CN114930103A

CN114930103A - Temperature control device

Info

Publication number: CN114930103A
Application number: CN202180008940.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 奥利弗·伊格劳尔-安格里克; K·沃尔; R·哈恩; H·迪特尔; 弗兰克·舍特勒
Original assignee: Duerr Systems AG
Current assignee: Duerr Systems AG
Priority date: 2020-02-11
Filing date: 2021-02-09
Publication date: 2022-08-19
Also published as: EP4107457A1; DE112021000975A5; WO2021160217A1; DE102020201704A1; EP4107457B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature control device which can be used for controlling the temperature of workpieces, in particular of vehicle bodies. According to the invention, a temperature control chamber, an air intake device, an air exhaust device and one or more circulating air devices are provided.

Description

Temperature control device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of workpieces, in particular for heating and/or cooling vehicle bodies.

Background

The temperature control device has, for example, a temperature control chamber through which the workpieces can be transported in the transport direction. Furthermore, an intake device for supplying intake air to the temperature-controlled chamber, an exhaust device for discharging exhaust air from the temperature-controlled chamber, and one or more circulating air devices for circulating at least a part of the air guided in the temperature-controlled chamber are often provided.

For reasons of energy efficiency, the intake and exhaust devices are often coupled to one another, in particular in order to be able to transfer heat from the exhaust gas to the intake air. However, the disadvantage is that a complex channel system and/or a large space requirement is required.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a temperature control device which has a reduced installation outlay and a low space requirement.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a temperature control device according to embodiment 1.

Temperature control devices for controlling the temperature of workpieces, in particular for heating and/or cooling vehicle bodies.

The temperature control device preferably comprises a temperature control chamber through which the workpieces can be transported in the transport direction.

The temperature control device preferably also comprises an intake device for supplying intake air to the temperature control chamber and/or an exhaust device for conducting exhaust air out of the temperature control chamber.

It may be advantageous if the tempering device comprises one or more circulating air means for circulating at least a part of the air guided in the tempering chamber.

If the intake device and the exhaust device are arranged spatially separated from one another, for example, reduced installation expenditure and/or a smaller space requirement can be achieved.

For example, it can be provided that the intake device and the exhaust device are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction.

The air inlet and the air outlet preferably do not have any components that overlap in the transport direction or are connected or operatively connected, for example directly spatially.

It can be advantageous if the air inlet and the air outlet have, in particular, mutually different ventilators and/or can be operated independently of one another.

It may be advantageous if one or more circulating air devices are arranged between the air inlet device on the one hand and the air outlet device on the other hand with respect to the transport direction.

The one or more circulating air devices are arranged between the intake device and the exhaust device, in particular along the transport direction.

In particular, the air intake device and the air exhaust device are arranged at mutually opposite ends of the tempering chamber.

By means of the one or more circulating air devices, air can be extracted from the temperature control chamber and at least partially returned to the temperature control chamber. For this purpose, the one or more circulating air devices each comprise, in particular, one or more fans, which are, in particular, configured as cascade fans.

The one or more circulating air devices are not mandatory for the guidance of air in the closed circuit. By contrast, "circulation" is preferably understood to mean that the air is discharged from the tempering chamber and is resupplied to the tempering chamber in various forms, in particular in the following cases: the air discharge and the air supply are effected at different positions along the transport direction.

It can be advantageous if the air inlet device, the air outlet device and the one or more circulating air devices are each associated with mutually different temperature control chamber sections of the temperature control chamber, in particular in view of a corresponding air supply and/or air outlet.

In particular, the temperature control device comprises a plurality of temperature control device sections arranged in series along the transport direction, which are formed in particular by temperature control device modules.

Preferably, each tempering device section is equipped in each case with precisely one or more tempering chamber sections.

Furthermore, it can be provided that each temperature control device section forms precisely one or more temperature control chamber sections.

Each thermostat section is preferably assigned to exactly one intake device, exactly one exhaust device and/or exactly one circulating air device.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a plurality of temperature control device sections are each associated with only one intake device, only one exhaust device or only one circulating air device.

It can be advantageous if the air inlet device, the air outlet device and the one or more circulating air devices each comprise one or more fans, in particular fans for driving the air flow.

The air inlet means, the air outlet means and the one or more circulating air means preferably each comprise mutually independent channels and/or passages for connecting them to the tempering chamber.

Advantageously, the intake device and the exhaust device can be connected to one another by means of a return channel, wherein the return channel extends in particular through one or more recirculation air devices.

The exhaust gas from the exhaust system can be mixed, in particular, as required into the intake air in the intake system by means of the return line. In particular, an adjustable, controllable and/or adjustable portion of the exhaust gas is fed into the intake system via the return channel.

Alternatively or additionally to the mixing of the exhaust gas into the intake air, it can be provided that room air that is not temperature-controlled or is temperature-controlled and/or that hot air from a heating device, for example fresh air from a pure-gas-heated fresh air heat exchanger, is supplied to the intake air. Furthermore, hot air can be provided, for example, by means of a hot water reservoir or other heating device, for example, a hot exhaust gas purification device.

It can be advantageous if the fresh air heat exchanger is oversized so that it can control a temperature more than the gas volume flow required for the drying section of the tempering chamber, so that in particular a partial volume flow of the gas volume flow, which is controlled in temperature by the fresh air heat exchanger overall, is supplied to the cooling section of the tempering chamber, in particular in the form of hot fresh air. One or more heat exchangers, which are assigned in particular to the cooling section of the tempering chamber, are therefore preferably not necessary.

The air intake device, the air exhaust device and/or the one or more circulating air devices are preferably arranged laterally next to the tempering chamber and/or in the horizontal direction adjacent to the tempering chamber or to a housing surrounding the tempering chamber.

