Base for powder coating booth

Abstract

To provide a base for a powder coating booth.SOLUTION: A base for a powder coating booth includes a base structure (4), through which the booth is intended to rest on a floor (1), the base structure (4) being configured to support a powder coating compartment of the booth. The base also includes a floor, which is supported by the base structure (4) and configured to delimit the bottom of the powder coating compartment (3). To reduce the accumulation of residual powder, the floor includes at least one oblique panel (15), which is inclined with respect to the horizontal (X4, Y4) and which is configured to delimit the bottom of the powder coating compartment of the booth, whereas the at least one oblique panel is porous so as to be permeable to the air and impermeable to the residual powder resulting from powder covering an article within the powder coating compartment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a base for a powder coating booth, as well as to a powder coating booth comprising such a base. [Background technology]

[0002] Powder coating booths for applying coatings, such as paints, to articles are known for electrostatic powder coating of articles in the powder coating section of the booth. The application of powder to the article is accomplished using a powder projector that projects powder onto the article in the powder coating section. The powder is attracted to the article by an electrostatic effect, causing the powder and article to assume a specific electrostatic potential. Once powder coated, the article is transferred to an oven to cause crosslinking of the thermosetting material that forms the powder, thereby fixing the coating to the article.

[0003] During powder coating of an article, a large portion of the powder emitted by the projector does not reach the article but tends to adhere to the walls and bottom of the powder coating section booth. The booth is equipped with a residual powder suction system that applies a vacuum to the interior of the powder coating section to recover much of this powder for recycling and mixing with new powder for coating the next article. Typically, a portion of this vacuum system is located in the base of the booth below the bottom to recover powder accumulated above the bottom. However, despite this suction system, residual powder typically remains attached to the walls and bottom, making periodic cleaning of the powder coating section necessary and time-consuming, especially when changing powder types, for example, for color changes. To facilitate operator cleaning of residual powder, the booth bottom is typically flat and level. Additionally, the use of a powerful vacuum system consumes a significant amount of energy, which has an impact on the environment and the cost of powder coating operations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention is directed to overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a novel base for a powder coating booth, thereby reducing the buildup of residual powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to a base for a powder coating booth, the base comprising: a base structure configured to support a powder coating section of the booth, the booth being intended to be placed on a floor via the base structure; and a bottom supported by the base structure and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating section. According to the invention, the bottom comprises at least one angled panel inclined relative to the horizontal and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating section of the booth. At least the angled panel is porous so as to be permeable to air and impermeable to residual powder resulting from powder coating of articles in the powder coating section.

[0006] Preferably, the base comprises means for introducing pressurized air below the at least one oblique panel, whereby the introduced pressurized air passes through the at least one oblique panel into the interior of the powder coating section to remove residual powder present on the at least one oblique panel. As a means for introduction, the base comprises one or more compressed air inlets, e.g., connected to a compressed air source, for introducing pressurized air into a housing of the base, the housing being formed below the at least one oblique panel and defined by the at least one oblique panel. Preferably, the housing is defined longitudinally by two transverse profile walls belonging to the base structure, transversely by two longitudinal partition walls belonging to the base structure, at the bottom by a bottom wall belonging to the base structure, and at the top by the at least one oblique panel.

[0007] Preferably, the base comprises a vibrator configured to vibrate the at least one oblique panel relative to the base structure. If a vibrator is provided, it is preferably housed within the housing. If a beam is provided, it is advantageously located within the housing.

[0008] The vibration of the at least one angled panel, in conjunction with the inclination of the at least one angled panel relative to the horizontal, allows residual powder received on the angled panel to flow along the at least one angled panel when the base structure is placed on the floor. Preferably, the at least one angled panel is oriented so that the residual powder flows toward a groove formed by the base structure of the base, from which the residual powder can be collected by suction. This reduces the required suction force because the at least one angled panel allows the residual powder to collect in a predetermined location on the base, for example, in the groove. Furthermore, because of the inclination of the at least one angled panel and the vibrations provided by the vibrator, the at least one angled panel automatically transports the residual powder, thereby reducing the accumulation of residual powder on the bottom itself. The need for an operator to clean the residual powder is also reduced.

[0009] In one variation, the base does not have a vibrator, or the vibrator is optional.

[0010] Other advantageous and optional features of the present invention are described below.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one diagonal panel has an inclination of 5 to 45°, preferably 10 to 20°, relative to the horizontal when the base is placed against the ground via the base structure.

[0012] Preferably, two diagonal panels are provided, each having an upper edge, and the upper edges of the two diagonal panels are joined together.

