Separation device, processing system, method of separating two spatial regions and workpiece processing method

Abstract

To provide a separation device for separating two spatial regions that has a simple structure and provides efficient fluid separation, the separation device includes a supply device for supplying a separation fluid introduced between the two spatial regions, and the supply device preferably includes at least two guide elements for guiding the separation fluid, and the guide elements are particularly designed as guide plates.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation device for separating two spatial regions, for example, two processing space portions of a processing space of a processing system. Background Technology

[0002] For example, locks may be provided at the inlet or outlet of the processing space of a processing system for processing workpieces to provide efficient separation of a fluid, particularly air, placed inside the processing space from the ambient air surrounding the processing system. In particular, undesirable air exchange may be minimized or prevented, and as a result, energy consumption for controlling the fluid, particularly air, placed inside the processing space may be minimized.

[0003] These locks can provide efficient fluid separation by, for example, creating flow rollers, but usually require a relatively large installation space. The problem to be solved

[0004] The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a separation device having a simple structure and providing efficient fluid separation. means of solving the problem

[0005] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by a separation device according to claim 1.

[0006] The separation device is preferably a separation device for separating two spatial regions.

[0007] The separation device preferably includes a supply device for supplying a separation fluid introduced between two spatial regions.

[0008] The supply device preferably includes one or more guide elements for guiding the separated fluid, in particular at least two guide elements.

[0009] One or more guide elements, in particular, are designed and / or positioned so that all guide elements are preferably rigid and / or immovable.

[0010] It may be desirable to design one or more guide elements, particularly at least two guide elements, as guide plates.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the guide elements, in particular at least two guide elements, may be arranged approximately parallel to each other.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, one or more or all of the guide elements may be positioned at least approximately vertically.

[0013] In particular, one or more or all of the guide elements, in particular at least two guide elements together can form an angle of up to approximately 10°, in particular up to approximately 5°, preferably up to approximately 2°.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, at least one guide element, at least two guide elements, or all guide elements may be inclined up to approximately 10°, preferably up to approximately 5°, for example up to approximately 2° with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0015] The separation fluid is, in particular, air, for example, controlled and / or purified air and / or ambient air and / or hall air.

[0016] The separation device preferably provides fluid separation in two spatial regions, which means that the fluids placed in each spatial region do not mix with each other across the spaces or only mix with each other slightly.

[0017] Separation devices are used to reduce or prevent fluid exchange, particularly between fluids placed in two spatial regions.

[0018] The separation device can preferably be used to prevent hotter air from one of the space zones from mixing with colder air from the other of the two space zones.

[0019] One or more or all of the guide elements preferably start from the ceiling area of ​​one or both of the spatial areas and extend downward.

[0020] In particular, one or more or all of the guide elements may be placed on the ceiling of one or both spatial areas, specifically fixed, and may extend downward starting from this ceiling.

[0021] The ceiling is a wall that defines a spatial area or two spatial areas, especially at the top.

[0022] One or more or all of the guide elements may extend over at least approximately 70%, preferably at least approximately 90%, of the width of the passageway opening connecting two spatial areas.

[0023] In particular, one or more or all of the guide elements may extend horizontally across the entire width of the passageway opening connecting two spatial areas.

[0024] By supplying a separating fluid, a separating fluid curtain, particularly an air curtain, can preferably be created, and this curtain preferably extends over at least approximately 70%, for example, at least approximately 90% of the width of the passage opening interconnecting two spatial regions. The separating fluid curtain, particularly an air curtain, preferably extends over the entire width of the passage opening interconnecting two spatial regions.

[0025] It may be desirable for one or more or all of the guide elements to include metal plates or be formed of metal plates.

[0026] One or more or all of the guide elements are preferably planar and / or flat.

[0027] It may be desirable for one or more or all of the guide elements to have a size of at least 100 times, preferably at least 500 times, the size in the thickness direction perpendicular to the two main directions of extension in the two main directions of extension.

[0028] The distance between the two guide elements is preferably up to approximately 20 times the material thickness of one or both guide elements, for example, up to approximately 10 times.

