Evacuation device, treatment container, treatment system and evacuation method

Abstract

The invention relates to an evacuation device (300) for evacuating an air bubble (332) entrapped by a dipped workpiece (102). The evacuation device (300) comprises a fluid pipe (310) which is designed to carry a fluid through a dip bath, and an outlet (403) which is fluidically connected to the fluid pipe (310), the outlet (304) being provided such on the evacuation device (300) that in an evacuation operation mode (330) it terminates upwards or upwards at an angle at the evacuation device (300), counter to a direction of gravitational force (g).

Description

[0001] Venting device, treatment tank, treatment plant and venting process

[0002] The present invention relates to a venting device and a venting method for venting an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece.

[0003] The venting device according to the invention is preferably intended for use in the field of workpiece treatment, in particular the cleaning and coating of workpieces, for example vehicle bodies or vehicle parts.

[0004] For the treatment of workpieces, they can be immersed in dipping tanks, for example. The workpieces are lowered into a dipping tank and removed from the tank after each treatment step. Rotation of the workpiece can be provided for optimal treatment, even in hard-to-reach areas. However, the possibility of air bubbles remaining in individual areas cannot be ruled out.

[0005] WO 2022 / 002312 A1 proposes a treatment station comprising a floodable treatment chamber for workpiece treatment. It cannot be ruled out that an air bubble may be trapped at certain points due to the immersion of a workpiece.

[0006] Thus, in both a conventional immersion tank and a floodable treatment room, a trapped air bubble can prevent the treatment of part of a workpiece surface with a treatment medium, such as a cleaning fluid. The same problem can also occur with two liquids of different densities, such as oil and water, and with two gases of different densities, such as normal air with a density of approximately 1.29 kg / m³. 3 and argon with a density of approximately 1.78 kg / m 3 , occur. Therefore, the following always refers to fluids. The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device that enables the wetting of a workpiece surface that, when submerged, traps an air bubble.

[0007] This object is achieved by the device according to the independent claims.

[0008] A venting device according to the invention is particularly suitable for venting an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece.

[0009] A venting device according to the invention for venting an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece contains in particular a fluid line and an orifice.

[0010] The fluid line should, in particular, be designed to conduct a fluid through an immersion bath. The immersion bath can be a treatment fluid. For this purpose, the fluid line can be compression-resistant up to an external pressure of, for example, up to 2 bar, preferably up to 5 bar. The fluid line can, for example, be resistant to a component used in the treatment fluid, such as a solvent.

[0011] The orifice should be fluidically connected to the fluid line. This can include a closure integrated into the orifice or located close to the orifice, such as an actuatable valve and / or a pilot-operated valve.

[0012] The outlet should be arranged on the venting device so that, in a venting operating state, it opens upwards or obliquely upwards, counter to the direction of gravity. In other words, the outlet can be arranged on the venting device so that, in a venting operating state, it opens at least partially upwards, counter to the direction of gravity.

[0013] Terms such as "top", "upward", "bottom", and "downward" in this description refer in particular to the direction of gravity, preferably in an installed position and / or an operating state. The venting operating state can be an operating state of the venting device in which the orifice is positioned in or on an air bubble trapped by a dense fluid in a submerged workpiece. The venting operating state can be an operating state in which the orifice is positioned on or near a workpiece surface of a submerged workpiece. The venting operating state can be an operating state in which a fluid flows or can flow into the fluid line through the orifice and / or a fluid flows or can flow out of the fluid line through the orifice.

[0014] By opening the nozzle upward or diagonally upward in the venting mode, the trapped air bubble can be vented from the submerged workpiece through the nozzle and the fluid line. As a result, a surface of the workpiece can be completely or almost completely treated in a submerged mode.

[0015] The venting device may include a mounting portion for positioning the orifice in a venting operating state. For this purpose, the mounting portion may be designed and dimensioned to withstand flow forces upon immersion in a fluid, particularly a liquid.

[0016] It is advantageous if the venting device has a generally hose-like and / or tube-like and / or U-shaped, such as in particular siphon-shaped, design and / or can assume such a design at least in one operating state.

[0017] The fluid line may include an outlet. The outlet may, in particular, be arranged at a portion of the fluid line spaced from the mouth.

