CN115427748A

CN115427748A - Processing plant and processing method for processing workpieces

Info

Publication number: CN115427748A
Application number: CN202180019118.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赫伯特·舒尔策
Original assignee: Eisenman Ltd
Current assignee: Eisenman Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-04
Filing date: 2021-03-02
Publication date: 2022-12-02
Also published as: WO2021175851A1; DE102020105767A1; EP4115131A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing plant for processing workpieces (12), in particular drying workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies (14). The treatment facility (10) includes a treatment cabin (16) having a housing (18) and a treatment space (20) located in the housing (18). The processing plant (10) further comprises a transport system (34), by means of which the workpieces (12) can be transported along a transport path (S) and in a transport direction (R) into and/or through the processing space (20) such that a main axis (A) of the workpieces (12) _H ) At least one transverse conveying section along a conveying path (S)(S _Q ) Extending transversely to the conveying direction (R). Furthermore, a gas system (58) is present, by means of which a gas flow (64) can be generated in the process space (20) and which comprises a plurality of inlet openings (60) for the gas into the process space and a plurality of outlet openings (62) for the gas out of the process space (20). In the transverse conveying section (S) _Q ) Wherein the entry opening (60) and the exit opening (62) are located on the same side (66) of the workpiece (12) perpendicular to the conveying direction (R); and/or only in two adjacent spatial quadrants (68) of the processing space (20) extending parallel to the conveying direction (R), which are defined by a vertical plane (72), a horizontal plane (74) and a housing section (76 a) of the housing (18); and/or in a same spatial quadrant (70) of the processing space (20) which is defined by a first diagonal plane (86), a second diagonal plane (88) and a housing section (76 b) of the housing (18), wherein the first diagonal plane (86) and the second diagonal plane (88) run parallel to the conveying direction (R).

Description

Processing plant and processing method for processing workpieces

Background

1. Field of the invention

The invention relates to a treatment plant for treating workpieces, in particular drying workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies, having

a) A process pod having a housing and a process space located in the housing;

b) A conveying system, by means of which the workpieces can be conveyed along a conveying path and in a conveying direction into and/or through the processing space, such that a main axis of the workpieces extends transversely to the conveying direction along at least one transverse conveying section of the conveying path;

c) A gas system by means of which a gas flow can be generated in the process space and which comprises a plurality of inlet openings for letting in gas to the process space and a plurality of outlet openings for letting out gas from the process space.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a treatment method for treating workpieces, in particular drying workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies, in a treatment plant, comprising:

a) Conveying the workpiece along a conveying path and in a conveying direction into and/or through a processing space by means of a conveying system, wherein a main axis of the workpiece extends transversely to the conveying direction along at least one transverse conveying section of the conveying path;

b) A gas flow is generated in the process space by passing gas into the process space and passing gas out of the process space.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A processing facility of the above-mentioned type is generally a production line or a part of a processing line comprising a plurality of processing facilities in which processing different from one another, from semi-finished goods to finished goods, is respectively performed on workpieces. In this case, different processing facilities can be present at different locations, so that the intermediate products need to be transported between the locations. In such processing facilities, the workpieces are typically transported by means of a transport system to one or more processing pods, where the workpieces are then processed until they are finished or until they reach an intermediate product that can be transported further.

In this case, the workpieces are conveyed in intermittent or continuous conveying mode into the treatment spaces of the individual treatment chambers and/or, for example, in the case of continuous treatment chambers (e.g., continuous dryers), through the latter. Depending on the advantages to be achieved, the transport system can comprise transport carriages and/or pulling or pushing elements in the processing line, by means of which transport can be carried along transport paths which are preset mechanically by the transport system and/or preset by way of path markings. Ground vehicles, in particular, vehicles that can be free-running or rail-mounted, are known from the prior art. In the case of a free-running transport vehicle which has an environment sensor device and an on-board control device and can be moved in all directions, the transport path can also be preset by a central control device inside the installation and/or by the on-board control device, in addition to the transport path or the mentioned route marking.

Since the treatment of workpieces is often carried out in known treatment spaces, in which aggressive and unhealthy harmful atmospheres are generated, for example by machining steps, by applying coatings to the workpieces or by drying, the treatment cabin has a housing which is usually closed or closable in all directions, so that only a small proportion of the harmful atmosphere reaches the undesired regions, which are predominantly aerosol mixtures consisting of gases, liquids and/or particulate solids.

Furthermore, the treatment plants known from the prior art usually have a gas system for removing the harmful atmosphere from the treatment space, by means of which a gas flow can be generated in the treatment space. The gas system has a plurality of inlet openings for the entry of gases into the process space and a plurality of outlet openings for the exit thereof. In the present case, gas is also understood to be a gas mixture (i.e. for example air, etc.).

The mixture of harmful atmosphere and gas entering the process space after leaving the process space is usually supplied to a conditioning device, which can have a plurality of conditioning stages and by means of which the harmful atmosphere can be conditioned to a gas that can be resupplied to the process space, then referred to as "recycled air" in the case of air. By means of the regulating device, for example, aggressive and unhealthy components of the harmful atmosphere can be separated and the temperature and the proportion of aerosol and/or water in gaseous form can be regulated.