[0029] For example, the distance between two guide elements can be up to approximately 5 cm, for example, up to approximately 2 cm.

[0030] It may be advantageous for at least two guide elements to be interconnected by connecting pieces that extend particularly parallel to the main flow direction of the separated fluid in the region between at least two guide elements, for example.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more or all of the guide elements may be partially extended over at least approximately 5%, for example, at least approximately 10%, preferably at least approximately 20% of the maximum or average height of the passage opening connecting two spatial regions.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least approximately 50%, preferably at least approximately 80%, for example at least approximately 90%, particularly 100% of the volumetric flow rate of the separation fluid introduced between two spatial regions can be introduced between guide elements, particularly between two guide elements, between two spatial regions.

[0033] In particular, the separation fluid can be introduced between two spatial regions only between two guide elements.

[0034] The supply device therefore preferably does not include another supply opening for supplying a separation fluid in addition to the supply opening formed in the end region of the supply device formed by at least two guide elements.

[0035] At least two guide elements form a single and / or continuous slotted nozzle for supplying a separated fluid between two spatial regions, in particular.

[0036] The separation device may include a blocking device for blocking the separation fluid.

[0037] The blocking device preferably includes one or more blocking elements that prevent or at least reduce the diffusion of separated fluid flow into at least one of two spatial regions.

[0038] One or more blocking elements are preferably placed in the bottom area of ​​the separation device, for example, placed and / or fixed to the bottom of one or both space areas.

[0039] One or more or all of the blocking elements are preferably designed as deflector elements, in particular as deflector plates.

[0040] It may be desirable for one or more or all of the blocking elements to start from the floor area, particularly starting from the floor and extending upward, particularly at least approximately vertically upward.

[0041] It may be desirable for one or more or all of the blocking elements of the blocking device to be offset in a direction parallel to the separation plane—whereby two spatial regions can be separated by the blocking device.

[0042] The separation plane extends particularly between two guide elements.

[0043] The separation plane is preferably the symmetry plane of the two guide elements, in particular the mirror plane.

[0044] It may be desirable for the separation plane to be positioned substantially vertically; the separation plane preferably forms the center plane of the supply slot of the supply device for supplying the separation fluid between two spatial regions.

[0045] It may be desirable for the separation device to include a discharge device for discharging the separated fluid.

[0046] The discharge device is placed specifically in the bottom area of ​​the separation device, for example, integrated into the bottom of one or both spatial areas.

[0047] The discharge device preferably includes one or more suction slots positioned particularly partially or at least approximately completely parallel to the separation plane of the separation device.

[0048] It may be desirable for one or more or all of the suction slots to extend along one or more planes offset in a direction parallel to the separation plane.

[0049] One or more or all of the suction slots are preferably arranged and / or formed continuously along a relevant plane, or arranged and / or formed discontinuously in multiple parts.

[0050] It may be advantageous for the discharge device, particularly the outlet opening, e.g., the suction slot, and one or more blocking elements of the blocking device of the separation device to be positioned on the upper sides of the separation plane of the separation device.

[0051] One or more or all of the blocking elements of the blocking device are preferably offset relative to the separation plane, particularly starting from the separation plane toward one of the space regions, while one or more or all of the outlet openings, particularly the suction slots, are preferably offset relative to the separation plane, particularly starting from the separation plane toward the other of the two space regions.

[0052] This configuration, in particular, can enable a separation fluid curtain to extend substantially downward along the separation plane from one or more guide elements and be extracted by suction from one side in the bottom area of ​​the separation device, while simultaneously preventing or at least reducing the flow spreading to the other side by one or more blocking elements.

[0053] In this way, it is possible to separate two spatial areas in a particularly space-saving and flow-efficient manner.

[0054] The separation device is particularly suitable for use in processing systems for processing workpieces.

[0055] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a processing system for processing workpieces, in particular a drying system for drying coated car bodies.

[0056] The processing system is preferably as follows:

[0057] A processing space for processing workpieces, comprising one or more processing space portions;

[0058] At least one separation device for separating two spatial regions, in particular a separation device according to the present invention - at least one processing space portion forms one of the spatial regions that can be separated from the other of the spatial regions by at least one separation device -:

[0059] Includes

[0060] In particular, the processing system may include a plurality of separation devices, for example, a plurality of separation devices according to the present invention.

