Conveying device for conveying workpieces in a treatment plant, tunnel for protecting treated workpieces and reducing fluid emissions and treatment plant for treating workpieces

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveying device (100) for conveying workpieces in a treatment plant (300), in particular for conveying vehicle bodies in a cleaning and / or coating plant, wherein the conveying device (100) comprises one or more transverse transfer carriages (102), which are movable in a main conveying direction (104) on at least two parallel rails (108) and by means of which the workpieces can be conveyed in a transverse orientation thereof, wherein each transverse transfer carriage (102) comprises a chassis (110), a travelling drive unit (112) and a transverse conveyor device (114), wherein each transverse transfer carriage (102) has a travelling area (106) in and / or against the main conveying direction (104), and wherein the transverse conveying device (114) is arranged on the chassis (110) and has a horizontal transverse conveying direction (118) perpendicular to the main conveying direction (104). The present invention also relates to a tunnel (200) for protecting treated workpieces and for reducing fluid emissions and to a treatment plant (300) for treating workpieces, in particular for cleaning and / or coating vehicle bodies.

Description

[0001] Conveyor device for conveying workpieces in a treatment plant, tunnel for protecting treated workpieces and reducing fluid emissions and treatment plant for treating workpieces

[0002] The present invention relates to a conveyor device for conveying workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies or vehicle parts, in a treatment plant. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tunnel for protecting treated workpieces and reducing fluid emissions. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a treatment plant for treating workpieces, in particular for cleaning and / or coating vehicle bodies.

[0003] A treatment plant with a conveying device for conveying workpieces designed as vehicle bodies, in which the conveying device is partially surrounded by tunnel segments, is known from WO 2022 / 002311 A1.

[0004] However, it can be disadvantageous in such treatment systems that there is no complete tunnel surrounding the conveyor device, which can result in contamination of the treated workpieces.

[0005] Furthermore, in known treatment plants, the electrical supply is located outside the tunnel due to the humidity in the tunnel, which is why part of the drive technology has to be led into the tunnel from the outside, for example via a rod.

[0006] In addition, the tunnels of treatment plants known to date have a maintenance route within the tunnel, which is why such tunnels require a corresponding amount of space.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a conveying device and a tunnel for a treatment plant which enable an optimal throughput of workpieces.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a conveying device having the features according to claim 1. The conveying device is in particular a device for conveying workpieces in a treatment plant.

[0009] Preferably, the conveying device is a device for conveying vehicle bodies in a cleaning and / or coating system.

[0010] The conveying device preferably comprises one or more transverse transfer carriages which can be moved in a main conveying direction on at least two parallel rails and by means of which the workpieces can be conveyed in a transverse orientation thereof.

[0011] A transverse alignment of the workpieces is in particular an alignment of the workpieces such that a main longitudinal axis of the workpieces, in particular a main longitudinal axis of the vehicle bodies, is aligned transversely, preferably at least approximately perpendicularly, to the direction of movement, in particular the main conveying direction, when the workpieces are conveyed along the direction of movement, in particular the main conveying direction.

[0012] Preferably, each transverse transfer carriage comprises a chassis, a travel drive unit and a transverse conveyor device.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be provided that each transverse transfer carriage has a travel area in and / or against the main conveying direction.

[0014] It may be advantageous for the travel areas of two adjacent transverse transfer carriages to overlap each other, whereby at least in the overlapping area of ​​the two travel areas, with respect to the main conveying direction, the same positions for transverse conveying of the workpieces can be approached by these two transverse transfer carriages.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be provided that the transverse conveying device is arranged on the chassis and has a horizontal transverse conveying direction perpendicular to the main conveying direction.

[0016] The workpieces conveyed on a transverse transfer carriage can be conveyed down from a transverse transfer carriage by the transverse conveying device in the transverse conveying direction or up onto a transverse transfer carriage in the opposite direction to the transverse conveying direction. In one embodiment of the invention, the chassis can be provided with two mutually parallel long sides in the transverse conveying direction and two mutually parallel short sides in the main conveying direction.

[0017] The chassis is therefore preferably rectangular in shape. However, other chassis shapes are also conceivable.

[0018] The chassis is at least as wide as the distance between the two running rails, i.e., the track width of the running rails. The chassis preferably extends beyond the running rails on both sides.

[0019] The cross conveyor device preferably extends in the cross conveyor direction by the length of the main longitudinal axis of the workpieces. The cross conveyor device preferably projects approximately 0.5 m above the chassis on both sides, relative to the cross conveyor direction perpendicular to the main conveyor direction.

[0020] It can be advantageous if the chassis includes propulsion rollers and idler rollers guided on the running rails as well as track-holding rollers guided to the side of the running rails.

[0021] Preferably, at least one propulsion roller, at least one idler roller and one track-holding roller are provided per travel rail, wherein the propulsion rollers are driven by the travel drive unit.

[0022] The track-holding rollers guided along the sides of the rails ensure that the transverse transfer carriage is held on the rails and can transport the workpieces evenly along the main conveying direction.

[0023] It can further be provided that the chassis is connected to an energy chain, preferably a cable drag, for the electrical supply of the transverse transfer carriage, wherein the energy chain has a traveling end and a stationary end.

[0024] The energy chains ensure that the cables required for the electrical supply to the transfer carriages are carried within a defined area. This ensures that the cables do not become caught on parts or elements of the conveyor system as the transfer carriages move back and forth along the rails, resulting in them being torn off or damaged. It is also advantageous if the chassis has two end sections opposite each other in the transverse conveying direction, which extend beyond the rails, with a traveling end of the energy chain connected to one of the long sides of the chassis in one of the end sections.

[0025] The energy chains therefore run completely alongside the rails.

