DE102019110552A1 - Immersion treatment system and immersion treatment process for the electrophoretic treatment of a workpiece - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an immersion treatment system for the electrophoretic treatment of a workpiece (12), in particular for the electrophoretic treatment of a vehicle body (12 '), with at least one immersion basin (14) which can be filled with a treatment liquid (16) into which a workpiece to be treated ( 12) can be fully or partially immersed. The immersion treatment system (10) also has a workpiece transport system (18) which can move the workpiece (12) to be treated relative to the immersion basin (14). Furthermore, there is an electrode transport system (36) by means of which at least one electrode arrangement (38) is completely or partially immersed in the treatment liquid (16) during the treatment of the workpiece (12) to be treated and independently of any one carried by the workpiece transport system ( 18) generated movement of the workpiece (12) can be moved.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of invention

The invention relates to an immersion treatment system and an immersion treatment method for the electrophoretic treatment of a workpiece, in particular a vehicle body.

Description of the prior art

In the series production of workpieces, in particular of metallic workpieces with complex shapes, for example in the series production of vehicle bodies, parts thereof or vehicle wheels, it is generally known to place the workpieces in one or more immersion tanks filled with treatment liquid in order to apply a coating, for example for corrosion protection fully or partially immersed.

In order to improve the adhesion of the coating formed by the mostly aqueous treatment liquid, to increase the thickness of the coating and / or to influence the structure of the coating, depending on the coating process, an electrical direct voltage field can also be used between the workpiece, which then functions as an electrode, and at least a counter electrode are formed. In most of the treatment methods of this type that are used today, the workpiece is switched off as the cathode, i.e. as the negative pole, and the counter electrode as the anode, i.e. as the positive pole. However, reversed polarity is also possible and the present invention can be applied to both polarities.

The electrical direct voltage field causes ionized particles contained in the treatment liquid, usually the binding agent of a paint, to migrate through the electrical direct voltage field along the electromagnetic field lines onto the surface of the workpiece - a process called electrophoresis.

Particularly in the case of large numbers of items and short cycle times, it is advantageous if the workpieces in the electrophoretic immersion treatment are transported over a certain transport path through the immersion basin filled with the treatment liquid. In order to maintain the electrical field strength over the length of the transport route, a plurality of counter electrodes arranged in or on the immersion pool are often used. Each of these counter-electrodes forms an electrical direct voltage field with the workpiece. It can thus be ensured that the density of the electromagnetic field lines is essentially homogeneous over the transport path through the treatment liquid.

However, it has been found that areas on the workpiece surface that are difficult to access, for example surfaces in cavities or the like, can often only be treated inadequately despite the good grip of the electrophoretic immersion treatment.

Solutions for this problem are known from the prior art, which increase the strength of the electrical direct voltage field especially around the critical points on the workpiece surface or generate a directed flow of the treatment liquid onto the critical points on the workpiece surface.

Examples are to be mentioned here DE 10 2015 122 467 , in which an anode is passively carried along by a workpiece transport carriage that conveys the workpiece through the plunge pool, and DE 10 2017 107 389 , in which means for generating a locally directed flow of the treatment liquid onto the workpiece surface are carried along by a workpiece transport carriage.

A disadvantage of these solutions known from the prior art, however, is that the workpiece transport carriages are each fixed for a workpiece type, for example a specific body type. In addition, maintenance of the relevant components always requires the short-term shutdown of production operations or the decoupling of the workpiece transport trolley concerned from the running production line.

It has also been found that some of the previous solutions cannot meet the high quality requirements for the coating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved immersion treatment system which, in particular, counteracts the disadvantages of the prior art explained above and which can be used more flexibly. The immersion treatment system preferably enables more flexible maintenance and a further improvement in the quality of treatment at the critical points on the workpieces.

According to the invention, the objects are achieved by an immersion treatment system for the electrophoretic treatment of a workpiece, in particular a vehicle body. The immersion treatment system has at least one immersion basin, which with a Treatment liquid can be filled and in which a workpiece to be treated can be completely or partially immersed. Furthermore, the immersion treatment system has a workpiece transport system which can move the workpiece to be treated relative to the immersion basin. In addition, there is an electrode transport system by means of which at least one electrode arrangement can be completely or partially immersed in the treatment liquid during the treatment of the workpiece to be treated and can be moved independently of a movement of the workpiece generated by the workpiece transport system.

The inventors have recognized that in such an immersion treatment system, which comprises an electrode transport system that is additional to the workpiece transport system, it is possible to use the electrode arrangement transported by the electrode transport system in a particularly flexible manner. In particular, the electrode arrangement can be serviced or reconfigured without having to decouple a workpiece transport trolley or, in the worst case, having to shut down the entire production for a short time. Likewise, because the electrode arrangement can be moved independently of a movement of the workpiece transport carriage, it can be adapted more flexibly to the respective workpieces, including during treatment, and thus contribute to improving the quality of treatment.