[0061] The processing system preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in relation to the separation device.

[0062] Other spatial regions may be additional processing space parts of the processing space.

[0063] Alternatively, another spatial region may be a spatial part of a device different from the processing system.

[0064] In addition, other spatial regions may be the surroundings of the processing system.

[0065] It may be desirable for the processing system to include a conveyor device for transporting workpieces, and this conveyor device is extended particularly through a separator in the direction of transport of the conveyor device.

[0066] The separation plane of the separation device is oriented particularly obliquely, for example, vertically, on the conveyor device.

[0067] It may be desirable for the conveyor device to be an indexing conveyor device.

[0068] The separation plane preferably extends between two immediately adjacent places or locations where the workpieces being processed remain, for example, temporarily due to indexed transfer.

[0069] In one step of a conveyor device designed as an indexing conveyor device, a workpiece is preferably transferred from one indexing position (place, location) placed in one of the spatial regions to a subsequent indexing position (place, location) placed in another spatial region.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface of one or more or all of the guide elements may be at least partially or at least approximately complementary to the transport contour of the workpieces transported by the conveyor device.

[0071] In particular, the lower surface of one or more or all of the guide elements is at least partially and / or at least approximately complementary to the upper surface of the space area through which workpieces pass when transported in the transport direction.

[0072] One or more or all of the feed devices of the separation device, in particular the guide elements, are preferably fitted to the contour of the workpiece.

[0073] For example, when a processing system is used to process vehicle bodies, the lower surface of one or more or all of the guide elements may have a vertically positioned area positioned higher, which is shaped like the roof area of ​​the vehicle body, while the area of ​​the lower surface of one or more or all of the guide elements positioned lower in the vertical direction is shaped like the front hood area. Additionally, an intermediate area of ​​the lower surface of one or more or all of the guide elements may be provided that is obliquely oriented with respect to the vertical direction and interconnects the area positioned higher and the area positioned lower, and this intermediate area is shaped like the windshield area of ​​the vehicle body.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing system includes a plurality of processing space modules.

[0075] Each processing space module preferably surrounds the processing space portion and / or forms the indexing position of the indexing conveyor device.

[0076] The separation device is, for example, placed between two processing space modules or integrated between two processing space modules.

[0077] One or both processing space modules adjacent to the separation device preferably do not have a suction force for the circulation device. As a result, flow guidance can preferably be optimized to be advantageous to the separation fluid flow.

[0078] In particular, while minimizing the lateral flow of the circulating airflow that reduces the separation effect, a separation fluid curtain, such as an air curtain, can be created substantially in a vertical direction.

[0079] The present invention also relates to a method for separating two spatial regions by a separation device.

[0080] In this regard, the problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a method for providing fluid separation that is easy to perform and efficient.

[0081] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by the features of the independent method claim.

[0082] A method of separating two spatial regions by a separation device is, in particular, a method of separating two spatial regions by a separation device according to the present invention.

[0083] In a method for separating two spatial regions, a separating fluid is preferably introduced between the two spatial regions by a supply device.

[0084] The separation fluid is preferably guided by at least two guide elements.

[0085] At least two guide elements are preferably designed as guide plates.

[0086] It may be desirable for at least two guide elements to be positioned at least approximately parallel to each other and / or at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0087] The method according to the present invention for separating two spatial regions is particularly suitable for use in a method for processing workpieces.

[0088] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a method for processing workpieces, in particular for drying coated car bodies.

[0089] The method for processing workpieces is preferably as follows:

[0090] A step of guiding workpieces through a separating device to separate two spatial regions;

[0091] In particular, by performing the method according to the present invention for separating two spatial regions, the step of separating spatial regions by supplying a separating fluid flow between the two spatial regions:

[0092] Includes

[0093] One or more of the described methods preferably have one or more of the features and / or advantages described in relation to the separation device and / or processing system according to the present invention.