[0026] It can further be provided that the drive unit is arranged on the long side of the energy chain connected to the chassis.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the energy chain of two adjacent cross conveyor carriages is arranged on different sides of the travel rails.

[0028] This allows each transverse transfer carriage to travel over the energy chains of the adjacent transverse transfer carriages and at the same time prevents a collision of the energy chains of adjacent transverse transfer carriages, which can cause the travel areas of any two adjacent transverse transfer carriages to overlap.

[0029] It may be advantageous if the energy chain, when reaching one end of the travel range of the transverse transfer carriage, forms a radius arc at the stationary end, which is spaced vertically from the transverse conveyor device of an adjacent transverse transfer carriage.

[0030] This is achieved in particular by arranging the energy chains substantially offset downwards in the vertical direction relative to the plane of the rails, at least to the extent that the upper edge of the radius curve is arranged lower than the lower edge of the cross conveyor device.

[0031] Preferably, two adjacent transverse transfer carriages each have overlapping travel areas in the main conveying direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the transverse conveyor device can comprise or be designed as a roller conveyor or a chain conveyor, preferably a telescopic chain conveyor. It can be advantageous if the workpieces for conveying and processing are each arranged on a workpiece conveyor carrier, for example, a skid or a crossbeam.

[0033] If the workpieces are conveyed on a skid, the cross conveyor device is preferably a roller conveyor device, whereas a traverse is shorter than a skid and therefore a chain conveyor device is used with a traverse.

[0034] Preferably, the chain conveyor device is telescopic so that the gap between the transverse transfer carriage and the conveyor system within the treatment containers into which the workpieces are conveyed in and out can be bridged.

[0035] It may be advantageous if the conveying device comprises one or more position-determining devices, preferably position limit switches, for each transverse transfer carriage, by means of which the reaching of transverse conveying positions can be determined.

[0036] The control of the travel paths and the positioning of the transverse transfer carriages into their transverse conveying positions, in which the workpieces, designed as vehicle bodies, are conveyed, for example, into the treatment tanks of a treatment plant, are preferably carried out via position limit switches. Alternatively, encoders such as barcode readers can also be used for position determination. However, in humid environments, especially in steamy atmospheres, position limit switches promise to be less error-prone.

[0037] It can be advantageous if two guide rails parallel to the travel rails are provided outside the travel rails, by means of which the energy chains of the transverse transfer carriages can be guided and to which a stationary end of each energy chain is connected.

[0038] The guide rails are offset vertically downwards compared to the running rails.

[0039] It is advantageous if each guide rail is connected to at least one plug unit for supplying the energy chains of the transverse transfer carriages with electricity. The plug unit is preferably connected to a frequency converter for controlling the drives of the transverse transfer carriages, with each transverse transfer carriage preferably comprising, on the one hand, the travel drive unit and, on the other hand, a cross-conveyor drive unit.

[0040] The object of the invention can further be achieved by a tunnel according to the invention having the features according to claim 15.

[0041] The tunnel is primarily used to protect treated workpieces and to reduce fluid emissions, such as mist or vapors, which may contain pollutants resulting from the treatment of the workpieces.

[0042] It may be advantageous if the tunnel is designed to enclose a conveying device, in particular a conveying device as described above.

[0043] It may be advantageous if the tunnel through which the treated workpieces can be conveyed comprises one or more tunnel segments.

[0044] It is preferably provided that a tunnel segment comprises a floor wall, two opposite side walls and a ceiling wall opposite the floor wall.

[0045] As a result, each tunnel segment forms a closed circuit, with the tunnel segments preferably being arranged one behind the other in the main conveying direction of the conveying device.

[0046] The tunnel segments are preferably delivered to the tunnel installation site as a completely pre-assembled transport unit.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that one and / or both tunnel ends can each be closed by means of a closing device, preferably a roller shutter.

[0048] As a result, tunnel atmosphere escapes from the tunnel in an uncontrolled manner only when the closing devices for inserting and removing the workpieces are opened.

[0049] Furthermore, it can be provided that the floor wall comprises a supporting frame structure. Preferably, the supporting frame structure comprises two outer supporting frame sections, an inner supporting frame section, and a floor plate arranged on the supporting frame sections.

[0050] When the tunnel is in its installed state, the outer support frame sections and the inner support frame section are screwed or welded onto a common base support.

[0051] The base plate is firmly and fluid-tightly connected to the supporting frame sections, preferably by welding. Alternatively, the base plate can also be bolted to the supporting frame sections, with the screw connections sealed with a suitable sealant.

[0052] It may be advantageous if two channels are formed in the floor panel, one of which is arranged between one outer support frame section and the inner support frame section and the other between the other outer support frame section and the inner support frame section, wherein the floor panel preferably slopes down towards the channels on both sides of the channels.

[0053] The channels serve, on the one hand, to accommodate the guide rails with the energy chains of the conveyor device and, on the other hand, as collection or drainage channels for the fluid(s) dripping from the treated workpieces.

[0054] It may be provided that the channels include one or more drainage openings.

[0055] The collected fluid can be drained from the tunnel through the drain openings. If necessary, the drained fluid can be recycled for the workpiece treatment, preferably after treatment. Alternatively, the fluid drained from the tunnel is discharged as wastewater.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more control cabinets can be arranged on the ceiling wall of the tunnel, each of which contains a frequency converter that is electrically connected to the conveyor device arranged in the tunnel, preferably to a plug unit of the conveyor device, preferably via an electrical line that runs essentially along the inside of one of the side walls of the tunnel. The sensitive frequency converter is thus protected from the moisture inside the tunnel.

[0057] It can be advantageous if the ceiling wall of the tunnel has a walkable maintenance route through which one or more of the control cabinets can be accessed.

[0058] This allows the frequency converters to be serviced independently of the rest of the conveyor system inside the tunnel.

