the workpiece. In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening are arranged at a distance from each other which is at least approximately 60%, in particular at least approximately 80%, for example at least approximately 100%, of the total length of the workpiece measured along a longitudinal direction.

[0015] It can be advantageous if the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening are arranged offset with respect to the conveying direction.

[0016] The at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening are preferably assigned to a holding position of a workpiece, in which the workpiece remains at least temporarily. By offsetting the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening with respect to the conveying direction, a gas flow with a vector component along the conveying direction can preferably be achieved. In particular, it can be provided that a workpiece in the holding position is subjected to a gas flow along the conveying direction.

[0017] The treatment system may include at least one inlet opening for supplying gas to the treatment room and at least one outlet opening for removing gas from the treatment room, wherein the at least one inlet opening on the one hand and the at least one outlet opening on the other hand are arranged on different sides of the treatment room with respect to a vertical longitudinal median plane of the treatment room.

[0018] The vertical longitudinal median plane is preferably a plane arranged centrally with respect to a maximum or average horizontal transverse extent of the treatment space.

[0019] The vertical longitudinal median plane runs particularly parallel to the conveying direction.

[0020] The transverse extension is, in particular, an extension in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0021] It can be advantageous if the treatment system includes one or more inlet openings for supplying gas to the treatment room and / or one or more outlet openings for removing gas from the treatment room.

[0022] Preferably, one or more, in particular all, inlet openings are arranged in one of two half-spaces of the treatment room divided by a vertical, horizontal or longitudinal median plane running obliquely to it.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that one or more, in particular all, outlet openings are arranged in one of the two half-spaces of the treatment room divided by the vertical, horizontal or oblique longitudinal median plane.

[0024] In particular, it may be provided that one or more, in particular all, inlet openings are arranged in a first half-space and one or more, in particular all, outlet openings are arranged in a further, in particular second, of the two half-spaces.

[0025] By arranging the inlet openings and / or outlet openings in preferably only one of two half-spaces of the treatment chamber, a one-sided gas supply and / or a one-sided gas discharge can be achieved in particular.

[0026] The treatment system preferably comprises several inlet openings for supplying gas to the treatment chamber and several outlet openings for removing gas from the treatment chamber, wherein the inlet openings on the one hand and the outlet openings on the other hand are preferably arranged at least approximately opposite each other with respect to a diagonal plane, wherein the diagonal plane extends parallel to the conveying direction and substantially diagonally through the treatment chamber.

[0027] Preferably, the diagonal plane forms an angle of at least approximately 40°, for example approximately 45°, and / or at most approximately 50° with the direction of gravity.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the treatment system may include several inlet openings for supplying gas to the treatment chamber and several outlet openings for removing gas from the treatment chamber, wherein the inlet openings and the outlet openings are arranged such that the treatment chamber can be permeated with gas transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction and / or at least approximately diagonally.

[0029] The treatment system preferably includes at least one recirculating air module.

[0030] In particular, several recirculating air modules can be provided for the treatment system.

[0031] A recirculation module, in particular each recirculation module, preferably comprises the following: a gas supply for supplying gas to the treatment chamber; and / or a gas outlet for removing gas from the treatment chamber; and / or a blower device for driving a recirculating gas stream; and / or a separator device for separating impurities from the recirculating gas stream; and / or a distribution device for distributing the recirculating gas stream to be supplied to the treatment chamber to several inlet openings of the gas supply; and / or a collecting device by means of which the recirculating gas stream discharged from the treatment chamber through several outlet openings of the gas outlet can be combined.

[0032] Preferably, the treatment system comprises several recirculating air modules arranged successively along the conveying direction.

[0033] Each recirculating air module preferably forms a section, in particular a complete section, of the treatment system.

[0034] In particular, a recirculation module includes a recirculation unit which can be docked to a housing surrounding the treatment room.

[0035] A recirculation module includes, in particular, a section of the housing surrounding the treatment room and a recirculation unit.

[0036] In this description and the accompanying claims, the term "recirculated air" is not necessarily limited to the gas "air". Rather, the term "recirculated air" preferably refers to a gas circulated in a loop, which is in particular repeatedly processed and / or reused. Preferably, no connecting channels are provided between the recirculated air unit and the housing surrounding the treatment chamber. Instead, the recirculated air unit and the housing surrounding the treatment chamber preferably have a common wall.

[0037] A gas flow can preferably be directed from the recirculating air unit into the treatment room through an opening or recess in the common wall.

[0038] The gas supply or exhaust can be part of the recirculating air unit or of the housing surrounding the treatment chamber. Depending on this, the opening in the common wall is suitable for supplying gas to the gas supply or for supplying gas to the treatment chamber.

[0039] The treatment system includes at least one rinsing module.

[0040] In particular, the treatment system may include multiple rinsing modules.

[0041] A flushing module, in particular each flushing module, preferably comprises the following: a gas supply for supplying gas to the treatment chamber; and / or a gas outlet for removing gas from the treatment chamber; and / or a blower device for driving a purge gas stream; and / or a separator device for separating impurities from the purge gas stream; and / or a distribution device for distributing the purge gas stream to be supplied to the treatment chamber to several inlet openings of the gas supply; and / or a collecting device by means of which the purge gas stream discharged from the treatment chamber through several outlet openings of the gas outlet can be combined.

[0042] Preferably, the treatment system comprises several rinsing modules arranged successively along the conveying direction.

[0043] Each rinsing module preferably forms a section, in particular a complete section, of the treatment system.

[0044] In particular, a rinsing module includes a rinsing gas unit which can be docked to a housing surrounding the treatment room.

[0045] A rinsing module includes, in particular, a section of the housing surrounding the treatment chamber and a rinsing gas unit.

[0046] Preferably, no connecting channels are provided between the purge gas unit and the housing surrounding the treatment chamber. Instead, the purge gas unit and the housing surrounding the treatment chamber preferably have a common wall.

[0047] A gas flow can preferably be directed from the purge gas unit into the treatment chamber through an opening or recess in the common wall.

[0048] The gas supply or gas discharge can be part of the purge gas unit or of the housing surrounding the treatment chamber. Depending on this, the opening in the common wall is suitable for supplying gas to the gas supply or for supplying gas to the treatment chamber.

[0049] One or more recirculation modules or all recirculation modules of the treatment system and / or one or more rinsing modules or all rinsing modules of the treatment system may have one or more or all of the features and / or advantages generally described in connection with a module.

[0050] One or more modules or all modules of the treatment system preferably each comprise one or more transport units or are each formed from one or more transport units.

[0051] A transport unit is, in particular, a transportable unit that can be transported as a whole and / or without further subdivision or disassembly into its constituent parts from one place to another. For example, a transport unit as a whole can be transported by a truck designed to hold standard containers, ISO containers, or shipping containers.

[0052] For example, it may be provided that one or more modules, or all modules, each comprise several transport units, for example three transport units, which together form or surround a treatment chamber section of the module. Additionally, each module or each of these transport units is preferably assigned a unit, in particular a recirculating air unit and / or a purge gas unit.

[0053] It may be provided that only one transport unit of a module is assigned a unit, in particular a recirculating air unit and / or a purge gas unit.

[0054] In particular, it may be the case that of three transport units of a module, which together form or surround a treatment chamber section of the module, only one transport unit, for example a centrally located transport unit, is assigned a unit, in particular a recirculating air unit and / or a purge gas unit. In this case, for example, only in this transport unit can one or more ring gas flows be generated.

[0055] A unit, in particular a recirculating air unit and / or a purge gas unit, preferably forms a further transport unit of the module.

[0056] It can be advantageous if the longitudinal extent of a unit, in particular a recirculating air unit and / or a purge gas unit, along the conveying direction corresponds at least approximately to the longitudinal extent of a transport unit along the conveying direction.

[0057] It can be advantageous if exactly one or more ring gas flows can be generated or are generated in one or more transport units or all transport units that form or surround a treatment room section of the module.

[0058] It can be advantageous if one or more, in particular all, transport units are each assigned exactly one processing cycle and / or exactly one processing position (workpiece location) for processing a workpiece. Within this one or these several, in particular all, transport units, there is then preferably only a single holding position in which the workpieces are stopped one after the other to carry out a processing operation.

[0059] However, it can also be provided that one or more, in particular all, transport units are each assigned several processing cycles and / or several processing positions (workpiece locations) for processing workpieces. Within this one or these several, in particular all, transport units, there are then preferably several holding positions in which the workpieces are stopped one after the other to carry out one or more processing operations.

[0060] The distribution device is preferably separated from the treatment room by means of a partition wall.

[0061] Preferably, the distribution device is arranged and / or designed entirely on one side of the treatment room.

[0062] The partition wall forms, or is in particular a side wall of the treatment room or a section of a side wall of the treatment room.

[0063] One or more inlet openings, optionally all inlet openings, are preferably formed in the partition wall.

[0064] The partition is preferably arranged inside the housing that surrounds the treatment chamber. The distribution device is then preferably part of the housing that surrounds the treatment chamber.

[0065] However, it may also be provided that the partition wall is, in particular, a common wall between the recirculating air unit or purge gas unit on the one hand and the housing surrounding the treatment room on the other.

[0066] Alternatively or in addition to at least one inlet opening arranged in a partition wall, it may be provided that at least one inlet opening is arranged in a floor wall of the housing surrounding the treatment room and / or in a ceiling wall of the housing surrounding the treatment room.

[0067] In particular, several of the inlet openings described above may be provided.

[0068] It can be advantageous if the partition wall is designed to follow a workpiece contour, at least in sections, for example, a longitudinal workpiece contour.

[0069] It may be advantageous if the treatment plant is a treatment plant for vehicle bodies and if the partition wall comprises an essentially vertical section running at least approximately parallel to a vehicle front or rear of a vehicle body, an essentially horizontal section running at least approximately parallel to a front hood or rear hood of the vehicle body and / or an inclined section running at least approximately parallel to A-pillars or C-pillars of the vehicle body.

[0070] It can be advantageous if the partition includes several inlet openings in the essentially vertical section running at least approximately parallel to the front or rear of a vehicle body and / or several inlet openings in the sloping section running at least approximately parallel to the A-pillars or C-pillars of the vehicle body.

[0071] The treatment system, in particular the treatment room, is preferably adapted to an outer shape of a vertical longitudinal section of the workpieces, in particular at least approximately complementary to an outer shape of a vertical longitudinal section of the workpieces.

[0072] For example, one or both side walls of the treatment room, such as a partition wall and / or a side wall opposite the partition wall, and / or a ceiling wall and / or a floor wall of the treatment room are adapted to an outer shape of a vertical longitudinal section of the workpieces, in particular at least approximately complementary to an outer shape of a vertical longitudinal section of the workpieces.

[0073] An outer shape of a vertical longitudinal section is, in particular, a maximum outer contour of the workpieces when the workpieces are cut along a vertical longitudinal center plane.

[0074] It can be advantageous if the treatment system includes several rinsing modules and / or several recirculation modules, with each recirculation module preferably forming a heating zone and / or holding zone and / or cooling zone of the treatment room.