[0094] In addition, one or more of the separation device, processing system, and / or methods described preferably have one or more of the features and / or advantages described below.

[0095] The separation device can form, for example, an entrance lock / inlet lock or an exit lock / outlet lock of any system, such as a processing system.

[0096] In addition, the separation device can form an intermediate lock within the processing system or between two processing systems.

[0097] The formation of a flow roller is preferably prevented or at least minimized by a separation device. The separation effect of the separation device preferably, at least mostly, originates from a separation fluid curtain generated by a supply device.

[0098] The separation fluid is preferably supplied to one or more or all of the guide elements through a mouse portion, particularly in the area between two guide elements, the mouse portion being, for example, funnel-shaped and placed particularly in the ceiling area, for example, on the ceiling wall.

[0099] Through the mouse part, for example, the guide channel formed between two guide elements preferably communicates fluidly with the pressure space formed in the pressure space chamber above one or both space regions.

[0100] These pressure space chambers may be equipped with one or more filter elements and / or one or more fans to clean and / or drive the separation fluid before the separation fluid is supplied between two space regions, for example.

[0101] The mouse portion preferably extends over at least approximately two guide elements and / or the entire width of the passage opening.

[0102] The temperature of the separated fluid is preferably higher than the temperature of the fluids in one or both spatial regions.

[0103] The separation device separates two spatial regions where different temperatures, particularly average gas temperatures and / or average room temperatures, prevail, for example.

[0104] In one embodiment, the separation device may follow a colder space region in the conveying direction or opposite to the conveying direction. Additionally, a warmer space region may follow the separation device in the conveying direction or opposite to the conveying direction.

[0105] The descriptions of "colder space regions" and "warmer space regions" are based on mutual reference; that is, the temperature of the colder space region is lower than the temperature of the warmer space region.

[0106] In particular, to at least partially compensate for the mixing of colder gas from a colder space region into the separation fluid and / or the warmer space region, the separation fluid may be supplied at an increased temperature compared to the temperature of the warmer space region and / or the temperature of the colder space region.

[0107] Alternatively, the separation fluid may be supplied at a reduced temperature compared to the temperature of the warmer space region and / or the temperature of the colder space region. In this way, the colder space region may be prevented from overheating, particularly when a warmer gas flows from the warmer space region to the colder space region.

[0108] It may be desirable to place at least one blocking element in a colder space area.

[0109] It may also be desirable that at least one outlet opening, particularly at least one suction slot, be positioned in a warmer space area.

[0110] In particular, it may be advantageous for the temperature of the separation fluid to be between the temperature of the warmer space region, particularly the average room temperature and / or average gas temperature, and the temperature of the colder space region, particularly the average room temperature and / or average gas temperature, before and / or while the separation fluid flows between two space regions.

[0111] In particular, it may be desirable for the separation device to separate two space regions where different temperatures are dominant, and the separation fluid can be supplied by the supply device at a temperature between the temperature of the warmer of the two space regions and the temperature of the colder of the two space regions.

[0112] In particular, to change the temperature of the separation fluid, an inlet air flow, for example, a gas flow that is not controlled at least in terms of temperature, for example, a fresh air flow, may be supplied to the separation fluid, particularly upstream of the supply device and / or mixed with the separation fluid at the supply device. The inlet air flow is a bypass flow that may be guided, for example, through an outside air heat exchanger.

[0113] It may be desirable for the separation fluid to be provided as a high-temperature separation fluid and then divided between at least two different separation devices, and in one of the separation devices, particularly in exactly one of the separation devices, the separation fluid is optionally cooled by mixing with the fluid, preferably in the inlet air flow, within the supply device and / or between at least two guide elements.

[0114] The separation device supplied with a separation fluid cooled by an inlet airflow is, for example, an inlet lock / inlet lock, an intermediate lock, or an outlet lock / outlet lock.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, a gas flow, e.g., a circulating air flow directed in one or more spatial regions by one or more inlet openings disposed immediately adjacent to a separation device may deviate from the gas flow directed through other inlet openings, optionally all other inlet openings, in terms of its mass flow rate and / or its volumetric flow rate, and in terms of the velocity and / or temperature of the gas flow. For this purpose, for example, a controller may be provided, which is designed and set up to perform one or more method features and / or the deviations may be controlled and / or adjusted by the controller using, for example, valve devices, flap devices, and / or control devices. One or more throttle plates that can be actuated mechanically and / or manually or automatically may be readily provided for this purpose.