[0059] It is preferably provided that the ceiling wall of the tunnel segments has one or more stiffening ribs, which preferably extend from one side wall to the other side wall and run at least approximately parallel to one another.

[0060] The stiffening ribs allow the ceiling wall to be walked on.

[0061] Furthermore, it can be provided that one or more humidifying nozzles and / or misting nozzles are arranged in the tunnel.

[0062] These nozzles can be used to keep the workpieces to be treated, which are transported through the tunnel, moist.

[0063] It can be advantageous if the atmosphere of the tunnel can be extracted and / or discharged against the conveying direction of the workpieces.

[0064] Preferably, the conveying direction corresponds to the main conveying direction of the conveying device.

[0065] In a typical pretreatment process for workpieces designed as vehicle bodies, the extraction takes place from the cold sub-processes toward the warm sub-processes of the treatment. This ensures that the vapors from the warm sub-processes are quickly removed or discharged from the tunnel and are not distributed to subsequent sub-processes.

[0066] It can be advantageous if fresh air can be supplied at at least one end of the tunnel. Fresh air or supply air is supplied into the tunnel in accordance with the amount of exhaust air extracted by freely drawing in filtered hall or ambient air at the end of the tunnel where the workpieces are conveyed out of the tunnel.

[0067] The object of the invention can further be achieved by a treatment plant according to the invention having the features according to claim 28.

[0068] The treatment layer is preferably used for treating workpieces, in particular for cleaning and / or coating vehicle bodies.

[0069] It can be provided that the treatment plant comprises the following: at least one treatment level with several separate treatment containers, which comprise a treatment space for receiving workpieces; at least two transfer stations, preferably at least two lifting stations, for introducing and / or removing the workpieces into or from the treatment level; a conveyor device as described above, by means of which the workpieces can be conveyed into the treatment containers and / or out of the treatment containers; and a tunnel as described above, which surrounds the conveyor device and is connected to the treatment containers.

[0070] A treatment level preferably comprises several treatment sub-processes, wherein each treatment sub-process can be assigned one or more treatment containers.

[0071] It can further be provided that the workpieces can be conveyed into the treatment chamber of a treatment container by a transverse transfer carriage and can be conveyed out of the treatment chamber of this treatment container by an adjacent transverse transfer carriage.

[0072] The transfer of a workpiece preferably takes place exclusively via one of the processing containers. This means that processing containers that are located in an overlapping area due to the overlapping travel ranges of two adjacent transverse transfer carriages or that are adjacent to such an overlapping area can be served by these two transverse transfer carriages in the overlapping area. It may be advantageous if workpieces can be fed to each processing container from a maximum of two transverse transfer carriages.

[0073] Preferably, it can be provided that the tunnel segments each connected to a treatment tank are wider than the tunnel segments between the treatment tanks.

[0074] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the tunnel comprises access doors through which the tunnel and / or the treatment containers are accessible, wherein the access doors are arranged between the treatment containers.

[0075] It can be advantageous if the access doors can be locked electronically.

[0076] Preferably, it can be provided that the access doors can only be unlocked when the conveyor device is at a standstill in order to ensure the safety of the maintenance personnel.

[0077] Furthermore, it can be provided that the tunnel has suction openings in the ceiling wall, which are preferably arranged in front of each treatment container.

[0078] This allows the extraction of the tunnel atmosphere along the tunnel to be better adjusted.

[0079] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of embodiments.

[0080] The figures show:

[0081] Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention;

[0082] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a section of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

[0083] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the section from Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of a section of an embodiment of a tunnel according to the invention, which has incorporated a section of the embodiment of the conveying device according to the invention from Figs. 1 to 3;

[0084] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a tunnel segment of the embodiment of the tunnel according to the invention from Fig. 4;

[0085] Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a treatment plant according to the invention with a conveying device with four transverse transfer carriages;

[0086] Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of a treatment plant according to the invention with a conveyor device with six transverse transfer carriages; and

[0087] Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of a treatment plant according to the invention with a conveyor device with seven transverse transfer carriages.

[0088] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0089] An embodiment of a conveying device designated as a whole by 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 serves to convey workpieces (not shown).

[0090] The conveying device 100 is in particular a device for conveying workpieces designed as vehicle bodies, which are treated in a treatment plant 300.

[0091] The treatment system 300 is in particular a cleaning and / or coating system.

[0092] The treatment system 300, which comprises a conveying device 100 according to the invention, is described in detail below in connection with Figs. 6 to 8. The conveying device 100 comprises one or more transverse transfer carriages 102, by means of which the workpieces are conveyed in a main conveying direction 104.

[0093] The right-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1 is shown in Fig. 2 in a schematic, perspective view and Fig. 3 shows a side view of Fig. 2.

[0094] While the workpieces are preferably conveyed essentially along the conveying device 100 in the main conveying direction 104, the transverse transfer carriages 102 themselves can be moved both in and against the main conveying direction 104, wherein each transverse transfer carriage 102 has a fixed travel range 106.

[0095] The travel areas 106 of two adjacent transverse transfer carriages 102 overlap.

[0096] In Fig. 1, the lower travel area 106 is assigned to the left transverse transfer carriage 102 and the upper travel area 106 is assigned to the right transverse transfer carriage 102.

[0097] The transverse transfer carriages 102 shown in Fig. 1 have at least approximately reached the end of their travel range 106 opposite to the main conveying direction 104, whereas the other end of the associated travel range 106 lies to the right outside of Fig. 1, which depicts only a section of the conveying device 100.

[0098] The workpieces, which are preferably designed as vehicle bodies, are preferably conveyed onto the transverse transfer carriage 102 in a transverse orientation. This means, for example, that the longitudinal extent of a vehicle body is aligned horizontally and perpendicularly to the main conveying direction 104.

