Device and method for treating a vehicle body

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for treating a vehicle body (K) in a bath, in particular for dip coating in a treatment bath, the device comprising: a frame (3) for receiving the vehicle body (K); and a turning shaft (2) having a turning-shaft axis (X); and a drive for pivoting and / or rotating the turning shaft (2), the turning shaft (2) being connected to the frame (3) such that, by pivoting the turning shaft (2), the frame (3) can be pivoted into a bath together with the received vehicle body (K). According to the invention, arms (4) are provided which have a first end (41) and a second end (42), the arms (4) being arranged opposite one another on the turning shaft (2) and supporting the frame (3), the arms (4) being movable in order to modify a distance (A) of the frame (3) from the turning shaft (2). The invention also relates to a method using such a device (1).

Description

[0001] Device and method for treating a car body

[0002] The invention relates to a device for treating a body in a bath, in particular for dip painting in a treatment bath, comprising a frame for receiving the body and a rotary shaft with a rotary shaft axis as well as a drive for pivoting and / or rotating the rotary shaft, wherein the rotary shaft is connected to the frame, so that by pivoting the rotary shaft the frame with the received body can be pivoted into a bath.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for treating a body in a bath, in particular for dip painting in a treatment bath, in particular with a device of the type mentioned above, wherein the body is fastened to a rotary shaft at a distance from the rotary shaft and is pivoted into the bath and pivoted out of it again.

[0004] The treatment of car bodies in treatment baths during automobile manufacturing is a well-established process that allows car bodies to be coated with a desired coating in a single step. This can, for example, be certain paint coatings.

[0005] Today, the standard procedure for a car body to be coated in a treatment bath is to be completely immersed in the treatment bath, with the car body being pivoted into the respective treatment bath. For this purpose, the car body is attached to a rotating shaft, for example, by means of a suitable structure that is permanently mounted on the rotating shaft and holds the car body. This type of pivoting in and out of treatment baths has become particularly popular because several treatment baths are usually connected in series to achieve high productivity. The rotating shaft is then attached to a conveyor carriage or shuttle, which can be moved along a track next to the treatment baths.By moving the shuttle and pivoting the body in and out, or even rotating it through a treatment bath, each individual treatment bath can be efficiently processed one after the other, if desired. In treatment systems with multiple treatment baths and laterally movable shuttles, the rotating shafts are usually arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction, so that the respective body can be pivoted into a treatment bath in the conveying direction and pivoted out again, or rotated out. However, other methods are also known in which the rotating axes are arranged in the conveying direction and the bodies are pivoted in and out from the side, i.e. with a pivot axis parallel to the conveying direction.

[0006] The productivity of such systems has improved significantly, particularly in the last decade. A common measurement is how many car bodies can be treated per hour (jobs per hour, or JPH for short). Modern system concepts now allow for throughputs of more than 50 JPH. However, such high unit volumes per unit of time also require a relatively high energy consumption with conventional shuttle variants, as relatively high forces are required to swing a car body into a treatment bath using a rotating shaft and out of it in a complete rotation, or even out again in the opposite direction if necessary. The more JPH that can be achieved with a system, the more pronounced this problem becomes.

[0007] Initially, attempts were made to design a device of the type mentioned above with a horizontally movable arm, allowing the height of the frame to be adjusted. However, such devices require a complex damping mechanism, which, due to their central positioning, is also easily contaminated.

[0008] This is where the invention comes in. The object of the invention is to further develop a device of the type mentioned above in such a way that, while maintaining functionality, less force and thus less energy is required to swing a car body into and out of a treatment bath.

[0009] A further aim of the invention is to further develop a method of the type mentioned above such that less force and thus less energy is required to pivot a car body into a treatment bath. The object of the invention is achieved if, in a device of the type mentioned above, arms are provided with a first end and a second end, wherein the arms are arranged opposite one another on the rotating shaft and support the frame, wherein the arms are movable to change the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft.