[0116] One or more inlet openings disposed immediately adjacent to the separation device may include at least one valve device and / or flap device and / or control device, or at least one valve device and / or flap device and / or control device may be assigned to one or more inlet openings disposed immediately adjacent to the separation device.

[0117] In addition, it may be desirable for all inlet openings of the space area immediately adjacent to the separation device, particularly the processing space portion, to include at least one valve device and / or flap device and / or control device, or for at least one valve device and / or flap device and / or control device to be assigned to all inlet openings of the space area immediately adjacent to the separation device, particularly the processing space portion.

[0118] The flow rate and / or momentum of the gas flow supplied through one or more inlet openings located immediately near the separation device is preferably reduced by at least one valve device and / or flap device and / or control device so as to have as little effect as possible on the separation fluid flow in the separation device.

[0119] The opening cross-section of the inlet opening and / or the inlet cross-section of the filter device may be particularly directly affected by one or more flap devices and / or valve devices and / or control devices.

[0120] For example, reduced mass flow and / or volumetric flow may be provided at inlet openings positioned closer to the separation device.

[0121] In particular, to achieve as uniform an airflow as possible on the separation plane of the separation device, the supply device is preferably designed to be self-regulating. Specifically, fitting the guide elements to the contour of the workpiece creates a flow path that varies across the width of the guide elements, particularly with respect to the unguided flow path, and the sections with shorter guided flow paths between the guide elements generate lower flow resistance overall, so that, despite unguided path routes of different lengths for the separation fluid along the separation plane, preferably at least approximately uniform separation fluid flow can be obtained. In particular, a uniform separation fluid curtain can be created in this way.

[0122] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the present invention may be found in the following description and in the drawings illustrating an embodiment. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0123] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of two processing space modules of a processing system—with a separating device placed between them. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of additional processing space modules together with the separation device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a third schematic perspective view of the processing space modules together with the separation device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view through one of the processing space modules of FIG. 1, viewed in the conveying direction of the conveyor device of the processing system. Figure 5 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view through the separation device of Figure 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view through the processing space modules and separation device of FIG. 1. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of area VII of Figure 6. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of region VIII of Figure 6. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0124] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all drawings.

[0125] The processing system illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, represented as 100 in total, is used to process workpieces (102), for example.

[0126] Workpieces (102) are vehicle bodies that are dried using a processing system (100) in particular.

[0127] In particular, the processing system (100) is a painting system and / or a drying system.

[0128] The processing system (100) includes a housing (104) that surrounds the processing space (106) in particular.

[0129] The processing space (106) specifically includes a plurality of processing space portions (108).

[0130] The processing system (100) preferably includes a plurality of processing space modules (110), and each processing space module (110) preferably surrounds a processing space portion (108) of a processing space (106).

[0131] The processing system (100) also preferably includes a conveyor device (112), thereby allowing workpieces (102) to be guided through a processing space (106) in a conveying direction (114) (see FIG. 5 and 6 in particular).

[0132] One or more processing space modules (110) preferably include a circulating air duct (116), particularly a circulating air duct (116) for each module.

[0133] Each circulating air duct (116) preferably includes one or more inlet openings (118) for supplying circulating air flow to the relevant processing space portion (108).

[0134] Optionally, each circulating air duct (116) may have one or more outlet openings to discharge circulating air from the relevant processing space portion (108), particularly to extract it by suction.

[0135] By means of at least one circulating air duct (116), a circulating air flow within a related processing space portion (108) oriented substantially laterally with respect to the transfer direction (114), for example, at least roughly vertically, can be particularly generated.

[0136] In an embodiment of the processing system (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, preferably a separation device (120) is provided—wherein two processing space portions (108) of two processing space modules (110) can preferably be fluidly separated.