For example, for production processes in which workpieces are to be treated in series production with large numbers and a short cycle sequence, it is advantageous if the workpiece transport system is set up to carry the workpiece to be treated along a transport direction and over a defined transport route through the plunge pool to transport. The electrode transport system can particularly advantageously be set up to carry the electrode arrangement along at least over a section of the transport path of the workpiece with the workpiece to be treated through the immersion tank, in particular at the same speed as the workpiece. With an electrode arrangement carried along in this way over a section of the transport path of the workpiece, it is possible to carry along the electrical field that is formed in relation to the workpiece in an essentially constant manner, so that a constant treatment is achieved. In particular, in the case of a moving workpiece with a complex structural shape, for example with openings, undercuts, depressions and the like, a treatment quality that is essentially constant over the workpiece can be achieved. However, variants are also conceivable in which the relative position of the workpiece and the electrode arrangement are deliberately varied during the movement along the section.

The electrode transport system preferably comprises at least one electrode transport carriage on which the electrode arrangement is arranged and which can be moved along a carriage travel path. If the workpiece is transported through the plunge pool over the defined transport route, the electrode transport carriage and the carriage travel route ensure that the electrode arrangement is carried along with the workpiece to be treated over a partial route. The trolley travel route can in particular be a rail system, a channel system, an overhead or electric overhead monorail system, a pendulum system, a power and free system, or a system which, for example, only specifies a fixed transport route via orientation markings.

It is favorable, for example in the case of large-scale production, if the electrode transport system comprises several electrode transport carriages, in which case one electrode transport carriage in each case carries an electrode arrangement. However, variants are also conceivable in which an electrode transport cart transports several electrode arrangements in order to work together with several workpieces at the same time.

In the present case, an electrode transport trolley is understood to mean a device which is set up to be actively or passively moved along a defined direction and to carry the electrode arrangement. For example, a transport trolley known per se from the prior art, for example for chain conveyors, overhead conveyors and electric overhead conveyors, shuttle conveyors, power and free conveyor systems and / or rail conveyor systems, can be considered here. However, a transport trolley of a driverless transport system can also be considered. A particularly simple embodiment of such an electrode transport trolley is, for example, a hook on a drag chain to which the electrode arrangement can be attached. However, individually movable single wagons can preferably be used as electrode transport wagons. In this way, for example, individual cars can be decoupled during operation.

It is in principle possible for the electrode arrangement to be immersed in a purely passive manner, ie due to the movement of the electrode transport vehicle, partially or completely in the plunge pool, for example in a rail conveyor system over a section-wise curved rail route. Preferably the However, the electrode arrangement is arranged on the electrode transport vehicle via an immersion movement device, the immersion movement device being set up to immerse the electrode arrangement in the treatment liquid and to move it out of it. For this purpose, for example, a lifting / lowering device can be provided which is set up to carry out a substantially vertical translational movement.

It is also advantageous if the electrode arrangement is additionally or alternatively arranged on the electrode transport trolley via an insertion movement device, the insertion movement device being set up to insert the electrode arrangement into an opening, a recess and / or an interior of the workpiece, in particular to move an interior of the vehicle body into it. In a depression or in an interior space of the workpiece, the electric field through surrounding sections of the workpiece can be weaker than on or around outer surfaces of the workpiece due to the Faraday shielding effect. For example, the insertion movement device can be implemented via an actuator which can insert the electrode arrangement into the opening, the recess and / or the interior of the workpiece by means of a movement in or against the transport direction.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the electrode arrangement is additionally or alternatively arranged on the electrode transport trolley via a transverse movement device, the transverse movement device being set up to at least move the electrode arrangement during transport through the plunge pool in addition to the movement along the transport direction to move with one degree of freedom of movement, in particular with at least one horizontal degree of freedom of movement transverse to the transport direction. This allows the electrode arrangement to be positioned relative to the workpiece, for example after being inserted into an opening or the like. This can be necessary in particular if the quality of treatment depends to a particular degree on the position of the electrode arrangement relative to the workpiece. On the other hand, with a transversal movement device configured in this way, for example, a pivoting movement of the electrode arrangement relative to the workpiece and in addition to the movement in the transport direction can be effected. As a result, the electrode arrangement can also support a movement of the treatment liquid in addition to an electrical field moved in the transverse direction, whereby the treatment result can be further improved.

It is advantageous if the transversal movement device can move the electrode arrangement not only with one degree of freedom of movement in addition to movement in the transport direction, but with two, three or more degrees of freedom of movement.