[0075] Preferably, the treatment system has several modules arranged successively in the conveying direction, in particular recirculating air modules and / or rinsing modules.

[0076] It can be advantageous if the collecting device includes a collecting channel, preferably located outside the treatment room, into which several outlet openings lead.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the collecting device may include a return channel by means of which the recirculated air gas flow or purge gas flow discharged from the treatment chamber through several outlet openings can be directed to the blower device, the separator device and / or the distribution device.

[0078] Preferably, the treatment system, in particular one or more recirculation modules or each recirculation module of the treatment system, comprises one or more return channels, each of which connects one or more outlet openings, through which a gas flow, in particular a recirculation gas flow and / or a purge gas flow, can be discharged from the treatment room, with one or more inlet openings for supplying the recirculation gas flow and / or a purge gas flow to the treatment room.

[0079] The return channels are preferably independent of each other. For example, one or more recirculation modules, or all recirculation modules, each comprise several independent return channels.

[0080] The return channels preferably run or extend at least approximately along planes oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0081] By means of each return channel and the at least one outlet opening and at least one inlet opening connected to each other by the respective return channel, a ring gas flow is preferably generated within a recirculation module, which preferably extends at least approximately in a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0082] Preferably, several essentially independent and / or parallel annular gas flows are formed in one or more recirculation modules or in all recirculation modules.

[0083] An effective main flow direction of the gas stream passing through the treatment chamber preferably forms an angle of at least approximately 70° with the conveying direction, for example at least approximately 80°, and in particular at least approximately 85°. This preferably minimizes any undesirable longitudinal flow of the gas stream along the conveying direction.

[0084] It can be advantageous if a blower device is assigned to several return channels and / or ring gas flows.

[0085] For example, one or more recirculation modules, or each recirculation module of the treatment system, each comprise a blower device and several return channels and / or ring gas flows associated with this blower device.

[0086] Furthermore, it may be provided that one or more recirculation modules or each recirculation module of the treatment system includes several blower devices and several return channels and / or annular gas flows, with each return channel and / or annular gas flow being assigned a separate blower device.

[0087] One or more blower devices preferably each comprise a rotating impeller, which is in particular a fan element with air vanes.

[0088] One axis of rotation of the impeller is preferably aligned at least approximately parallel or at least approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that one axis of rotation of the impeller is aligned at least approximately horizontally or at least approximately vertically.

[0090] One or more blower devices are designed in particular as radial fans or axial fans.

[0091] A main flow direction of a gas stream, in particular a ring gas stream, in one or more return channels is preferably oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction and / or at least approximately horizontally.

[0092] In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that one or more recirculation modules or each recirculation module of the treatment system comprises one or more inlet openings, one or more outlet openings and / or one or more return channels, wherein the one or more inlet openings, the one or more outlet openings and / or the one or more return channels are arranged together on one side of a diagonal plane dividing the treatment room and / or the treatment system diagonally.

[0093] In particular, it may be provided that the one or more inlet openings, the one or more outlet openings and / or the one or more return channels are arranged together below or above a diagonal plane dividing the treatment room and / or the treatment system diagonally.

[0094] The diagonal plane extends in particular along the conveying direction and / or along a section line or boundary line between a first side wall of the treatment room and a ceiling wall of the treatment room and / or along a section line or boundary line between a second side wall of the treatment room and a floor wall of the treatment room, wherein the side walls are preferably arranged opposite each other with respect to a vertical longitudinal median plane of the treatment room.

[0095] One of the two side walls of the treatment room is preferably formed by a partition wall, which separates a distribution device from the treatment room.

[0096] The intersection line or boundary line between the first side wall of the treatment room and the ceiling wall of the treatment room on the one hand, and the intersection line or boundary line between the second side wall of the treatment room and the floor wall of the treatment room on the other hand, have a horizontal distance from each other which is at least approximately 40%, in particular at least approximately 60%, for example at least approximately 80%, of the total width of the treatment room in a transverse direction taken horizontally and perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0097] It can be advantageous if one or more recirculation modules or each recirculation module of the treatment system includes variably dimensioned and / or differently dimensioned and / or adjustable and / or controllable outlet openings, inlet openings and / or return channels.

[0098] The outlet openings, the inlet openings and / or the return channels are preferably variably dimensioned with respect to a flow cross-section and / or differently dimensioned and / or adjustable and / or controllable.

[0099] It can be advantageous if the direction, velocity and / or volume flow of the gas flow passing through the treatment chamber can be locally controlled or influenced by means of the outlet openings, the inlet openings and / or the return channels, for example for local gas extraction and / or gas supply.

[0100] In particular, it may be provided that an outlet opening arranged under the workpiece has a reduced flow cross-section compared to an associated inlet opening, so that a flow velocity under the workpiece is increased.

[0101] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more outlet openings arranged beneath the workpiece are offset from a bottom wall or side wall of the treatment chamber in the direction of the workpiece. For example, one or more guide channels can be provided which project from the bottom wall or side wall into the treatment chamber and, in particular, enable gas discharge close to the workpiece.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more outlet openings arranged below the workpiece are positioned at least approximately vertically upwards from a bottom wall of the treatment chamber in the direction of the workpiece. For example, one or more guide channels can be provided which project upwards from the bottom wall into the treatment chamber and, in particular, enable gas discharge close to the workpiece.

[0103] One or more openings of the one or more guide channels, arranged away from the bottom wall or side wall, preferably form the one or more outlet openings.

[0104] The treatment system preferably includes a gas supply by means of which a gas flow can be directed into an interior space of a workpiece.

[0105] A flow generally referred to as a "gas flow" can be, in particular, a recirculating gas flow, a purge gas flow, an inert gas flow, etc.

[0106] In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the treatment system comprises at least one gas supply, which includes at least one inlet opening, by means of which a gas flow can be directed at least approximately perpendicular to an entry plane of an inlet opening of a workpiece into an interior space of the workpiece.

[0107] The entry opening is, in particular, an opening in which a front window (windshield) or rear window is arranged in the assembled state of a workpiece designed as a motor vehicle.

[0108] The entry plane is, in particular, a plane in which a boundary of the entry opening extends. In the case of a three-dimensionally curved boundary, the entry plane is a plane in which three or more points furthest from the inlet opening, in particular corner points, of the boundary are arranged. In the case of a mirror-symmetric boundary, the boundary and the entry plane preferably have a common mirror plane.

[0109] It can be advantageous if a gas flow, in particular a hot gas flow, a purge gas flow and / or a cooling gas flow, is directed through an inlet opening of a workpiece into an interior of the workpiece, wherein a proportion of a volume flow of the gas flow directed through the inlet opening into the interior of the workpiece to a volume flow of a total gas flow directed onto and / or into the workpiece is at least approximately 50%, preferably at least approximately 75%.

[0110] The treatment system may include a gas discharge system by means of which a gas flow can be discharged from the treatment room on a side of the workpiece facing away from a gas supply.

[0111] In particular, the treatment system preferably comprises at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, which are arranged on opposite sides of the workpiece.

[0112] The treatment system may include at least one inlet opening for supplying gas to the treatment chamber and at least one outlet opening for removing gas from the treatment chamber, which are arranged on opposite sides of the workpiece, preferably with a flow through the treatment chamber such that at least 70%, preferably at least 90%, of the gas flowing in through this at least one inlet opening can be removed from the treatment chamber through this at least one outlet opening.

[0113] The at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening are preferably arranged offset from each other with respect to a longitudinal direction of the workpiece.

[0114] The workpiece longitudinal direction and the conveying direction can, for example, be aligned parallel to each other or perpendicular to each other, in particular perpendicular to each other.

[0115] It can be advantageous if the at least one inlet opening is arranged in a front area of ​​a workpiece or in a rear area of ​​a workpiece, while the at least one outlet opening is preferably arranged in a rear area or in a front area of ​​the workpiece.

[0116] It can be advantageous if the treatment system includes at least one outlet opening for venting gas from the treatment room, which is located in a floor wall, side wall or ceiling wall bordering the treatment room.

[0117] The treatment chamber is preferably arranged in an enclosure. Preferably, the treatment chamber is bounded by a bottom wall, a side wall, another side wall or partition, and / or a ceiling wall of the enclosure.

[0118] In this description and the attached claims, drying of the workpiece is understood in particular to mean the transformation of a layer applied to the workpiece from a state immediately after the application of the layer to a state in which the layer is stable over the long term.

[0119] In particular, drying the workpiece involves the removal of solvents, cross-linking of the applied layer, solidification of the applied layer, etc.

[0120] It can be advantageous if the treatment system comprises several modules, especially recirculating air modules and / or rinsing modules, which are coupled and supplied by a common energy module.

[0121] The energy module is specifically a so-called power module.

[0122] It may be provided that the conveying device includes a rotation device by means of which the rotational orientation of the workpieces about a vertical axis of rotation can be changed.

[0123] A vertical axis of rotation is, in particular, an axis aligned parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0124] By means of a rotating device of the conveying system, the rotational orientation of the workpieces can preferably be changed such that the workpieces can be conveyed in a more cumbersome first rotational orientation, then brought into a less cumbersome second rotational orientation in order to be guided through a constriction. Such a constriction can, in particular, be a lock.

[0125] After passing through the narrow section, the workpiece can preferably be brought back into the more cumbersome first rotational orientation by means of a further rotating device.

[0126] A more cumbersome first rotational alignment is, in particular, a rotational alignment of a workpiece designed as a vehicle body such that one longitudinal axis of the workpiece is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction. A less cumbersome second rotational alignment is, in particular, a rotational alignment of a workpiece designed as a vehicle body such that the longitudinal axis of the workpiece is oriented parallel to the conveying direction.

[0127] In particular, to pass through a narrow passage, especially a lock, a change in the direction of rotation can be provided by means of one or more rotation devices such that a rotation of 90° is carried out once or twice or more than twice.

[0128] It can be advantageous if the conveying device includes a lifting device by means of which the workpieces can be lifted from a first level to a second level and / or lowered from the second level to the first level.

[0129] Furthermore, it may be provided that the conveying device includes a transfer device by means of which the workpieces can be transferred from one partial conveying section to another partial conveying section, wherein the conveying directions in the two partial conveying sections are different from each other and wherein a global rotational orientation of the workpieces relative to the treatment system is identical in both partial conveying sections.

[0130] By means of such a transfer device, a local rotational orientation is preferably varied relative to the respective conveying direction in the partial conveying sections.

[0131] For example, a conveying direction rotated by 90° can be provided while maintaining a global rotational orientation relative to the treatment plant.

[0132] For example, it may be designed that a sluice gate is traversed in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece to allow for a narrow gate width. The actual conveying, particularly through a treatment chamber, preferably takes place transversely, and especially perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece.

[0133] In one embodiment of the invention, the conveying device may comprise a rotation device by means of which the rotational orientation of the workpieces about a vertical axis of rotation can be changed, and a lifting device by means of which the workpieces can be lifted from a first level to a second level and / or lowered from the second level to the first level, wherein the rotation device and the lifting device are designed as an integrated handling device for handling the workpieces between two partial conveying sections.