[0010] Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that the force introduced by the rotating shaft when pivoting or rotating a body can be considerably reduced if movable arms are provided for the frame, which arms allow the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft to be changed. As a result, in a starting position or zero position, in which the body is positioned horizontally on the frame and outside the treatment bath, the distance between the frame and thus the body and the rotating shaft can be kept small. The body is thus arranged close to a rotating shaft axis. When the frame and the body are pivoted into the treatment bath, the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft can then be increased, with the distance being advantageously maximized when the body is rotated 180° about the rotating shaft axis. The increase in distance can be achieved, for example, by releasing a blocked mobility of the arms.The body is then completely immersed in the treatment bath. When the frame with the body mounted on it is pivoted in the opposite direction, or if necessary, rotated further to achieve a complete rotation, these processes occur in reverse, i.e., the distance is reduced again until the starting position or zero position is reached, with the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft minimized. The corresponding mechanism operates passively, which benefits the simplicity of the device.

[0011] The mobility of the arms can be designed such that the body initially holds the arms in position with respect to a distance between the frame and the rotating shaft until a force acting through the body exceeds the force which holds the movable arms in a first position. The arms then move into a second position due to the increased force. The first position corresponds to a minimum distance such as in the starting position or zero position, while the second position corresponds to a maximum distance, particularly in the treatment bath. With a device according to the invention, considerable energy savings can be achieved, particularly in high-capacity concepts. In addition, the arms on the one hand and the force exerted by the body during insertion or removal can be moved independently of one another.On the other hand, the forces caused by swiveling can be easily adjusted so that a transition from the first position of the arms to the second position can be achieved without a drive, in particular purely mechanically. Thus, the desired change in distance from the zero position to the treatment position can be achieved without a separate drive for adjusting the arms. Since this applies to each individual shuttle, it results in a high multiplier for the energy savings of the entire system.

[0012] The inventive concept can be applied to both pivoting and rotating a car body. During pivoting, the car body is pivoted into a treatment bath in a first direction and then pivoted out again in the opposite direction to the first direction. During rotation, the car body is guided into the treatment bath in a first direction and then guided out again in the same first direction, thus achieving a complete rotation.

[0013] It is advantageous if, when the frame is pivoted into a bath, particularly when a body is attached to it, the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft increases when a predetermined first pivot angle is reached. This can be the case in particular if the force of gravity acting through the frame and the body attached to it is sufficiently large and a movement of the arms that has been blocked, for example by a suitable control element, is released. As soon as the balance of forces changes in favor of gravity, the movable arms give way when the blockage is released, increasing the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft or rotating shaft axis. Conversely, the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft can decrease when a predetermined second pivot angle is reached. When pivoting in and out, the first pivot angle corresponds to the second pivot angle and vice versa.If, on the other hand, the body is rotated through a treatment bath (complete rotation), the second pivot angle in relation to the starting position or zero position corresponds to the negative of the first pivot angle. In other words, when moving out, the distance is reduced at the same level at which the distance was previously increased when moving in. From a structural perspective, it is advantageous if the arms are pivotally mounted at the first end on the rotating shaft and at the second end on the frame. This results in a structurally simple solution for implementing the change in distance provided for in the invention. With a suitable holding device, the arms can then be held in a first position when pivoting or rotating the frame and the body arranged on it until either the holding force is overcome or a holding unit is released to allow movement of the arms.

[0014] In order to easily achieve a change in distance during the intended mounting of the arms, it can be provided that at least one arm is mounted in the region of the second end so that it can be displaced, in particular longitudinally displaced. If an arm is displaceable toward the rotating shaft or rotating shaft axis, the distance of the frame mounted thereon from the rotating shaft axis can increase. Conversely, if the arm is displaced in the region of the second end away from the rotating shaft axis, the distance of the frame from the rotating shaft axis can be shortened.

[0015] For a structurally simple design and flexible spacing changes, it is preferably provided that the frame comprises cross members which run approximately parallel to the axis of rotation and on which the arms are mounted. A particularly simple solution is provided if only a first cross member is mounted so as to be reversibly displaceable in the direction of the rotating shaft. The second cross member serves, among other things, to accommodate the second end of the opposite arm, but does not require linear displaceability in the region of the second end, resulting in a relatively simple design, particularly if the first cross member is mounted in at least one elongated hole. Two opposite elongated holes are preferred. The second end of the arm can then slide back and forth in the elongated holes, with an exact position being determined by the acting forces.