[0137] In particular, fluid exchange, particularly air exchange, between two processing space parts (108) can preferably be prevented or at least reduced by the separation device (120).

[0138] For this purpose, the separation device (120) is preferably positioned between two processing space modules (110), or positioned or integrated in the end area of ​​the second processing space module (110) facing the first processing space module (110).

[0139] The separation device (120) includes a supply device (122) for supplying a separation fluid flow, for example, an air flow.

[0140] For this purpose, the supply device (122) includes, in particular, a fan (124) for driving a separation fluid flow and, optionally, one or more control units for heating, cooling, extracting moisture and / or adding moisture to the separation fluid flow and / or one or more filter elements (126) for removing contaminants from the separation fluid flow.

[0141] The separation fluid flow is, in particular, an air flow from around (128) the separation device (120) and / or the processing system (100).

[0142] By means of the suction device (130), the separated fluid flow is preferably sucked in and supplied to one or more guide elements (134) of the supply device (122) through the pressure space chamber (132) of the supply device (122).

[0143] In particular, as can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressure space chamber (132) is fluidly connected to a guide channel (138) formed between two guide elements (134) by a mouth portion (136), so that the separated fluid from the pressure space chamber (132) can be introduced between the two guide elements (134).

[0144] The mouse portion (136) is preferably arranged and / or formed with a substantially V-shape in the cross section and / or longitudinal section.

[0145] By the mouse portion (136), a uniform supply of the separated fluid to the guide channel (138) is particularly possible.

[0146] The guide elements (134) are preferably designed as guide plates (140).

[0147] The guide elements (134) are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other and / or extend downward starting from the ceiling area (142) and at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity (144).

[0148] In particular, the guide elements (134) can be placed on the ceiling wall (146) of the processing space module (110) of one or both of the processing system (100), and can be fixed in particular.

[0149] The guide elements (134) are positioned and / or designed to be particularly rigid and / or immovable.

[0150] In particular, as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 4, the supply opening (148) of the supply device (122) is formed by guide elements (134).

[0151] The supply opening (148) is a supply slot (150) specifically positioned and / or formed on the lower surface (152) of the guide elements (134).

[0152] The lower surface (152) is the end of the guide elements (134) facing in particular opposite to the ceiling area (142).

[0153] In particular, the lower surface (152) of the guide elements (134) is the lower end of the guide elements (134) with respect to the direction of gravity (144).

[0154] In particular, as can be seen from FIG. 4, the supply opening (148) preferably extends at least approximately across the entire width (B) of the passage opening (154) that interconnects the space areas (156), particularly the processing space parts (108), separated by the separation device (120).

[0155] The guide elements (134) preferably have a shape that is at least roughly complementary to the outer contour of the workpiece (102) being processed.

[0156] In particular, the lower surface (152) of the guide elements (134) is fitted to be at least roughly complementary to the upper surface of the outer contour of the workpiece (102) being transported through the separation device (120).

[0157] The guide elements (134) can therefore form a diaphragm that reduces the passage opening (154) to a shape and / or cross-section required to transport workpieces (102) through the separation device (120), at least approximately.

[0158] By means of a supply device (120), a separate fluid flow can be introduced from top to bottom in the direction of gravity (144) between two space regions (156), particularly between two processing space parts (108).

[0159] In particular, as can be seen from FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 8, the discharge opening—where there is a direct flow from the supply device (122)—is not placed and / or formed in the bottom area (158) of the separation device (120) opposite the ceiling area (142).

[0160] Instead, a combination of one or more exit openings (160) and one or more blocking elements (162) of a blocking device (164) is preferably provided.

[0161] In particular, the discharge device (166) including one or more outlet openings (160) is preferably not positioned as a direct extension of the guide elements (134), but instead is offset in the transport direction (114).

[0162] In particular, the two outlet openings (160) are designed as continuous and / or discontinuous suction slots (168) that extend at least approximately parallel to the separation plane (170) of the separation device (120) in particular the bottom area (158).

[0163] The separation plane (170) is, in particular, the mirror plane of the guide elements (134) and / or the center plane of the guide channel (138).