[0018] For example, the fluid line can extend from the mouth to the outlet. The outlet is preferably suitable for the outflow of a fluid flowing into the mouth and through the fluid line.

[0019] The venting device is preferably designed such that the outlet can be positioned or is positioned above the mouth in the venting operating state. By positioning the outlet above the mouth, space can be provided, in particular, for the workpiece, which catches the air bubble when submerged. If the outlet is positioned "above" the mouth, it does not have to be positioned exactly vertically above the mouth; to achieve an advantageous venting flow, it is sufficient if the outlet is positioned slightly higher than the mouth. Preferably, the outlet is positioned at least 20 cm higher than the mouth so that, for example, a stable venting flow can be established. Particularly preferably, in terms of venting behavior, the outlet is positioned at least 50 cm higher than the mouth.

[0020] Furthermore, the venting device is preferably designed such that the outlet, in the venting operating state, can be positioned or is positioned outside a liquid volume surrounding the opening, particularly in the venting operating state. The liquid volume can define the air bubble to be vented, particularly in the venting operating state.

[0021] Likewise preferably, the venting device is designed such that the outlet in the venting operating state can be positioned or is positioned above the mouth and outside the liquid volume surrounding the mouth.

[0022] In other words, the outlet is preferably arranged or positioned above the air bubble trapped in a workpiece and / or outside the liquid volume surrounding the workpiece.

[0023] If the outlet is positioned above the orifice and thus, in a venting state, also above the workpiece that traps the air bubble, the air trapped in the air bubble can simply escape upwards, driven, for example, by static pressure.

[0024] If the outlet is located or positioned outside the volume of liquid surrounding the workpiece, the air trapped in the air bubble can, for example, simply escape to the outside.

[0025] If the venting device according to the invention is used to vent a vehicle body, a challenge can arise from a large number of very different body shapes. Therefore, it can be advantageous if the venting device and / or part of the venting device can be attached to a workpiece, in particular a vehicle body, and / or to a receiving device prepared for receiving a workpiece, in particular a workpiece carrier and / or a skid. In particular, the fastening section can be attached to the workpiece and / or to the receiving device prepared for receiving such a workpiece. Thus, even an unusual body shape can be easily accommodated.

[0026] Easy adaptability to different workpieces, particularly vehicle bodies, can be achieved, for example, by the venting device containing a fluid coupling that is fluidly connected to the fluid line and arranged at a section of the fluid line spaced from the orifice. Such a coupling can be connected or connectable in a fluid-tight manner to a corresponding or oppositely identical coupling.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, a two-part venting device can be provided which, as a system, has two separately provided and manageable device parts, namely: a first device part containing the mouth, a section of the fluid line, and a coupling, and a second device part containing a second counter-coupling, a section of the fluid line, and preferably an outlet. The first device part can preferably be secured to the workpiece and / or to the receiving device. The second device part can preferably be secured to an environment, for example, to a treatment container described later. Each of the two device parts can be claimed independently to achieve the object of the invention.

[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a three-part venting device can be provided which, as a system, has three separately providable and manageable device parts, namely: a device part that can be secured on the workpiece side and contains the mouth, a section of the fluid line, and a first coupling; a device part that can be secured on the receiving device side and contains a first counter-coupling, a section of the fluid line, and a second coupling; and a device part that can be secured on the ambient side and contains a second counter-coupling, a section of the fluid line, and preferably an outlet. Each of the three device parts can be claimed individually and independently to achieve the object of the invention. The section that can be secured on the ambient side can, in particular, be secured to a treatment container described later.

[0029] It is advantageous to place the outlet as high as possible in the air bladder. This can be achieved, for example, with an option that allows the outlet to be moved upwards and downwards with respect to a direction of gravity.

[0030] In particular, an upward movement of the orifice can occur in the venting operating state or upon transition to the venting operating state. Furthermore, a downward movement of the orifice can occur, for example, in the venting operating state or upon transition from the venting operating state.

[0031] If the fluid line contains a flexible hose, a structurally simple and / or versatile venting device can be achieved. It can be cost-effective if the fluid line is a flexible hose, in particular a flexible hose supported by a frame.

[0032] Depending on the application, it may be desirable to thread the venting device into the respective workpiece. It may also be necessary to adapt it to different workpiece contours. In this context, it can be advantageous if the fluid line includes a section near the outlet that can be pivoted upwards and downwards relative to the direction of gravity.