[0016] The frame itself can be of relatively simple construction. In addition to the cross members already mentioned, which run parallel to the rotating shaft and its rotating shaft axis, two longitudinal members can be provided which extend in a direction transverse to the rotating shaft axis and are longer than the cross members. This then results in a frame which is approximately rectangular in plan view. The arms are mounted approximately halfway along the length of the cross members and extend parallel to the longitudinal members. The cross members are arranged below the longitudinal members and have suitable receptacles for attaching a body. At one end of the longitudinal members, two opposite elongated holes can be provided at a lower end, which accommodate one of the two cross members in order to enable, as explained, longitudinal displacement of the accommodated cross member and thus a change in distance.

[0017] It is particularly preferred that a driving and blocking element is arranged on the rotary shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, which can come into contact with the arms when the rotary shaft is pivoted. A rotationally fixed arrangement of the driving and blocking element means that it rotates synchronously with the rotary shaft. The driving and blocking element is preferably fixed in a stable position at one end of the rotary shaft. Each rotational movement of the rotary shaft is thus converted into an angularly analogous rotational movement of the driving and blocking element. On the other side, the arms are pivotally mounted on the rotary shaft. Apart from slight pivoting movements caused by frictional forces, when the rotary shaft is rotated from an initial or zero position, the driving and blocking element is rotated, but not the arms. However, this can only continue until the driving and blocking element comes into contact with one of the arms.In this context, it is preferred that the driving and blocking element have first stop surfaces and the arms have second stop surfaces, wherein the first stop surfaces engage the second stop surfaces when the rotary shaft pivots in order to pivot the frame. A corresponding play, which is determined by the spacing of the driving and blocking element or the first stop surfaces relative to the arms and the second stop surfaces, thus determines when the driving and blocking element engages one of the arms and thus drives or rotates the entire frame, including the body attached to it.This continues until the force of gravity, particularly caused by the frame and the bodywork attached to it, is so great that the rear, second, trailing arm, which is initially not in contact with the driving and blocking element, tilts forward and briefly moves over a larger angle than the driving and blocking element. In this situation, the second, trailing arm is blocked and cannot move any further. The distance between the frame and the rotary shaft axis remains unchanged in this position. However, as soon as a certain swivel angle is reached, the driving and blocking element releases the second, trailing arm and the acting force of gravity is sufficient to exert enough force on the arms. The movably mounted arm then gives way, increasing the distance between the frame and the rotary shaft, so that ultimately, in an immersion position in the treatment bath, maximum deflection of the frame ormaximum distance of the frame to the rotating shaft is given.

[0018] The first pivot angle for a driving and blocking element results from the free angle between the driving and blocking element and the arms. Angles between 5° and 15° are preferred, in particular 7.5° to 12.5°, for example, approximately 10°. This means that the driving and blocking element can rotate in one direction by this angle at the beginning of the pivoting movement before an arm is engaged. On the other hand, the release of an arm or the removal of its blockage occurs at a corresponding angle of 180° less than the explained free angle.

[0019] In a device according to the invention, which enables a change in distance without drives and thus without additional energy supply, relatively heavy loads are moved. A typical design can have a weight of 400 kg to 600 kg. To ensure that the second, tracking arm does not hit the driving and blocking element without braking and that a subsequent change in distance occurs as smoothly as possible, a spring is advantageously provided which counteracts an increase in the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft. The spring acts as a shock absorber when the arms move during an increase in distance. In particular, it can be provided that the spring is clamped to the driving and blocking element and is mounted on the arms between pairs of rollers and is displaceable relative to these. This is a particularly elegant solution because, due to the mounting between the pairs of rollers, the spring force is at its highest when it is actually needed.The spring also counteracts the tilting of the second, trailing arm against the driving and blocking element, as described above. When the second, trailing arm hits the first stop surface of the driving and blocking element with its second stop surface, the spring's lever on the corresponding roller pair of the second, trailing arm is at its greatest, and thus also the applied force, which dampens the movement. The same applies when the body is guided out of the treatment bath. In this case, the spring, with a long lever on the second, trailing arm, provides force to assist in rotating the body out of the treatment bath.