[0134] The handling device can thus be used to rotate and / or lift or lower one or more workpieces simultaneously or sequentially.

[0135] The workpieces can preferably be conveyed by means of the conveying device along several partial conveying sections, the partial conveying sections preferably complementing each other to form a total conveying section.

[0136] At least two partial conveying sections are preferably connected to each other by means of a lifting device and / or a rotating device and / or a transfer device.

[0137] The present invention further relates to a method for treating workpieces, for example for drying coated vehicle bodies according to claim 11.

[0138] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method by which optimized workpiece treatment can be carried out.

[0139] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method according to the independent method claim.

[0140] The process preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the treatment plant.

[0141] Furthermore, the treatment plant preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the process.

[0142] It can be advantageous if the workpieces are conveyed through the treatment room at least section by section using a conveying device in such a way that a longitudinal direction of the workpieces is oriented transversely, in particular essentially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction.

[0143] It can be advantageous if gas is supplied to the treatment chamber by means of at least one inlet opening and gas is discharged from the treatment chamber by means of at least one outlet opening, wherein the supply on the one hand and the discharge on the other hand preferably take place on different sides of a vertical workpiece transverse median plane and / or a diagonal plane.

[0144] The workpieces are preferably conveyed through the treatment room discontinuously and / or in a timed manner.

[0145] It can be advantageous if the workpieces are stopped at one or more holding positions and a gas flow is passed through them, especially if they are rinsed.

[0146] In particular, it may be provided that the workpieces are positioned at one or more holding positions in a predetermined relative position relative to one or more inlet openings and / or one or more outlet openings, in order to enable, in particular, a targeted flow of gas through the workpieces.

[0147] Preferably, gas is supplied to and / or extracted from the treatment chamber continuously, particularly independently of a preferably discontinuous and / or pulsed conveying of the workpieces. The discontinuous and / or pulsed conveying of the workpieces, especially stopping the workpieces at one or more holding positions, preferably enables a desired flow through one or more workpieces despite a continuous gas flow, particularly without risking local overheating of the respective workpiece.

[0148] However, it can also be provided that gas is supplied to and / or extracted from the treatment room discontinuously and / or intermittently, with the conveying of the workpieces then preferably being continuous or discontinuous and / or intermittently.

[0149] In particular, it can be provided that the volume flow of the gas flow through the treatment chamber is reduced and / or interrupted when one or more workpieces are moved and / or arranged in intermediate positions, especially undesirable intermediate positions. This preferably allows for optimized workpiece temperature control. Furthermore, this preferably allows for the reduction or complete avoidance of undesirable turbulence, particularly to minimize or completely prevent the stirring up of dust or other contaminants.

[0150] An intermediate position is, for example, a position of the workpiece within the treatment space between two successive treatment positions of the workpiece.

[0151] An intermediate position is, in particular, a position of the workpiece within the treatment chamber in which a regular and / or unreduced supply of the gas flow would lead to undesirable local overheating or cooling of the workpiece. For example, an intermediate position is a position of the workpieces in which a gas flow directed into the treatment chamber flows over or around the A-pillars or C-pillars of the workpieces instead of into the interior of the workpieces.

[0152] It can be advantageous if the workpieces are at least partially or at least partially subjected to a gas flow in a longitudinal direction, in particular if they are rinsed.

[0153] It can be advantageous if at least approximately 35%, in particular at least approximately 50%, and / or at most approximately 90%, in particular at most approximately 80%, of the gas flow through the treatment room passes through the workpieces.

[0154] The gas flow can be, in particular, a heating gas flow for heating the workpieces and / or a purge gas flow for rinsing the workpieces, especially for removing solvents, and / or a cooling gas flow for cooling the workpieces.

[0155] It may be provided that a partial gas flow of the gas flowing through the treatment chamber, passing through the workpieces, enters an interior space of the respective workpiece through one or more inlet openings and flows out of the interior space through one or more outlet openings.

[0156] An inlet opening is, for example, an opening for a windshield. Multiple outlet openings could then be, for example, openings for rear side windows and / or rear windows and / or an opening for a rear window. For instance, an exhaust system could be provided for this purpose, positioned at least approximately centrally and / or in the middle under the rear of the vehicle.

[0157] An inlet opening is, for example, an opening for a rear window. Multiple outlet openings could then be, for example, openings for front side windows and / or an opening for a windshield. For instance, an exhaust system could be provided for this purpose, which is located at least approximately centrally and / or in the middle of the vehicle's front end.

[0158] The treatment room includes at least one heating section in which the workpieces can be heated and / or stored at a temperature higher than the ambient temperature.

[0159] In this description and the attached claims, ambient temperature refers in particular to a temperature in the vicinity of the treatment plant, for example a hall temperature, in particular approximately 10 °C to 40 °C or approximately 20 °C to 25 °C.

[0160] The treatment system includes a flushing device for flushing a flushing section of the treatment room with a gas stream.

[0161] The gas flow is an exhaust gas flow from a lock (lock gas flow) of the treatment plant.

[0162] A fresh air flow is a gas flow consisting of fresh air. Fresh air is, in particular, indoor air in a hall where the treatment plant is located, and / or outdoor air or ambient air from the area surrounding the treatment plant and / or the hall where the treatment plant is located.

[0163] It may be provided that a gas stream is passed through the treatment room multiple times, in particular that it is fed to different sections of the treatment room one after the other.

[0164] For example, a gas stream can be drawn from a cooling zone and / or heating zone and / or holding zone of the treatment chamber and fed into an airlock. A gas stream discharged from the airlock can then be fed, for example, as a purge gas stream into the purge section of the treatment chamber.

[0165] It may be provided that the rinsing section of the treatment room is located behind at least one heating section of the treatment room with respect to the conveying direction.

[0166] In particular, it may be provided that the rinsing section of the treatment room is arranged immediately following at least one heating section of the treatment room with respect to the conveying direction.

[0167] It can be advantageous if the rinsing section of the treatment room is arranged between at least two heating sections of the treatment room with respect to the conveying direction.

[0168] The treatment room preferably includes at least one heating section, at least one cooling section for cooling the workpieces and at least one rinsing section.

[0169] At least one rinsing section is preferably arranged between the at least one heating section and the at least one cooling section with respect to the conveying direction.

[0170] It can be advantageous if the heating section, the rinsing section and / or the cooling section can be selectively separated from each other and connected to each other in a fluid-effective manner by means of one or more separating elements.

[0171] A separating element is, in particular, a mechanical separating element, for example, a gate. Furthermore, a separating element can be, for example, a fluid-technical separating element, in particular an airlock.

[0172] It can be advantageous if the treatment system includes a gas flow system by means of which the gas flow supplied to a rinsing section of the treatment room can be supplied to at least one heating section of the treatment room after passing through the rinsing section.

[0173] In particular, the gas flow supplied to a rinsing section of the treatment room can, after passing through the rinsing section, be supplied to several, in particular two, heating sections of the treatment room.

[0174] The gas flow is preferably divisible after passing through the purging section, so that a partial gas flow can be supplied to the respective heat section of the treatment chamber.

[0175] It can be advantageous if the gas flow supplied to a rinsing section of the treatment chamber can be supplied to at least one heating section of the treatment chamber at an end of the heating section facing away from a rinsing section after passing through the rinsing section.

[0176] For example, it may be provided that the gas flow supplied to a purge section of the treatment chamber, after passing through the purge section, can be supplied to two or more heat sections of the treatment chamber at the end of each heat section furthest from the purge section. The gas flow then preferably passes through each heat section from an end furthest from the purge section to an end closest to the purge section.

[0177] It can be advantageous if the treatment system includes a rinsing device by means of which a heated gas stream can be supplied to a rinsing section of the treatment chamber. A heated gas stream is understood to mean, in particular, a gas stream with a temperature higher than the ambient temperature.

[0178] A heated gas stream could, for example, be a gas stream discharged from a cooling section of the treatment plant.

[0179] Alternatively or additionally, the treatment plant, in particular the purging device, for example a purging module, may include a heating device for heating the gas stream. The heating device may, for example, include an exhaust gas cleaning device, in particular a regenerative thermal oxidizer. Furthermore, waste heat from the treatment plant may be used to heat the gas stream.

[0180] It can be advantageous if a heating section includes at least one heating zone for heating the workpieces and / or at least one holding zone in which an increased temperature of the workpieces can be maintained.

[0181] Preferably, each heating zone and / or each holding zone comprises one or more recirculation modules for circulating the gas flow guided in the respective heating zone and / or holding zone.

[0182] In particular, a heating section comprises several heating zones and / or several holding zones, each preferably comprising one or more recirculating air modules.

[0183] It may be provided that a heating section comprises at least one heating zone for heating the workpieces and / or at least one holding zone in which an increased temperature of the workpieces can be maintained, wherein preferably each heating zone and / or each holding zone comprises a separate heating device and / or a separate heat exchanger for heating the gas flow guided in the respective heating zone and / or holding zone.

[0184] It can be advantageous if the treatment plant includes at least one heating section, at least one rinsing section and at least one cooling section, wherein the at least one heating section and / or the at least one rinsing section are arranged above the at least one cooling section with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0185] It can be advantageous if a heating section and / or a rinsing section of the treatment plant are located entirely above the cooling section.

[0186] The treatment system may, for example, include a lifting device by means of which the workpieces can be lifted to a level of the heating section and / or the rinsing section and / or lowered to a level of the cooling section.

[0187] The lifting device can, for example, form or comprise a lock chamber and / or a rinsing section of the treatment plant. A lock chamber or rinsing chamber, separable from the heating section and / or the cooling section, is preferably delimited and / or sealed by a base plate of the lifting device and / or a lateral partition. The lateral partition preferably separates the lock chamber from the heating section. The base plate preferably separates the lock chamber from the cooling section.

[0188] In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the treatment system comprises at least one gas supply, by means of which a gas flow can be directed at least approximately perpendicular to an entry plane of an entry opening of a workpiece into an interior space of the workpiece.

[0189] The entry opening is in particular an access to the interior, for example an opening in a workpiece designed as a vehicle body, whereby the opening serves, for example, to accommodate a windshield or rear window.

[0190] The workpieces are preferably pick-up by means of the conveying device and conveyed through at least one heating section, at least one rinsing section and / or at least one cooling section of the treatment chamber in such a way that a longitudinal direction of the workpieces is oriented transversely, in particular essentially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction.

[0191] In particular, a longitudinal axis of the workpieces designed as vehicle bodies is aligned transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the conveying direction.

[0192] The treatment plant is preferably a drying plant for drying vehicle bodies.

[0193] In particular, to enable energy-efficient operation of the treatment plant, it may be possible to use an exhaust gas stream from a cooling section of the treatment plant as the purge gas stream. This allows for the energy-efficient provision of a heated or warmed purge gas stream, as the gas passing through the cooling section absorbs heat from the workpieces being cooled.

[0194] A lock (gas lock) is a section of the treatment plant that differs from a flushing section.

[0195] A lock is permeated by a flow of lock gas.