[0164] In particular, the separation plane (170) is formed at least approximately perpendicular to the transport direction (114).

[0165] The separation plane (170) may also be a plane that is placed between and / or extends between two processing space modules (110).

[0166] All of the outlet openings (160) of the discharge device (166) are preferably positioned on one side of the separation plane (170).

[0167] One or more blocking elements (162) of the blocking device (164) are preferably placed on the other side of the separation plane (170) opposite the aforementioned side.

[0168] In particular, as can be seen from FIG. 6, the blocking elements (162) start from the floor area (158), specifically the floor wall (172), and extend upward, specifically in the opposite direction of gravity (144).

[0169] One or more blocking elements (162) provide a damming effect, in particular, so that the separation fluid deflected in the bottom region (158) is guided from top to bottom in the direction of gravity (144) by the guide elements (134) and is blocked in a direction at least parallel to the transport direction (114). In an embodiment of the processing system (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, one or more blocking elements (162) cause the separation fluid in the bottom region (158) to diffuse in the opposite direction to the transport direction (114), and as a result, for example, a flow roller is not formed.

[0170] By means of one or more outlet openings (160) positioned on the side of the separation plane (170) opposite one or more blocking elements (162), the separation fluid can preferably also be extracted by suction without forming a flow roller.

[0171] The separation fluid curtain, particularly the air curtain, generated by the separation fluid is preferably small in size in the conveying direction (114) accordingly, so that the separation device (120) can occupy a small installation space overall.

[0172] In particular, as can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, a plurality of blocking elements (162) or at least one discontinuous blocking element (162) is preferably provided, and one or more elements of the conveyor device (112), such as a rail, pass through one or more gaps (174).

[0173] In addition, attention should be paid to the options of the compensation device (176), particularly in relation to FIGS. 6, FIGS. 7, and FIGS. 8.

[0174] The compensation device (176) can compensate for temperature-related length variations of the processing space modules (110) particularly in the transfer direction (114).

[0175] For this purpose, the compensation device (176) preferably includes one or more compensation elements (178) designed as bent, curved, and / or meandering connecting elements between two processing space modules (110) and / or between the processing space modules (110) and the separation device (120).

[0176] In relation to the supply device (122), it should also be noted that, in particular, a pressure space chamber (132), a fan (124), one or more control units, and / or one or more filter elements (126) may be placed in the ceiling area (142), in particular on the ceiling wall (146).

[0177] The interior of one or more filter elements (126), one or more control units, and / or the pressure space chamber (132) is preferably accessible from the processing space portion (108) by an access element (180), for example, an access flap (182). In this way, the supply device (122), in particular one or more filter elements (126), can be maintained in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of workpieces (102) are preferably placed in a processing space (106) at any given time.

[0179] The conveyor device (112) is, for example, a continuous conveyor device (112).

[0180] In contrast, an indexing conveyor device is preferably provided as a conveyor device (112).

[0181] Workpieces (102) can be transferred in a stepwise manner from one indexing position (184) to a subsequent indexing position (184) by a conveyor device (112), in particular.

[0182] The separation device (120) and the conveyor device (112) are specifically positioned and designed so that the separation device (120) is placed between two indexing positions (148).

[0183] In particular, the separation plane (170) extends between two indexing positions (184) to create a continuous separation fluid curtain, particularly an air curtain, as much as possible while the workpieces (102) are temporarily stopped. As a result, two spatial regions (156), particularly the processing space portions (108), can be fluidly separated.

[0184] By using guide elements (134), a blocking device (164), and / or a discharge device (166), the separation device (120) can preferably be particularly compact, so that the loss of space between indexing positions (184) caused by the separation device (120) can be minimized as much as possible.