The air inlet device, the air outlet device and/or the one or more circulating air devices preferably directly adjoin or are integrated into the housing wall of the housing of the temperature-regulating chamber.

In particular, it can be provided that the intake device, the exhaust device and/or the one or more recirculation air devices directly adjoin the housing, in particular the outer wall, at the outer side of the housing, which surrounds the tempering chamber.

By means of an opening in the housing wall, a fluid connection is preferably or can be established between the intake device, the exhaust device or the one or more circulating air devices on the one hand and the interior space of the housing, in particular the temperature control chamber, on the other hand.

Preferably, the air intake, exhaust or one or more circulating air devices are located substantially entirely on the bottom on which the housing surrounding the tempering chamber is also located. A separate support structure for accommodating the air intake device, the air exhaust device or the one or more circulating air devices is preferably not necessary in this case.

Advantageously, the air from at least one temperature-controlled chamber section can be removed from the temperature-controlled chamber by means of one or more circulating air devices and can be supplied to one or more further temperature-controlled chamber sections, in particular to the preceding or following temperature-controlled chamber sections in the transport direction.

The air in the bottom region of the at least one tempering chamber section can be sucked out by means of one or more circulating air devices.

It can be advantageous if air can be supplied in each case by means of one or more circulating air devices in the head region of the interior space enclosed by the housing, in particular to one or more pressure chambers.

It may be advantageous to provide a plurality of filter stages for filtering the intake air and/or the circulating air.

Preferably, the at least one first filter stage is integrated into or arranged in the air intake device and/or the circulating air device.

The at least one second filter stage is preferably arranged within a housing enclosing the tempering chamber.

The at least one second filter stage is in particular a filter stage in the vicinity of the nozzles, which is arranged in particular upstream with respect to the air flow direction and in turn is arranged before one or more nozzles for supplying air to the tempering chamber.

The at least one first filter stage is preferably a coarse filter stage, which fulfils a filtering level of e.g. up to D4. In particular, a large air throughput can be achieved with a low pressure loss, in particular when the size of the at least one first filter stage is limited due to space conditions.

The at least one second filter stage is preferably a fine filter stage, which in particular has a filter rating of F5 or finer. In particular, dirt which has passed through the at least one first filter stage can thus be removed from the air flow.

The at least one second filter stage is arranged in particular in a housing surrounding the tempering chamber and is formed here, for example, by a plurality of filter mats. The at least one second filter stage can therefore preferably be of large-area construction, so that finer filter levels result in preferably small pressure losses.

The at least one second filter stage is arranged in particular between the at least one pressure chamber and the tempering chamber.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that one or more, in particular all, filter stages are arranged exclusively in the housing surrounding the tempering chamber. The filter stage or stages preferably have a single or multiple or all features of a filter stage referred to as the "first filter stage" and/or a single or multiple or all features of a filter stage referred to as the "second filter stage".

It may be advantageous if the air inlet device, the air outlet device and/or the one or more circulating air devices are arranged on one side at or in a side wall of the housing of the tempering chamber.

In particular, it can be provided that the air inlet, the air outlet and/or the one or more circulating air devices are arranged on or in the same side wall of the housing of the tempering chamber.

Preferably only one or more distribution channels of the air intake, exhaust and/or one or more circulating air devices extend above the tempering chamber, in particular above or in the housing.

The temperature-controlled chamber is in particular a temperature-controlled tunnel or forms a temperature-controlled tunnel.

It can be advantageous if the intake channel for taking in intake air and/or the exhaust channel for removing exhaust air is designed as a ventilation tower, wherein the respective ventilation tower is located on the bottom and/or extends vertically upwards from the bottom, in particular without flow deflection and/or support structures, preferably without external and/or separate support structures.

It can be advantageous if the ventilation tower or both ventilation towers each have at least one lateral access opening, in particular a flap. The section of the respective ventilation tower having the access opening is preferably reinforced by means of a reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure may in particular be an insertable or insertable reinforcing ring. In particular, additional, in particular external, supporting structures or supporting structures for stabilizing the respective ventilation tower can be omitted by means of such a reinforcing structure.

It can be provided that the temperature control device comprises a transport device, by means of which the workpieces can be transported through the temperature control chamber in the longitudinal direction of the workpieces.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the tempering device comprises a transport device, by means of which the workpieces are transported through the tempering chamber in the transverse direction of the workpieces.

The longitudinal orientation is in particular an orientation of the workpiece such that the longitudinal axis of the workpiece, for example the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, is oriented parallel to the transport direction when the workpiece is transported along the transport direction.

In the transverse orientation, the longitudinal axis of the workpiece is preferably oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the transport direction when transporting the workpiece.

The longitudinal axis of the workpiece is preferably oriented horizontally or encloses an angle of at most about 30 degrees, preferably at most about 10 degrees, with the horizontal, both in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction.

In the exhaust air device and/or the circulating air device of the temperature control device, one or more suction openings can advantageously be provided in the bottom region of the temperature control device.

It may be advantageous to supply the temperature-control chamber with intake air and/or circulating air, in particular only via one or more pressure chambers of the temperature-control device which are arranged on only one side, in particular on the same side of the temperature-control chamber.

It can be provided that pressure chambers are formed on both sides of the temperature-controlled chamber, through which air can be introduced into the temperature-controlled chamber. The two pressure chambers are preferably fluidically interconnected by means of a connecting channel and/or a connecting chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one separating wall separating the temperature control chamber on the one hand and the pressure chamber or chambers on the other hand from one another is at least partially adapted to the contour of the workpiece to be treated.

It can be advantageous if the tempering device comprises a plurality of tempering device sections, wherein each tempering device section corresponds to a holding position of the workpiece in the stepped transport operation of the transport device of the tempering device.

Advantageously, the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber can be arranged in a housing surrounding the tempering chamber. Arrangements other than providing a housing are also contemplated.