[0013] Preferably, the base structure comprises two lateral profile walls, with at least one diagonal panel connecting the two lateral profile walls to each other; the base comprises a beam supporting the at least one diagonal panel and the vibrator, the beam extending below the at least one diagonal panel and having two opposing beam ends, the beam being attached to the two lateral profile walls respectively via the beam ends.

[0014] Preferably, each beam end is attached to one of the two lateral profile walls via at least one anti-vibration pad belonging to the base.

[0015] Preferably, at least one diagonal panel has a lower edge permanently attached to a longitudinal partition wall belonging to the base structure; the base structure has at least one longitudinal groove, the at least one longitudinal groove being defined by the longitudinal partition wall, extending below the bottom, opening toward the bottom, and having a discharge end, the at least one groove communicating with the exterior of the base via the discharge end; the bottom has at least one retractable flap, the at least one retractable flap being movable between an extended position in which the at least one retractable flap covers the at least one longitudinal groove and an open position in which the at least one retractable flap covers less of the at least one longitudinal groove than in the extended position.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one retractable flap is rotatable relative to the base structure, thereby being movable between an extended position and an open position.

[0017] Preferably, the base comprises means for introducing pressurized air beneath the at least one oblique panel, whereby the introduced pressurized air is configured to pass through the porous oblique panel into the interior of the powder coating section to remove residual powder present on the at least one oblique panel.

[0018] Preferably, the bottom comprises a tensioned fabric forming at least one diagonal panel.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a powder coating booth comprising a base structure as defined above and a powder coating compartment supported by the base structure and having a bottom defined by the floor.

[0020] Independently of the inventions described above, certain embodiments can be considered to aim at remedying the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a novel base for a powder coating booth, thanks to which the accumulation of residual powder can be reduced.

[0021] This particular embodiment provides a base for a powder coating booth, the base comprising: a base structure configured to support a powder coating section of the booth, the booth intended to be placed on a floor via the base structure; and a bottom supported by the base structure and configured to define a bottom of the powder coating section, wherein the bottom comprises at least one angled panel inclined relative to the horizontal and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating section of the booth, and wherein the base comprises a vibrator configured to vibrate the at least one angled panel relative to the base structure.

[0022] The vibration of the at least one angled panel, in conjunction with the inclination of the at least one angled panel relative to the horizontal when the base structure is placed on the floor, allows residual powder collected on the angled panel to flow down the at least one angled panel. Preferably, the at least one angled panel is inclined so that the residual powder flows toward a groove formed by the base structure of the base, from which the residual powder can be collected by suction. This reduces the required suction force because the at least one angled panel allows the residual powder to collect in a predetermined location on the base, for example, in the groove. Furthermore, due to the inclination of the at least one angled panel and the vibrations provided by the vibrator, the at least one angled panel automatically transports the residual powder, thereby reducing the accumulation of residual powder on the base itself. The need for an operator to clean the residual powder is also reduced.

[0023] Further advantageous and optional features of this particular embodiment are described below.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one diagonal panel has an inclination of 5 to 45°, preferably 10 to 20°, relative to the horizontal when the base is placed on the floor via the base structure.

[0025] Preferably, two diagonal panels are provided, each having an upper edge, and the upper edges of the two diagonal panels are joined together.

[0026] Preferably, the base structure comprises two opposing lateral profile walls, with at least one diagonal panel connecting the two lateral profile walls to each other; the base comprises a beam supporting the at least one diagonal panel and the vibrator, the beam extending below the at least one diagonal panel and having two opposing beam ends, the beam being attached to the two lateral profile walls, respectively, via the beam ends.

[0027] Preferably, each beam end is attached to one of the two lateral profile walls via at least one anti-vibration pad belonging to the base.

[0028] Preferably, at least one diagonal panel has a lower edge permanently attached to a longitudinal partition wall belonging to the base structure; the base structure has at least one longitudinal groove, the at least one longitudinal groove being defined by the longitudinal partition wall, extending below the bottom, opening toward the bottom, and having a discharge end, the at least one groove communicating with the exterior of the base via the discharge end; the bottom has at least one retractable flap, the at least one retractable flap being movable between an extended position in which the at least one retractable flap covers the at least one longitudinal groove and an open position in which the at least one retractable flap covers less of the at least one longitudinal groove than in the extended position.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one retractable flap is rotatable relative to the base structure, thereby being movable between an extended position and an open position.

[0030] Preferably, at least one of the diagonal panels is impermeable to air.