However, such gas systems can be used not only for the discharge of harmful atmospheres, but also, for example, for drying, in particular convection and/or radiation drying, of workpieces. In this design of the treatment plant, the gas flow, which is usually pre-regulated by the regulating device, then has a dual function: the gas flow also effects a temperature regulation of the workpiece, whereby a liquid located on the workpiece surface evaporates into the process space atmosphere or possibly initiates the cross-linking process. This causes the workpiece to dry.

If the treatment facility is kept short in the transport direction, it can be advantageous: the workpieces are conveyed into and/or through the processing space such that the main axis of each workpiece extends transversely to the conveying direction along at least one transverse conveying section of the conveying path. In this way, in particular in the case of workpieces whose length is longer than their width and whose main axis is therefore defined by the longitudinal axis, the same number of workpieces can be placed in the treatment space of the treatment chamber in the direction of transport over a shorter length than in the case of conventional workpiece transport in which the main axis extends always parallel to the direction of transport.

In the case of a workpiece having a length that is substantially the same as the width (i.e. it is initially unclear how the main axis extends through the workpiece), the main axis can be defined, for example, by an existing axis of symmetry. In the case of workpieces of this type, it is also advantageous if, for example, depending on the geometry of these workpieces, the main axis runs transversely to the conveying direction in the transverse conveying section.

In particular in the case of workpieces which, after completion, may have a possibly complex configuration of "front" and "rear" or "upper" and "lower" depending on the subsequent application (irrespective of whether the workpiece now has only one main axis or has a main axis constituted as a longitudinal axis), provision is made for: the workpieces are conveyed in the transverse conveying section with a main axis extending transversely to the conveying direction.

DE 10 2015 017 280 B3 describes a treatment plant for treating workpieces configured as vehicle bodies, in which an entry opening on one side and an exit opening on the other side are arranged on mutually opposite sides of a diagonal plane parallel to the conveying direction and extending diagonally through the treatment space.

Furthermore, a similar treatment plant is described in DE 10 2015 017 279 B3, in which an entry opening on one side and an exit opening on the other side are arranged on mutually opposite sides of the workpiece.

In these treatment plants known from the prior art, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are spatially remote, so that the components and means for gas supply and gas discharge respectively have to be arranged on different sides of the treatment cabin. These treatment plants are therefore of relatively complex design, which in turn leads in particular to relatively high operating costs, production costs and maintenance costs, and high costs during the initial construction of the treatment plants.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a processing plant for processing workpieces and a processing method for processing workpieces in a processing plant of the above-mentioned type, which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art described above.

In a processing plant of the above-mentioned type, this object is achieved in that:

the entry opening and the exit opening are arranged in the transverse conveying section as follows:

d) On the same side of the workpiece perpendicular to the conveying direction;

and/or

e) Only in two adjacent spatial quadrants of the processing space, which extend parallel to the conveying direction, which are defined by the vertical plane, the horizontal plane and the housing section of the housing;

and/or

f) In a same spatial quadrant of the processing space, which is defined by the first diagonal plane, the second diagonal plane and the housing section of the housing, the first diagonal plane and the second diagonal plane run parallel to the conveying direction.

According to the invention it has been realized that: such a "one-sided" arrangement in the cross-conveying section with the inlet and outlet openings can significantly reduce the overall costs compared to the treatment plants known from the prior art, since the treatment plants in particular require fewer components and, in addition, in a corresponding arrangement, a gas flow can be generated more energy-effectively in the treatment space.

A horizontal plane extends through the process space parallel to the conveying direction. Hereinafter, the term "horizontal" is used to mean a parallel extension with respect to a horizontal plane. The vertical plane extends perpendicular to the horizontal plane and parallel to the conveying direction. Accordingly, in the following, the term "vertical" is intended to mean a perpendicular extension with respect to a horizontal plane. The spatial quadrants formed by the two planes and the housing sections with which the housing intersects can have substantially the same volume and/or (in a simplified two-dimensional view of a cross-sectional view transverse to the conveying direction) the same area. However, the volumes or areas can also differ from each other. In the case of a possible partial path of the transverse conveying section, which has a curved course and in which the conveying takes place along the changing conveying direction, the vertical plane is then understood to be a vertical tangential plane which runs parallel to the changing conveying direction and runs tangentially along the curved course of the partial path. In the curved course of the conveying path, two adjacent spatial quadrants of the treatment space extending parallel to the conveying direction can be understood as: it follows a curved stretch.

In general, a diagonal plane is a plane which is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane and which extends currently parallel to the conveying direction. In particular, the diagonal planes run opposite to one another from the upper inner edge of the housing to the lower inner edge of the housing opposite the upper inner edge transversely to the conveying direction. Independently of the exact shape of the housing and the part of the delivery system or of the gas system which is arranged at the housing and projects at least into the process space, the upper and lower inner edges are determined in the following manner: that is, a geometric processing space auxiliary cube that completely surrounds the processing space is formed along the inner surface of the casing, and the processing space auxiliary cube contacts the inner surface of the casing in a planar return manner. The upper and lower inner edges of the housing then correspond to the upper and lower inner edges of the geometric process space auxiliary cube. In the case of possible partial paths of the transverse conveying section, a diagonal plane can be understood as a diagonal tangential plane which runs parallel to the changing conveying direction and tangentially runs along a curved path, wherein the partial paths have a curved path run and in which the conveying takes place in the changing conveying direction.