[0196] The gas flow through the lock preferably flows through the lock at least approximately in the direction of gravity from top to bottom or from bottom to top.

[0197] The lock gas flow preferably forms an angle of at least approximately 30°, in particular at least approximately 40°, for example approximately 50°, with the horizontal. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the lock gas flow preferably forms an angle of approximately 90°, in particular at most approximately 75°, for example at most approximately 60°, with the horizontal.

[0198] The discharge and / or extraction of the lock gas flow from the lock preferably takes place in a bottom area of ​​the lock.

[0199] A lock gas stream passed through the lock is reused after passing through the lock and fed as a purge gas stream to a purge section of the treatment plant.

[0200] The purge gas stream supplied to the workpieces preferably comprises at least approximately 30%, in particular at least approximately 40%, for example at least approximately 50%, lock gas of the lock gas stream.

[0201] Furthermore, it can be provided that the purge gas stream supplied to the workpieces preferably comprises at most approximately 80%, and in particular at most approximately 70%, of the sluice gas stream. The sluice gas stream is at least partially or completely a fresh air stream and optionally additionally a gas stream discharged from a heating or cooling section of the treatment plant.

[0202] The workpieces are preferably first passed through at least one heating section of the treatment chamber and then purged with a purge gas stream. After purging, the workpieces are preferably fed into at least one further heating section of the treatment chamber and / or at least one cooling section of the treatment chamber.

[0203] For example, it may be provided that after rinsing the workpieces are first fed to a further heating section and then to a cooling section, or directly to the cooling section after rinsing.

[0204] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a rinsing section and at least one heating section and / or at least one cooling section are fluidly separated from each other by means of one or more separating elements in order to carry out a rinsing process.

[0205] In particular, a timed operation of a rinsing device and / or the conveying device is provided, so that the workpieces can preferably be fed to the rinsing section individually or in discrete groups one after the other.

[0206] It can be advantageous if a gas stream, in particular a heated gas stream (hot gas stream), a purge gas stream and / or a cooling gas stream, is directed into an interior of the workpiece in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to an inlet opening of the workpiece.

[0207] The rinsing device is preferably used to rinse the interior of a workpiece, in particular the interior of a car body. Preferably, this allows solvents and / or other volatile coating components, sealing components and / or adhesive components that escape from the workpiece to be removed from the interior of the workpiece.

[0208] Preferably, the conveying device can be used to convey workpieces of different types and / or sizes through the treatment room.

[0209] At least one inlet opening for supplying gas to the treatment chamber preferably comprises a nozzle or is formed by a nozzle.

[0210] It can be advantageous if at least one inlet opening for supplying gas to the treatment chamber includes a long-throw nozzle or is formed by a long-throw nozzle.

[0211] A long-throw nozzle preferably comprises a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet preferably has a larger cross-sectional area than the nozzle inlet and / or wherein a continuously expanding, in particular continuously increasing, gas guidance section is preferably provided between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet.

[0212] It can be advantageous if the long-throw nozzle includes a flow control element, for example in the form of a central body.

[0213] The central body is preferably arranged centrally with respect to a plane oriented perpendicular to the flow direction in the nozzle in the area of ​​the nozzle outlet.

[0214] For example, the central body is essentially cone-shaped and widens along the direction of flow.

[0215] The nozzle and / or the central body are preferably designed and / or arranged rotationally symmetrical about a common axis of rotation.

[0216] Further preferred features of a long-throw nozzle are mentioned, for example, in WO 2014 / 063797 A1, the entire description of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present invention.

[0217] For example, a nozzle can have a rectangular, round, oval or elongated cross-sectional shape.

[0218] Preferably, the nozzle is arranged on a wall, in particular a partition, side wall, bottom wall and / or ceiling wall, of an enclosure that defines the treatment area, so that its position and / or orientation can be adjusted. For example, flat metal sheets and / or elongated holes can be provided in the respective wall to allow the position and / or orientation of the at least one nozzle to be adjusted.

[0219] It can be advantageous if one or more inlet openings can be closed using cover elements, especially flaps.

[0220] Preferably, more uniform heating and / or cooling of the workpieces results from turbulent flow in the respective workpiece interior.

[0221] It can be advantageous to avoid or at least reduce exposure of sensitive workpiece areas, such as areas of thin sheet metal (especially in the roof area of ​​a vehicle body), to the hot gas flow.

[0222] Preferably, this results in a reduced flow rate to the conveying device, which can lead to a lower discharge of dirt from a conveying chain of the conveying device or any other conveying element of the conveying device.

[0223] It can be advantageous if the flow path between the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening is shortened, which can result in improved dryer balance.

[0224] By targeted local extraction (draining the gas flow through one or more outlet openings), locally increased flow velocities can preferably be obtained in order to achieve a preferential flow towards the workpieces.

[0225] The rinsing device and / or a lock can, for example, comprise one or more separating elements formed by a hinged gate, a roller gate, or a lifting gate. It can be provided that a separating element is positioned in front of and / or behind the workpiece to be treated with respect to the conveying direction, in order to enclose it during the rinsing process and / or passage through the lock.

[0226] In one embodiment of the invention, a mechanical separation (mechanical separating element) from the heating section can be omitted. For example, a final module, which forms a heating zone or holding zone, is designed as a purge module. Such a purge module is particularly suitable for operation in fresh air / exhaust air mode.

[0227] A gas in a cooling section of the treatment device is preferably solvent-free. An exhaust gas stream discharged from the cooling section is therefore preferably reusable in the treatment plant, for example as a gas stream to be supplied to a heating section and / or a rinsing section.

[0228] It can be advantageous if the conveying device includes a chain conveyor.

[0229] A conveyor chain is preferably integrated into, and in particular embedded in, a floor of the housing surrounding the treatment room.

[0230] The workpieces are arranged and / or picked up on the conveyor device, for example, by means of a skid.

[0231] It can be advantageous if a skid for receiving one or more workpieces can be arranged on the conveying device and conveyed by means of the same in such a way that the longitudinal axes of the skid skids of the skid are essentially aligned parallel to the conveying direction.

[0232] Alternatively, it may also be provided that a skid for receiving one or more workpieces can be arranged on the conveying device and conveyed by means of the same in such a way that the longitudinal axes of the skid skids of the skid are oriented transversely, in particular essentially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction.

[0233] It can be advantageous if one or more workpieces can be arranged on a skid in such a way that they can be picked up by the skid on the conveying device and / or conveyed by the same, such that a longitudinal axis of the workpiece is aligned parallel or transverse, in particular essentially perpendicular, to the longitudinal axes of the skid skids of the skid and / or parallel or transverse, in particular essentially perpendicular, to the conveying direction.

[0234] The lower edge of a skid preferably lies at or just above the floor level of the treatment room.

[0235] It can be advantageous if the conveying device is a combination of a skid conveying device and a skidless conveying device.

[0236] However, it is also possible to use only a skid conveyor or a skidless conveyor.

[0237] If both a skid conveyor and a skidless conveyor are provided, the treatment system may include a transfer device for transferring the workpieces from a skid to a skidless conveyor.

[0238] It can be advantageous if the treatment system includes one or more blank modules that form sections of the treatment room but are neither heated nor equipped with inlet or outlet openings. This allows for a more even distribution of heat.

[0239] In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the treatment system includes a central or superior heating device.

[0240] In particular, it may be provided that several recirculating air units and / or purge gas units are thermally coupled to the heating device. For example, a hot gas line may be provided by means of which hot gas (heated gas) can be supplied from the heating device to the recirculating air units and / or purge gas units.

[0241] One or more recirculating air units and / or one or more purge gas units preferably each comprise one or more heat exchangers to which, on the one hand, a gas flow to be supplied to the treatment room and, on the other hand, a hot gas flow, in particular a hot gas flow originating from the heating device, can be supplied.

[0242] A gas stream to be supplied to the treatment room can preferably be heated indirectly by means of one or more heat exchangers.

[0243] The heating device can, for example, be a thermal exhaust gas cleaning device, especially for cleaning exhaust gas discharged from the treatment room.

[0244] Suitable valves and / or flaps can preferably be used to selectively adjust, in particular control and / or regulate, the desired heating effect in the individual recirculating air units and / or purge gas units.

[0245] The treatment facility preferably also includes the following: a treatment room comprising several treatment room sections, each assigned to one of several separate recirculating air modules of the treatment system; a heating system which preferably comprises a self-contained hot gas flow, wherein several recirculating air modules are coupled to the hot gas flow, in particular for heating the gas flowing through the treatment room sections.

[0246] Because the treatment system preferably includes a heating system with a closed flue gas system coupled to the recirculating air modules, the gas supplied to the treatment chamber sections can be heated simply and efficiently. This allows the treatment system to be operated with particularly high energy efficiency.

[0247] The flue gas guide is preferably designed in a ring-shaped closed form, so that at least a partial gas flow of a flue gas flow guided in the flue gas guide passes through the flue gas guide multiple times.

[0248] The heating gas is preferably raw gas and / or purified gas, which is suitable and / or intended for use in the treatment room, i.e., for flowing through the treatment room.

[0249] The heating gas preferably has a higher temperature, at least immediately upstream of the treatment chamber sections, compared to the gas flow in the recirculating air modules and / or treatment chamber sections.

[0250] Preferably, the heating gas is not exhaust gas from a heating device of the heating system, in particular not combustion exhaust gas.

[0251] A "closed flue gas system" is understood to mean, in particular, a flue gas system in which at least part of a flue gas flow is circulated in a loop. Notwithstanding this, a continuous or phased supply of fresh gas to the flue gas flow and / or the removal of flue gas from the flue gas flow can preferably also be provided in a closed flue gas system.

[0252] It can be advantageous if the supply of fresh gas and the discharge of heating gas, i.e., the exchange of heating gas, are preferably dimensioned such that, during a single passage of the heating gas flow through the heating gas duct, at least 40%, preferably at least approximately 50%, in particular at least approximately 80%, for example at least approximately 90%, of the heating gas flow passing by a specific point in the heating gas duct returns to that point after the complete passage.

[0253] The supply of fresh gas and / or the removal of heating gas from the heating gas stream preferably takes place exclusively in the treatment room sections and / or the recirculating air modules of the treatment plant.

[0254] However, it may also be provided that the heating system is assigned a fresh gas supply and / or an exhaust gas discharge, by means of which fresh gas can be supplied or heating gas can be discharged from the heating gas stream outside the treatment room sections and / or outside the recirculating air modules.

[0255] The recirculating air modules and / or the treatment room sections are preferably part of the heating gas system.

[0256] In particular, the heating gas is preferably able to pass through the treatment room sections at least partially several times before it (again) flows through the part of the heating gas routing that lies outside the recirculation modules and / or outside the treatment room sections.

[0257] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the heating gas routing includes a recirculation air routing, which is formed section by section by several parallel recirculation air modules and / or treatment room sections.

[0258] Preferably, a gas flow can be guided in a recirculating air circuit within the recirculating air modules and / or treatment chamber sections, to which heating gas can be supplied from the heating gas supply. Preferably, a partial gas flow of the circulating gas flow of each recirculating air module and / or treatment chamber section can be discharged from the recirculating air module and / or the treatment chamber section, guided in a closed circuit via the heating gas supply, and finally supplied again as part of the heating gas flow to one or more recirculating air modules and / or treatment chamber sections.