[0033] If the pivotally movable section of the fluid line near the mouth runs and / or is directed downwards and / or diagonally downwards away from the mouth in an operating state pivoted upwards with respect to the direction of gravity, the mouth can penetrate particularly deeply into trapped air. In other words: it is advantageous if the section near the mouth runs at least partially downwards away from the mouth with respect to the direction of gravity. If the pivotally movable section of the fluid line near the mouth runs and / or is directed continuously downwards and / or diagonally downwards towards the mouth in an operating state pivoted downwards with respect to the direction of gravity, the fluid line can be completely emptied.This can, for example, allow the same venting device to be used for treatments with different liquids or treatment media when emerging from a liquid and / or draining a liquid from a treatment room. This can, for example, help shorten setup times.

[0034] The venting device can comprise a buoyancy body or float. This allows, for example, a situation-adapted movement to be implemented without additional control effort.

[0035] A buoyancy body can preferably be arranged and / or dimensioned to generate a buoyancy force for pivoting the section near the mouth upon immersion of the buoyancy body in a liquid. For this purpose, the buoyancy body can be attached, in particular, directly to the pivotally movable section near the mouth. The buoyancy body can also be coupled, for example, to the movable section, in particular the pivotally movable section near the mouth, via a transmission, such as a gear transmission, a lever mechanism, and / or a rod transmission.

[0036] Depending on the application, many different courses and designs of the fluid line are conceivable. Among other things, it is possible for the fluid line to contain a section from which, in at least one operating state, fluid line sections branch off that point upwards only with respect to the direction of gravity. An example of this could be a U-shaped section that is open at the top, similar to a siphon. In such cases, it can be advantageous if a drain valve is arranged at this lower section. This means, for example, that the same venting device can be used for treatments with different liquids or treatment media. For example, a remote-controlled valve, a pilot-controlled valve and / or an automatic valve can each be advantageously used as a drain valve.In a preferred variant, the venting device, in particular the fluid line, can be prepared to conduct a fluid from the mouth through the fluid line under static pressure, under negative pressure and / or under positive pressure and / or to conduct a fluid through the fluid line to the mouth under positive pressure.

[0037] For example, the venting device and / or the fluid line can be configured to conduct a fluid, in particular the trapped air, only under static pressure, such as according to the principle of fluidically corresponding tubes. Static pressure can be understood in particular as the pressure of a fluid acting on an air bubble.

[0038] The venting device and / or the fluid line can, for example, also be configured to convey a fluid, in particular the trapped air, at least with the aid of a suction pump. The suction pump is preferably contained in the venting device.

[0039] The venting device and / or the fluid line can, for example, contain a pump near the outlet, which can be designed and / or prepared for the pressurized conveyance of a fluid, in particular the trapped air.

[0040] The venting device and / or the fluid line can also be configured to convey a fluid through the fluid line to the orifice with the aid of a higher-lying liquid container and / or a pump. This concept can be used, for example, to vent an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece. This concept can also be used, for example, to additionally or alternatively flush out the trapped air.

[0041] The task posed at the beginning is also solved by a treatment container that surrounds a treatment room for holding the workpieces.

[0042] For example, the treatment chamber may be floodable with a liquid, such as a treatment fluid for treating a workpiece. This may also include a treatment chamber that is only partially floodable, for example, for underbody treatment of a vehicle body. According to another example, a treatment chamber may be provided for receiving and immersing and / or submerging workpieces. Preferably, the treatment chamber comprises an immersion tank configured for immersing and / or submerging workpieces in a liquid.

[0043] Examples of a treatment fluid include a cleaning fluid, in particular for degreasing the workpiece. Furthermore, the fluid can be a coating fluid, for example, for phosphating or painting the workpiece.

[0044] The venting device can be secured in the treatment tank by means of the fastening section. In particular, the fastening section can advantageously be secured to a side wall, a bottom wall, and / or a ceiling wall of the treatment tank.

[0045] The venting device may include a movable section. For example, a horizontally and / or vertically pivoting movable section, a horizontally and / or vertically displacing movable section, a retracting and / or extending movable section, a curved and / or stretching movable section, a freely movable section, and / or a combination thereof may be provided.