[0099] The transverse transfer carriages 102 are moved on two parallel rails 108. The track width of the rails 108 is therefore preferably constant along the entire conveying path or the entire travel range of the conveying device 100.

[0100] Each transverse transfer carriage 102 comprises a chassis 110, a drive unit 112 and a transverse conveyor device 114.

[0101] The transverse conveyor device 114, which is designed as a roller conveyor device 116 and / or as a chain conveyor device, preferably a telescopic chain conveyor device, is arranged on the chassis 110. The transverse conveyor device 114 has a transverse conveying direction 118, which runs horizontally and perpendicular to the main conveying direction 104.

[0102] The workpieces can be conveyed down from the respective transverse transfer carriage 102 of the conveying device 100 by means of the transverse conveying device 114 along the transverse conveying direction 118, ie transversely to the main conveying direction 104, and can be conveyed up onto a transverse transfer carriage 102 of the conveying device 100 against the transverse conveying direction 118.

[0103] The workpieces are preferably arranged on a workpiece conveyor carrier, such as a skid or a traverse. The workpieces are in particular stored on the workpiece conveyor carrier and at least temporarily connected to it.

[0104] The chassis 110, which is rectangular in shape, comprises two mutually parallel long sides 120, which are aligned in the transverse conveying direction, and two short sides 122, which are aligned in the main conveying direction 104.

[0105] The long sides 120 of the chassis 110 are longer than the track of the running rails 108, i.e. the distance between the running rails 108. In other words, the chassis 110 projects beyond the running rails 108 on both sides in the transverse conveying direction 114.

[0106] The chassis 110 comprises, on the one hand, at least two propulsion rollers 124, each of which is guided on a travel rail 108 and driven by the travel drive unit 112. On the other hand, the chassis 110 comprises at least two idler rollers 126, each of which is also guided on a travel rail 108.

[0107] In addition, the chassis 110 comprises at least two track-holding rollers 128, preferably four track-holding rollers, each of which is conveyed on one side of the travel rails 108, i.e., a surface of the travel rails 108 facing in the transverse conveying direction 114. Preferably, two track-holding rollers 128 are guided on one of the inward-facing surfaces of the travel rails 108, i.e., one of the mutually facing surfaces of the travel rails 108, whereas two further track-holding rollers 128 are guided on the other inward-facing surface of the travel rails 108, so that the associated transverse transfer carriage 102 can be guided evenly and / or with constant alignment on the travel rails 106 along the main conveying direction 104. The transverse transfer carriage 102 further comprises a transverse conveyor drive unit 130, by means of which the transverse conveyor device 114 can move the workpieces in the transverse conveying direction 118.

[0108] Each transverse transfer carriage 102 is electrically supplied via an energy chain 132, preferably a cable drag.

[0109] For this purpose, a guide rail 134 is provided outside the travel rails 108 on both sides and offset downwards in the vertical direction, in which the energy chains 132 of the transverse transfer carriages 102 are guided.

[0110] The guide rails 134 preferably run at least approximately parallel to the running rails 108.

[0111] An energy chain 132 comprises a stationary end 136 and a traveling end 138.

[0112] The stationary end 136 is attached to or in the respective guide rail 134, whereas the traveling end 138 is attached to the chassis 110 of the transverse transfer carriage 102.

[0113] Each guide rail 134 is connected to at least one plug unit 140, via which the energy chains 132 are supplied with power.

[0114] Each chassis 110 has two end regions 142 opposite one another in the transverse conveying direction 114, which project beyond the running rails 108.

[0115] The traveling end 138 of the respective energy chain 132 is fastened or arranged on one of the end regions 142 of the transverse transfer carriage 102, preferably on a long side 120, so that the energy chain 132 is always guided outside the travel rails 108 during the movement of the transverse transfer carriage 102.

[0116] The energy chain 132 of each two adjacent transverse transfer carriages 102 is arranged on different sides of the travel rails 108, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0117] In the two transverse transfer carriages 102 shown in Fig. 1, it can be seen that the traveling end 138 of the energy chain 132 of the left transverse transfer carriage 102, relative to the main conveying direction 104, is arranged at the end region 142 to the right of the travel rails 108. The traveling end 138 of the energy chain 132 of the right transverse transfer carriage 102, relative to the main conveying direction 104, is arranged at the end region 142 to the left of the travel rails 108. The energy chains 132 of these two adjacent transverse transfer carriages 102 are thus arranged on different sides of the travel rails 108.

[0118] The energy chains 132 of the transverse transfer carriages 102 are further preferably connected to the transverse transfer carriages 102 in such a way that the mutually facing long sides 120 of two adjacent transverse transfer carriages 102 are connected to the traveling end 138 of the respective energy chain 132 or that neither of these two long sides 120 is connected to a traveling end 138 of an energy chain 132.

[0119] This means, with reference to Fig. 1, that the transverse transfer carriage 102, which is arranged to the left of the left transverse transfer carriage 102, does not have a traveling end 138 of an energy chain 132 on its long side 120, which points in the main conveying direction 104 and thus faces the left transverse transfer carriage 102. Analogously, the transverse transfer carriage 102, which is arranged to the right of the right transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig.

[0120] 1 is arranged, on its long side 120, which points opposite to the main conveying direction 104 and thus faces the right-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1, does not have a traveling end 138 of an energy chain 132.

[0121] The travel drive unit 112 of the transverse transfer carriages 102 are preferably arranged on the same long side 120 of the associated transverse transfer carriage 102 as the traveling end 138 of the respective energy chain 132.

[0122] Upon reaching one of the two ends of the travel area 106, the energy chain 132 of a transverse transfer carriage 102 forms a radius arc 144 at its stationary end 136, which is vertically spaced from the transverse conveyor device 114 of the adjacent transverse transfer carriage 102, which at least partially traverses this radius arc 144. In other words, the transverse transfer carriages 102 do not touch the radius arcs 144 of the adjacent transverse transfer carriages 102 during their reciprocating movement along the travel rails 108.