In particular, if the temperature control device should have as short a total length as possible in the transport direction, it can be provided that the axis of rotation of the air inlet, the air outlet and/or one or more fans of the one or more circulating air devices is oriented perpendicular to the transport direction. The removal space, which extends in particular laterally away from the temperature control device, can thus be used for servicing purposes.

In addition, the orientation of the axis of rotation of the ventilator or ventilators extending parallel to the transport direction is selected, in particular when the air intake device, the air discharge device and/or the circulating air device or devices are at a relatively large distance from one another. In particular, the space required for servicing purposes on one or both sides of the temperature control device can thus be minimized.

Due to the optimized arrangement and/or design of the air inlet, the air outlet and/or the one or more circulating air devices, a separate support structure, in particular a steel structure, can be omitted for this purpose. Furthermore, a high degree of preassembly is therefore preferably achievable. Furthermore, the temperature control device can therefore preferably be realized cost-effectively and at low cost.

According to an advantageous combination of features, it can be provided that a pressure chamber is formed on both sides of the temperature-control chamber, through which air is introduced into the temperature-control chamber, wherein the two pressure chambers are fluidically connected to one another by means of a connecting channel and/or a connecting chamber, wherein the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber is arranged in a housing surrounding the temperature-control chamber.

This embodiment can be advantageous, in particular, if the temperature control device is a temperature control device for heating a vehicle body.

The one or more circulating air devices are in particular or comprise heating devices for heating air.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, one or more circulating air devices are also or comprise a cooling device for cooling the air.

In particular, one or more heat exchangers for heating or cooling the air circulated by means of one or more circulating air devices may be provided.

It can be advantageous if the housing is substantially cuboid in shape.

The housing preferably comprises an outer wall which at least partially forms or comprises a thermal insulation region, in particular for thermally insulating the interior space of the housing from its surroundings.

Preferably, the connection channel and/or the connection chamber is arranged completely within the interior of the housing enclosed by the outer wall, in particular is thermally insulated from the surroundings of the housing by means of a thermal insulation region.

Advantageously, the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber can be delimited by an outer wall of the housing, in particular a thermally insulating region of the outer wall of the housing, and/or by a separating wall delimiting the tempering chamber.

The connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber are/is limited in particular with respect to the direction of gravity downwards by the separating wall. The connection channel and/or the connection chamber are preferably delimited upward with respect to the direction of gravity by an outer wall, in particular a top wall of the housing.

The connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber preferably extend above the tempering chamber, in particular directly above the tempering chamber.

Preferably, the connection channel and/or the connection chamber fill a spatial region of the housing which, in vertical projection, is located above the tempering chamber.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber is formed by a spatial region in the housing which, in vertical projection, is located above the temperature control chamber.

It can be advantageous if the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber has a length, measured in the transport direction, which corresponds to at least about two times, preferably at least about five times, in particular at least about ten times, the height of the connecting channel and/or of the connecting chamber.

The height is in particular the extension in the vertical direction.

The dimensions mentioned in the present description are in particular the mean values of the parameters specified.

It can be advantageous if the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber has a width, measured in the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the transport direction, which corresponds to at least about twice, preferably at least about four times, in particular at least about eight times, the height of the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber.

By the aforementioned dimensioning of the connection channel and/or of the connection chamber, in particular an effective air guidance in the housing can be achieved with minimal pressure losses.

Advantageously, the separating wall can separate the temperature control chamber from at least one of the pressure chambers and/or from the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber.

It may be advantageous if the partition wall is constructed in multiple parts.

It may be advantageous if the partition wall comprises a top partition wall separating the tempering chamber from the connection channel and/or the connection chamber.

Alternatively or additionally thereto, it can be provided that the partition wall comprises one or more side partition walls which each separate the pressure chamber from the temperature control chamber and/or which each have one or more air inlets for supplying air from the respective pressure chamber to the temperature control chamber. The one or more air inlets are provided in particular with one or more nozzles or nozzle receptacles.

It may be advantageous if the partition comprises one or more filter partitions which form a filter stage in the tempering chamber and/or between the pressure chamber and the tempering chamber, respectively. The one or more filter partition walls form in particular a fine filter stage.

It may be advantageous if the partition wall comprises one or more distribution chambers which are arranged and/or formed, in particular, between the filter partition wall of the partition wall and the side partition walls of the partition wall, respectively.

The one or more filter partition walls in particular each comprise one or more receptacles for one or more filter elements, for example filter mats.

The one or more distribution chambers serve, in particular, to uniformly supply the air flowing through the one or more filter elements from the pressure chamber to the one or more air inlets.

It can be advantageous if one or more of the one or more circulating air devices each comprise a heating device, by means of which at least a part of the air guided in the temperature-controlled chamber can be heated.

The heating device may in particular comprise a heat exchanger, by means of which the heat of the heat exchanger medium is transferred to at least a part of the air conducted in the tempering chamber.

The heat transfer can take place here directly or indirectly.

For example, the pure gas heating unit may be provided with a decentralized heat exchanger. In this case, a pure gas heat exchanger can be assigned to each of the one or more circulating air devices, by means of which heat can be transferred from the pure gas (hot gas) to the air supplied to the tempering space.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the pure gas heating is carried out by means of a central heat exchanger. One or more of the circulating air devices may have a hot gas flap (hot air flap), by means of which hot gas from the central heat exchanger can be mixed in a controlled and/or regulated manner into the air circulating by the respective circulating air device.

Furthermore, burner heating can alternatively or additionally be provided, wherein one or more of the circulating air devices are each provided with its own burner for directly or indirectly heating the air. The air for the respective burner can be fresh air, in particular room air. Furthermore, air from the tempering chamber, in particular exhaust gas from the exhaust gas system, can be used to operate the burner, wherein the combustion flue gas generated here is preferably supplied to a further exhaust gas aftertreatment, for example a regenerative thermal oxidation system.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the burner is used for complete cleaning of the exhaust gas. This can be set in particular in the case of modular hot exhaust gas purification devices, in particular when the burner is used both for providing thermal energy and for cleaning the exhaust gas.