[0046] To move a movable section, a controllable drive, such as an electric drive, a pneumatic drive, and / or a hydraulic drive, can be provided. Controllable drives generally have the advantage of being able to perform independent movements and are adaptable. Optionally, a process medium, such as a treatment fluid, can be used as the fluid of a fluid drive.

[0047] A trigger contained in the treatment container can also be provided to move a movable section.

[0048] The trigger can be triggered, in particular, by introducing a workpiece into the treatment chamber, in particular by positioning a workpiece at a treatment position, and / or removing a workpiece from the treatment chamber, in particular by removing a workpiece from a treatment position. This is a possibility for implementing a movement of the movable section coordinated with a workpiece movement without requiring a separate drive.

[0049] The trigger is preferably arranged and / or configured to be triggered by a receiving device for receiving a workpiece. The receiving device can, in particular, be designed and / or prepared to receive the workpiece.

[0050] Preferably, a trigger is operable on a side wall, a ceiling wall and / or a bottom wall of the treatment tank in order to trigger with high reliability, for example.

[0051] A trigger is preferably coupled to a movable portion of the venting device for moving the movable portion. In particular, the trigger can be uniformly and / or non-uniformly coupled, in particular motion-coupled, to the venting device in the manner of a gear mechanism, such as a gear train, a lever mechanism, and / or a rod drive.

[0052] The trigger is preferably coupled to a movable section, which movable section contains a counter-coupling. In this way, for example, in a two-part and / or three-part venting device, the coupling can be automatically closed in a defined manner. Furthermore, a coupling can be moved out of a travel path of the workpiece and / or the holder, for example, to allow free movement of the workpiece and / or the holder.

[0053] Furthermore, particularly in combination with the floodable treatment chamber, but also in combination with the treatment chamber for immersing and / or submerging workpieces, a fluid coupling can also be provided on a side wall, a floor wall, and / or a ceiling wall, which fluid coupling is the opposite of a fluid coupling contained in a venting device, wherein the venting device can be attached to the workpiece and / or to the receiving device for receiving a workpiece. Two "opposite" fluid couplings can be understood in particular as a pair of fluid-tight, fluid-transmitting fluid couplings, preferably additionally leak-free, pressure-transmitting fluid couplings. In other words, two fluid couplings can be provided, each having a matching opening and which are preferably detachably connectable to one another.

[0054] Further advantageous embodiments of the treatment container can result from advantageous embodiments of the venting device according to the invention, so that reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0055] The object posed at the outset can also be achieved by a treatment station containing a treatment container as described above. In addition to the treatment container, a treatment station can, in particular, comprise a liquid tank, wherein the liquid tank can be configured and / or arranged to provide a liquid for flooding the respective treatment chamber. Further advantageous embodiments of the treatment station can result from advantageous embodiments of the venting device according to the invention and / or the treatment container according to the invention, so reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0056] The object posed at the outset can also be achieved by a treatment plant which contains at least one treatment container and / or one treatment station described above.

[0057] In addition to the treatment container or treatment station, the treatment plant may in particular contain one or more further treatment containers or treatment stations.

[0058] In addition to the treatment container or the treatment station, the treatment system can comprise in particular a main conveyor line for conveying one or more workpieces and / or one or more tunnel sections for enclosing at least individual sections of the main conveyor line, and / or one or more cleaning stations and / or spraying stations and / or rinsing stations.

[0059] Further advantageous embodiments of the treatment plant can result from advantageous embodiments of the venting device according to the invention and / or the treatment container according to the invention and / or the treatment station according to the invention, so that reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0060] The problem posed at the beginning can also be solved by a venting process for venting an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece.

[0061] The method according to the invention may include providing a venting device and / or a treatment container and / or a treatment station and / or a treatment plant, in particular as described above.

[0062] The method according to the invention may include providing a fluid line and an orifice connected thereto in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0063] The method according to the invention includes, for example, arranging an orifice fluidically connected to a fluid line at a position of an air bubble, which air bubble is created by submerging a workpiece.

[0064] The method according to the invention includes, for example, venting the air bubble through the mouth and the fluid line in a venting operating state after submerging the workpiece, in particular for at least approximately completely removing the air bubble from the workpiece.