Claims

Claim 1 A separation device (120) for separating two spatial regions (156), wherein the separation device (120) comprises a supply device (122) for supplying a separation fluid introduced between the two spatial regions (156), wherein the supply device (122) comprises at least two guide elements (134) for guiding the separation fluid, wherein the guide elements are designed as guide plates (140), wherein the separation device (120) comprises a discharge device (166) for discharging the separation fluid, wherein one or more blocking elements (162) of the discharge device (166) and the blocking device (164) of the separation device (120) are disposed on opposite sides of the separation plane (170) of the separation device (120). Claim 2 A separation device (120) according to claim 1, wherein the guide elements (134) are arranged parallel to and / or perpendicular to each other. Claim 3 A separation device (120) according to claim 1, wherein the guide elements (134) start at the ceiling area (142) of one or both of the spatial areas (156) and extend downward. Claim 4 A separation device (120) according to claim 1, wherein the guide elements (134) extend over at least 70% of the width (B) of the passage opening (154) connecting the two spatial regions (156). Claim 5 A separation device (120) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separation fluid can be introduced between the two spatial regions (156) only between the two guide elements (134). Claim 6 In claim 1, the separation device (120) comprises a blocking device (164) for blocking the separation fluid, and the blocking device (164) comprises one or more blocking elements (162) for preventing or at least reducing the diffusion of the separation fluid flow into at least one of the two space regions (156), wherein the one or more blocking elements (162) are disposed in the bottom region (158) of the separation device (120). Claim 7 In claim 1, the separation device (120) is characterized in that the discharge device (166) is disposed in the bottom area (158) of the separation device (120). Claim 8 In claim 7, the separation device (120) is characterized in that the discharge device (166) includes one or more suction slots (168) that extend partially or entirely along a plane offset in a direction parallel to the separation plane (170) of the separation device (120). Claim 9 delete Claim 10 The separation device (120) according to claim 1, wherein the separation device (120) separates two space regions (156) in which different temperatures are dominant, and the separation fluid can be supplied by the supply device (122) at a temperature between the temperature of the warmer of the two space regions (156) and the temperature of the colder of the two space regions (156). Claim 11 A separation device (120) characterized in that, in claim 1, the separation fluid can be cooled by the supply device (122) before being supplied. Claim 12 A processing system (100) for processing workpieces (102), comprising: a processing space (106) for processing workpieces (102), comprising one or more processing space portions (108); and at least one separation device (120) according to any one of claims 1 through 8 and claims 10 through 11, wherein the at least one processing space portion (108) forms one of the space regions (156) which can be separated from another of the space regions (156) by the at least one separation device (120). Claim 13 In claim 12, the other spatial area (156) is characterized as being: a) an additional processing space portion (108) of the processing space (106); or b) a spatial portion of a device different from the processing system (100); or c) surroundings (128) of the processing system (100). Claim 14 In claim 12, the processing system (100) comprises a conveyor device (112) for transporting the workpieces (102), and the conveyor device is extended through the separation device (120) in the transport direction (114) of the conveyor device (112). Claim 15 A processing system (100) characterized in that, in claim 14, the conveyor device (112) is an indexing conveyor device, and the separation device (120) is positioned between two indexing positions (184) for the workpieces (102). Claim 16 A processing system (100) according to claim 14, wherein the lower surface (152) of the guide elements (134) is at least partially complementary to the transport contour of the workpieces (102) transported by the conveyor device (112). Claim 17 In claim 12, the processing system (100) comprises a plurality of processing space modules (110), each processing space module (110) surrounds a processing space portion (108), and the separation device (120) is positioned between two processing space modules (110) or integrated between two processing space modules (110), characterized in that the processing system (100). Claim 18 A method for separating two spatial regions (156) by a separation device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and claims 10 to 11, wherein a separation fluid is introduced between the two spatial regions (156) by a supply device (122), and the separation fluid is guided by at least two guide elements (134). Claim 19 A method according to claim 18, wherein the at least two guide elements (134) are designed as guide plates (140) and / or are arranged parallel to and / or perpendicular to each other. Claim 20 A method according to claim 18, wherein the separation fluid is provided as a high-temperature separation fluid and then divided between at least two different and / or spatially separated separation devices (120), and in one of the separation devices (120), the separation fluid is cooled by mixing with a fluid. Claim 21 A method for processing workpieces (102), comprising: guiding the workpieces (102) through a separation device (120) for separating two spatial regions (156); and separating the spatial regions (156) by supplying a separation fluid flow between the two spatial regions (156) by performing the method according to claim 18.

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