In particular, in order to generate a gas flow in the process space which covers the workpieces well, the horizontal plane and the vertical plane can preferably each extend through a center point of the geometric workpiece auxiliary cube, wherein two opposite sides extend perpendicular to the conveying direction, and wherein each side respectively contacts the outermost point of the workpieces in a tangential manner. The auxiliary square body of the workpiece is a square body which surrounds the workpiece. This arrangement of the inlet opening and the outlet opening is particularly well adapted to the workpiece. Alternatively, instead of the auxiliary workpiece cube, a circumscribed sphere or a circumscribed ellipsoid can also be provided, which surrounds the workpiece in a representative manner and thus makes it possible to describe the workpiece geometry in a simplified manner. This is discussed further below.

In order to distribute the gas effectively in the process space, the gas system preferably has a distribution device with which the gas can be distributed along and/or transversely to the conveying line into a plurality of specific regions of the process space. Currently, such specific areas are understood to be the following areas: the majority of the gas entering the process space enters this region, and in this region the gas distributed there performs an important technical function on the workpiece. The technical function of the gas can be, for example: entrainment of process space atmosphere rich in water vapor, solvent and/or process gas; such as treatment of the workpiece by an application or release layer or the like.

The distribution device preferably has at least one gas channel arranged in the process space, through which a gas flow can be guided before entering into the process space. By means of gas channels, it is possible, for example: the gas flow is guided before entering the process space into a region which is particularly advantageous for the gas flow to be generated in the process space and/or for the workpiece treatment. Special geometries of the process space and/or of the housing, in particular of the process tunnel, etc., can also be taken into account for such gas channels.

Furthermore, it is advantageous: the distribution device has at least one distribution section, at which at least some of the inlet openings of the gas system are formed, which extends parallel to one of the diagonal planes, in particular in the same diagonal plane, or is in contact therewith. For example, the distribution section can be formed as a wall of the gas channel which is directed toward the process space. Since the distribution section runs parallel to one of the diagonal planes, the gas flow can be better adapted to the workpiece contour than the horizontal or vertical run of the distribution section.

It is advantageous in respect of the effective flow of gas through the process space: there is a flow deflection system with at least one flow deflection device, which is arranged such that it deflects at least one sub-gas flow in the process space. By means of a corresponding arrangement of the flow deflection means, the sub-gas flows can be deflected, for example, in the direction of a specific processing region of the workpiece. In addition, the partial gas flow can additionally or alternatively be deflected in the direction away from the opening, as a result of which the gas exchange capacity of the gas system as a whole can be improved, i.e. in particular gases possibly enriched with water vapor, solvents and/or process gases can be removed relatively quickly from the process space.

To this end, the flow deflecting means can advantageously comprise one or more passive flow-guiding elements and/or one or more ventilation devices, in particular one or more fans.

In particular for a continuous transport run, and then in particular for a transport run in which the workpieces are transported through the process space at a substantially constant speed, it is particularly advantageous: the position and/or orientation of the flow deflection device, in particular of the one or more flow guiding elements and/or of the one or more ventilation devices, and/or the flow deflection direction predetermined by the flow guiding elements, can be adapted to the position and/or orientation and/or geometry of the respective workpiece along the transport path. Currently, position is understood as the basic position in space, while orientation is understood as the inclination or orientation with respect to a horizontal and/or vertical plane.

In order to be able to determine the respective position of a workpiece, in particular having a particularly complex configuration, precisely in space, it is advantageous: the position of each workpiece along the conveying path corresponds to the position of the center point of the corresponding workpiece auxiliary square body. In particular, therefore, costly sensor devices, for example for detecting particularly complex workpiece sections, for which a specific learning algorithm may be required, can be dispensed with. The processing facility thereby also reduces the overall costs during operation and in manufacturing. Since the exact geometry of the workpiece and the exact dimensions of the workpiece are generally known from the 3D model created before the manufacturing and thus also before the processing of the workpiece, the center point M of the auxiliary cube of the workpiece is sufficient to determine the position of the workpiece. From the centre point M, the actual dimensions of the workpiece at the positions along the transport path can then be deduced with reference to a 3D model, which 3D model is generated manually, calculated, measured or created by a combination of these methods. In particular, for processes during workpiece processing which must be spatially coordinated, it is advantageous to determine the workpiece position in this way.

In order to determine the outermost point of the workpiece as described above, there is preferably at least one first recognition device oriented perpendicular to the horizontal plane and a second recognition device oriented parallel to the horizontal plane and along the vertical plane, wherein the recognition devices are in particular imaging devices, in particular cameras having imaging optics and photodetectors, for example CCD or CMOS sensors. In the case of the identification device being designed as an imaging device, the imaging device preferably has, in order to be able to image a relatively large region of the process space, in each case an imaging optics which preferably has an image angle of between 70 ° and 85 °, between 80 ° and 95 °, between 90 ° and 105 ° or more preferably an image angle in the range of more than 105 °.

According to another aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a processing method for processing workpieces in a processing facility, wherein gas enters into and exits from a processing space in the following manner:

c) On the same side of the workpiece perpendicular to the conveying direction;

and/or

D) Only in two adjacent spatial quadrants of the processing space, which extend parallel to the conveying direction, which are defined by the vertical plane, the horizontal plane and the housing section of the housing;

and/or

E) In a same spatial quadrant of the processing space, which is defined by the first diagonal plane, the second diagonal plane and the housing section of the housing, the first diagonal plane and the second diagonal plane run parallel to the conveying direction.