[0031] Preferably, at least one of the diagonal panels is porous so as to be permeable to air and impermeable to residual powder from powder coating of the article in the powder coating section.

[0032] Preferably, the base comprises means for introducing pressurized air beneath the at least one oblique panel, the pressurized air being configured to pass through the porous oblique panel into the interior of the powder coating section to dislodge residual powder present on the at least one oblique panel.

[0033] Preferably, the bottom comprises a tensioned fabric forming at least one diagonal panel.

[0034] Additionally, this particular embodiment relates to a powder coating booth comprising a base as defined above and a powder coating compartment supported by the base structure and having a bottom defined by the floor.

[0035] In this particular embodiment, any of the properties described for the present invention may further be provided.

[0036] The invention and its advantages will become clearer in the light of the following description of examples according to the invention, given for non-limiting purposes and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a powder coating booth with a base according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the powder coating booth of FIG. 1 showing the base in greater detail. [Figure 3] 2A is a side view of the powder coating booth of the previous figure, showing section II-II of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] 1 to 3 show a powder coating booth located on a flat and level floor 1. The powder coating booth consists of a base 2 and a powder coating section 3.

[0039] The powder coating booth is intended to accommodate an operation in which a coating, for example paint, is applied to an article by electrostatically powder coating the article inside a powder coating section 3 .

[0040] The base 2 comprises a base structure 4, visible in FIGS. 1 to 3, and a bottom 5, visible in FIG.

[0041] The longitudinal direction X4 and the lateral direction Y4 are defined as horizontal and vertical when the booth is placed on the floor, and the height direction Z4 is directed upward perpendicular to the X4 and Y4 directions when the booth is placed on the floor. The X4, Y4 and Z4 directions are fixed relative to the base structure 4.

[0042] The powder coating compartment 3 is defined at the bottom by a base 5, which forms a raised base for the compartment 3. The compartment 3 consists of two opposing longitudinal major walls 41, which are parallel to the X4 and Z4 directions. The compartment 3 consists of two opposing transverse major walls 42, which are parallel to the Y4 and Z4 directions. The walls 41 and 42 form an enclosed enclosure that rises from the periphery of the base 5 to define the compartment 3.

[0043] The powder coating compartment 3 comprises at least one opening 43 for the introduction and / or removal of an article to be coated from the interior of the compartment 3. Preferably, each opening 43 is made through one of the walls 42. The openings 43 can be closed, for example, by two doors of the compartment 3 which are held by the associated door 42. In Figure 1, the openings 43 are shown closed by doors which are hinged doors.

[0044] The powder coating compartment 3 has at least one opening 44, and preferably a plurality of openings, for example eight openings 44. Each opening 44 is intended to be passed by a powder projector, for example an electrostatic spray gun, so that the powder projector can project powder into the compartment 3 to coat an article introduced into the compartment 3. As can be seen in Figure 3, the openings 44 are made through the wall 41.

[0045] Advantageously, compartment 3 is provided with a roof 45, which defines the upper part of the compartment by closing the walls 41 and 42 from above. Preferably, roof 45 is slit by longitudinal notches 47 along its entire length for the passage of a conveyor on which the articles are suspended, which contributes to the movement of the articles into compartment 3 through opening 43, to the placement of the articles in compartment 3 so that they are powder coated, and to the withdrawal of the articles from compartment 3 through the same opening 43 or through another similar opening in the opposite wall 42.

[0046] Preferably, the compartment 3 is made entirely or mainly of polymeric plastic or at least dielectric material.

[0047] The powder projected by the projector is attracted to the article by electrostatic effects, causing the powder and article to assume a specific electrostatic potential. This powder coating results in residual powder accumulating at the bottom of the powder coating section 3.

[0048] The base 2 has advantageous operating and cleaning configurations. The operating configuration is provided at least while articles are being powdered in the compartment 3, while the cleaning configuration is provided when no articles are being powdered. For example, the cleaning configuration is provided during a powder change, e.g., a color change. During the powder coating process, the opening 43 is preferably open so that air can be drawn into the compartment 3 by a powder suction system connected to the base 2. In the cleaning configuration, the opening 43 is preferably closed.

[0049] The booth is placed on the floor 1 via the base structure 4, so that the base structure 4 is a fixed part of the base 2 and more generally of the booth. The base structure 4 supports the placement of the booth from below. For this purpose, the base structure 4 comprises legs 6, for example, which are placed on the floor 1, and a rear wall 7 supported by the legs 6, which is parallel to the X4 and Y4 axes.

[0050] Optionally, compartment 3 has lamps 46 supported by wall 41 for illuminating the interior of compartment 3 .