[0020] Although the spring isn't absolutely necessary, it proves to be useful based on the above considerations. The spring also fits into the concept of completely eliminating any drive, except for the rotating shaft, for the smoothest possible change in the distance between the frame and the rotating shaft.

[0021] In one variant of the invention, a spring-mounted, sickle-shaped adjusting element can be provided on the rotating shaft, and a bolt can be arranged on an arm, which interacts with the adjusting element, wherein the bolt presses the adjusting element upon contact with a side surface of the adjusting element and pivoting of the rotating shaft towards the rotating shaft and then comes to rest in a groove in the adjusting element. This additional device makes it possible to rotate a body slightly beyond the frame after treatment. Although a zero position in which the body is horizontal is generally assumed, it can be expedient for some applications if the body is slightly inclined at a few degrees. This can be achieved with the adjusting element provided.The actuator itself does not hinder the rotational movement because, thanks to its spring-loaded mounting, it initially yields upon contact with the bolt. However, as soon as the contact between the side surface of the actuator and the bolt is removed, it automatically folds out again. However, the bolt can then be accommodated in a groove in the actuator, and the body can be tilted slightly as needed via the rotating shaft, for example, by 2° to 5°.

[0022] The further object of the invention is achieved if, in a method of the type mentioned at the outset, the distance of the body is increased when the body is pivoted into the bath and reduced when it is pivoted out of the bath.

[0023] A method according to the invention has the advantage that the body can initially be arranged in the starting position or zero position relatively close to the rotary shaft axis, so that the forces required for pivoting are relatively low. However, at the distance given in the starting position or zero position, the body would not be able to be fully inserted into a treatment bath or treatment tank, since a certain minimum distance between the rotary shaft and the bath surface is required. However, due to the change in distance now provided, the body can initially be pivoted or rotated with little effort before the distance between the frame and the rotary shaft or rotary shaft axis is increased. This ultimately results in a maximum distance when the body is positioned in the treatment bath, i.e. when pivoted through 180°.In contrast, in a state-of-the-art method, the body must be moved at the same distance from the axis of rotation along the entire pivoting path.

[0024] The distance is preferably set to a maximum within the bath. This maximum can be reached earlier during the swiveling process, but should always be within the bath itself.

[0025] It is particularly preferred for the body to be fastened to a frame with arms, and for the distance to be adjusted automatically by positioning a driving and blocking element, which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the rotary shaft and has first stop surfaces, against spaced-apart second stop surfaces of the arms, such that the arms are pivoted up to a predetermined angle, after which at least one arm moves passively towards the rotary shaft to increase the distance. In this way, the distance can be increased without drives. It would also be conceivable to increase the distance using a motor, such as an actuator or the like, but this would require additional drives, which is something which is to be avoided. Apart from the required drive of the rotary shaft, the method according to the invention can manage without any further drives.

[0026] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiment. Reference is made to the drawings, which show:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the device according to Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 3 shows the device from Fig. 1 with a longitudinal beam cut out;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a section along the line AA in Fig. 2;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a section along the line BB in Fig. 4;

[0032] Fig. 6 shows a device with a body attached thereto; Figs. 7 to 15 show a sequence of movements during rotation of the device according to Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 16 to Fig. 18 Details of an actuating element in different operating positions.

[0034] 1 to 5 show a device 1 according to the invention in more detail. According to FIG. 1, the device 1 according to the invention has a rotary shaft 2 which, in addition to the actual shaft, can have an outer protective sheath. The rotary shaft 2 can be arranged on a conveyor unit such as a shuttle by means of a flange 21. The shuttle can be movable along a track, optionally guided by a track. A direction of travel extends perpendicular to the rotary shaft 2. In other words, it can also be said that the rotary shaft 2 is arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel. Below the rotary shaft 2, along a treatment section, there are one or more treatment baths or treatment basins filled with a liquid or a suspension.