It can be advantageous if the intake device, the exhaust device and/or the one or more recirculation air devices each comprise one or more guide elements, in particular guide plates, for influencing the flow.

The influence of the flow can be advantageous in particular if the air inlet device, the air outlet device and/or the one or more circulating air devices are arranged laterally next to the temperature-regulating chamber and/or horizontally adjacent to the temperature-regulating chamber and/or to the housing surrounding the temperature-regulating chamber. By means of one or more guide elements, in particular guide plates, a uniform distribution of the flow along and/or transversely to the transport direction and/or on both sides of the tempering chamber can be achieved, in particular.

Furthermore, in particular when the air intake device, the air exhaust device and/or the one or more circulating air devices are arranged laterally next to the tempering space and/or adjacent to the tempering space in the horizontal direction and/or to the housing surrounding the tempering space, it can be advantageous if the air discharged from the tempering space is sucked in and/or supplied via one or more at least largely horizontally extending and/or vertically deflecting guide elements, in particular guide plates, wherein in particular the air is then distributed to one or more filter elements and/or one or more heat exchangers, for example by means of one or more at least largely vertically extending and/or horizontally deflecting guide elements, in particular guide plates.

Preferably, at least one distributor structure is arranged upstream of the filter element or filter elements, in particular directly upstream of the filter element or filter elements, and/or upstream of the heat exchanger or heat exchangers, in particular directly upstream of the heat exchanger or heat exchangers, in each case, the distributor structure in particular comprising or being formed by one or more guide elements, in each case.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it can be provided that at least one collecting structure, which in particular comprises or is formed by one or more guide elements in each case, is arranged upstream of the one or more filter elements, in particular directly upstream of the one or more filter elements and/or upstream of the one or more heat exchangers, in particular directly upstream of the one or more heat exchangers.

Preferably, the one or more guide elements are completely or partially uniformly and/or continuously curved, so that, in particular, gentle flow deflection or flow diversion can preferably be achieved, particularly while avoiding or minimizing turbulence.

The guide element is in particular an element that is distinct from a channel or other spatially restricted flow guide.

In particular, the guide element serves to influence the flow in the flow channel and/or the flow chamber.

It may be advantageous if the connection channel and/or the connection chamber comprise one or more guide elements for influencing the flow in the connection channel and/or the connection chamber.

The one or more guide elements preferably extend at least approximately over the entire height of the connecting channel and/or of the connecting chamber.

In particular, the one or more guide elements extend along the transport direction over at least about 10%, preferably at least about 30%, for example at least about 50% of the entire length of the respective connecting channel and/or connecting chamber.

Preferably, the one or more guide elements serve to divert and/or distribute the air flowing into the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber transversely to the inflow direction. In particular, it can be provided that the air flows into the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction and is then deflected by means of one or more guide elements, in particular into a direction at an angle of less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 20 degrees, to the transport direction. In this way, preferably the entire length of the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber in the transport direction can be used sufficiently for distributing the inflowing air to one or both pressure chambers.

Preferably, the one or more guide elements are guide elements, in particular guide plates, which are deflected in the vertical direction.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it can be provided that the one or more guide elements are guide elements, in particular guide plates, which are deflected in the horizontal direction.

It can be provided that one or more guide elements each have one or more through-openings. The air distribution by means of one or more guide elements can thus preferably be optimized.

In particular, it can be provided that the one or more guide elements are designed as perforated plates or each comprise at least one perforated plate.

It can be advantageous if one or more guide elements are arranged with respect to a transverse direction extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the transport direction between two guide regions of the transport device extending along the transport direction, in particular in a spatial region above or below the tempering room.

The guide region of the transport device is formed in particular by a rail extending in the transport direction and/or by a plurality of rolling or guide elements arranged in succession in the transport direction.

Advantageously, the one or more circulating air devices may each comprise one or more ventilators and/or each comprise one or more heating devices and/or each comprise one or more cooling devices and/or each comprise mutually independent channels and/or passages for connection to the tempering chamber.

For example, it can be provided that each circulating air device is equipped with exactly one fan, by means of which air can be drawn in from the temperature control chamber and can be supplied into the interior of the housing from the side of the housing surrounding the temperature control chamber. The air which is preferably supplied in the head region is preferably distributed via a connecting channel and/or a connecting chamber to two pressure chambers arranged on both sides of the tempering chamber and is supplied to the tempering chamber by means of the pressure chambers.

It can be advantageous if the air is discharged from the tempering chamber substantially centrally in the respective tempering device section with respect to the transport direction. This makes it possible to preferably minimize air exchange or other adverse effects between adjacent temperature control device sections.

In the case of a stepped transport device, it can be provided that the air discharge from the respective tempering device section is effected between two stage positions (stages; holding positions), at which the workpiece is stopped for one cycle. The undesired effect of the air discharge on the workpiece tempering can thus preferably be minimized.

It may be advantageous for the air to be sucked out of the tempering chamber and/or to be discharged between the two stage positions. An optimized convective flow can thus preferably be generated between the stage positions. Furthermore, the suction and/or discharge can thus preferably take place completely outside the individual spatial region in which the workpiece is stopped for a phase. This again preferably enables a flexible and/or unlimited arrangement of the nozzles over the entire individual spatial region in which the workpiece is stopped by one stage.

By the suction and/or discharge between the stage positions and/or by the arrangement of the outlets and/or channels between the stage positions, which are necessary for the suction and discharge, preferably a space can be created for the arrangement of the nozzles for supplying air to the tempering room, which are distributed over the entire stage position (stage; holding position; body length/holding space length) in the transport direction. This preferably achieves a uniform temperature control of the workpiece.