[0051] The base structure 4 further includes four contoured walls that rise from the periphery of the rear wall 7 to form a housing that defines the closed contour of the base structure 4. The contoured walls include two opposing vertical contoured walls 8 and two opposing horizontal contoured walls 9. The vertical contoured walls 8 are parallel to the X4 and Z4 directions. The horizontal partition walls 9 are parallel to the Y4 and Z4 directions.

[0052] Preferably, wall 41 stands up from wall 8 and wall 42 stands up from wall 9 .

[0053] The base structure 4 further comprises two longitudinal interior walls 10. The interior walls 10 are parallel to the longitudinal contoured walls 8 and are disposed between the longitudinal contoured walls 8, i.e., each wall 10 is parallel to the X4 and Z4 directions. Partition walls 10 stand up from the bottom wall 7 and connect the transverse walls 9. In the Z4 direction, the partition walls 10 are preferably lower than the contoured walls 8 and 9, and the partition walls 10 do not protrude beyond the contoured walls 8 and 9.

[0054] The base structure 4 defines two longitudinal grooves 11. Each groove 11 has a U-shaped cross section. Each groove 11 opens upward, i.e., in the Z4 direction, preferably along its entire length. The grooves 11 are disposed equidistant from each other in the Y direction such that they are laterally disposed in the base 2. In particular, each groove 11 is defined by one of the longitudinal profile walls 8, by the partition wall 10 closest to this wall 8, and by the bottom wall 7.

[0055] Each groove 11 has two longitudinal ends, for example, at each wall 9, parallel to the X4 direction. One of the longitudinal ends of each groove 11 constitutes the drainage end 12 of the groove 11, where, as shown in FIG. 2, the longitudinal ends face each other in the X4 direction. Each drainage end 12 provides a through-opening through the transverse contoured wall 9. More generally, each groove 11 is expected to lead to the exterior of the base 2 through its respective outlet end 12, parallel to the X4 direction. Preferably, a powder suction system located outside the base 2 and outside the booth is connected to the discharge end 12 to suck up any residual powder present in the groove 11 by drawing a vacuum on the volume defined by the groove 11. This vacuum tends to attract any residual powder present in the compartment 3 to the groove 11. The sucked-up residual powder is then preferably reused.

[0056] Between the grooves 11, the base structure 4 defines a container-shaped housing 13. The housing 13 is located between the grooves 11 in the Y direction. In particular, the housing 13 is defined by a partition wall 10 along the Y4 direction, by a wall 9 along the X4 direction, and by a bottom wall 7 in the direction opposite to Z4. The housing 13 is open in the Z4 direction.

[0057] Preferably, the base structure 4, with the possible exception of the legs 6, is made entirely or primarily of polymer plastic or at least dielectric material.

[0058] As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the bottom 5 is supported by the base structure 4. The bottom 5 is made up of multiple parts, all of which are supported by the base structure 4. The bottom 5 defines the top of the base 2 in the Z4 direction and the bottom of the powder coating section 3. The bottom 5 faces the wall 7 in the Z4 direction and extends from one to the other of the longitudinal contoured walls 8 in the Y4 direction and from one to the other of the transverse contoured walls 9 in the X4 direction. As will be explained below, when the booth is used to powder coat an article, the bottom 5 receives residual powder resulting from this powder coating, with the residual powder adhering to the top of the bottom 5.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the bottom 5 preferably comprises a central portion consisting of two diagonal panels 15 and two longitudinal retractable flaps 14 arranged laterally relative to the central portion. The panels 15 and the flaps 14 define the bottom of the compartment 3. A groove 11 extends below the bottom 5, in particular below the flaps 14, respectively. The groove 11 opens in the Z4 direction, towards the bottom 5 and towards the flaps 14, respectively.

[0060] Advantageously, each diagonal panel 15 is generally flat and preferably rectangular in shape. Each diagonal panel 15 extends from one of the lateral profile walls 9 to the other. When the booth is placed on the floor 1 via the base structure 4, each diagonal panel 15 is inclined relative to the horizontal. More precisely, each diagonal panel 15 is inclined relative to a plane indicated by the X4 and Y4 directions. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, each diagonal panel 15 is inclined parallel to the X4 direction by being rotated about the X4 direction. Preferably, each diagonal panel 15 is inclined at an angle A15 of 5 to 45° so as to allow good flow of residual powder present at the top of each diagonal panel 15 without obstructing the bottom of the powder coating section 3. The angle A15 is defined between the horizontal plane, i.e., the plane indicated by the X4 and Y4 directions, and the plane of the associated panel 15, preferably about an axis oriented in the X4 direction. Preferably, angle A15 is between 10 and 20° for optimal flow of the remaining powder.