[0065] It should be noted at this point that the terms "air" and "liquid" in this description are intended only as a descriptive term. In particular, a fluid of lower density can be substituted for air, and another fluid of higher density can be substituted for liquid. The problem posed initially also arises with two gases of different densities. The problem posed initially is achieved with the devices according to the invention with respect to a gas of lower density instead of "air" and a gas of higher density instead of the "liquid."

[0066] The problem posed initially also arises with two liquids of different densities. The problem posed initially is solved with the devices according to the invention, with a liquid of lower density instead of "air" and another liquid of higher density instead of the "liquid."

[0067] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0068] The drawings show:

[0069] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a treatment tank according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein a side wall of the treatment tank is hidden;

[0070] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a venting device according to the first embodiment of the invention in a resting operating state;

[0071] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the venting device of Fig. 2;

[0072] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the venting device of Fig. 2 in a venting operating state; and

[0073] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a treatment tank according to a second embodiment of the invention, with a side wall of the treatment tank hidden. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0074] A treatment system shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and designated as a whole by 100 is used to treat workpieces 102, for example vehicle bodies 104.

[0075] With regard to the treatment plant 100, particular reference is made to WO 2022 / 002312 A1, which describes in detail several advantageous variants with details and advantages.

[0076] The treatment system 100 may comprise one or more treatment stations 114 for treating the workpieces 102, in particular for carrying out flooding processes to be described in more detail below.

[0077] In addition to the at least one treatment station 114, the treatment plant 100 may in particular comprise one or more tunnel sections (not shown) for enclosing at least individual sections of a main conveyor line (not shown), and / or one or more cleaning stations (not shown) and / or spraying stations (not shown) and / or rinsing stations (not shown).

[0078] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 1, the treatment station 114 comprises a fluid tank 134 arranged, for example, above a treatment container 136, which is, for example, a liquid tank.

[0079] The fluid tank 134 and the treatment container 136 are connected to one another by means of a fluid guide 140 or form part of a fluid guide 140.

[0080] The treatment tank 136 comprises in particular a closed bottom wall 150, a closed top wall 152, two closed side walls 154 and a closed end wall (further side wall) 156.

[0081] A further end wall 156, i.e., the further and thus fourth side wall 154, is preferably provided with an access opening 158. The access opening 158 serves in particular for inserting the workpieces 102 and / or removing the workpieces 102.

[0082] The access opening 158 is thus in particular an introduction opening 160 and / or an ejection opening 162.

[0083] The access opening 158 can preferably be closed by means of a closing device 164 of the treatment station 114.

[0084] In a bottom region 146 of the treatment container 136, in particular a conveying device 110 or at least a section of a conveying device 110 is arranged and / or formed.

[0085] In particular, a guide device 176 of the conveying device 110 is arranged and / or formed in the floor area 146 for load-bearing reception of the workpieces 102.

[0086] By means of this guide device 176, in particular receiving devices 178, for example skids 180 for receiving workpieces 102 designed as vehicle bodies 104, can be received and can be introduced into the treatment chamber 148 and / or removed from the same in an introduction direction 182, in particular in a horizontal direction 184.

[0087] To perform a flooding process in the treatment tank 136, the fluid can be supplied via the supply line 142. The fluid can preferably be discharged from the treatment tank 136 by means of a discharge line 186.

[0088] In order to completely surround the workpiece 102 with fluid or to allow the workpiece 102 to completely submerge in the fluid, the interior (treatment chamber 148) of the treatment tank 136 must be filled with fluid to a certain fill level. To minimize the amount of fluid required for this purpose, one or more built-in elements 188, in particular designed as displacement elements 190, are preferably provided.

[0089] A displacement element 190 serves in particular to minimize the free space in the treatment chamber 148, which would have to be unnecessarily filled with fluid.

[0090] In addition, at least one installation element 188 designed as a displacement element 190 can be provided in the area of ​​the conveying device 110 in order to minimize the free spaces in the floor area 146.

[0091] A venting device 300 is provided as a further installation element 188.

[0092] The ventilation device 300 is, for example, fixed to the ceiling wall 152 by means of a fastening section 302 of the ventilation device 300.