[0123] Looking at Figs. 1 and 3, it can be seen that the left-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1 has at least approximately reached the end of its travel range 106 opposite the main conveying direction 104. Likewise, the right-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1 has at least approximately reached the end of its travel range 126 opposite the main conveying direction 104.

[0124] By alternating the traveling ends 138 of the energy chains 132, the left-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1 forms a radial arc 144 at the stationary end 136 of its energy chain 132 upon reaching the end of its travel range 106, which radial arc remains below the transverse conveyor device 114 of the right-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1 and does not touch this transverse conveyor device 114, as can be seen in Fig. 3. This ensures that the freedom of movement of the right-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1 is not restricted by the radial arc 144 of the left-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1. At the same time, the energy chain 132 of the left-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1 is protected from the transverse conveyor device 114 of the right-hand transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 1.

[0125] Fig. 4 shows a schematic, perspective view of a section of an embodiment of a tunnel 200 according to the invention, which has incorporated a section of the embodiment of the conveying device 100 according to the invention from Figs. 1 to 3.

[0126] It should be understood that the entire tunnel 200 preferably receives and encloses the entire conveyor device 100.

[0127] The tunnel 200 serves to protect treated workpieces that are conveyed by the conveyor device 100. At the same time, the tunnel 200 preferably serves to prevent and / or reduce fluid emissions that could otherwise be released into the environment by the treatment of the workpieces or the treated workpieces themselves. These could be, for example, mists or vapors containing pollutants.

[0128] The tunnel 200 comprises one or more tunnel segments 201, as shown in Fig. 5 in a schematic, perspective view.

[0129] The tunnel segments 201 are arranged one behind the other in the main conveying direction 104.

[0130] A tunnel segment 201 comprises a bottom wall 202, two opposing side walls 204, and a ceiling wall 206 opposite the bottom wall 202. The tunnel 200 has a closing device, such as a rolling gate, at one or both of its ends, so that the tunnel is only open to the environment for conveying workpieces in or out, thus minimizing the passage of tunnel atmosphere into the environment.

[0131] The bottom wall 202 on which the conveyor device 100 is arranged and / or mounted comprises a support frame structure 208 or is designed as such.

[0132] The support frame structure 208 comprises two outer support frame sections 210, an inner support frame section 212 and a base plate 214 arranged on the support frame sections 210, 212.

[0133] The support frame sections 210, 212 are preferably made of square steel tubes.

[0134] Two channels 216 are formed in the base plate 214, one of which is arranged between the one outer support frame section 210 and the inner support frame section 212 and the other between the other outer support frame section 210 and the inner support frame section 212.

[0135] The base plate 214 preferably slopes down towards the channels 216 on both sides of the channels 216, i.e., the base plate 214 has a slope in the direction of the side walls 204 in the area above the inner support frame section 212, and the sections of the base plate 216 between the side walls 204 and the channels 216 also each have a slope, specifically in the direction of the opposite side wall 204.

[0136] Due to the gradient, fluid dripping or flowing down in the tunnel, which for example remains on the treated workpieces after the respective treatment or the treatment sub-processes, can flow into the channels 216 and be discharged from the interior of the tunnel via the channels 216, which each have one or more drain openings (not shown).

[0137] Depending on the type and quantity of fluid collected downstream of the discharge openings, the collected fluid can be returned via a return line either to a fluid tank or a counter tank of the treatment plant 300 or can be finally discharged from the treatment plant as wastewater.

[0138] The floor plate 214 can be designed as a corrugated plate in whole or in part for the purpose of accessibility, while the channels 216 are preferably made of a smooth sheet.

[0139] The inner support frame section 212 is designed and provided to support the load of the conveyor device 100.

[0140] For the load bearing of the conveyor device 100, the inner support frame section 212 of each tunnel segment 201 comprises at least two longitudinal beams 218, which are aligned in the main conveying direction 104 and on which the travel rails 108 of the conveyor device 100 are arranged.

[0141] The outer support frame sections 210 serve to support the load of the respective side wall 204.

[0142] The guide rails 134 with the energy chains 132 of the conveyor device 100 are preferably arranged in the channels 216.

[0143] The ceiling wall 206 of preferably each tunnel segment 201 is reinforced with a plurality of stiffening ribs 219, which are preferably aligned horizontally and perpendicularly to the main conveying direction 104 and each extend from one side wall 204 to the other side wall 204.

[0144] The ceiling wall 206 can be formed from a plurality of sheet metal panels 220 arranged one behind the other in the main conveying direction 104, in whose lateral upstands 221 the stiffening ribs 219 are arranged. The stiffening ribs 219 are arranged between the two lateral upstands 221 of two adjacent sheet metal panels 220.

[0145] Likewise, the side walls 204 can be formed from several sheet metal panels 220 arranged one behind the other in the main conveying direction 104.

[0146] One or more control cabinets 222 are arranged on the ceiling wall 206 of the tunnel 200 or the tunnel segments 201, each of which contains and encloses a frequency converter (not shown). The frequency converters are electrically connected to the conveyor device 100 arranged in the tunnel 200. Preferably, the frequency converters are connected to the plug units 140 of the conveyor device 100.

[0147] The electrical lines between the frequency converter and the conveyor device 100 or the plug unit 140 run essentially along the inside of one of the side walls 204 of the tunnel 200.

[0148] The ceiling wall 206 of the tunnel 200 preferably further comprises a walkable maintenance path 224 via which the switch cabinets 222 are accessible for maintenance purposes or the like.

[0149] The accessible maintenance path 224 on the ceiling wall 206 can be lined with or formed from grating and / or checkered sheeting. Furthermore, the accessible maintenance path 224 is preferably secured against falling with a railing or the like.