[0061] Due to its inclination, each diagonal panel 15 defines a lower edge 16 that is parallel to the X4 direction and advantageously connects the walls 9 to one another, and an upper edge 17 that is parallel to the edge 16 and advantageously connects the walls 9 to one another. For each diagonal panel 15, due to the inclination of the panel 15, the edge 17 is higher in the Z4 direction than the edge 16. Along the Z4 direction, the two edges 16 do not protrude beyond the walls 8 and 9. Advantageously, the edges 16 of both panels are located at the same level in the Z4 direction, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0062] For each diagonal panel 15, the lower edge 16 is permanently attached to the upper edge of one of the walls 10, preferably along its entire length.

[0063] Advantageously, the diagonal panels 15 do not face each other, while advantageously being joined along their entire respective upper edges 17. The diagonal panels 15 are therefore arranged in the shape of a two-sloped roof. FIG. 2 shows that the diagonal panels 15 are arranged so as to define a cross section of a chevron notch with the tip facing upward, i.e., in an inverted "V" shape. Preferentially, the upper edge 17 of the panel 15 is the highest point of the base 5 in the Z4 direction. At their respective upper edges 17, the diagonal panels 15 form a top edge that is advantageously parallel to the X4 direction. The diagonal panels 15 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane, i.e., with respect to a plane indicated by the X4 and Z4 axes, for example.

[0064] The angled panel 15 completely covers the housing 13 and closes, like a marquee, the opening defined by the partition 10 and the wall 9. Advantageously, the closed housing 13 is a closed enclosure or at least separated from the powder coating section 3 in a manner that is impermeable to residual powder and optionally air permeable.

[0065] Due to the inclination of the angled panel 15, any residual powder that may accumulate on the top of the angled panel 15 tends to slide or flow down the panel 15 from the upper edge 17 to the lower edge 16 and fall into the groove 11.

[0066] Preferably, each diagonal panel 15 is porous so as to be permeable to air, allowing air to pass through each diagonal panel 15, while being impermeable to the remaining powder, i.e., the powder used for electrostatic powder coating of the articles in compartment 3. For example, each diagonal panel 15 has pores narrow enough to allow air to pass through the diagonal panel 15, while at the same time substantially preventing the passage of powder, even powders having a minimum particle size of 5 to 100 μm.

[0067] Therefore, since each diagonal panel 15 is porous, it is advantageous to provide the base 2 with an opening 18 that opens below the diagonal panel 15, i.e., opening into the interior of the housing 13. For example, the opening 18 may be made through one of the walls 9. The opening 18 is configured to be connected to a source of compressed air to introduce pressurized air into the housing 13 for cleaning the diagonal panels 15. In this sense, the opening 18 is a means for introducing pressurized air below the diagonal panels 15. Preferably, the introduction of pressurized air into the interior of the housing 13 is carried out either continuously or in timed cycles, depending on the amount of powder held in the diagonal panels 15. The air expelled from the center of the bottom 5 into the interior of the compartment 3 removes any residual powder present on the panels 15, which is then vacuumed towards the grooves 11 under the effect of suction through the ends 12.

[0068] Preferably, the bottom 5 comprises a stretched fabric forming a diagonal panel 15. Preferably, two diagonal panels 15 are formed from the same fabric sheet to form the fabric, which is formed by the two panels 15. Preferably, the fabric is attached to the bulkhead 10 by a lower edge 16.

[0069] Preferably the fabric is a woven fabric with continuous warp and weft yarns. Preferably the fabric is an elastic fabric, although non-elastic fabrics are also an option.

[0070] The use of fabric panels 15 is advantageous in achieving the porosity described above, which allows pressurized air to pass through while remaining impermeable to the powder. In this case, the fabric is selected with a mesh that is sufficiently open to be permeable to the air blown through the angled panels 15, while remaining impermeable to the powder.

[0071] For specific embodiments independent of the present invention, in one variation, the fabric or any other material forming the diagonal panel 15 is provided to make it airtight when air is not blown through the diagonal panel 15.

[0072] Advantageously, the base 2 comprises a beam 20. Advantageously, the beam 20 extends in the Z4 direction below the diagonal panel 15, in particular below the upper edge 17 of the diagonal panel 15, at the height of the lower edge 16. The beam 20 is arranged inside the housing 13. Preferably, the beam 20 is parallel to the X4 direction. In this example, the beam 20 has an inverted T-section. Preferably, the beam 20 has a main frame 24 parallel to the X4 and Z4 directions, the main frame 24 having an upwardly facing top edge 28. In the case of a T-section, the lower edge of this main frame 24 is attached to an auxiliary frame 25 of the beam 20, oriented parallel to the X4 and Y4 axes.