[0093] The venting device 300 can, for example, include an orifice 304, a fixed section 306, and a pivotally movable section 308 near the orifice. The pivotally movable section 308 and the fixed section 306 can, in particular, form and / or comprise a fluid line 310.

[0094] The venting device 300 is arranged in particular opposite the access opening 158.

[0095] During insertion of the workpiece 102 into the treatment chamber 148, the pivotally movable section 308 is preferably in a rest operating state 312.

[0096] In the idle operating state 312, the pivotally movable section 308 is preferably pivoted downward. An inner underside 314 extends, in particular, continuously downward toward the opening 304. Therefore, in the idle operating state 312, a liquid that may have remained in the fluid line 310 from a previous process step can flow out of the fluid line 310, in particular from the pivotally movable section 308, driven by a force of gravity g.

[0097] In the idle operating state 312, the movable portion 306 of the ventilation device 300 can preferably penetrate and protrude into an interior of the vehicle body 104 through, for example, a windshield opening without collision as soon as the vehicle body 104 is introduced into the treatment chamber 148.

[0098] The venting device 300 preferably includes an outlet 316. The outlet 316 is arranged, in particular, near the fastening section 302 and the ceiling wall 152. Thus, the outlet 316 can open into the treatment chamber 148 above a liquid level 318 when the treatment chamber 148 is flooded.

[0099] In the present example, the fluid line 310 between the fixed section 306 and the pivotally movable section 308 is designed as a flexible hose 320 capable of conducting fluid. In particular, a segmentally rigid construction can be implemented.

[0100] Furthermore, the two sections 306, 308 can be connected, for example, by means of a guide joint 322, which defines the pivotability.

[0101] For example, a linkage 324 holds a counterweight 326 on the pivotally movable portion 308 spaced from the pivotally movable portion 308 beyond the guide joint 322. Thus, the weight of the counterweight 326 supports an upward pivoting movement of the pivotally movable portion 308.

[0102] Optionally or in addition or alternatively to the counterweight 326, the venting device 300 may include a buoyancy body 328, which is attached in particular to the pivotally movable section 308.

[0103] According to an optional variant of the first embodiment, the buoyancy body 328 is designed as a hollow body. According to another optional variant of the first embodiment, the buoyancy body 328 is designed as a filled body, in particular as a foam part, preferably as a polymer foam part.

[0104] After the access opening 158 is closed by the closing device 164, the treatment chamber 148 can be flooded. As a result of the rising liquid level 318, the orifice 304, in cooperation with the counterweight 326 and the buoyancy body 328, can move, in particular pivotally, from the resting operating state 312 into a venting operating state 330 shown in Fig. 4.

[0105] In the venting mode 330, the orifice 304 is preferably positioned in an air pocket 332 trapped by the workpiece 102. It is particularly preferred to position the orifice 304 as close as possible to the workpiece 102.

[0106] According to an optional variant of the first embodiment, an edge of the orifice 304 is prepared to abut the workpiece 102 in the trapped air bubble 332 in the venting operating state 330. The edge preferably only touches the workpiece 102 at specific points.

[0107] According to another optional variant of the first embodiment, at least one spacer (not shown) arranged at the opening 304, for example, a tooth-like spacer, is prepared to bear against the workpiece 102 in the air bubble 332 in the venting operating state 330. The spacer preferably only touches the workpiece 102 at specific points.

[0108] According to yet another optional variant of the first embodiment, a stop (not shown) of the guide joint 322 limits upward movement of the orifice 304 such that the orifice 304 does not come close to touching the predetermined workpiece 102 in the air bubble 332. An adjustable stop is particularly preferred. By establishing a fluidic connection from the air bubble 332 via the orifice 304 and the fluid line 310 to the outlet 316, the trapped air bubble 332 is vented from the workpiece 102. Thus, an entire surface of the workpiece 102 in the treatment tank 136 can be treated using the liquid.

[0109] According to an optional variant of the first embodiment, any remaining small residual air bubble 332 can be compensated for by flowing the treatment fluid through the fluid line 310 and the orifice 304 toward the workpiece 102. Preferably, the fluid can be introduced directly from a fluid tank 134 located above the treatment chamber 148 into the fluid line 310, in particular to achieve a high flow velocity when flowing out of the orifice 304.