Preferably, in the treatment method, the treatment facility is a treatment facility having one, more or all of the features described above for the treatment facility.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In these drawings:

fig. 1 to 5 show cross-sections of different embodiments of a treatment plant according to the invention, in which different arrangements of the inlet and outlet openings in the treatment cabin and possibly different flow deflection means are shown, respectively;

FIGS. 6-8 show longitudinal sections of the embodiment of FIG. 5 along section lines A-A, B-B and C-C showing flow areas along the conveying path where different gas flows are generated;

fig. 9 to 11 show perspective views of the treatment installation, wherein spatial sections with respect to the housing of the treatment cabin and spatial quadrants with respect to the workpiece and the workpiece side are shown in a perspective manner;

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the processing facility showing the lateral transport sections and associated transport systems in the processing bays;

fig. 13 and 14 show two perspective views of two embodiments of transport carriages, each carrying a workpiece.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 12 schematically show a treatment plant for treating workpieces 12, which is designated as a whole by 10. The workpiece 12 is shown as an example as a vehicle body 14. In the following, however, only the workpiece 12 will be mentioned in relation to the vehicle body.

Currently, the treatment facility 10 includes a treatment chamber 16 having a housing 18 with a treatment space 20 located in the housing 18. In the treatment cabin 16, treatment steps can be performed, such as a coating step, a drying step or a machining step. Although in all embodiments, the treatment cabin 16 is shown as a drying chamber 22 by way of example only; however, this is the preferred embodiment. Hereinafter, however, reference will be made primarily to the process compartment 16 in relation to the drying chamber 22; general description with respect to the treatment chamber 16 applies equally to the drying chamber 22 unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Drying chamber 22 is generally understood to be any type of processing chamber 16 in which the work pieces 12 can be dried, for example by convection and/or by radiation. In the case of convection drying, mainly heated gas is supplied to the workpieces 12 to be dried, respectively, by means of which the workpieces 12 are heated. As described above, due to the heating of the workpiece 12, the liquid component in the surface layer newly applied to the workpiece 12 is evaporated into the drying chamber atmosphere of the drying chamber 22. The gas flow generated by the gas supply can entrain these constituents of the surface layer which are present in the atmosphere of the drying chamber in aerosol and/or in gaseous form and lead them out of the drying chamber 22.

In principle, radiation drying follows a similar principle to convection drying, with the difference that: the workpiece 12 is not heated by the heated gas flow, but by thermal radiation generated by one or more thermal radiators. Here, too, it is necessary: the drying chamber atmosphere is conducted out of the drying chamber 22 and conditioned, e.g. dehumidified, in a subsequent step, if present. In this subsequent dehumidification step of the drying chamber atmosphere, known dehumidification methods can be used, i.e. for example adsorption dehumidification, peltier dehumidification and/or condensation dehumidification.

The invention will be explained in general terms below by way of an example of a treatment cabin 16, in which the treatment space 20 is designed as a treatment tunnel 24 and, in the case of the drying chamber 22, as a drying tunnel 26. The casing 18 of the processing bay 16 comprises two tunnel walls in the form of side walls 28 and two further tunnel walls in the form of a ceiling 30 and a floor 32.

The work piece 12 is conveyed along the conveying path S and in the conveying direction R by the conveying system 34. In fig. 1 to 5, the conveying direction R is directed out of the plane of the drawing. The workpieces 12 are now transported through the processing space 20 (i.e., here through the processing tunnel 24 of the processing pod 16) and are also transported outside the processing pod 16, for example to another processing pod 16.

In all of the present embodiments, the workpieces 12 are conveyed through the processing pods 16 in a continuous manner. Correspondingly, the treatment chamber has an inlet 36 and an outlet 38 (shown only in fig. 12) at the end faces. The inlet 36 and the outlet 38 can be configured as shutters, which are known per se. However, the treatment cabin 16 can also be designed as a batch treatment system and can have only a single inlet, which also serves as an outlet, i.e. via which the workpieces are conveyed into the treatment space 20 and, after the respective treatment step, are also conveyed out of the treatment space again. The single inlet can also be designed as a sluice.

Currently, the conveying system 34 comprises a plurality of transport carriages 40, which can be designed, for example, as rail-mounted transport carriages 42 (as shown in fig. 12 and 13) or as free-running transport carriages 44 (as shown in fig. 14). In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 11, the transport carriage 40 is embodied as a passive skid 46 which can be moved by means of a roller track, a chain conveyor or a slat conveyor, which are only shown in the figures and are not provided with reference numerals. A relatively simple design of the transport carriage 40 is also possible, for example as a transmission element or a pushing element, respectively, which is attached directly at the workpiece 12 to be transported.

As can be seen from fig. 12 and 13, the rail-mounted transport carriages 42 each roll on a conveying rail 48. In contrast, the free-running carriage 44 is a ground carriage and rolls on a running floor, which is not provided with reference numerals. To the person skilled in the art, the term "driverless transport system" (FTS) is known as a transport system with a free-running transport carriage, which transport system is characterized in that: the free-running transport vehicles 44, as "driverless transport vehicles" (FTS)), may be driven and steered autonomously with on-board controls and/or with superordinate central controls, independently of one another. For the sake of simplicity, the onboard control device and the superordinate central control device are not currently shown.