[0073] Preferably, the beams 20 support the top edge 17 of each of the diagonal panels 15, preferably by the top edge 28 of the main frame 24. Thus, in a manner similar to a purlin, the beams 20 support the top edge of the central portion of the bottom 5. Preferably, when the panels 15 are formed from the fabric described above, the beams 20 act as tensioners for the panels 15 by applying tension to the fabric relative to the base structure 4, the tension being in the Z4 direction, and the fabric being held by the bottom edge 16.

[0074] The beam 20 has two longitudinal ends 21. Each end 21 of the beam connects the beam 20 to one of the transverse profile walls 9. In particular, each wall 9 supports a respective arm 22 belonging to the base structure 4, which is attached to the inner surface of the wall 9 inside the housing 13. Each arm 22 supports one of the ends 21 of the beam 20 by preferably two anti-vibration pads 23. In particular, the anti-vibration pads 23 are inserted between the frame 25 and the protruding part of the arm 22 and extend parallel to the X4 and Y4 directions. Thus, in this example, the beam 20 is supported by four anti-vibration pads on the base structure 4 so that vibration of the beam 20 is achieved without or with a reduced amount of vibration of the base structure 4.

[0075] Preferably, the beams 20 are height-adjustable, i.e., the position of the beams 20 relative to the base structure 4 in the Z4 direction can be adjusted. If the panel 15 is made of fabric, advantageously the tension of the fabric can be adjusted by means of the upper edge 28 of the beams 20. For this purpose, for example, each end 21 of the beam 20 can be connected to its respective arm 22 by one or more threaded rods, which can be screwed together so that the distance between the end 21 and the arm 22 can be adjusted in the Z4 direction.

[0076] The base 2 includes a vibrator 26 configured to vibrate the diagonal panel 15 relative to the base structure 4. This vibrating action encourages residual powder received on the top of the panel 15 from the upper edge 17 to the lower edge 16 to slide down or flow, particularly into the groove 11. The panel 15 is preferably made of fabric, which encourages the transmission of vibrations to the panel 15 without vibrating the rest of the booth.

[0077] Advantageously, the vibrator 26 is supported by the beam 20, for example by being fixed to the beam 20 in the middle of the lateral profile wall 9, as shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the vibrator 26 is a pneumatic or electric vibrator.

[0078] Preferably, each flap 14 is arranged at approximately the same height as the panel 15 along the Z4 direction. Advantageously, each flap 14 extends from one of the profiled transverse walls 9 to the other and is attached to the profiled wall 9 by its longitudinal ends. Advantageously, each flap 14 comprises two diagonal panels such that the flap 14 has a chevron-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0079] Each retractable flap 14 can be moved relative to the base structure 4, for example, by being rotated about its own axis of rotation, X14, which is parallel to the X4 direction. Each flap 14 can be moved, for example, by a quarter turn, between an extended position, shown for the flap 14 on the right of FIG. 2 , and an open position, shown for the flap 14 on the left of FIG. 2 . Preferably, the extended position is provided in the form of operation of the base 2 during powder coating of an article. In the extended position, the retractable flap 14 covers one of the grooves 11 in a roof-like manner and is essentially parallel to the X4 and Y4 directions. In this case, the chevron-shaped profile of the flap 14 is oriented upward along the Z4 direction. As can be seen in panel 15, the roof shape of the flap 14 promotes the flow of residual powder to the lower longitudinal edge of the flap and into the groove 11 below. In the extended position, the flap 14 extends in the Y4 direction from the edge 16 of the panel 15 to which the flap 14 abuts, toward the wall 8, beyond the groove 11 through which the flap 14 overhangs. Preferably, when the flap is in the extended position, a first lower longitudinal edge of the flap 14 adjoins this edge 16 at a gap distance and forms, together with this edge 16, a longitudinal notch parallel to the X4 direction. Preferably, when the flap is in the extended position, a second lower longitudinal end of the flap 14 adjoins the wall 8 at a gap distance and forms, together with this wall 8, another longitudinal notch parallel to the X4 direction. Thus, in the extended position, the flap 14 covers the groove 11, while allowing residual powder to enter the groove 11, preferably through one or two notches formed in the longitudinal ends of the flap 14.