In particular, by integrating the connection channel and/or the connection chamber into the interior of the housing, a particularly compact design of the temperature control device can be achieved. This can be used, for example, for placing a temperature control device having two temperature control chambers extending at least partially parallel to one another in a small space.

In this case, it can be provided, in particular, that the temperature control device comprises two temperature control chambers which extend at least partially parallel to one another and are equipped with mutually different and/or mutually independent circulating air devices.

In this case, it can be provided that the two housings surrounding the tempering chamber directly adjoin one another and/or are formed at least in part by identical walls, in particular common outer walls, which then form an intermediate wall.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the circulating air device or devices of each temperature-control chamber are arranged on the outside of the housing surrounding the temperature-control chamber, wherein the outside is arranged away from the other housings. The two tempering chambers are therefore arranged between the circulating air devices with respect to a direction extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the transport direction.

One or more transport devices can be provided in particular for transporting the workpieces through the tempering space.

As a transport device, for example, a chain conveyor and/or a roller conveyor can be provided. Furthermore, rail conveyors and/or ground-connected transport systems, in particular free-running unmanned transport systems, can be provided. Except for staged transport

Besides, continuous transport can also be provided.

Drawings

The following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings set forth additional preferred features and/or advantages of the invention.

Shown in the drawings are:

fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a tempering device;

fig. 2 shows another schematic perspective view of the tempering device of fig. 1;

fig. 3 shows a schematic vertical cross section of an air inlet means of the tempering device of fig. 1;

fig. 4 shows another schematic vertical cross section of the air inlet means of the tempering device of fig. 1;

fig. 5 shows a schematic vertical cross section of a circulating air arrangement of the temperature-regulating device of fig. 1;

fig. 6 shows a schematic vertical cross section of an exhaust of the tempering device of fig. 1;

fig. 7 shows a schematic vertical longitudinal section through the air inlet, the circulating air device and the air outlet of the tempering device of fig. 1;

fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a tempering device;

fig. 9 shows another schematic perspective view of the tempering device of fig. 8;

fig. 10 shows a schematic vertical longitudinal section of a lateral pressure chamber of the tempering device of fig. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic vertical longitudinal section of the air intake, circulating air and exhaust of FIG. 8;

fig. 12 shows a schematic horizontal section of the bottom area of the tempering device of fig. 8;

fig. 13 shows a schematic top view from above of the horizontal section of fig. 12;

fig. 14 shows a schematic top view of the upper side of the tempering device of fig. 8;

fig. 15 shows a section of a ventilation tower of an air inlet or an air outlet of the tempering device of fig. 8, in which a reinforcing structure for reinforcement is provided;

fig. 16 shows a schematic perspective vertical cross section of a third embodiment of a temperature-regulating device;

fig. 17 shows a schematic perspective vertical section of the circulating air device of the tempering device of fig. 16 for illustrating the air flow; and

fig. 18 shows a schematic perspective vertical cross section of a fourth embodiment of a temperature-regulating device;

identical or functionally equivalent elements have the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

The first exemplary embodiment of a temperature control device, which is designated as a whole by 100 and is illustrated in fig. 1 to 7, is used in particular for controlling the temperature of a workpiece 102, for example a vehicle body 104 (see, for this purpose, the fourth exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig. 18).

The temperature control device 100 comprises, in particular, a temperature control chamber 106 through which the workpieces 102 can be transported by means of a transport device 108 in a transport direction 110.

The temperature-control chamber 106 is surrounded, in particular, by a housing 112, which is configured, for example, substantially cuboid.

In order to regulate the temperature of the workpiece 102, the air in the temperature control chamber 106 is preferably regulated in temperature, in particular in temperature (konditieeren). For example, cooling and/or heating the air.

The temperature control device 100 comprises an air inlet device 114 for this purpose, by means of which air inlet device 114 the temperature control chamber 106 can be supplied with inlet air, in particular with fresh air that is temperature-controlled. The air intake device 114 comprises, in particular, an intake channel 116, which is designed, for example, as a ventilation tower 118 and is used to suck in air via the roof.

Furthermore, the air inlet device 114 comprises a fan 120 for driving the air and a distribution channel 122, by means of which the air can be distributed to one or two pressure chambers 124 within the housing 122 in order to finally supply the air to the temperature-controlled chamber 106 via the pressure chambers 124 (see fig. 3 to 6).

As is apparent in particular from fig. 7, the air inlet device 114 may furthermore be provided with one or more filter stages 126 and/or one or more heat exchangers 128, in particular for cleaning and/or temperature control of the air.

The humidification and/or dehumidification of the air can optionally also take place by means of corresponding temperature control devices.

Furthermore, the temperature control device 100 comprises a circulating air device 130, which comprises in particular at least one ventilator 120, and serves to discharge air from the temperature control chamber 106 and to supply it again to the temperature control chamber 106.

Furthermore, the temperature control device 100 comprises an exhaust device 132, which comprises, in particular, an exhaust channel 134.

The exhaust duct 134 is designed, for example, as a ventilation tower 136 and serves to discharge the exhaust air from the temperature control chamber 106 and to output the exhaust air into the surroundings, for example, via the roof.

Furthermore, the exhaust device 132 comprises a fan 120, by means of which air can be sucked out of the temperature-controlled chamber 106 and discharged into the surroundings.

Furthermore, a return channel 138 can optionally be provided, by means of which a connection can be established between the exhaust channel 134 of the exhaust device 132 and the intake channel 116 of the intake device 114.

In particular, exhaust gas may be mixed into the intake air via the return passage 138. For this purpose, in particular, flaps and/or valve devices can be provided, together with suitable control and/or regulating units, in order to control and/or regulate a predetermined mixture of exhaust gas and intake air.