[0035] According to Fig. 1, the device 1 further comprises a frame 3, which has a first longitudinal member 31 and, opposite it, a further, second longitudinal member 32 in the outward direction of the rotary shaft 2. The two longitudinal members 31, 32 are arranged above the rotary shaft 2. The two longitudinal members 31, 32 run essentially perpendicular to the rotary shaft 2. A center of gravity of the longitudinal members 31, 32 is each located approximately vertically above a rotary shaft axis X of the rotary shaft 2. The two longitudinal members 31, 32 are connected to a first cross member 33 and a second cross member 34 to form the frame 3. Below the longitudinal members 31, 32, on the side of the first cross member 33, a molding with an elongated hole 35 is provided. The first cross member 33 is received in this elongated hole 35 so that the cross member 33 can slide in the elongated holes 35 in a linearly displaceable manner.

[0036] The frame 3 is held on the rotating shaft 2 by two arms 4. The two arms 4 extend, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 2, to both sides of the rotating shaft 2 and enclose an angle of approximately 145° to 175°. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle in Fig. 4 is approximately 165°. The two arms 4 each have a first end 41 and a second end 42. At the first end 41, the arms 4 are each pivotally mounted on the rotating shaft 2, as can be seen, for example, from Fig. 4 or Fig. 5. At the second end 42, the arms 4 are also pivotally mounted on the respective associated cross member 33, 34.

[0037] In the middle between the arms 4 or centrally on the rotating shaft 2, a driving and blocking element 5 is arranged, which is vertical in the starting position or zero position according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The driving and blocking element 5 is arranged rotationally fixed on the rotating shaft 2, thus rotating with it at the same angle.

[0038] As can be seen particularly from Fig. 3, the driving and blocking element 5, like the arms 4, is arranged approximately in the middle of the frame 3, but below it. An arrangement as symmetrical as possible is expedient with regard to an even distribution of forces.

[0039] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 it can also be seen that a spring 6 is fixed to the driving and blocking element 5. This spring 6 is also mounted in roller pairs 61 (Fig. 3). The roller pairs 61 are each arranged on a corresponding arm 4, specifically on an underside of the respective arm 4. In Fig. 4, the spring 6 presses the respective lower roller of the roller pair 61 downwards. Since the spring 6 can slide in the roller pairs 61, a relative movement of the driving and blocking element 5 can also change a lever of the spring 6 and thus a force acting on the respective arm 4.

[0040] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 4, the driving and blocking element 5 has first stop surfaces 51 that interact with second stop surfaces 43 associated with the arms 4. The driving and blocking element 5 can rotate freely approximately 10° in one direction, then a first stop surface 51 comes into contact with one of the second stop surfaces 43.

[0041] The interaction between the driving and blocking elements 5 as well as the arms 4 and the spring 6 is explained below: Fig. 6 initially shows a starting position or zero position of the device 1 with a body K fastened thereon. The following Figs. 7 to 15 show a movement sequence of the device 1 when it is rotated by 360°. The following explanations apply analogously to pivoting in and out processes by 180° in a first direction and then in an opposite direction. The body K visible in Fig. 6 has been omitted from Figs. 7 to 15 for the sake of clarity.