[0150] Furthermore, a plurality of moisturizing nozzles and / or mist nozzles (not shown) can be arranged in the tunnel 200, by means of which the workpieces to be treated are kept moist along the main conveying direction 104.

[0151] The atmosphere of the tunnel 200 can preferably be extracted counter to the main conveying direction 104. Controlled air extraction ensures continuous flow through the tunnel 200 and the removal of vapors.

[0152] In a typical pretreatment process for workpieces designed as vehicle bodies, the extraction takes place from the cold sub-processes toward the warm sub-processes of the treatment. This ensures that the vapors from the warm sub-processes are quickly removed or discharged from tunnel 200 and are not distributed to subsequent sub-processes.

[0153] For extraction, the ceiling wall has several extraction openings 226, which are preferably connected to an exhaust air manifold with an exhaust fan. To adjust the volume flow to be extracted at an extraction opening 226, a throttle device is provided in each discharge branch from the respective extraction opening to the exhaust air manifold.

[0154] The supply of fresh air or supply air into the tunnel 200 takes place according to the amount of exhaust air extracted by free intake of filtered hall or ambient air at the end of the tunnel 200 at which the workpieces are conveyed out of the tunnel 200.

[0155] Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a treatment system 300 in a plan view of a treatment level 302 of preferably several treatment levels 302 of the treatment system 300 arranged one above the other.

[0156] In the treatment level of Fig. 6, nine treatment containers 304 are arranged next to each other in the main conveying direction 104.

[0157] Relative to the main conveying direction 104, the first, fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth treatment containers are each assigned to a treatment sub-process, which may be the same or different. The second and third treatment containers 304 are together assigned to a different treatment sub-process, as are the sixth and seventh treatment containers 304. Providing two treatment containers 304 for one treatment sub-process is preferably done for treatment sub-processes with a longer treatment duration, so that these treatment sub-processes do not limit the throughput of the workpieces.

[0158] Each treatment container 304 comprises a treatment chamber 306 for receiving workpieces.

[0159] The workpieces can be introduced into and / or removed from the treatment chamber 306 of the respective treatment container 304 via a feed opening 308 which can preferably be closed in a fluid-tight manner.

[0160] The workpieces are introduced into the treatment level 302 by means of a transfer station 310 at the beginning of the treatment process, i.e., before the first treatment tank 304, and removed from the treatment level 302 by means of a further transfer station 310 at the end of the treatment process, i.e., after the last treatment tank. The transfer stations are preferably designed as lifting stations 312.

[0161] A tunnel 200, as described in Figs. 4 and 5, is arranged in the treatment plane 302 in front of the treatment containers 304 and is connected to them in the region of the feed openings 308.

[0162] The tunnel segments 201 of the tunnel 200, which directly border or are connected to a treatment tank 304, are preferably wider than the tunnel segments 201 between two treatment tanks 304.

[0163] Between the treatment tanks 304, the tunnel 200 preferably has a plurality of access doors through which the tunnel 200 and / or the treatment tanks 304 are accessible for maintenance and / or cleaning purposes, for example.

[0164] The access doors 314 are preferably electrically lockable and unlockable. The access doors 314 are preferably unlocked only when the conveyor device 100, which is arranged in the tunnel 200, is at a standstill.

[0165] The conveyor device 100 arranged in the tunnel 200 in Fig. 6 comprises four transverse transfer carriages 102, whose travel areas 106 are marked by double arrows.

[0166] The transverse transfer carriages 102 of the conveyor device 100 shown in Fig. 6 are numbered below for easier assignment in the main conveying direction 104. Accordingly, the leftmost transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 6 is the first transverse transfer carriage 102, and the rightmost transverse transfer carriage 102 in Fig. 6 is the fourth transverse transfer carriage 102.

[0167] The transfer station 310 arranged on the left in Fig. 6, which is arranged at the beginning of the treatment process of the treatment level 302 shown, transfers the workpieces to the first transverse transfer carriage 102 in the treatment level 302.

[0168] The first transverse transfer carriage 102 then moves the respective workpieces along the travel rails 106 in the main conveying direction 104 up to the height of the first treatment container 304. For controlling and aligning the position of the transverse transfer carriages 102 in front of the treatment containers 304, the conveying device 100 comprises a plurality of position-determining devices, such as position limit switches, by means of which the reaching of transverse conveying positions 316 can be determined.

[0169] The possible and suitable cross conveyor positions 316 are indicated in Fig. 6 by the stylized cross conveyor carriages 102 in front of the treatment containers 304.

[0170] After reaching the first transverse conveying position 316 in front of the first treatment container 304, the conveyed workpiece is conveyed by means of the transverse conveying device 114 through the feed opening 308 into the treatment chamber 306 of the treatment container 304.

[0171] Following the treatment sub-process of the first treatment container 304, the treated workpiece is conveyed out of the treatment chamber 306 of the first treatment chamber 304 by means of the cross-conveying device 114 of the first cross-transfer carriage 102 and is conveyed further by the first cross-transfer carriage 102 to one of the two treatment containers 304 of the following treatment sub-process, ie to the second or third treatment container 304.

[0172] In the area of ​​this treatment sub-process, the workpiece being treated or to be further treated is transferred to the second transverse transfer carriage 102 via the treatment chamber 306 of the second or third treatment container 304, from which the transverse conveyor device 114 of the second transverse transfer carriage 102 conveys out the workpiece treated in the second treatment sub-process.

[0173] Subsequently, the second transverse transfer carriage 102 conveys the picked-up workpiece into the fourth and subsequently into the fifth treatment container 304 of the third and fourth treatment sub-processes, respectively.