[0259] Heat can preferably be supplied to the individual recirculating air units and / or purge gas units directly, in particular by the direct supply of heating gas, or indirectly, in particular by heat transfer from a heating gas or hot gas to the gas stream to be supplied to the treatment room.

[0260] The heating gas can, for example, be thermally coupled to a hot gas from the heating device, in particular an exhaust gas from the heating device, by means of a heat exchanger in order to transfer heat from the hot gas, in particular the exhaust gas from the heating device, to the heating gas.

[0261] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of exemplary embodiments.

[0262] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of the operation of a first embodiment of a treatment system for treating workpieces; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective, partially cutaway view of a second embodiment of a treatment system; Fig. 3 a further schematic perspective sectional view of the treatment system made of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 another schematic perspective sectional view of the treatment facility made of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 5 shows a horizontal section through the treatment plant made of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 6 shows an oblique section through the treatment system made of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 7 a horizontal section through several modules of the treatment plant made of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 8 a schematic vertical section through the treatment plant made of Fig. 2 , wherein a workpiece is arranged in a treatment chamber of the treatment system; Fig. 9 one of the Fig. 8 corresponding schematic representation of the treatment plant Fig. 2 , wherein a differently shaped and / or dimensioned workpiece is arranged in the treatment chamber; Fig. 10 a schematic perspective view of inlet openings and an outlet opening of the treatment system as well as a workpiece to be treated; Fig. 11 a schematic vertical section through a treatment system in which a transverse conveying system and a gas supply are provided through a ceiling wall; Fig. 12 a schematic vertical section through a treatment system in which a transverse conveying system and a gas supply are provided through a vertical side wall; Fig. 13 a schematic vertical section through a treatment system in which a transverse conveying system and a gas supply are provided through a contour-adapted partition wall; Fig. 14 a schematic vertical section through a treatment system in which a transverse conveying system and a horizontal gas supply to a lower front area of ​​the workpiece are provided; Fig.Fig. 15 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a transverse conveying system and three inlet openings for gas supply through a bottom wall of the treatment plant are provided; Fig. 16 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a transverse conveying system and a gas discharge via an outlet opening arranged in the bottom wall are provided; Fig. 17 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a transverse conveying system and a gas discharge via an outlet opening arranged in a side wall are provided; Fig. 18 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a transverse conveying system and a lateral gas discharge along the conveying direction are provided; Fig.Fig. 19 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a transverse conveying system and a gas supply and a gas discharge system are provided such that a substantially diagonal flow through the treatment chamber takes place; Fig. 20 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a longitudinal conveying system and a gas supply system according to the embodiment in . Fig. 11 are provided; Fig. 21 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a longitudinal conveying system and a gas supply system according to the one shown in Fig. 15 are provided in the embodiment shown; Fig. 22 shows a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a longitudinal conveying system and a gas discharge system are shown in Fig. 22. Fig. 16 the embodiment shown; Fig. 23 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a longitudinal conveying system and a lateral gas discharge directed perpendicular to the conveying direction are provided; Fig. 24 a schematic vertical section through a treatment plant, wherein a longitudinal conveying system and a gas supply system according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 19 the embodiment shown; Fig. 25 a schematic perspective semi-transparent view of a cascaded gas flow; Fig. 26 a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a gas flow of the treatment plant; Fig. 27 a schematic view of a further alternative embodiment of a gas flow of the treatment plant; Fig. 28 a schematic top view of a conveying device comprising a transfer device; Fig. 29 a schematic top view of a conveying device comprising two transfer devices; Fig. 30 a schematic top view of a further embodiment of a conveying device comprising two rotary devices; Fig. 31 a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a conveying device comprising a rotary device, a lifting device and a transfer device; and Fig.32A schematic top view of a further alternative embodiment of a conveying device in which a rotating device is provided in a treatment chamber.

[0263] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0264] One in Fig. 1 The illustrated embodiment of a treatment plant designated as a whole by 100 is, for example, a drying plant 102 for drying coated workpieces 104.

[0265] The workpieces 104 are, for example, vehicle bodies 106. The coating is, for example, a paint finish.

[0266] The treatment system 100 comprises a housing 108, which surrounds a treatment room 110.

[0267] The treatment room 110 serves to accommodate one or more workpieces 104.

[0268] In particular, the workpieces 104 can be conveyed through the treatment room 110 along a conveying direction 112.

[0269] The treatment plant 100 includes in particular a conveying device 114, for example a chain conveyor.

[0270] The workpieces 104 can preferably be arranged on the conveying device 114 by means of a skid or without a skid and can be moved with the same along the conveying direction 112.

[0271] The housing 108 comprises two side walls 116 lateral with respect to the conveying direction 112, a bottom wall 120 arranged with respect to a gravity direction 118 and a top wall 122 arranged with respect to the gravity direction 118.

[0272] The housing 108 is essentially cuboid in shape.

[0273] For efficient treatment of the workpiece 104, a gas flow can preferably be supplied to the treatment chamber 110.

[0274] For this purpose, the treatment plant 100 includes a gas supply 124.

[0275] The gas supply 124 preferably comprises several inlet openings 126, which are arranged, for example, in a side wall 116 or a partition wall 128 of the housing 108 which will be described later.

[0276] Furthermore, the treatment plant 100 preferably includes a gas discharge 130, which in particular includes several outlet openings 132.

[0277] The outlet openings 132 can, for example, be arranged in a side wall 116 and / or in the bottom wall 120.

[0278] In other embodiments, the inlet openings 126 and the outlet openings 132 can also be positioned differently. For example, an arrangement of inlet openings 126 and / or outlet openings 132 in the ceiling wall 122 can also be provided.

[0279] In order to ensure optimal flow of gas through the workpieces 104, the inlet openings 126 on the one hand and the outlet openings 132 on the other hand are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the workpiece 104.

[0280] In particular, the inlet openings 126 on the one hand and the outlet openings 132 on the other hand are arranged on opposite sides of a workpiece transverse median plane 134, a vertical longitudinal median plane 136 of the treatment space 110 and / or a diagonal plane 138 of the treatment space 110.

[0281] The workpiece transverse median plane 134 is in particular a plane which is oriented perpendicular to a workpiece longitudinal direction 140 and passes through a geometric center or center of gravity of the workpiece 104 which is arranged centrally with respect to the workpiece longitudinal direction 140.

[0282] The workpiece longitudinal direction 140 is in particular a vehicle longitudinal direction, along which a vehicle comprising the vehicle body 106 travels in a straight-ahead direction.

[0283] The vertical longitudinal median plane 136 of the treatment chamber 110 is preferably a plane that runs parallel to the conveying direction 112 and along the direction of gravity 118. The vertical longitudinal median plane 136 preferably divides the treatment chamber 110 into two equal half-spaces 142. Alternatively or additionally, the vertical longitudinal median plane 136 may pass through a geometric center of the treatment chamber 110, in particular with respect to a maximum or average horizontal transverse extent of the treatment chamber 110 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction 112 and horizontal.

[0284] The treatment system 100 preferably comprises a housing 108, the interior of which 144 is divided into two parts. In particular, the interior 144 is divided by means of the partition 128 into, on the one hand, the treatment chamber 110 and, on the other hand, a distribution chamber 146 of a distribution device 148 of the treatment system 100.

[0285] The partition wall 128 preferably runs parallel to the conveying direction 112 and is preferably adapted, at least in sections, to a contour of the workpiece 104.

[0286] In particular, the partition 128 comprises a vertical section 150, which extends in a vertical direction 118 in front of a vehicle front 152 of the workpiece 104 designed as a vehicle body 106.

[0287] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the partition wall 128 comprises a horizontal section 154 which extends essentially horizontally and at least approximately along a front hood 156 of the workpiece 104 designed as a vehicle body 106.

[0288] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the partition wall 128 includes an inclined section 158 which is oriented at an angle to the direction of gravity 118 and runs at least approximately parallel to an A-pillar 160 of the workpiece 104 designed as a vehicle body 106.

[0289] In an alternative design of the treatment plant 100, a partition wall 128 can also be provided in such a way that it is adapted to the contour of a vehicle rear 162 of the workpiece 104 designed as a vehicle body 106.

[0290] In particular, the vertical section 150 of the partition wall 128 then runs vertically along the rear of the vehicle 162.

[0291] Furthermore, it can then be provided that the horizontal section 154 of the partition wall 128 extends at least approximately along a rear hood 164 of the workpiece 104 designed as a vehicle body 106.

[0292] Furthermore, it can be provided that the inclined section 158 of the partition wall 128 then runs essentially parallel to a C-pillar 166 of the workpiece 104 designed as a vehicle body 106.

[0293] By means of the gas supply 124 and the gas discharge 130, the treatment chamber 110 is preferably able to be permeated by a gas flow substantially diagonally and transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the conveying direction 112.

[0294] The inlet openings 126 and the outlet openings 132 are preferably arranged such that a workpiece interior 168 is preferably at least partially traversed by the gas flow along the workpiece longitudinal direction 140.

[0295] For this purpose, in particular an inlet opening 126 is provided in the inclined section 158 of the partition wall 128 such that the gas flow entering the treatment chamber 110 through this inlet opening 126 is directed into an inlet opening 170 of the workpiece 104.

[0296] The entry opening 170 is in particular an opening arranged between two A-pillars 160 of the workpiece 104 designed as a vehicle body 106 for the arrangement of a windshield.

[0297] Alternatively, an entry opening 170 can also be provided between two C-pillars 166 and / or (not shown) D-pillars.

[0298] By means of the inlet openings 126, a gas flow can therefore be directed directly into the workpiece interior 168.

[0299] One or more inlet openings 126 arranged in the vertical section 150 preferably serve to supply the gas flow to the vehicle front 152 in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0300] One or more outlet openings 172 of the workpiece 104 are preferably arranged in the area of ​​the rear of the vehicle 162.

[0301] In the areas of the side wall 116 and / or the bottom wall 120 near the rear of the vehicle 162, one or more outlet openings 132 are preferably arranged in order to be able to direct a gas flow through the one or more outlet openings 172 out of the workpiece 104.

[0302] The workpiece 104, in particular the vehicle body 106, is thus preferably able to be permeated by a gas flow in the workpiece longitudinal direction 140 from front to back.

[0303] Alternatively, an opposing flow can also be provided.

[0304] The selected flow pattern through the workpiece 104 preferably prevents the workpiece 104, in particular the vehicle body 106, from being undesirably heated to a high temperature in a roof area 174. Furthermore, this preferably ensures a uniform heat supply to the workpiece 104.

[0305] The actual heat supply is achieved in particular by transferring heat from the supplied gas flow to the workpiece 104.

[0306] The gas flow is therefore, in particular, a heated gas flow when it is supplied to the treatment chamber 110 via the inlet openings 126.

[0307] To provide the gas flow, the treatment plant 100 preferably comprises a blower device 176, a heating device 178, a separator device 180 and / or one or more valves 182.