[0110] According to another optional variant of the first embodiment, the venting device 300 carries a supply line (not shown) parallel to the orifice 304 and the fluid line 310, which opens into a nozzle (not shown). In this variant, the fluid can flow through the nozzle against the workpiece 102.

[0111] In the last two optional variants, the buoyancy body and / or the counterweight can preferably be dimensioned to compensate for recoil resulting from fluid flowing out of the orifice 304 or the nozzle.

[0112] After the workpiece 102 is completely wetted with the treatment fluid, the fluid is drained from the treatment chamber 148. During this process, the pivotally movable section 308 preferably pivots downward automatically. This allows the fluid line 310 to be emptied.

[0113] A second embodiment of a treatment system 100 shown in Fig. 5 differs conceptually from the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 in that the workpieces 102 are conveyed in a longitudinal orientation 202 through the treatment container 136 of the treatment station 114. For this purpose, the treatment container 136 of the treatment station 114 is provided with access openings 158 on both sides, with one access opening 158 forming the introduction opening 160 and the further access opening 158 forming the discharge opening 162.

[0114] To perform a flooding process in the treatment chamber 148, both access openings 158 must be closed. For this purpose, each access opening 158 is assigned a separate closing device 164.

[0115] The venting device 300 of the second embodiment therefore differs from the venting device 300 of the first embodiment in that the venting device 300 of the second embodiment is configured and arranged to clear a path for the workpieces 102.

[0116] For example, the venting device 300 can be arranged eccentrically with respect to a travel path of the workpiece 102 or the guide device 176 or a receiving device 178. Additionally or alternatively, the venting device 300 can be pivotably mounted by means of the fastening section 302 and / or on the fastening section 302, such as pivotable about a vertical axis, in order to clear the travel path of the workpiece 102. In other words, lateral rotation can be advantageous.

[0117] According to an optional variant of the second embodiment, a buoyancy body is drive-coupled to a pivotable portion of the venting device 300 via a pivoting gear.

[0118] According to a third embodiment of the invention (not shown), the venting device 300 is designed as a flexible hose. This flexible hose is shaped so that an opening 304 is positioned at an expected position of the air bubble 332. When the workpiece 102 is introduced into the treatment chamber 148 and removed from the treatment chamber 148, the flexible hose can be elastically deformed. As a result, the hose moves away from the workpiece 102 and then, with the opening 304, returns to the expected position of the air bubble 332. For the rest, reference is made to the description of the preceding embodiments. According to a fourth embodiment (not shown), the venting device 300, in particular the fluid line 310, can be designed as a hose supported by a frame.For example, a rigid section can be realized by a rigid frame section supporting the hose. For example, a joint can be realized by a frame joint supporting the hose. For further details, please refer to the description of the preceding embodiments.

[0119] According to a fifth embodiment (not shown), the venting device 300 is at least partially designed as a lightweight construction. For example, a movable section, such as the pivotally movable section 308, can be designed as a lightweight construction. A lightweight construction can be implemented, for example, using suitable plastic materials. For the rest, reference is made to the description of the preceding embodiments.

[0120] According to a sixth embodiment of the invention (not shown), the venting device 300 is designed as an add-on assembly for attachment to a nozzle lance. A nozzle lance can be designed, in particular, to direct air flow toward the workpiece 102 in the region of the trapped air bubble 332. For further details, reference is made to the description of the preceding embodiments.

[0121] List of reference symbols

[0122] Workpiece treatment system

[0123] Vehicle body conveyor treatment station fluid tank

[0124] Treatment tank fluid supply line

[0125] Floor area Treatment room Floor wall Ceiling wall Side wall Front wall Access opening Insertion opening Discharge opening Closing device Guiding device Pick-up device Skid

[0126] Direction of insertion horizontal direction discharge installation element displacement element longitudinal orientation venting device fixing section outlet fixed section 308 movable section