[0174] The treated workpiece is conveyed out of the fifth treatment container 304, which is assigned to the fourth treatment sub-process, by the cross conveyor device 114 of the third cross transfer carriage 102.

[0175] The third transverse transfer carriage 102 then conveys the workpiece to the sixth or seventh treatment tank 304, both of which are assigned to the fifth treatment sub-process. Subsequently, the third transverse transfer carriage 102 transfers the treated workpiece to the eighth treatment tank 304 of the sixth treatment sub-process.

[0176] The treated workpiece of the eighth treatment tank 304 is conveyed out by the fourth transverse transfer carriage 102 and conveyed into the ninth treatment tank 304 of the seventh and final treatment sub-process.

[0177] Finally, the completely treated workpiece is conveyed out of the ninth treatment container 304 and transferred to the right transfer station 310 in Fig. 6 in order to be removed from the treatment level 302 shown.

[0178] It should be understood that the number of treatment containers 304 may differ from the number shown in Figs. 6 to 8 and that furthermore the allocation of the treatment containers 304 to individual treatment sub-processes may differ.

[0179] It can be seen in Fig. 6 that the overlapping travel areas 106 of two adjacent transverse transfer carriages are designed such that each treatment container 304 is served by a maximum of two transverse transfer carriages 102.

[0180] Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a treatment plant 300, the conveying device 100 of which comprises six transverse transfer carriages 102.

[0181] The travel areas 106 of the transverse transfer carriages 102, which differ from the first embodiment in Fig. 6, are also indicated by double arrows.

[0182] By providing two additional transverse transfer carriages 102, the travel areas 106 are modified compared to the first embodiment. For example, the second transverse transfer carriage 102 now only serves the second treatment sub-process with the second and third treatment tanks 304 and the third treatment sub-process with the fourth treatment tank 304.

[0183] Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of a treatment plant 300, the conveying device of which comprises seven transverse transfer carriages 102.

[0184] The travel ranges 106 of these seven transverse transfer carriages 102 are also indicated by the double arrows. By providing three additional transverse transfer carriages 102 or one additional transverse transfer carriage 102, the travel ranges 106 are further shortened.

[0185] The travel ranges 106 of the transverse transfer carriages 102 shown in Figs. 6 to 8 are the result of calculations and simulations. The travel ranges 106 shown represent the respective number of transverse transfer carriages 102, in this case four, six or seven transverse transfer carriages 102, and the nine treatment containers 304 to be operated with the respective treatment times per

[0186] Treatment sub-process represents an optimum in terms of the throughput of workpieces per time.

[0187] However, it should be understood that with a different number of treatment containers 304 in the respective treatment level 302 and a different number of transverse transfer carriages 102, different travel ranges 106 of the transverse transfer carriages 102 can result, which achieve an optimal throughput of workpieces through the treatment level 302 or the treatment system 300.

[0188] In other words, the number of transverse transfer carriages 102 depends on the throughput of workpieces to be achieved and the sequence of treatment sub-processes in the treatment containers 304 of the respective treatment level 302.

[0189] List of reference symbols

[0190] Conveyor device

[0191] Transverse transfer carriage

[0192] Main conveying direction

[0193] Driving range

[0194] Running rail

[0195] chassis

[0196] Drive unit

[0197] Cross conveyor device

[0198] Roller conveyor device

[0199] Cross conveying direction

[0200] long side

[0201] short side

[0202] Propulsion roller

[0203] idler roller

[0204] Lane keeping roller

[0205] Cross conveyor drive unit

[0206] Energy chain

[0207] Guide rail stationary end of an energy chain moving end of an energy chain

[0208] Plug unit

[0209] forehead area

[0210] Radius arc

[0211] tunnel

[0212] Tunnel segment

[0213] floor wall

[0214] side wall

[0215] Ceiling wall

[0216] Support frame structure outer support frame section inner support frame section

[0217] floor panel

[0218] channel

[0219] Longitudinal member

[0220] Stiffening rib Sheet metal panel Upstand Control cabinet Maintenance path Extraction opening Treatment system Treatment level Treatment tank Treatment room Feed opening Transfer station Lifting station

[0221] Access door cross conveyor position

Claims

Patent claims 1. Conveying device (100) for conveying workpieces in a treatment plant (300), in particular for conveying vehicle bodies in a cleaning and / or coating plant, wherein the conveying device (100) comprises one or more transverse transfer carriages (102) which are movable in a main conveying direction (104) on at least two parallel travel rails (108) and by means of which the workpieces can be conveyed in a transverse orientation thereof, wherein each transverse transfer carriage (102) comprises a chassis (110), a travel drive unit (112), and a transverse conveying device (114), wherein each transverse transfer carriage (102) has a travel area (106) in and / or counter to the main conveying direction (104), and wherein the transverse conveying device (114) is arranged on the chassis (110) and has a transverse conveying direction (118) which is horizontal and perpendicular to the main conveying direction (104).

2. Conveying device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis (110) has two mutually parallel long sides (120) in the transverse conveying direction (118) and two mutually parallel short sides (122) in the main conveying direction (104).

3. Conveyor device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chassis (110) comprises drive rollers (124) and idler rollers (126) guided on the travel rails (108) as well as track-holding rollers (128) guided laterally of the travel rails (108).

4. Conveying device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the chassis (110) is connected to an energy chain (132), preferably a cable drag, for the electrical supply of the transverse transfer carriage (102), wherein the energy chain (132) has a traveling end (138) and a stationary end (136).

5. Conveying device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the chassis (110) has two end regions (142) which are opposite one another in the transverse conveying direction (118) and which project beyond the running rails (108), wherein a the traveling end (138) of the energy chain (132) is connected in one of the end regions (142) to one of the long sides (120) of the chassis (110).

6. Conveyor device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the travel drive unit (112) is arranged on the long side (120) of the energy chain (132) connected to the chassis (110).