The transport carriages 40 shown in the figures each comprise at least one fastening device 50, at which the workpieces 12 can be fastened and transported through the treatment space 20 of the treatment cabin 16. In the case of a transport carriage 40 designed as a skid 46, the carrier device 52 couples the fastening device 50 to a roller track, a chain conveyor or a slat conveyor. In the case of rail vehicles 42 or free-running vehicles 44, the connecting device 54 couples the fastening device 50 to the chassis 56 of the

vehicle

42, 44.

The workpieces 12 are now conveyed along a conveying path S in a conveying direction R through the processing space 20, such that the main axis a of each workpiece 12 _H Transverse conveying section S along conveying path S _Q Transversely to the conveying direction R, the main axis is currently formed as a longitudinal axisA wire. The work 12 being in the transverse conveying section S _Q This orientation transversely to the conveying direction R leads on the one hand to: these workpieces are more easily accessible to one or more process steps to be carried out in the process space 20 and, on the other hand, give rise to: and the main axis A _H More workpieces 12 can be conveyed simultaneously through the process space 20 than workpieces oriented parallel to the conveying direction R.

In the possibly present curved section of the conveying path S, the main axis a of the workpiece 12 _H Also with varying conveying direction R _V A transition in which the conveying direction R changes and which always runs tangentially to the conveying path S, and thus, so to speak, along the curved section. However, in this connection it is equally feasible: the orientation of the vehicles 40 entering the bend remains substantially unchanged before and after the vehicles exit the bend. In this embodiment, the main axis a of the transport carriage 40 _H Is then only adapted to the changed transport direction R after the transport carriage has been driven off the curved section.

The processing facility 10 has a gas system 58 designed to generate a gas stream 64 in the processing space 20, the gas stream having a plurality of sub-gas streams 64.1, 64.2, 64.3, only three of which are provided with reference numerals. The gas system 58 has a plurality of inlet openings 60 for the entry of gases into the process space 20 and a plurality of outlet openings 62 for the exit of gases from the process space 20.

As shown in fig. 1 and more visually in space in fig. 10, the treatment space 20 can be geometrically divided into spatial quadrants 68 which extend parallel to the conveying direction R and are denoted clockwise from the top left by reference numerals 68.1, 68.2, 68.3 and 68.4, viewed counter to the conveying direction R. The spatial quadrants 68 are each formed by a vertical plane 72, a horizontal plane 74 and a housing section 76a of the housing 18 of the processing compartment 16 associated with the respective spatial quadrant 68.

As fig. 2 and 9 show, the treatment space can also be geometrically divided into four space sections 70, which are designated by reference numerals 70.1, 70.2, 70.3 and 70.4, starting from above clockwise when viewed counter to the conveying direction R. The space sections 70 are defined by a first diagonal plane 86, a second diagonal plane 88, and the further housing section 76b associated with the respective space section 70, respectively. The two

diagonal planes

86 and 88 run parallel to the conveying direction R.

It can be seen from fig. 1 to 5 and 9 to 11 that: in all the illustrated embodiments, the entry opening 60 and the exit opening 62 are arranged on the same side 66 of the workpiece 12 and are arranged only in two adjacent space quadrants 68 of the process space 20 (i.e. are currently arranged in the space quadrants 68.1 and 68.2) and additionally in the same space section 70 of the process space 20 (i.e. are currently arranged in the space section 70.1). But it is also possible that: the entry opening 60 and the exit opening 62 are also formed according to only a single option or different combinations of these options, i.e. one side and/or two spatial quadrants and/or one spatial segment.

For example, the inlet and

outlet openings

60, 62 can be arranged only in the space quadrants 68.1 and 68.4 and possibly in the space section 70.4, only in the space quadrants 68.2 and 68.3 and possibly in the space section 70.2, or only in the space quadrants 68.3 and 68.4 and possibly in the space section 70.3.

For the sake of simplicity, only a single workpiece 12 is mentioned in the following description of the arrangement of the inlet opening 60 and the outlet opening 62. However, it should be clear that a plurality of workpieces 12 are also shown throughout and that the transport system 34 is normally in a transport operation.

In order to be able to position the vertical plane 72 and the horizontal plane 74 precisely in the process space 20, a geometric workpiece auxiliary cube 78 is formed around the workpiece 12 as a reference frame. The two opposite sides 80 of the auxiliary workpiece cube 78 extend perpendicularly to the conveying direction R and thus in the transverse conveying section S _Q Respectively, parallel to the main axis a of the workpiece 12 _H The stretch is in turn also vertical at the present time. The other four sides of the workpiece auxiliary square 78 are not provided with reference numerals themselves. Each side of the auxiliary workpiece cube 78 tangentially contacts an outermost point 82 of the workpiece 12. In the alternative described above, if the width and length of the workpiece 12 are substantially equalSimilarly, the workpiece 12 can accordingly be approximately represented by a circumscribing sphere (not shown), or if the width and length of the workpiece 12 differ from one another, the workpiece 12 can accordingly be approximately represented by a circumscribing ellipsoid 84. The circumscribed ellipsoid 84 is shown in cross-section in fig. 1.