[0080] Preferably, in the deployed position, the flap 14 and panel 15 occupy almost the entire surface defined by the contoured walls 8 and 9 parallel to the X4 and Y4 directions, except for a notch formed around the periphery of the flap 14 to allow powder to enter the groove 11.

[0081] In the open position, each flap 14 does not cover the overhanging longitudinal groove 11, such that when in the open position, each flap 14 covers less groove 11 than in the extended position. Preferentially, the open position is employed in a cleaning regime. Advantageously, the opening 43 is then closed, and preferentially, there are no articles in the compartment 3. Thus, when the flaps 14 are operated to the open position, any residual powder that may remain on the flap 14 or that may have been trapped in the notch formed around the flap 14 when it is in the extended position falls directly down into the groove 11.

[0082] Preferably, each flap 14 is made entirely or substantially of a polymeric plastic or at least a dielectric material.

[0083] 1, the base includes actuators 29 operable to switch the flaps 14 between the extended and open positions. Preferably, each actuator 29 is provided on one of the walls 9 opposite the wall 9 comprising the discharge end 12. For example, each actuator 29 comprises a pneumatic cylinder that operates a connecting rod attached to one of the flaps 14 to rotate the flap 14. Preferably, the actuators 29 are positioned outside the base structure 4, particularly beyond the walls 9, relative to the flaps 14 so that they are protected from residual powder inside the booth.

[0084] For a particular embodiment independent of the present invention, in one variant, each panel 15 is made of a plate or sheet of polymer plastic material or at least of a dielectric material.

[0085] In one variant, the end 21 of the beam 20 may be supported by the base structure 4 either by one anti-vibration pad 23 or by a respective number of anti-vibration pads different from two.

[0086] In one variant, for specific applications, the base 2 is provided with an angled panel 15 and a groove 11 for catching residual powder dripping from the angled panel 15. In this case, it is preferable to have a flap 14 along the groove 11. In this case, for example, the upper edge 17 of the angled panel is attached to one of the walls 8. In this case, the base 2 advantageously comprises a partition 10 with an edge 16 attached thereto. The housing 13 is defined by the partition 10 and by the wall 8. In this case, the base may have an actuator 29 for operating the damper 14.

[0087] For other applications, in one variant the base 2 may have more than two diagonal panels 15, grooves 11, flaps 14, etc.

[0088] For any of the embodiments and variations described above, any of the properties described above may be provided in other embodiments and variations described above. The following embodiments can be given as examples of the present invention. (Appendix 1) A base (2) for a powder coating booth, comprising: a base structure (4) configured to support a powder coating section (3) of the booth, the booth being intended to be placed on a floor (1) via the base structure (4); and a bottom (5) supported by the base structure (4) and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating compartment (3); Equipped with The bottom (5) comprises at least one oblique panel (15) inclined relative to the horizontal (X4, Y4) and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating section (3) of the booth; and A base (2) in which at least one diagonal panel (15) is porous so as to be air permeable and impermeable to residual powder from powder coating of the article in the powder coating compartment. (Appendix 2) A base (2) according to Appendix 1, wherein when the base (2) is placed on the floor (1) via the base structure (4), at least one diagonal panel (15) has an inclination angle (A15) of 5 to 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal (X4, Y4). (Appendix 3) A base as described in Appendix 1, wherein when the base is placed on a floor via the base structure, at least one diagonal panel (15) has a slope at an angle (A15) of 10 to 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal (X4, Y4). (Appendix 4) A base (2) according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, comprising two diagonal panels (15), each having an upper edge (17), and the upper edges (17) of the two diagonal panels (15) are joined together. (Appendix 5) 5. The base (2) of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a vibrator (26) configured to vibrate at least one diagonal panel (15) relative to the base structure (4). (Appendix 6) the base structure (4) comprises two opposing lateral profile walls (9), at least one diagonal panel (15) connecting the two lateral profile walls (9) to one another; and 6. The base (2) of claim 5, wherein the base (2) comprises a beam (20) supporting at least one diagonal panel (15) and a vibrator (26), the beam (20) extending below the at least one diagonal panel (15) and having two opposing beam ends (21), the beam (20) being attached to two lateral profile walls (9) via the beam ends (21), respectively. (Appendix 7) A base (2) as described in Appendix 6, wherein each beam end (21) is attached to one of the two lateral profile walls (9) via at least one anti-vibration pad (23) belonging to the base (2). (Appendix 8) at least one diagonal panel (15) having a lower edge (16) permanently attached to a longitudinal bulkhead (10) belonging to the base structure (4); the base structure (4) comprises at least one longitudinal groove (11), the at least one longitudinal groove (11) being defined by a longitudinal partition (10), extending below the bottom (5), opening toward the bottom (5), and having a discharge end (12), the at least one groove (11) leading to the outside of the base (2) via the discharge end (12); and 8. The base (2) of any one of appendixes 1 to 7, wherein the bottom (5) comprises at least one retractable flap (14), the at least one retractable flap (14) being movable between an extended position in which the at least one retractable flap (14) covers the at least one longitudinal groove (11) and an open position in which the at least one retractable flap (14) covers less of the at least one longitudinal groove (11) than in the extended position. (Appendix 9) 9. The base (2) of claim 8, wherein at least one retractable flap (14) is rotatable relative to the base structure (4) and thereby movable between an extended position and an open position. (Appendix 10) 10. The base (2) of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising means (18) for introducing pressurized air below the at least one oblique panel (15), whereby the introduced pressurized air passes through the porous oblique panel (15) into the interior of the powder coating section (3) to remove residual powder present on the at least one oblique panel (15). (Appendix 11) 11. The base (2) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bottom (5) comprises a taut fabric forming at least one diagonal panel (15). (Appendix 12) A powder coating booth comprising a base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a powder coating section (3) supported by a base structure (4) and having a bottom defined by a floor (5).