7. Conveyor device (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the energy chain (132) of two adjacent transverse conveyor carriages (102) is arranged on different sides of the travel rails (108).

8. Conveyor device (100) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the energy chain (132) forms a radius arc (144) at the stationary end (136) upon reaching an end of the travel range (106) of the transverse transfer carriage (102), which is spaced apart from the transverse conveyor device (114) of an adjacent transverse transfer carriage (102) in the vertical direction.

9. Conveying device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that two adjacent transverse transfer carriages (102) each have overlapping travel areas (106) in the main conveying direction (104).

10. Conveyor device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transverse conveyor device (114) comprises or is designed as a roller conveyor device (116) or a chain conveyor device, preferably a telescopic chain conveyor device.

11. Conveying device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the workpieces for conveying and treating are each arranged on a workpiece conveyor carrier, for example a skid or a traverse.

12. Conveying device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the conveying device (100) comprises one or more position determining devices, preferably position limit switches, for each transverse transfer carriage (102), by means of which the reaching of transverse conveying positions (316) can be determined.

13. Conveyor device (100) according to one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that outside the travel rails (108) two guide rails (134) parallel to the travel rails (108) are provided, by means of which the energy chains (132) of the transverse transfer carriages (102) can be guided and to which a stationary end (136) of each energy chain (132) is connected.

14. Conveyor device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that each guide rail (134) is connected to at least one plug unit (140) for the electrical supply of the energy chains (132) of the transverse transfer carriages (102).

15. Tunnel (200) for protecting treated workpieces and for reducing fluid emissions, wherein the tunnel (200) is designed to enclose a conveying device (100), in particular a conveying device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the tunnel (200) through which the workpieces can be conveyed comprises one or more tunnel segments (201).

16. Tunnel (200) according to claim 15, characterized in that a tunnel segment (201) comprises a bottom wall (202), two opposite side walls (204) and a ceiling wall (206) opposite the bottom wall (204).

17. Tunnel (200) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that one and / or both tunnel ends can each be closed by means of a closing device, preferably a roller shutter.

18. Tunnel (200) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the bottom wall (204) comprises a supporting frame structure (208).

19. Tunnel (200) according to claim 18, characterized in that the support frame structure (208) comprises two outer support frame sections (210), an inner support frame section (212) and a floor plate (214) arranged on the support frame sections (210, 212).

20. Tunnel (200) according to claim 19, characterized in that two channels (216) are formed in the floor plate (214), one of which is between the one outer support frame section (210) and the inner support frame section (212) and the other between the other outer support frame section (210) and the inner support frame section (212), wherein preferably the base plate (214) slopes down towards the channels (216) on both sides of the channels (216).

21. Tunnel (200) according to claim 20, characterized in that the channels (216) comprise one or more drainage openings.

22. Tunnel (200) according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that one or more control cabinets (222) are arranged on the ceiling wall (206) of the tunnel (200), each comprising a frequency converter which is electrically connected to the conveyor device (100) arranged in the tunnel (200), preferably to a plug unit (140) of the conveyor device (100), preferably via an electrical line which runs substantially along the inside of one of the side walls (204) of the tunnel (200).

23. Tunnel (200) according to claim 22, characterized in that the ceiling wall (206) of the tunnel (200) has a walkable maintenance path (224) via which one or more of the switch cabinets (222) are accessible.

24. Tunnel (200) according to one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the ceiling wall (206) of the tunnel segments (201) has one or more stiffening ribs (219) which preferably extend from one side wall (204) to the other side wall (204) and run at least approximately parallel to one another.

25. Tunnel (200) according to one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that one or more humidifying nozzles and / or misting nozzles are arranged in the tunnel (200).

26. Tunnel (200) according to one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that the atmosphere of the tunnel can be sucked out and / or discharged counter to a conveying direction of the workpieces, preferably the main conveying direction (104) of the conveying device (100).

27. Tunnel (200) according to one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that fresh air can be supplied to at least one of the tunnel ends of the tunnel (200).

28. A treatment system (300) for treating workpieces, in particular for cleaning and / or coating vehicle bodies, wherein the treatment system (300) comprises: at least one treatment level (302) with a plurality of separate treatment containers (304), which comprise a treatment chamber (306) for receiving workpieces; at least two transfer stations (310), preferably at least two lifting stations (312), for introducing and / or removing the workpieces into or from the treatment level (302); a conveyor device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, by means of which the workpieces can be conveyed into the treatment containers (304) and / or out of the treatment containers (304); and a tunnel (200) according to one of claims 15 to 27, which surrounds the conveyor device (100) and is connected to the treatment containers (304).

29. Treatment position (300) according to claim 28, characterized in that the workpieces can be conveyed into the treatment space (306) of a treatment container (304) by a transverse transfer carriage (102) and can be conveyed out of the treatment space (306) of this treatment container (304) by an adjacent transverse transfer carriage (102).

30. Treatment station (300) according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that workpieces can be fed to each treatment container (304) by a maximum of two transverse transfer carriages (102).

31. Treatment layer (300) according to one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the tunnel segments (201) each connected to a treatment container (304) are wider than the tunnel segments (201) between the treatment containers (304).

32. Treatment layer (300) according to claim 28 or 31, characterized in that the tunnel (200) comprises access doors (314) through which the tunnel (200) and / or the treatment containers (304) are accessible, wherein the access doors (314) are arranged between the treatment containers (304).

33. Treatment position (300) according to claim 32, characterized in that the access doors (314) are electronically lockable, wherein the access doors (314) are preferably unlockable only when the conveyor device (100) is at a standstill.

34. Treatment layer (300) according to one of claims 28 to 33, characterized in that the tunnel (200) has suction openings (226) in the ceiling wall (206), which are preferably arranged in front of each treatment container (304).

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