[0308] The blower device 176 is particularly useful for driving the gas flow.

[0309] The gas flow can preferably be heated directly or indirectly by means of the heating device 178. The heating device 178 can, in particular, comprise a thermal exhaust gas cleaning device, a regenerative thermal oxidizer, a booster burner, a micro gas turbine and / or another combustion device.

[0310] The separating device 180 is preferably used to remove impurities from the gas stream, in particular to avoid unwanted exposure of the coated workpiece 104 to impurities.

[0311] The separating device 180 is, for example, a filter device.

[0312] The one or more valves 182 preferably serve for the selective supply of fresh air, the removal of exhaust air and / or the complete or partial recirculation of air.

[0313] In this description and the accompanying claims, the term "air" is not necessarily used to refer to the atmospheric nitrogen-oxygen mixture. In particular, the term "recirculated air" preferably refers only to the routing of a gas flow in a closed circuit.

[0314] Preferably the treatment system 100 comprises a valve 182 designed as a feed valve 184.

[0315] A fresh air stream can preferably be supplied by means of the supply valve 184.

[0316] Furthermore, a discharge valve 186 may preferably be provided. The discharge valve 186 allows, in particular, the gas flow to be discharged and / or released into the environment.

[0317] By means of a valve 182 designed as a recirculation valve 188, the gas flow can preferably be guided in a circuit. In particular, a predetermined quantity of gas can then be passed through the treatment chamber 110 multiple times.

[0318] Furthermore, by appropriately positioning the valves 182, a regular gas supply and gas discharge can be provided in order to always replace at least a portion of the gas passing through the treatment chamber 110. In particular, this can prevent an undesirably high pollutant concentration.

[0319] Efficient gas flow is particularly possible if the partial gas flows discharged via the outlet openings 132 are combined, for example by means of a collecting device 190, in particular a collecting channel 192, and then conveyed together.

[0320] The collecting channel 192 can also be a discharge channel 194.

[0321] By means of a return channel 195, the combined partial gas flows can preferably be conveyed together, in particular to the discharge valve 186 and released to the environment or, in particular via the blower device 176, again to the treatment chamber 110.

[0322] In particular, when the valves 182 are set such that at least a large part of the gas flow passing through the treatment chamber 110 is guided in a recirculating air circuit, the Fig. 1 The depicted part of the treatment plant 100 is a recirculating air module 196.

[0323] If, on the other hand, essentially only fresh air or fresh gas is supplied to treatment room 110, the [condition] is [unclear]. Fig. 1 The illustrated part of the treatment system 100 is preferably a rinsing module 198.

[0324] The in Fig. 1 The treatment system 100 shown functions in particular as follows: By means of the blower device 176, a gas flow is introduced into the distribution room 146 and fed there to the inlet openings 126.

[0325] The gas flow then enters the treatment room 110 via the inlet openings 126.

[0326] The inlet openings 126 are, for example, arranged and / or designed in such a way that the gas flow can flow, for example in the form of several partial gas flows, into the workpiece interior 168 of the workpiece 104 in a targeted manner.

[0327] The gas flow then passes through the workpiece interior 168 at least approximately along the workpiece longitudinal direction 140 and is then discharged from the treatment chamber 110 via the outlet openings 132.

[0328] Such a flow through the workpieces 104 enables, in particular, a uniform heat transfer from the gas flow to the one or more workpieces 104. This preferably prevents overheated and excessively cool areas of the respective workpiece 104.

[0329] As from Fig. 1 As can be seen, the workpieces 104 are guided through the treatment chamber 110 in the conveying direction 112, in particular such that the workpiece longitudinal direction 140 is aligned perpendicular to the conveying direction 112.

[0330] Preferably, a timed conveyance of the workpieces 104 is provided, so that they are stopped at regular intervals in preferred holding positions relative to the inlet openings 126 and outlet openings 132.

[0331] In particular, with a continuously maintained gas flow, this can ensure the preferred flow or purging of the workpieces 104.

[0332] One in the Fig. 2 bis 10 The second embodiment of a treatment plant 100 shown corresponds essentially in terms of structure and function to the treatment plant 100 according to the one described in Fig. 1 first embodiment shown.

[0333] How in particular Fig. 7 As can be seen, the treatment plant 100 comprises several modules, for example recirculating air modules 196, which are arranged successively along the conveying direction 112.

[0334] For example, three recirculating air modules 196 are provided, each forming a heating zone 200 of the treatment room 110. For example, three further recirculating air modules 196 form three holding zones 202 of the treatment room 110. Furthermore, cooling zones (not shown) can be formed by additional recirculating air modules 196.

[0335] A heating zone 200 serves in particular to supply heat to the workpiece 104 in such a way that it heats up.

[0336] In the holding zone 202, heat is preferably supplied in such a way that an existing temperature of the workpiece 104 is kept constant.

[0337] The heating zones 200 and the holding zones 202 together preferably form a heating section 204 of the treatment room 110.

[0338] In this thermal section 204, a large part of the conversion process of the coating of the workpiece 104 preferably takes place in order to bring the coating into a long-term stable state. In particular, cross-linking of the lacquer and / or evaporation of solvents takes place here.

[0339] How Fig. 7 As can be seen, each module, in particular each recirculation module 196, preferably comprises a separate recirculation unit 206 for driving a recirculation gas flow in the respective recirculation module 196.

[0340] Each recirculation unit 206 preferably comprises a blower device 176, a heating device 178, a separator device 180 and / or one or more valves 182, in particular a feed valve 184, a discharge valve 186 and / or a recirculation valve 188.

[0341] The recirculating air unit 206 is docked, in particular, to a side wall 116 of the housing 108 of the treatment system 100, especially of the respective recirculating air module 196. A side wall 116 of the housing 108 preferably also forms a side wall 116 of the respective recirculating air unit 206. Preferably, simple through-openings in the side wall 116 are sufficient to establish a fluid connection between the respective recirculating air unit 206 and the associated section of the treatment chamber 110 and / or the respective distribution chamber 146.

[0342] By using several modules, in particular recirculation modules 196, and / or several separate recirculation units 206, a simple modular design of the treatment plant 100 can preferably be achieved. Furthermore, this preferably enables efficient operation of the treatment plant 100.

[0343] How especially the Fig. 4 bis 7 As can be seen, the heating device 178 can, for example, be a central heating device 178 in which several heat exchangers 179 serve for heat transfer in the individual recirculating air modules 196, while the actual heat generation (heating power) takes place in a central heating device 178, for example a thermal exhaust gas purification device 181.

[0344] The recirculating air units 206 are then, for example, connected by means of a hot gas line 183 (see Fig. 4 ) connected to each other and to the thermal exhaust gas cleaning device 181, so that hot gas generated in the thermal exhaust gas cleaning device 181 can be supplied to the individual heat exchangers 179 in the recirculating air units 206 in a targeted manner, in particular controlled and / or regulated.

[0345] The hot gas generated in the thermal exhaust gas purification device 181 is in particular exhaust gas from the thermal exhaust gas purification device 181.

[0346] This exhaust gas is, in particular, a purified exhaust gas, which is therefore also referred to as clean gas.

[0347] The hot gas line 183 is therefore also, in particular, a clean gas line 185.

[0348] The gas to be supplied to the treatment chamber 110 can preferably be heated indirectly by means of the heat exchangers 179.

[0349] How especially the Fig. 8 bis 10 As can be seen, it may be provided, for example, that the workpieces 104 are each held by means of a skid 208.

[0350] The treatment system 100 is particularly suitable for selectively treating workpieces 104 of different types and / or sizes (see in particular the Fig. 8 and 9 ).

[0351] By appropriately positioning and / or conveying the workpieces 104, a uniform flow of gas can preferably be ensured even with different workpieces 104.

[0352] In particular, the workpieces 104 are preferably always positionable in such a way that the inlet openings 126 arranged in the inclined section 158 of the partition 128 are always directed through an inlet opening 170 into the workpiece interior 168.

[0353] Moreover, the one in the Fig. 2 bis 10 The illustrated embodiment of a treatment plant 100 with regard to its structure and function is shown in relation to the one described in Fig. 1 the embodiment shown is the same, so reference is made to its preceding description.

[0354] In the Fig. 11 bis 24 Different embodiments of treatment plants 100 are shown, which differ essentially only in terms of the arrangement of the inlet openings 126, the outlet openings 132, the partition wall 128 and / or the conveying device 114 from each other and from the above embodiments.

[0355] For the essential structure of the in the Fig. 11 bis 24 Therefore, reference is made to the above statements regarding the illustrated embodiments of treatment plants 100.

[0356] In the Fig. 11 bis 19 The figures show embodiments of treatment systems 100 in which transverse conveying is provided. In such transverse conveying, conveying by means of the conveying device 114 is provided in such a way that the workpiece longitudinal direction 140 is oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the conveying direction 112.

[0357] In the embodiments according to the Fig. 20 bis 24 In contrast, longitudinal conveying is provided. In such longitudinal conveying, the workpiece longitudinal direction 140 is aligned parallel to the conveying direction 112.

[0358] The Fig. 11 bis 15 , 20 und 21 show different options for supplying a gas flow to treatment room 110.

[0359] The Fig. 16 bis 18 , 22 und 23 show different options for removing the gas flow from treatment room 110.

[0360] The Fig. 19 and 24 The figures show exemplary complete flow paths, in particular including a variant of a gas supply and a variant of a gas discharge, wherein a workpiece 104 designed, for example, as a vehicle body 106, is flowed through with the gas flow along the workpiece longitudinal direction 140 from back to front.

[0361] In principle, all gas supply variants can be combined with all gas discharge variants.

[0362] Preferably, however, the gas flow is supplied on one side of the workpiece 104 and the gas flow is discharged on another side of the workpiece 104 opposite this side.

[0363] In Fig. 11 At least one inlet opening 126 is provided in a ceiling wall 122 of the housing 108. The inlet opening 126 is designed such that a gas flow passing through it can flow through the inlet opening 170 into the workpiece interior 168 of the workpiece 104.

[0364] According to Fig. 12 The gas flow is supplied at an angle in an upper region of a vertical side wall 116 with respect to the direction of gravity 118. The gas flow strikes the front hood 156 of the workpiece 104 at an angle from above and is then supplied to the inlet opening 170 of the workpiece interior 168.

[0365] According to Fig. 13 At least one inlet opening 126 is provided in the inclined section 158 of a partition wall 128.

[0366] According to Fig. 14 An inlet opening 126 is provided in a lower area of ​​a vertical side wall 116 with respect to the direction of gravity 118.

[0367] According to Fig. 15 Three inlet openings 126, distributed along the longitudinal direction 140 of the workpiece, are provided in the bottom wall 120. The workpiece 104 can be permeated by the gas flow, particularly from bottom to top against the direction of gravity 118.

[0368] According to Fig. 16 An outlet opening 132 is provided in the area of ​​the rear of the vehicle 162 in the bottom wall 120 of the housing 108.