[0042] The initial situation is Fig. 7. In this situation, the frame 3 is arranged horizontally. The frame 3 is at a distance A from the rotating shaft 2, wherein the distance A represents a distance A from a center of the frame 3 in the area of ​​the longitudinal members 31, 32 to the rotating shaft axis X. The driving and blocking element 5 is aligned vertically with its longitudinal extent. The two arms 4 extend to the two sides of the rotating shaft 2 and each enclose the same angle with a vertical plane through the driving and blocking element 5, and are therefore arranged mirror-symmetrically. This also applies to the spring 6, which is likewise arranged symmetrically to a vertical or mirror plane that runs through the driving and blocking element 5. If the rotating shaft 2 is now rotated counterclockwise, the driving and blocking element 5 is rotated with it.The arms 4, which are pivotally mounted on the rotating shaft 2, generally do not move at first, except slightly due to frictional forces. However, as soon as the driving and blocking element 5 comes into contact with the left, first arm 4 in Fig. 7, this arm 4 and thus the entire frame 3 rotates with it. As soon as a different weight distribution for the arms 4 results due to the body K and the weight of the frame 3, the second, trailing arm 4 begins to tilt forward. Fig. 8 shows an intermediate situation. The spring 6 dampens the tilting movement of the second, trailing arm 4. Fig. 9 shows a further intermediate situation in which it can be seen that the second, trailing arm 4 is already resting on the driving and blocking element 5. Further rotation of the rotating shaft 2 counterclockwise initially does not cause any change. This can also be seen, for example, from Fig.10 shows a further intermediate situation in which the frame and thus also the body are already in a vertical position. Due to the blockage of the second, trailing arm 4, which rests against the driving and blocking element 5, this arm 4 cannot use the movement play provided by the elongated holes 35 despite being in a vertical position. This is also still the case in Fig. 11, but now it comes into play that the body K and also the frame 3 exert a considerable gravitational force, which means that the frame 3 can tip downwards when the second, trailing arm 4 is simultaneously released by the driving and blocking element 5, in which the two arms 4 sag due to the reduction in the angle between the arms 4 and thus also lower the frame 3 and the body K downwards. Again, the spring 6 ensures that this change in distance, the maximum position of which can be seen in Fig. 12, occurs relatively gently. As shown in Fig.As can be seen in Figure 5, the spring 6 on the second, trailing arm 4 acts with a greater lever and thus essentially pushes this arm 4 upward, which is overcome by the force of gravity. However, the counterforce of the spring 6 prevents an abrupt drop as soon as the trailing arm 4 is released from the driving and blocking element 5.

[0043] Starting with Fig. 13, further intermediate situations up to Fig. 15 are shown, which represent the further movement of the frame 3 in the counterclockwise direction upon rotation. Again, the driving and blocking element 5 initially takes the first arm 4 with it and pushes this arm 4 upwards. The spring 6 again has a supporting effect here. As a result of the stop of the driving and blocking element 5 on the first arm 4, the second, guided arm 4 is pushed backwards again in the elongated hole 35, so that the distance A is reduced. The frame 3 is then guided further over the driving and blocking element 5 according to Fig. 14, before folding over again occurs, in which the second, guided arm 4 rests against the driving and blocking element 5, as can be seen in Fig. 15. With further rotation, the starting situation or zero position according to Fig. 7 is finally reached again.Thus, apart from the rotating shaft 2, the method allows a desired setting of the distance of the frame 3 to a rotating shaft axis X or generally to a rotating shaft 2 to be set completely automatically and without the need for a drive. Since the rotating shaft 2 must be arranged at a certain height above a treatment bath or treatment basin, which results from other restrictions, car bodies K must be moved into and out of the corresponding baths or basins with a relatively high expenditure of force. With a method as described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 15, a significantly lower input of force and thus also energy is required for this, because the frame 3 can initially be held relatively close to the rotating shaft 2 from its starting position and is only moved away from the rotating shaft 2 in a late phase during or before immersion in the bath or basin.The driveless design of the device and the corresponding implementation of the method also offer advantages in terms of low maintenance requirements. Figures 16 to 18 show an additional device that can be used in frame 3 of a device 1 according to the invention. The corresponding device is arranged on the rear side of the driving and blocking element 5 or on the rotating shaft 2.