As can be gathered in particular from fig. 1, the temperature control device 100 can be divided into a plurality of temperature control device sections 140, wherein each temperature control device section 140 forms, for example, a temperature control device module.

The tempering device sections 140 are arranged in series, in particular along the transport direction 110.

Preferably, one tempering device section 140 is equipped with an air inlet device 114.

Preferably, the further tempering device section 140 is equipped with an exhaust 132.

Here, the intake device 114 and the exhaust device 132 are preferably arranged at tempering device sections 140 of the tempering device 100 which are provided at ends facing away from each other.

The circulating air device 130 is assigned to or arranged in particular in one or more tempering device sections 140, which is arranged between the intake device 114 and the exhaust device 132.

In the first exemplary embodiment of the temperature control device 100 shown in fig. 1 to 7, the components of the air inlet device 114, the circulating air device 130 and the air outlet device 132 are situated at a distance from one another, so that the installation space in the transport direction 110 can be optimally utilized.

The fan 120 of the air inlet device 114, the circulating air device 130 and/or the air outlet device 132 is preferably oriented here such that its axis of rotation 142 extends substantially parallel to the transport direction 110.

Thus, the installation space and/or the service space for the ventilator 120 extends away from the respective ventilator 120 substantially parallel to the transport direction 110, whereby the space required for service of the temperature conditioning device 100 laterally can be minimized.

Furthermore, as is apparent in particular from fig. 1 and 7, the following components are preferably arranged in the air inlet device 114, starting from one end of the temperature control device 100, in the transport direction 110, in succession: the fan 120 is initially provided, the one or more heat exchangers 128 and/or the one or more filter stages 126 being arranged downstream of the fan 120 in the transport direction 110. Then, following along the transport direction 110, is a support region 144 for supporting the air intake duct 116, which is designed, for example, as a ventilation tower 114.

By means of this embodiment of the air inlet device 114, the temperature control device 100 can preferably be designed to be particularly short, since no further components need to extend beyond the temperature control chamber 106 in the transport direction 110. Whereas the intake of air is effected in an intermediate region spaced apart from the ends of the temperature-regulated chamber 106, wherein the supply of air to the temperature-regulated chamber 106 can still be effected at the directly connected ends of the temperature-regulated chamber 106.

The second embodiment of the temperature control device 100 shown in fig. 8 to 15 differs from the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 7 essentially in that the temperature control device 100 is very compactly constructed and has a small length, in particular in the transport direction 110.

The resulting reduction in installation space along the transport direction 110 is compensated in this embodiment in particular by the fact that the axis of rotation 142 of the fan 120 (see in particular fig. 11) is not oriented parallel to the transport direction 110 but perpendicular thereto.

The individual components of the intake device 114, the circulating air device 130 and the exhaust device 132 can thus be arranged particularly closely next to one another and/or in succession.

Such a shortened design of the temperature control device 100 can be provided, in particular, in the case of lateral transport of the workpiece 102.

In the case of such a transverse transport, the longitudinal axis of the workpieces 102 is oriented substantially horizontally and perpendicularly to the transport direction 110 during the transport of the workpieces 102 through the tempering chamber 106 along the transport direction 110. As can be gathered in particular from fig. 12 and 13, one or more suction openings 145 are provided in the bottom region 146 of the temperature control device 100 in the circulating air device 130, as is also the case in the exhaust device 132 of the temperature control device 100 according to the second embodiment. The air is supplied via a single-sided pressure chamber 124 (see in particular fig. 10).

Furthermore, as can be gathered from fig. 12, in a second embodiment of the temperature control device 100, five temperature control device sections 140 of the temperature control device 100 are provided, wherein each temperature control device section 140 corresponds to a holding position of the workpiece 102 in the stepped transport operation of the transport device 108.

In the first two holding positions (tempering device sections 140), i.e. in the holding positions I and II (phases (Takt)1 and 2), air is sucked out of the tempering chamber 106 by means of the exhaust system 132. In this case, a floor passage 147 is provided in the tempering device section 140 forming the holding position II. The floor duct 147 extends below the temperature control chamber 106 and connects the intake opening 145 of the holding position II to the fan 120 of the exhaust device 132.

The suction opening 145 of the holding position I is connected by means of a connecting region 149 to the end of the floor duct 147 of the holding position II facing the suction opening 145 of the holding position II, so that air can be sucked in both from the holding position I and from the holding position II via the floor duct 147 of the holding position II.

At the three further tempering device sections 140, i.e. at the holding positions III, IV and V (phase 3, phase 4, phase 5), the suction is effected by means of the circulating air device 130. Here, each holding position III, IV, V preferably has a separate floor channel 147 for connecting the intake opening 145 of each holding position III, IV, V to the ventilator 120 of the circulating air device 130.

The air supplied by the air inlet device 114 in the last phase (holding position V, phase 5) therefore flows through the tempering chamber 106 counter to the direction of transport 110, since it is first circulated by means of the circulating air device 130 into the tempering device sections 140 forming the holding positions III, IV, V and is finally discharged by means of the exhaust device 132 into the tempering device sections 140 forming the holding positions I and II.

As can be gathered from fig. 15, it can be advantageous if the inlet duct 116 configured as a ventilation tower 118 and/or the outlet duct 134 configured as a ventilation tower 136 comprise an inlet opening 148, for example a flap. This makes it possible in particular to connect the return line 138 or to establish a service access.

Because the access opening 148 may result in structural weakening of the vent towers 118, 136, the vent towers are preferably provided with a reinforcing structure 150.

The reinforcing structure 150 is in particular a rectangular reinforcing ring or stiffening ring which can be inserted through the access opening 148 into a section 152 of the ventilation towers 118, 136 having the access opening 148.