The

planes

72, 74 each extend through the center point M of the workpiece assist cube 78. The spatial quadrants 68 therefore do not have to depend solely on the geometry of the process space 20, since the reference points for constituting these spatial quadrants can accordingly be the workpiece 12 itself. This is therefore particularly advantageous, since the position and/or orientation of the entry opening 60 and the exit opening 62 can thus be adapted more precisely to the dimensions of the workpiece 12.

Unlike the spatial quadrant 68 which can currently be defined relative to the workpiece 12, the spatial section 70 formed by the

diagonal planes

86, 88 together with the housing 18 is defined relative to the housing 18. The

diagonal planes

86, 88 therefore run in this case in each case from an upper inner edge 90 of the housing 18 to an opposite lower inner edge 92 of the housing 18. Although it is advantageous for the inlet opening 60 and the outlet opening 62 to be arranged in relation to the workpiece in two adjacent spatial quadrants 68, advantages can also arise if they are arranged in the same spatial section 70 in relation to the housing. That is, it can also be desirable to: there is a substantially constant reference point for the arrangement of the

openings

60, 62. This enables the planning and construction of the treatment plant 10 to be relatively simplified, with consequent reduction in the costs for this.

Now explained in more detail with reference to fig. 3 and 11: in all the present exemplary embodiments, the inlet opening 60 and the outlet opening 62 are arranged on the same side 66 of the workpiece 12 perpendicular to the conveying direction R. In the present case, the side 66 of the workpiece 12 is a subspace region of the process space 20 which adjoins the sections of the surface of the workpiece 12 viewed from the respective viewing direction, i.e. "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top" and "bottom". The viewing direction is defined with respect to the transport direction R and/or subsequent application of the workpieces 12.

As also shown in fig. 3 and 11: in order to approximately determine the workpiece side 66, the geometric workpiece auxiliary cube 78 can be constructed in a manner similar to the already described spatial quadrant 68, but in particular. The side 66 of the workpiece 12 is then a subspace region which is enclosed by the vertical plane 72 or the horizontal plane 74 applied at the respective side 80 of the workpiece auxiliary cube 78 and the housing section 76 which is intersected by the

respective plane

72, 74. If the subspace region outside the workpiece support cube 78 describes the side 66 of the workpiece 12 and the entry opening 60 and the exit opening 62 are provided there, respectively, it is ensured that: when the workpiece 12 is not moving in the process tunnel 24, no member will collide with the workpiece 12.

As shown in fig. 3, an overlap region 94 is created by applying the

planes

72, 74. In a cross section transverse to the conveying direction R and in the case of a substantially rectangular basic shape of the process space 20, as is the case in the present case, the overlap region 94 is arranged in a space corner 96 of the process space 20. However, in the case where the basic shape of the processing space 20 is different from this, the overlap region 94 is provided in any case in the outer region of the processing space 20.

The overlap areas 94 are associated with the sides 66 of the workpiece 12, respectively. Thus, the overlap region 94 on the upper left of the drawing plane is associated with, for example, the left side 66 in the drawing plane (currently starting "in front of" the workpiece 12 ") and also with the upper side 66 in the drawing plane (currently starting" above "the workpiece 12). Similarly, this applies correspondingly to the remaining overlap region 94. If the inlet opening 60 or the outlet opening 62 is thus arranged in this region, it is arranged for holding in this example before the workpiece 12 and above the workpiece 12. In two adjacent overlapping regions 94, i.e. for example in two overlapping regions 94 above or to the left with respect to the plane of drawing, the common characteristic always plays a decisive role in defining whether the

openings

60, 62 are located on the same side 66 of the workpiece 12. The two upper overlap regions 94 are therefore considered to be disposed only above the workpiece 12, with the two upper overlap regions being located above and before or after the workpiece 12.

As shown in fig. 1 to 8, in all the illustrated embodiments of the processing plant 10, the gas system 58 has a distribution device 98 with which the gas can be distributed into a plurality of specific regions of the processing space 10 along and transversely to the conveying path S. The gas flow 64 can be guided outside the housing 18 and the process space 20 in a gas duct provided for this purpose, for example, and can be guided into the process space 20 at a corresponding point through the housing 18.

In the present embodiment, the distribution device 98 has a gas passage 100 disposed in the process space 20 through which the gas flow 64 can be directed before entering the process space 20. In the case of the process space 16 being designed as a drying chamber 22, the gas flow 64 can therefore be passively heated, for example by the drying chamber atmosphere, before entering the process space 20, whereby the temperature prevailing in the process space 20 is used energy-efficiently. The gas channel 100 extends along and transversely to the conveying path S in the present case, but in an embodiment that is not specifically shown it can also extend only along or only transversely to this conveying path.

In the embodiment of the treatment plant 10 shown in fig. 1, 2 and 5, the distribution device 98 has a plurality of distribution sections 102 extending parallel to one of the

diagonal planes

86, 88. Thereby, the gas flow 64 can be well adapted to the contour of the workpiece 12.

The exemplary embodiment of the treatment plant 10 shown in fig. 2 to 5 has a flow deflection system 104 with a plurality of flow deflection devices 106 which are arranged such that they deflect at least one partial gas flow 64.1, 64.2, 64.3 of the gas flow 64 in the treatment space 20 in each case.