[0044] The device comprises a bolt 7 arranged on an arm 4. Furthermore, an adjusting means 8 is provided, which is arranged on the rotating shaft 2. The adjusting means 8 is approximately crescent-shaped and mounted by a spring so that the adjusting means 8 can be moved towards the rotating shaft 2 when force is applied. If the frame 3 with the rotating shaft 2 is now rotated, the crescent-shaped adjusting element 8 is guided past the stop on the bolt 7, whereby the bolt 7 presses the adjusting means 8 towards the rotating shaft 2. As soon as the bolt 7 no longer touches a side surface 81 of the adjusting means 8, the adjusting means 8 springs back to its original position due to the spring force. This allows the adjusting means 8 to be guided past the bolt 7 without blocking when the rotating shaft 2 is rotated. However, once the adjusting means 8 has returned to its original position, it can grip the bolt 7 via a groove 82 when the rotating shaft 2 is rotated in the opposite direction.This makes it possible to rotate one of the arms 4, and thus ultimately the entire frame 3, by a few degrees, for example, 2° to 5°. This may be necessary in individual process steps if a body K is deliberately not to be conveyed horizontally, but at a slight incline, to a subsequent process step.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for treating a body (K) in a bath, in particular for dip painting in a treatment bath, comprising a frame (3) for receiving the body (K) and a rotary shaft (2) with a rotary shaft axis (X) and a drive for pivoting and / or rotating the rotary shaft (2), wherein the rotary shaft (2) is connected to the frame (3) so that by pivoting the rotary shaft (2) the frame (3) with the received body (K) can be pivoted into a bath, characterized in that arms (4) with a first end (41) and a second end (42) are provided, wherein the arms (4) are arranged opposite one another on the rotary shaft (2) and carry the frame (3), wherein the arms (4) are movable in order to change a distance (A) of the frame (3) to the rotary shaft (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that when the frame (3) is pivoted into a bath, in particular the frame (3) with a body (K) fastened thereon, the distance (A) of the frame (3) to the rotary shaft (2) increases automatically when a certain force is reached.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the frame (3) is pivoted into a bath, in particular the frame (3) with a body (K) fastened thereon, the distance (A) of the frame (3) to the rotary shaft (2) increases when a predetermined first pivot angle is reached.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the distance (A) of the frame (3) to the rotary shaft (2) decreases when a predetermined second pivot angle is reached.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the arms (4) are fixed at the first end (41) to the rotary shaft (2) and at the second end to the frame (3) are each pivotably mounted.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one arm (4) is mounted displaceably, in particular longitudinally displaceably, in the region of the second end (42).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the frame (3) comprises cross members (41, 42) which run in particular approximately parallel to the axis of rotation (2) and on which the arms (4) are mounted.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that only a first cross member (41) is mounted so as to be reversibly displaceable in the direction of the rotary shaft (2).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first cross member (41) is mounted in at least one elongated hole (35).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a driving and blocking element (5) is arranged on the rotary shaft (2) in a rotationally fixed manner, which can come into contact with the arms (4) when the rotary shaft (2) is pivoted.

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the driving and blocking element (5) has first stop surfaces (51) and the arms (4) have second stop surfaces (43), wherein the first stop surfaces (51) come into contact with the second stop surfaces (43) when the rotary shaft (2) is pivoted in order to pivot the frame (3).

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a spring (6) is provided which counteracts an increase in the distance (A) of the frame (3) to the rotary shaft (2).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the spring (6) is clamped on the driving and blocking element (5) and is mounted on the arms (4) between pairs of rollers (61) and displaceable relative to these.

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a spring-mounted sickle-shaped adjusting element (8) is provided on the rotary shaft (2) and a bolt (7) is arranged on an arm (4), which bolt cooperates with the adjusting element (8), wherein the bolt (7) presses the adjusting element (8) upon contact with a side surface (81) of the adjusting element (8) and pivoting of the rotary shaft (2) towards the rotary shaft (2) and then comes to rest in a groove (82) of the adjusting element (8).

15. Method for treating a body (K) in a bath, in particular for dip painting in a treatment bath, in particular with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body (K) is fastened on a rotary shaft (2) at a distance (A) from the rotary shaft (2) and is pivoted into the bath and pivoted out of it again, characterized in that the distance (A) of the body (K) is increased when the body (K) is pivoted into the bath and is reduced when it is pivoted out of the bath.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the distance (A) is set to a maximum in the bath.

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the body (K) is fastened to a frame (3) with arms (4) and the distance (A) is automatically adjusted by placing a driving and blocking element (5) arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the rotary shaft (2) with first stop surfaces (51) against spaced-apart second stop surfaces (43) of the arms (4) so ​​that the arms (4) are pivoted up to a predetermined angle, after which at least one arm (4) moves passively towards the rotary shaft (2) in order to increase the distance (A).

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