In particular, additional external stiffening or reinforcement or other support of the ventilation towers 118, 136 can therefore be avoided by means of the reinforcing structure 150, as a result of which the overall structure of the temperature control device 100 can be simplified.

In other embodiments of the temperature control device 100, for example, according to the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 7, such a reinforcement of the ventilation towers 118, 136 can also be provided.

Furthermore, the second embodiment of the temperature control device 100 shown in fig. 8 to 15 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 7, so that reference is made to the preceding description thereof in this respect.

The third embodiment of the temperature control device 100 shown in fig. 16 and 17 differs from the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 7 essentially in that the distribution channel 122 is not arranged above the housing 112 of the temperature control device 100.

Instead, the distribution channel 122 is integrated into the housing 112 in the third embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17.

The housing 112 comprises one or more outer walls 154 which are provided with or form inter alia an isolation zone 156. As a result, a large temperature difference between the interior of the housing 112 and its surroundings can be maintained with as little energy loss as possible.

Preferably, the outer wall 154 and the isolation region 156 enclose the tempering chamber 106 completely or at least partially, in particular at least on two sides or at least on three sides, in a cross-section.

In the third embodiment of the temperature control device 100 shown in fig. 16 and 17, the function of the distribution channel 122 is realized by the connection chamber 158.

In particular, the connecting chamber 158 connects the two pressure chambers 124 on both sides of the temperature-controlled chamber 106 to one another.

Preferably, the connecting chamber 158 extends over the entire width of the temperature-controlled chamber 106 above the temperature-controlled chamber 106, in particular in a vertical projection of the temperature-controlled chamber 106 to the outer wall 154 and/or the isolation region 156.

A partition wall 160 separates the connecting chamber 158 from the temperature-regulating chamber 106.

The partition wall 160 is in particular designed as an uninsulated metal plate or comprises such a metal plate.

The partition wall 160 comprises, in particular, a top partition wall 162 which bounds the tempering chamber 106 upwards and separates it from the connection chamber 158.

In the top partition wall 162, one or more air inlets 164 may optionally be provided for supplying air to the temperature-regulated chamber 106.

The connection chamber 158 preferably extends along the transport direction 110 over a greater length than a supply opening 166 for supplying air from the circulating air device 130 into the interior space of the housing 112.

It may be advantageous, as shown in fig. 17, for the supply opening 166 to be connected to a supply channel 167 which connects the supply opening 166 to the fan 120 and widens upwards towards the supply opening 166 and/or counter to the direction of gravity. By means of the widened design of the supply channel 167, an even distribution of the air over the pressure chambers 124 can preferably be achieved.

With regard to an optimal distribution of the supplied air over the two pressure chambers 124, one or more guide elements 168 are preferably provided. For example, one or more guide elements 168 may be arranged in the connection chamber 158 in order to distribute and evenly distribute the air flow flowing into the connection chamber 158 along the transport direction 110 to the two pressure chambers 124. In this way, the workpiece 102 can preferably flow uniformly on both sides in the temperature-controlled chamber 106.

As can also be gathered from fig. 16, the temperature control system 100 preferably comprises at least one further filter stage 126 in addition to the filter stage 126 associated with the circulating air device 130.

In particular, the filter stage 126 associated with the circulating air system 130 is a coarse filter stage 170.

The further filter stage 126 is in particular a fine filter stage 172. Preferably, the further filter stage 126 is arranged in the interior of the housing 112, for example integrated into the partition wall 160.

For this purpose, the partition wall 160 comprises, in particular, a side partition wall 174 facing the temperature-control chamber 106 and a filter partition wall 176 assigned to the respective pressure chamber 124.

One or more receptacles for one or more filter elements, in particular filter mats 178, are arranged and/or formed in the filter partition 176, which form the filter stage 126.

Preferably, a distribution chamber 180 is formed between the filter partition wall 176 and the side partition wall 174 in order to be able to distribute the air flowing through the filter stage 126 evenly over the one or more air inlets 164 in the side partition wall 174 and in order to thereby be able to achieve an even supply of air to the tempering chamber 106.

By the connecting chamber 158 connecting the two pressure chambers 124 to one another over a large length in the transport direction 110 and thus enabling a large passage cross section even at small heights, the entire temperature control device 100 can be constructed compactly. Furthermore, preferably, thermal insulation can be optimized by using the connection chamber 158.

Finally, it can also be gathered from fig. 16 that suction is carried out in the bottom region 146 by means of the ventilator 120 in order to extract air from the temperature-controlled chamber 106 and finally to feed the air to the heat exchanger or exchangers 128 and/or the filter stage or stages 126.

In particular, when the temperature control device 100 is used for heating a workpiece 102, it can be provided that the air is heated by means of one or more heat exchangers 128. A uniform flow through the respective heat exchanger 128 is preferably ensured by means of one or more guide elements 168, in particular guide plates 182.

In this case, in particular, different stages of the guide elements 168 can be provided in order to distribute the air flowing in, for example, from the bottom region 146 first in the vertical direction and then or simultaneously in the horizontal direction uniformly to the heat exchanger 128 (see in particular fig. 17).

This enables uniform heating of the air circulated by the air circulation device 130, for example.

Furthermore, the third embodiment of the temperature-regulating device 100 shown in fig. 16 and 17 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 7, so that reference is made to the preceding description thereof in this respect.

In a further embodiment of the temperature control device 100, which is not shown, it can be provided that the connecting chamber 158 is designed in multiple parts and in particular allows an air flow in both the vertical and horizontal direction to the transport direction 110.

This can be particularly advantageous when one-sided return suction of the circulating air is not desired and therefore it is desired to recover the air through the connecting chamber 158.

In fig. 18, a fourth embodiment of a temperature control device 100 is shown, which essentially corresponds to the third embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17, however, comprises two temperature control chambers 106 extending parallel to one another.