[0369] According to Fig. 17 At least one outlet opening 132 is provided in the area of ​​the rear of the vehicle 162 in the side wall 116.

[0370] According to Fig. 18 Gas discharge is provided in a direction parallel to the conveying direction 112, in particular with respect to the workpiece longitudinal direction 140 to one or both sides of the workpiece 104. In particular, outlet openings 132 are provided in the area of ​​the rear of the vehicle 162.

[0371] According to Fig. 19 An inlet opening 126 is provided in the ceiling wall 122 such that a gas flow is directed into an inlet opening 170 between two C-pillars 166 of the workpiece 104 designed as a vehicle body 106.

[0372] The gas flow passing through the workpiece interior 168 can finally be discharged from the treatment chamber 110 in a lower area of ​​a vertical side wall 116 with respect to the direction of gravity 118 via an outlet opening 132 located there.

[0373] The gas supply according to Fig. 20 corresponds to that from Fig. 11 .

[0374] The gas supply according to Fig. 21 corresponds to that from Fig. 15 .

[0375] The gas discharge according to Fig. 22 corresponds to that from Fig. 16 .

[0376] The gas discharge according to Fig. 23 corresponds to that from Fig. 18 .

[0377] The flow through workpiece 104 according to Fig. 19 is also in the variant according to Fig. 24 planned.

[0378] As already mentioned, in the embodiments of the treatment plant 100 according to the Fig. 20 bis 24 However, longitudinal conveying is planned, not transverse conveying.

[0379] As especially from Fig. 24 This means that the inlet openings 126 on the one hand and the outlet openings 132 on the other hand are arranged offset from each other along the conveying direction 112.

[0380] Since the direction in which the gas flow is adapted to one or more inlet openings 170 of the workpieces 104, continuous conveyance of the workpieces 104 would, for example, result in a strongly overheated roof area 174.

[0381] The workpieces 104 are therefore preferably conveyed in a timed manner by means of the conveying direction 114 and in particular at preferred holding positions, such as in Fig. 24 displayed, stopped.

[0382] In these holding positions, the desired flow through the workpiece interior 168 then takes place.

[0383] One in Fig. 25 The further embodiment of a treatment plant 100 shown differs from the one shown, for example, in Fig. 1 The first embodiment shown differs essentially in that the treatment plant 100 comprises a lock 210.

[0384] Furthermore, the treatment system 100 includes a recirculating air module 196 and a rinsing module 198.

[0385] In particular, it is provided that the recirculation module 196, the rinsing module 198 and the lock 210 are arranged successively in this order along the conveying direction 112.

[0386] According to the invention, the treatment plant 100 comprises a gas flow such that a fresh air stream can be supplied to the lock 210.

[0387] The lock 210 is therefore an airlock according to the invention.

[0388] Gas passed through the lock 210, in particular a lock gas stream, can preferably be supplied to the rinsing module 198 via the gas supply of the treatment plant 100.

[0389] In particular, the gas flow in the rinsing module 198 is passed through the treatment chamber 110, especially the workpiece interior 168, as a rinsing gas flow in order to remove previously contained contaminants as completely as possible from the workpiece interior 168 and / or the treatment chamber 110. The contaminants are, in particular, solvent vapors.

[0390] The purge gas stream discharged from the purge module 198 can preferably be reused. For example, it can be at least partially supplied as intake air to a recirculation module 196. Furthermore, it can also be supplied to an exhaust gas purification device (not shown).

[0391] The described gas routing of the treatment plant 100 enables, in particular, energy-efficient operation of the treatment plant 100.

[0392] Moreover, the in Fig. 25 The illustrated embodiment of a treatment system 100 is preferably comparable with regard to structure and function to the one described in Fig. 1 the first embodiment shown, so reference is made to its preceding description.

[0393] One in Fig. 26 A further embodiment of a treatment plant 100, shown schematically, differs from the one in Fig. 25 The embodiment shown is essentially distinguished by the fact that the treatment plant 100 comprises, in addition to a heating section 204 formed by one or more recirculating air modules 196, a rinsing section 212 formed, for example, by a rinsing module 198 and a cooling section 214.

[0394] Furthermore, preferably two airlocks 210 are provided, one airlock 210 separating the heating section 204 from the rinsing section 212. The other airlock 210 separates the rinsing section 212 from the cooling section 214.

[0395] The heating section 204, a lock 210, the rinsing section 212, the further lock 210 and the cooling section 214 are preferably arranged consecutively in this order with respect to the conveying direction 112.

[0396] The in Fig. 26 The treatment plant 100 shown preferably comprises a gas supply in which a fresh air gas stream can be supplied to a sluice 210 or to the purging section 212.

[0397] A purge gas stream passed through the purge section 212 is preferably fed to the heating section 204. In particular, a feed is provided at an end 216 of the heating section 204 facing away from the purge section 212.

[0398] The gas flow passing through the heating section 204 is preferably discharged at an end 218 of the heating section 204 facing the purging section 212.

[0399] Moreover, the in Fig. 26 The illustrated embodiment of a treatment plant 100 with regard to its structure and function is shown in relation to the one described in Fig. 25 and / or one of those in the Fig. 1 bis 24 The embodiments shown are identical, so reference is made to their preceding description.

[0400] One in Fig. 27 The illustrated embodiment of a treatment plant 100 differs from the one shown in Fig. 26 The embodiment shown is essentially distinguished by the fact that the treatment plant 100 comprises two heating sections 204, between which a rinsing section 212 separated by means of two sluices 210 is arranged.

[0401] A further lock 210 is preferably arranged between the heating section 204, which is rearward with respect to the conveying direction 112, and the cooling section 214.

[0402] At the in Fig. 27 In the illustrated embodiment of the treatment plant 100, it is preferably provided that the purge gas flow passed through the purge section 212 is divided and a partial gas flow is supplied to an end 216 of each heat section 204 facing away from the purge section 212.

[0403] The discharge of the gas flow passing through the respective heat section 204 then takes place at the end 218 of each heat section 204, which is arranged facing the purge section 212.

[0404] The chosen gas flow results in the following: Fig. 27 In the illustrated embodiment of the treatment plant 100, the gas flow through the heating section 204, which is forward of the conveying direction 112, preferably in the conveying direction 112, while the heating section 204, which is rear of the conveying direction 112, preferably flows through it in the opposite direction. This results in a particular accumulation of solvent in the front part of the treatment plant 100, especially upstream of the rinsing section 212. By directing the gas flow counter-currently in the heating section 204, which is rear of the conveying direction 112, a particularly low discharge of solvent into the environment is preferably achieved.

[0405] Moreover, the in Fig. 27 The illustrated embodiment of a treatment plant 100 with regard to its structure and function is shown in relation to the one described in Fig. 26 the embodiment shown is the same, so reference is made to its preceding description.

[0406] In the Fig. 28 bis 32 Different variants of conveying devices are shown in Figure 114.

[0407] These different variants of the conveying device 114 can preferably be used in all of the illustrated and described variants of treatment plants 100.

[0408] In particular, the conveying devices 114 are intended for conveying the workpieces 104 along a total conveying distance 220.

[0409] This total conveying path 220 preferably extends through all sections of the treatment plant 100, in particular through the heating section 204, a rinsing section 212 and / or a cooling section 214 or through several of the aforementioned sections 204, 212, 214.

[0410] In addition, the respective conveying device 114 also provides for conveying through one or more locks 210.

[0411] At the in Fig. 28 In the illustrated embodiment of a conveying device 114, it is provided that the conveying device 114 comprises a transfer device 222.

[0412] By means of such a transfer device 222, in particular a connection can be established between two partial conveying sections 224 of the total conveying section 220 which meet, for example, at an angle of 90°.

[0413] By means of the transfer device 222, it is particularly possible to transfer the workpieces 104 from one partial conveyor section 224 to the next partial conveyor section 224 in such a way that the workpieces 104 retain a global rotational orientation relative to the treatment system 100 unchanged.

[0414] For example, if longitudinal conveying of the workpieces 104 is provided in a first partial conveying section 224a and this partial conveying section 224a meets a second partial conveying section 224b running perpendicular to it, transverse conveying results in the area of ​​the second partial conveying section 224b if the rotational orientation of the workpieces 104 remains unchanged.

[0415] A conveying device 114 according to the in Fig. 28 The embodiment shown is particularly suitable when a lock 210 with the smallest possible cross-section has to be traversed, but a transverse conveying is preferred afterwards.

[0416] One in Fig. 29 The illustrated embodiment of a conveying device 114 differs from the one shown in Fig. 28 The illustrated embodiment is essentially characterized by the provision of three partial conveying sections 224 and two transfer devices 222. By means of the conveying device 114, in particular, a transverse conveying of the workpieces 104 can first be converted into a longitudinal conveying of the same, for example, to guide them through a sluice gate 210. Subsequently, the workpieces 104 can be transferred again, in particular, to enable further transverse conveying.

[0417] Moreover, the in Fig. 29 the embodiment shown with regard to structure and function with the one in Fig. 28 the embodiment shown is the same, so reference is made to its preceding description.

[0418] By means of a conveying device 114 according to the in Fig. 29 In the illustrated embodiment, a lateral offset of the workpieces 104 (in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction) can in particular be realized.

[0419] It may also be provided that a conveying device 114 essentially comprises two conveying devices 114 according to the one described in Fig. 29 The illustrated embodiment comprises those which are arranged and designed in such a way that the workpieces 104 can first be moved laterally and then returned to an original conveyor straight.

[0420] One in Fig. 30 The further embodiment of a conveying device 114 shown differs from the one in Fig. 28 The embodiment shown is essentially distinguished by the fact that the conveying device 114 comprises two rotating devices 226.

[0421] By means of each rotation device 226, the workpieces 104 are preferably rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation 228.

[0422] By means of the rotation device 226, a global rotational orientation of the workpieces 104 relative to the treatment system 100 can be changed, in particular without changing a general conveying direction 112 in two partial conveying sections 224 connected by means of the respective rotation device 226.

[0423] At the in Fig. 30 In the illustrated embodiment of the treatment system 100, it is particularly provided that the workpieces 104 are initially conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction 112, i.e., transverse conveying is provided. By means of a rotating device 226, the workpieces 104 are then preferably rotated in front of a gate 210 to convert the transverse conveying into longitudinal conveying. The workpieces 104 are then conveyed through the gate 210 in this longitudinal orientation and subsequently rotated again by means of another rotating device 226 to ultimately continue the transverse conveying.

[0424] The conveying direction 112 preferably does not change.

[0425] Moreover, the in Fig. 30 The illustrated embodiment of a conveying device 114 is preferably comparable with regard to its structure and function to the one described in Fig. 28 the embodiment shown is the same, so reference is made to its preceding description.

[0426] One in Fig. 31 The illustrated embodiment of a conveying device 114 differs from the one shown in Fig. 28 The embodiment shown is essentially distinguished by the fact that the conveying device 114 comprises a rotary device 226, a transfer device 222 and a lifting device 230.

[0427] This conveying device 114 is particularly suitable for use in a treatment plant 100, which is designed as a so-called A-dryer.