In the embodiment according to fig. 2, the flow deflection means 106 comprise ventilation means 108, which are here embodied as fans 110. The fan 110 itself generates a fan gas flow, not specifically shown, in the process space 20 and actively deflects the atmosphere in the process space 20 into a main flow direction preset by the fan gas flow. In the present exemplary embodiment, the flow is deflected in this way onto the workpiece 12, as a result of which the latter can be acted upon in a targeted manner. In particular, the gas flow 64 can be deflected such that it acts on the inner surface of the workpiece 12, which is not provided with reference numerals, i.e. on the inner surface of a section of relatively large mass, for example of the workpiece 12, which section requires a considerable amount of time for cooling and correspondingly drying. Such a section of high mass is, for example, a rocker 111 in the case of a body 14.

By providing a plurality of such fans 110, which may be the case, for example, in embodiments that are not specifically shown, the gas flow 64 can be deflected stepwise away from the opening 62 in a possibly simple manner.

In the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 3 to 5, the flow deflection device 106 comprises a plurality of flow guiding elements 112, which are embodied here as baffles 114. The baffles are fastened at the side walls 28 of the housing 18 by means of fastening mechanisms 116 such that the baffles 114 passively provide flow resistance to the sub-gas streams 64.1, 64.2, 64.3 impinging thereon. The partial gas flows are thereby deflected substantially into the deflection direction predetermined by the deflector 114. In this manner, the gas flow 64 can also effectively act on the workpiece 12. Furthermore, as already detailed for the fan 110 and also as shown in fig. 2 to 5, the gas flow 64 may likewise be deflected stepwise in the direction away from the opening 62.

The housing 18 can also be used for the targeted deflection of the gas stream 64 or the partial gas streams 64.1, 64.2, 64.3. This is illustrated, for example, in fig. 5, in which the housing 18 of the illustrated embodiment of the treatment plant 10 performs this function in the lower left corner with respect to the drawing plane and can be understood here as part of the flow deflection device 106.

In a not shown embodiment of the processing plant 10, the flow deflection device 106 can be movable such that its position and orientation and the flow deflection direction preset by the flow guiding element 112 can be adapted to the position, orientation and geometry of the workpiece 12. Such an embodiment is particularly flexible with respect to possible variable guidance of the transport path S, various processing steps which require moving the workpiece 12, and different geometries of the workpiece 12.

In such a not illustrated embodiment, particular advantages arise in terms of control engineering if the position of each workpiece 12 corresponds to the position of the center point M of the respective workpiece support cube 78. Since 3D models are generally known and can be stored on data carriers, if the main axis A of the workpiece 12 is known _H In which orientation the center point M of the workpiece assist cube 78 is known sufficiently to enable determination of the position and physical dimensions of the workpiece 12. From the center point M, the actual dimensions of the workpiece 12 at each position along the conveying path S can then be inferred with reference to a 3D model, the 3D model being manually generated, automatically calculated, measured, or created by a combination of these methods. For example, the workpiece auxiliary cube 78 can be created in a simple manner by detecting the outer edge of the workpiece 12 by means of a detection device arranged in the processing space 20, which can be designed in particular as an imaging device with a photodetector. For this purpose, it suffices that: identifying one of the outermost edges of the workpiece 12 facing the corresponding side 66 of the workpiece 12, respectively; in the case of the workpiece assistant cube 78, this corresponds to six edges to be identified for the workpiece 12.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show longitudinal sections of the treatment facility 10 along section lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 5. As can be seen from fig. 7, the treatment space 20 has a plurality of flow sections 118 along the conveying path S, in which flow sections mutually different gas flows 64 are generated in an alternating manner. This results in an improved flow through the entire treatment space 20 compared to a continuous, substantially uniform gas flow 64 along the conveying section S.

At this time, as can be seen from fig. 12: the conveying system 34 is designed there, for example, as a conveying system 34 with a plurality of rail-mounted transport carriages 42. To at the transverse conveying part S _Q The workpiece 12 is conveyed transversely, and in addition to the first conveying rail 48, there is a second conveying rail 120 extending parallel to the first conveying rail 48 along the conveying path S.

Each workpiece 12 is transported along the transport path S and in the transport direction R by means of two rail-mounted transport carriages 42. In the vicinity of the entrance 36 of the processing compartment 16, a switch device 122 is present, by means of which one of the two rail vehicles 42 transporting the workpieces 12 can be transferred onto the second transport rail 120. For this purpose, the second conveyor track 120 has a bend 124, which is connected to the switch device 122. After the bend section 124, the second conveying track 120 runs in a straight section 126 parallel to the first conveying track.

In order to achieve a lateral adjustment of each workpiece 12 along the lateral conveying section 12, i.e. to achieve the main axis A _H Transversely to the conveying direction R, the connecting device 54 of the rail-mounted carriage 42 has a rotatable connection (not shown) for the fastening device 50, wherein the connection can be locked when the work piece 12 assumes a specific orientation, for example, a longitudinal conveying orientation or a transverse conveying orientation.

Due to the rotatable connection, a rotation of the workpiece 12 transversely to the conveying direction R can be caused solely by: i.e. the rail vehicle 42 advancing in the conveying direction R is moved via the curved section 124 of the second conveying track 120 on a straight section 126 running parallel to the first conveying track 48. In other words, the major axis A of the workpiece 12 _H Always runs parallel to a geometric straight line 130 which runs through the fastening points 128 of the fastening devices 50 of the two rail vehicles 42.