[0127] 310 Fluid line

[0128] 312 Sleep mode

[0129] 314 subpage

[0130] 316 Outlet

[0131] 318 Liquid level

[0132] 320 hose

[0133] 322 guide joint

[0134] 324 rods

[0135] 326 Counterweight

[0136] 328 buoyancy bodies

[0137] 330 Venting operating state

[0138] 332 air bubble g direction of gravity

Claims

Claims: Venting device (300) for venting an air bubble (332) trapped by a submerged workpiece (102), comprising a fluid line (310) prepared for guiding a fluid through an immersion bath, and an opening (304) connected to the fluid line (310) in a fluid-conducting manner, wherein the opening (304) is arranged on the venting device (300) to open upwards or obliquely upwards in a venting operating state (330) against a direction of gravity (g). Venting device (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid line (310) includes an outlet (316) which is arranged on a section (306) of the fluid line (310) spaced apart from the opening (304), wherein the outlet (316) can be positioned or is positioned above the opening (304) and / or outside a fluid volume surrounding the opening (304) in the venting operating state (330) in the venting operating state (330).A venting device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the venting device (300) has a mounting section (302) which can be attached to a workpiece (102) and / or to a receiving device (178) for receiving a workpiece (102), and / or that the venting device (300) includes a fluid coupling which is fluidly connected to the fluid line (310) and is arranged on a section of the fluid line spaced apart from the opening (304). A venting device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening (304) is movable upwards and downwards with respect to a direction of gravity (g). A venting device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fluid line (310) includes a flexible hose (320). Venting device (300) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fluid line (310) includes a section (308) near the outlet which is pivotable upwards and downwards with respect to the direction of gravity (g), wherein the section (308) near the outlet, in an operating state (330) pivoted upwards with respect to the direction of gravity (g), extends and / or is directed downwards and / or obliquely downwards away from the outlet (304) with respect to the direction of gravity (g), and / or wherein the section (308) near the outlet, in an operating state (312) pivoted downwards with respect to the direction of gravity (g), extends and / or is directed continuously downwards and / or obliquely downwards towards the outlet (304) with respect to the direction of gravity (g).A venting device (300) according to claim 6, characterized in that the venting device (300) includes a buoyancy element (328) which is arranged and dimensioned to generate a buoyancy force for pivoting the section (308) near the outlet as a result of immersion in a liquid. A venting device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a drain valve is arranged on a section of the fluid line (310) from which, in an operating state, fluid line sections branch off the fluid line (310) only in one direction (g) of gravity.Venting device (300) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the venting device (300) is prepared to direct a fluid from the opening (304) through the fluid line (310) under static pressure, under negative pressure and / or under positive pressure and / or to direct a fluid through the fluid line (310) to the opening (304) under positive pressure. Treatment container (136) which surrounds a treatment chamber (148) that is at least partially floodable for receiving workpieces (102), wherein a. A venting device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is fixed to a side wall (154, 156), a bottom wall (150) and / or a top wall (152) of the treatment container (136) by means of a fastening section (302). The treatment container (136) surrounds a treatment chamber (148) for receiving and immersing and / or submerging workpieces (102), and the venting device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is fixed to a side wall (154, 156), a bottom wall (150) and / or a top wall (152) of the treatment container (136) by means of a fastening section (302).Treatment container (136) according to one of claims 10 to 11, comprising a trigger, which trigger is actuated on a side wall (154, 156), a bottom wall (150) and / or a ceiling wall (152) of the treatment container (136) by introducing a workpiece (102) or a receiving device (178) for receiving a workpiece (102) into the treatment chamber (148) and / or by removing the workpiece (102) or the receiving device (178) from the treatment chamber (148), wherein the trigger is coupled to a movable section (308) of the venting device (300) for moving the movable section (308).Treatment vessel (136) which surrounds a treatment chamber (148) that is at least partially floodable for receiving workpieces (102) and / or a treatment chamber (148) for receiving and immersing and / or submerging workpieces (102), wherein a fluid coupling is fixed to a side wall (154, 156), a bottom wall (150) and / or a ceiling wall (152) of the treatment vessel (136), which is couplingable to a fluid coupling of a venting device (300) according to any one of claims 3 to 9. Treatment system (100) comprising at least one treatment vessel (136) according to any one of claims 10 to 13. Venting method for venting an air bubble (332) trapped by a submerged workpiece (102), comprising Arranging an orifice (304) connected to a fluid line (310) at a position of an air bubble (332) which is created by immersing a workpiece (102), and Venting the air bubble (332) through the opening (304) and the fluid line (310) in a venting operating state (330) after immersion of the workpiece (102), in particular to remove the air bubble (332) from the workpiece (102) at least approximately completely.

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