[0428] It can be advantageous if the treatment plant 100 includes a heating section 204 and / or a rinsing section 212, which, with respect to the direction of gravity 118, is arranged, in particular completely, above a cooling section 214. This can prevent or at least reduce unwanted heat loss from the heating section 204.

[0429] The workpieces 104 are preferably conveyable along a first partial conveying section 224 through the heating section 204 and can be fed to the rinsing section 212.

[0430] The rinsing section 212 can preferably be separated from the heating section 204 and / or the cooling section 214 by means of two mechanical separating elements 232.

[0431] A separating element 232 can, for example, be designed as a roller door or lifting door, which can be inserted between the heating section 204 and the flushing section 212.

[0432] Another separating element 232 is, for example, a base plate 234 of the lifting device 230.

[0433] The base plate 234 closes off, in particular, an interior space of the flushing section 212 in the direction of gravity 118 downwards when the lifting device 230 is in a raised position, for example in order to be able to pick up workpieces 104 at the level of the heating section 204.

[0434] For the transfer of workpieces 104 in the area of ​​the rinsing section 212, a transfer device 222 may optionally be provided.

[0435] By means of the lifting device 230, the workpieces 104 can be lowered from the level of the heating section 204 to the level of the cooling section 214 and then, in particular by means of an optional transfer device 222, transferred to a further partial conveying section 224.

[0436] It may be provided that by means of one or more rotary devices 226 a global rotational orientation of the workpieces 104 relative to the treatment system 100 is changed.

[0437] For example, a rotary device 226 together with the lifting device 230 can form an integrated handling device 236.

[0438] In particular, it may be provided that the workpieces 104 are simultaneously rotated around a vertical axis of rotation 228 during lifting or lowering by means of the lifting device 230.

[0439] A further rotating device 226, which is arranged, for example, in the cooling section 214, can also serve to optimize the conveying of the workpieces 104 in this cooling section 214.

[0440] Moreover, the in Fig. 31 The illustrated embodiment of a conveying device 114 and / or the entire treatment plant 100 may optionally correspond in terms of structure and function to one or more of the embodiments described above, so that reference is made to their above description in this respect.

[0441] One in Fig. 32 The illustrated embodiment of a conveying device 114 differs from the one shown in Fig. 30 The embodiment shown differs essentially in that only one rotation device 226 is provided.

[0442] With regard to the conveying direction 112 upstream of the airlock 210, longitudinal conveying of the workpieces 104 is preferably provided in order to enable the workpieces 104 to pass through the airlock 210 with the smallest possible cross-section. Downstream of the airlock 210, the longitudinal conveying can then preferably be converted into transverse conveying by means of the rotary device 226.

[0443] Moreover, the in Fig. 32 The illustrated embodiment of a conveying device 114 with regard to its structure and function is shown in relation to the one described in Fig. 30 the embodiment shown is the same, so reference is made to its preceding description.

Claims

1. Treatment system (100) for treating workpieces (104), for example for drying coated vehicle bodies (106), the treatment system (100) comprising a treatment chamber (110) and a conveying device (114) by means of which the workpieces (104) can be fed to the treatment chamber (110), can be discharged from the treatment chamber (110) and / or can be conveyed through the treatment chamber (110) in a conveying direction (112), the treatment chamber (110) comprising at least one heating portion (204) in which the workpieces (104) can be heated and / or kept at a temperature that is higher than the ambient temperature, characterized in that the treatment system (100) comprises a flushing device for flushing a flushing portion (212) of the treatment chamber (110) with a lock gas stream from a lock (210) of the treatment system (100), wherein the treatment system (100) comprises a gas guide arrangement such that a fresh air stream is suppliable to the lock (210) which is an airlock.

2. Treatment system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a) the flushing portion (212) of the treatment chamber (110) is arranged behind at least one heating portion (204) of the treatment chamber (110) with respect to the conveying direction (112); and / or b) the flushing portion (212) of the treatment chamber (110) is arranged between at least two heating portions (204) of the treatment chamber (110) with respect to the conveying direction (112).

3. Treatment system (100) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a) the treatment chamber (110) comprises at least one heating portion (204), at least one cooling portion (214) for cooling the workpieces (104) and at least one flushing portion (212), with at least one flushing portion (212) being arranged between the at least one heating portion (204) and the at least one cooling portion (214) with respect to the conveying direction (112); and / or b) the flushing portion (212) and the at least one heating portion (204) can be selectively fluidically separated from one another and fluidically connected to one another by means of one or more separating elements (232).

4. Treatment system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the treatment system (100) comprises a gas conductor by means of which the gas stream, in particular a fresh air stream, fed to a flushing portion (212) of the treatment chamber (110) can be fed to at least one heating portion (204) of the treatment chamber (110) after flowing through the flushing portion (212), it being possible for the gas stream, in particular a fresh air stream, fed to a flushing portion (212) of the treatment chamber (110) to be fed to at least one heating portion (204) of the treatment chamber (110), preferably after flowing through the flushing portion (212), at an end (216) of the heating portion (204) remote from the flushing portion (212).

5. Treatment system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the treatment system (100) comprises a flushing device by means of which a heated gas stream can be fed to a flushing portion (212) of the treatment chamber (110).

6. Treatment system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a heating portion (204) comprises at least one heating zone (200) for heating the workpieces (104) and / or at least one holding zone (202) in which an elevated temperature of the workpieces (104) can be maintained, with each heating zone (200) and / or each holding zone (202) preferably comprising one or more air circulation modules (196) for circulating the gas stream conducted in the relevant heating zone (200) and / or holding zone (202).

7. Treatment system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a heating portion (204) comprises at least one heating zone (200) for heating the workpieces (104) and / or at least one holding zone (202) in which an elevated temperature of the workpieces (104) can be maintained, with each heating zone (200) and / or each holding zone (202) preferably comprising a separate heating device (178) and / or a separate heat exchanger (179) for heating the gas stream conducted in the relevant heating zone (200) and / or holding zone (202).

8. Treatment system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the treatment system (100) a) comprises at least one heating portion (204), at least one flushing portion (212) and at least one cooling portion (214), the at least one heating portion (204) and the at least one flushing portion (212) being arranged above the at least one cooling portion (214) with respect to the direction of gravity (118); and / or b) comprises at least one gas feed (124) by means of which a gas stream can be directed at least approximately perpendicularly to an entry plane of an entry opening (170) of a workpiece (104) into an interior (144) of the workpiece (104), the entry opening (170) being an opening in which a windshield or rear window is arranged in an assembled state of a workpiece (104) designed as a motor vehicle.

9. Treatment system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a) the workpieces (104) can be picked up by the conveying device (114) and conveyed through at least one heating portion (204), at least one flushing portion (212) and / or at least one cooling portion (214) of the treatment chamber (110) in such a way that a longitudinal direction (140) of the workpieces (104) is aligned at least approximately horizontally and / or transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction (112): and / or b) the conveying device (114) comprises a rotation device (226) by means of which a rotational orientation of the workpieces (104) about a vertical axis of rotation (228) can be changed; and / or c) the conveying device (114) comprises a lifting device (230) by means of which the workpieces (104) can be raised from a first level to a second level and / or lowered from the second level to the first level; and / or d) the conveying device (114) comprises a transfer device (222) by means of which the workpieces (104) can be transferred from one partial conveying section (224) to another partial conveying section (224), the conveying directions (112) in the two partial conveying sections (224) being different and an absolute rotational orientation of the workpieces (104) relative to the treatment system (100) being identical in both partial conveying sections (224); and / or e) the conveying device (114) comprises a rotation device (226) by means of which a rotational orientation of the workpieces (104) about a vertical axis of rotation (228) can be changed, and a lifting device (230) by means of which the workpieces (104) can be raised from a first level to a second level and / or lowered from the second level to the first level, the rotation device (226) and the lifting device (230) being designed as an integrated handling device (236) for handling the workpieces (104) between two partial conveying sections (224).

10. Treatment system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the treatment system (100) is a drying system (102) for drying vehicle bodies (106).

11. Method for treating workpieces (104), for example for drying coated vehicle bodies (106), the method comprising: - feeding workpieces (104) to a treatment chamber (110) of a treatment system (100); and / or - passing workpieces (104) through the treatment chamber (110); and / or - discharging workpieces (104) from the treatment chamber (110), the treatment chamber (110) comprising at least one heating portion (204) in which the workpieces (104) are heated and / or kept at a temperature that is higher than the ambient temperature, characterized in that a flushing portion (212) of the treatment chamber (110) is flushed with a lock gas stream from a lock (210) of the treatment system (100) by means of a flushing device of the treatment system (100), wherein the treatment system (100) comprises a gas guide arrangement such that a fresh air stream is suppliable to the lock (210) which is an airlock.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the lock gas stream, in particular a fresh air stream, for the lock (210) is fed, after flowing through the lock (210), as a flushing gas stream to the workpieces (104) and passed through same, the lock gas stream being partially or at least approximately completely directed, preferably by means of one or more nozzles of the gas feed (124), into a workpiece interior (168) of the workpieces (104) and / or the lock gas stream at least partially being a gas stream that is preferably discharged from a heating portion (204) or cooling portion (214) of the treatment system (100) and / or the lock gas stream preferably being extracted within a lock (210), for example through a bottom wall (120) of a lock (210), and then being directed into the workpiece interior (168), in particular at least approximately perpendicularly to a conveying direction (112) of the workpiece (104), for flushing a workpiece interior (168) of the workpieces (104).

13. Method according to either claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the workpieces (104) are first passed through at least one heating portion (204) of the treatment chamber (110) and then flushed with a flushing gas stream, the workpieces (104) preferably being fed to at least one further heating portion (204) of the treatment chamber (110) after being flushed and / or the workpieces (104) being fed to at least one cooling portion (214) of the treatment chamber (110) after being flushed.

14. Method according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a) a flushing portion (212) and at least one heating portion (204) and at least one cooling portion (214) are fluidically separated from one another by means of one or more separating elements (232) in order to carry out a flushing process; and / or b) a gas stream, in particular a hot gas stream, a flushing gas stream and / or a cooling gas stream, is directed at least approximately perpendicularly to an entry plane of an entry opening (170) of a workpiece (104) into an interior (144) of the workpiece (104), the entry opening (170) being an opening in which a windshield or rear window is arranged in an assembled state of a workpiece (104) designed as a motor vehicle.

15. Method according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a) a gas stream, in particular a hot gas stream, a flushing gas stream and / or a cooling gas stream, is directed through an inlet opening (170) of a workpiece (104) into an interior (144) of the workpiece (104), with a proportion of a volume flow of the gas stream directed through the inlet opening (170) into the interior (144) of the workpiece (104) to a volume flow of a total gas stream directed onto or into the workpiece (104) being at least approximately 50%, preferably at least approximately 75%; and / or b) the workpieces (104) are picked up by the conveying device (114) and conveyed through at least one heating portion (204), at least one flushing portion (212) and / or at least one cooling portion (214) of the treatment chamber (110) in such a way that a longitudinal direction (140) of the workpieces (104) is aligned at least approximately horizontally and / or transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction (112).

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