Not shown in fig. 18, a plurality of circulating air devices 130 are arranged in each case on the mutually opposite outer walls 154 of the two temperature-controlled chambers 106, which serve in particular for heating the air circulating in the temperature-controlled chambers 106.

This double arrangement of the temperature-control chamber 106 in a particularly compact space can be achieved by using a connecting chamber 158 according to the third embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17, in particular without the need for further components of the air inlet device 114, the circulating air device 130 and/or the exhaust device 132 being fitted between the temperature-control chamber 106.

The fourth embodiment shown in fig. 18 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the third embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17, so that reference is made to the preceding description thereof for this purpose.

Claims

1. Temperature control device (100) for controlling the temperature of a workpiece (102), in particular for cooling a vehicle body (104), wherein the temperature control device (100) comprises:

-a temperature-controlled chamber (106) through which the workpieces (102) can be conveyed along a transport direction (110);

-air inlet means (114) for supplying inlet air to the tempering room (106);

-an exhaust (132) for conducting exhaust gases out of the tempering room (106);

-one or more circulating air devices (130) for circulating at least a part of the air directed in the tempering room (106),

characterized in that, optionally, the air inlet device (114) and the air outlet device (132) are arranged spatially separated from one another, in particular spaced apart from one another in the transport direction (110).

2. Tempering device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said one or more circulating air means (130) are arranged between said air intake means (114) on one side and said air exhaust means (132) on the other side with respect to said transport direction (110).

3. Tempering device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air intake device (114), the air exhaust device (132) and the one or more circulating air devices (130) are respectively assigned to mutually different tempering room sections of the tempering room (106).

4. Tempering device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said air intake means (114), said air exhaust means (132) and said one or more circulating air means (130) comprise one or more ventilators (120) respectively and/or mutually independent channels and/or passages for connection to said tempering room (106) respectively.

5. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the intake device (114) and the exhaust device (132) are connected to one another by means of a return channel (138), wherein the return channel (138) in particular extends through one or more circulating air devices (130), wherein preferably exhaust gas from the exhaust device (132) can be mixed into the intake air in the intake device (114) as required, in particular in a regulated, controllable and/or adjustable manner, by means of the return channel (138).

6. Tempering device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said inlet air means (114) and said outlet air means (132) are interconnected by means of a return channel (138), wherein preferably non-temperature-controlled or temperature-controlled room air and/or hot air from a heating means, e.g. fresh air from a fresh air heat exchanger, in particular heated by pure gas, is supplied to the inlet air, except for mixing said outlet air into said inlet air.

7. Tempering device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said air intake means (114), said air exhaust means (132) and/or said one or more circulating air means (130) directly adjoin a housing wall of a housing (112) of said tempering room (106) or are integrated into said housing (112) of said tempering room (106).

8. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that air from at least one temperature control chamber section can be respectively conducted out of the temperature control chamber (106) by means of the one or more circulating air devices (130) and can be supplied to one or more further temperature control chamber sections, in particular to a preceding or following temperature control chamber section in the transport direction (110).

9. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of filter stages (126) are provided for filtering the intake air, wherein at least one first filter stage (126) is integrated into the intake air arrangement (114) and/or the circulating air arrangement (130) or is arranged in the intake air arrangement (114) and/or the circulating air arrangement (130), and wherein at least one second filter stage (126) is arranged within a housing (112) of the temperature control device (100) which surrounds the temperature control chamber (106).

10. The temperature conditioning apparatus (100) of claim 9, wherein the at least one first filter stage (126) is a coarse filter stage (170).

11. Tempering device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said at least one second filter stage (126) is a fine filter stage (172).

12. Tempering device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that said air intake means (114), said air exhaust means (132) and/or said one or more circulating air means (130) are arranged at or in a side wall of a housing (112) of said tempering room (106) on one side.

13. Thermostat device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the intake channel (116) for taking in intake air and/or the exhaust channel (134) for discharging exhaust air are configured as ventilation towers (118, 136), wherein the respective ventilation tower (118, 136) is located on a floor and extends vertically upwards from the floor, in particular without flow diverters and/or support structures.

14. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that one of the ventilation towers (118, 136) or both of the ventilation towers (118, 136) each has at least one lateral access opening (148), in particular a flap, wherein a section (152) of the respective ventilation tower (118, 136) having the access opening (148) is reinforced by means of a reinforcing structure (150), in particular by means of an insertable or insertable reinforcing ring.

15. Tempering device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the tempering device (100) comprises a transport device (108) by means of which the work pieces (102) can be transported through the tempering chamber (106) in their transverse orientation.

16. Tempering device (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that in the exhaust means (132) and/or the circulating air means (130) of the tempering device (100) one or more air suction holes (145) are provided in a bottom area (146) of the tempering device (100), respectively.

17. Tempering device (100) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that intake air and/or circulated air can be supplied to the tempering room (106) in particular only through one or more pressure chambers (124) of the tempering device (100) arranged on only one side, in particular on the same side of the tempering room (106).

18. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a pressure chamber (124) is formed on each side of the temperature control chamber (106), through which pressure chamber the air can be introduced into the temperature control chamber (106), wherein the two pressure chambers (124) are fluidically interconnected by means of a connecting channel and/or a connecting chamber (158), wherein the connecting channel and/or the connecting chamber (158) is arranged within the housing (112) surrounding the temperature control chamber (106).

19. Temperature-control device (100) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that at least one partition wall (160) separating the temperature-control chamber (106) on the one hand and the pressure chamber(s) (124) on the other hand from one another is at least partially adapted to the contour of the workpiece (102) to be treated.

20. Temperature conditioning device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the temperature conditioning device (100) comprises a plurality of temperature conditioning device sections (140), wherein each temperature conditioning device section (140) corresponds to a holding position of the workpiece (102) in a stepwise transport operation of a transport device (108) of the temperature conditioning device (100).