Likewise, a curved portion 124 of the second conveyor track 120 and a switch device 122 are present near the outlet 38 of the treatment cabin, so that the two rail vehicles 42 can be moved back onto the first conveyor track 48 there. While traversing the curved section 124, the workpiece 12 is rotated such that its main axis A _H After the passage, the latter again runs parallel to the transport direction R.

In the transverse conveying section S _Q In an embodiment of the treatment plant 10 which is not shown in detail, curved sections 124 of the conveyor tracks 48, 120 running parallel to one another are also provided. In this curved section 124 of the conveying path S, the main axis a is then _H Always perpendicular to the direction of travel R _V Which in turn extends all the way tangentially to the conveying path S.

Claims

1. A treatment plant for treating workpieces (12), in particular drying workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies (14), has

a) A process pod (16) having a housing (18) and a process space (20) located in the housing (18);

b) A conveying system (34) by means of whichConveying the workpiece (12) along a conveying path (S) and in a conveying direction (R) into and/or through the processing space (20) such that a main axis (A) of the workpiece (12) _H ) At least one transverse conveying section (S) along the conveying path (S) _Q ) Extending transversely to said conveying direction (R);

c) A gas system (58) by means of which a gas flow (64) can be generated in the process space (20) and which comprises a plurality of inlet openings (60) for the entry of gas into the process space and a plurality of outlet openings (62) for the exit of gas from the process space (20);

characterized in that the entry opening (60) and the exit opening (62) are in a transverse conveying section (S) _Q ) The following settings are set:

d) On the same side (66) of the workpiece (12) perpendicular to the conveying direction (R);

and/or

e) Only in two adjacent spatial quadrants (68) of the processing space (20) extending parallel to the conveying direction (R), which are defined by a vertical plane (72), a horizontal plane (74) and a housing section (76 a) of the housing (18);

and/or

f) In a same spatial quadrant (70) of the processing space (20) which is defined by a first diagonal plane (86), a second diagonal plane (88) and a housing section (76 b) of the housing (18), wherein the first diagonal plane (86) and the second diagonal plane (88) run parallel to the conveying direction (R).

2. A processing chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal plane (74) and the vertical plane (72) each extend through a center point (M) of a geometric workpiece auxiliary cube (78), wherein two opposite side faces (80) extend perpendicularly to the conveying direction (R), and wherein each side face (80) contacts the outermost point (82) of a workpiece (12) in a tangential manner.

3. The processing plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas system (58) has a distribution device (98) with which gas can be distributed into specific regions of the process space (20) along and/or transversely to the transport route (S).

4. The processing plant according to claim 3, wherein the distribution device (98) has at least one gas channel (100) provided in the process space (20) through which the gas flow (64) can be guided before entering into the process space (20).

5. The processing plant according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the distribution device (98) has at least one distribution section (102) at which at least some of the inlet openings (60) of the gas system (58) are formed, which extends parallel to one of the diagonal planes (86, 88), in particular in or touches the same diagonal plane.

6. The processing plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a stream deflection system (104) with at least one stream deflection device (106) which is arranged such that it deflects at least one sub-gas stream (64) in the processing space (20).

7. The processing plant according to claim 6, wherein the flow deflection device (106) comprises

a) One or more passive flow-directing elements (112); and/or

b) One or more ventilation devices (108).

8. The processing plant according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the position and/or orientation of the flow deflection device (106), in particular of the one or more flow guiding elements (112) and/or the one or more ventilation devices (108), and/or the flow deflection direction preset by the flow guiding elements (112) can be adapted to the position and/or orientation and/or geometry of the individual workpieces (12) along the transport path (S).

9. The processing plant according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the position of each workpiece (12) along the transport path (S) corresponds to the position of the centre point (M) of the respective workpiece auxiliary cube (78).

10. A treatment method for treating workpieces (12), in particular drying workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies (14), in a treatment plant (10), wherein the method comprises the following steps:

a) Conveying the workpieces (12) along a conveying path (S) and in a conveying direction (R) into and/or through a treatment space (20) by means of a conveying system (34), wherein a main axis (A) of the workpieces (12) _H ) At least one transverse conveying section (S) along the conveying path (S) _Q ) Extending transversely to said conveying direction (R);

b) Generating a gas flow (64) in the process space (20) by letting gas into the process space (20) and letting gas out from the process space (20),

characterized in that gas enters into and exits from the process space (20) as follows:

c) On the same side (66) of the workpiece (12) perpendicular to the conveying direction (R);

and/or

D) Only in two adjacent spatial quadrants (68) of the processing space (20) extending parallel to the conveying direction (R), which are defined by a vertical plane (72), a horizontal plane (74) and a housing section (76 a) of the housing (18);

and/or

E) In a same spatial quadrant (70) of the processing space (20), which is defined by a first diagonal plane (86), a second diagonal plane (88) and a housing section (76 b) of the housing (18), wherein the first diagonal plane (86) and the second diagonal plane (88) run parallel to the conveying direction (R).

11. The treatment method according to claim 10, wherein the treatment facility (10) is a treatment facility according to one of claims 1 to 9.