Claims

1. A base (2) for a powder coating booth, comprising: a base structure (4) configured to support a powder coating section (3) of a powder coating booth, the powder coating booth being intended to be placed on a floor (1) via the base structure (4); A bottom (5) supported by the base structure (4) and configured to define the bottom of the powder coating section (3), the bottom (5) comprising at least one diagonal panel (15), the at least one diagonal panel (15) comprising: It is tilted relative to the horizontal (X4, Y4), It has an upper edge (17), configured to define the bottom of a powder coating section (3) of a powder coating booth; and Porous so as to be air permeable and impermeable to residual powder from powder coating of the article in the powder coating compartment; base (5) and; a beam (20) extending beneath the at least one diagonal panel (15) and supporting the at least one diagonal panel (15) by an upper edge (17) of the at least one diagonal panel (15); a vibrator (26) supported by the beam (20) for vibrating the at least one diagonal panel (15) relative to the base structure (4); A base (2).

2. The base (2) according to claim 1, wherein when the base (2) is placed on the floor (1) via the base structure (4), at least one diagonal panel (15) has an inclination angle (A15) of 5 to 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal (X4, Y4).

3. The base (2) according to claim 1, wherein when the base is placed on the floor via the base structure, at least one diagonal panel (15) has an inclination at an angle (A15) of 10 to 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal (X4, Y4).

4. The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein two diagonal panels (15) are provided, and the diagonal panels (15) are connected to each other at their respective upper edges (17).

5. the base structure (4) comprises two opposing lateral profile walls (9), at least one diagonal panel (15) connecting the two lateral profile walls (9) to one another; and The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the beam (20) has two opposing beam ends (21), and the beam (20) is attached to two lateral profile walls (9) via the beam ends (21), respectively.

6. 6. A base (2) according to claim 5, wherein each beam end (21) is attached to one of the two lateral profile walls (9) via at least one anti-vibration pad (23) belonging to the base (2).

7. At least one diagonal panel (15) has a lower edge (16) permanently attached to a longitudinal bulkhead (10) belonging to the base structure (4); the base structure (4) comprises at least one longitudinal groove (11), the at least one longitudinal groove (11) being defined by a longitudinal partition (10), extending below the bottom (5), opening towards the bottom (5), and having a discharge end (12), the at least one groove (11) leading to the outside of the base (2) via the discharge end (12); and 7. The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bottom (5) comprises at least one retractable flap (14), the at least one retractable flap (14) being movable between a deployed position in which the at least one retractable flap (14) covers the at least one longitudinal groove (11) and an open position in which the at least one retractable flap (14) covers less of the at least one longitudinal groove (11) than in the extended position.

8. 8. The base (2) of claim 7, wherein the at least one retractable flap (14) is rotatable relative to the base structure (4) and thereby movable between an extended position and an open position.

9. 9. The base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising means (18) for introducing pressurized air under the at least one oblique panel (15), whereby the introduced pressurized air passes through the porous oblique panel (15) into the interior of the powder coating section (3) to remove residual powder present on the at least one oblique panel (15).

10. Base (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (5) comprises a stretched fabric forming at least one diagonal panel (15).

11. A powder coating booth comprising a base (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a powder coating section (3) supported by a base structure (4) and having a bottom defined by a floor (5).

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