It is particularly advantageous if the immersion movement device, the insertion movement device and the transversal movement device are implemented as a whole by one movement device. It can also be advantageous if all three movement devices swivel in by a joint, superimposed or partially jointly superimposed movement, i.e. simultaneously immerse and insert the electrode arrangement and, if necessary, carry out an additional pivoting movement in the horizontal direction. For example, the electrode arrangement can be arranged on a tool end of a multi-axis robot, which in turn is arranged on the electrode transport system and is set up to carry out the movements that can be carried out by the immersion movement device, the insertion movement device and the transverse movement device.

The carriage travel section can preferably comprise a travel rail running next to or above the plunge pool, which rail is set up so that the electrode arrangement can be moved on it in both directions. This is particularly advantageous in cyclical operations with a long cycle time, in which it is not necessary to transport several workpieces through the plunge pool at the same time.

The carriage travel path can, however, also comprise a first travel rail and a second travel rail arranged next to or above the immersion pool, next to or above one another, wherein the electrode arrangement can be moved on the first travel rail along the transport direction and on the second travel rail counter to the transport direction. This makes it possible, for example, to use several electrode arrangements, in which case, for example, two electrode arrangements are used, one of the two electrode arrangements is transported in the transport direction over a section with the workpiece to be treated and the other electrode arrangement is on the way back to the starting point of the displacement arrangement.

Alternatively, it can also be advantageous if the carriage travel section comprises a first travel rail arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction of the immersion tank and a second travel rail arranged on an opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the immersion tank, the electrode arrangement on the first travel rail along the transport direction and on the second travel rail can be moved against the transport direction.

In the case of carriage traversing routes that have at least two traversing rails, in which a first traversing rail can be traversed in the direction of the transport direction and on a second traversing rail opposite to the transport direction, it is also advantageous if a rail changing area is provided on which the electrode arrangement differs from the first Moving rail can switch to the second moving rail.

It is advantageous if, in order to change the travel rails of the electrode arrangement, there is a lifting, switching or relocating device which is set up to effect the rail change of the electrode arrangement in the rail changing area.

The electrode arrangement can advantageously comprise one or more electrode elements. This allows the electric field to be adapted even more flexibly to the respective workpiece.

In order to further reduce the maintenance effort and thus to be able to replace defective elements particularly quickly, the electrode arrangement and / or individual or all electrode elements can be exchanged without tools by means of one or more corresponding quick-change couplings.

Due to the various advantages of cataphoretic immersion treatment, in which the workpiece is connected as a cathode (negative pole), compared to anaphoretic immersion treatment in which the workpiece is connected as an anode (positive pole), it is also advantageous if the electrode arrangement has an anode arrangement , in particular an auxiliary anode assembly.

1. a) ein zu behandelndes Werkstück wird vollständig oder teilweise in eine Behandlungsflüssigkeit eingetaucht, mit welcher mindestens ein Tauchbecken gefüllt ist;
2. b) das zu behandelnde Werkstück wird mit einem Werkstück-Transportsystem relativ zu dem Tauchbecken bewegt, wobei
3. c) mindestens eine Elektrodenanordnung mittels eines Elektroden-Transportsystems während der Behandlung des zu behandelnden Werkstücks vollständig oder teilweise in die Behandlungsflüssigkeit eingetaucht und unabhängig von einer durch das Werkstück-Transportsystem erzeugten Bewegung des Werkstücks bewegt wird.

According to another aspect of the invention, the objective technical problem is achieved by an immersion treatment method for the electrophoretic treatment of a workpiece, in particular for the electrophoretic treatment of a vehicle body. The immersion treatment process has the following steps:

1. a) a workpiece to be treated is completely or partially immersed in a treatment liquid with which at least one immersion basin is filled;
2. b) the workpiece to be treated is moved relative to the immersion tank with a workpiece transport system, wherein
3. c) at least one electrode arrangement is completely or partially immersed in the treatment liquid by means of an electrode transport system during the treatment of the workpiece to be treated and is moved independently of a movement of the workpiece generated by the workpiece transport system.

1. a) das Werkstück-Transportsystem das zu behandelnde Werkstück entlang einer Transportrichtung und über eine festgelegte Transportstrecke durch das Tauchbecken hindurch transportiert, wenn
2. b) das Elektroden-Transportsystem die Elektrodenanordnung zumindest über eine Teilstrecke der Transportstrecke entlang der Transportrichtung mit dem zu behandelnden Werkstück durch das Tauchbecken hindurch mitführt.

It is also beneficial if

1. a) the workpiece transport system transports the workpiece to be treated along a transport direction and over a defined transport route through the plunge pool, if
2. b) the electrode transport system carries the electrode arrangement along with the workpiece to be treated through the plunge pool at least over a section of the transport route along the transport direction.

1. a) vor Ankunft des Werkstücks am Tauchbecken, Halten der Elektrodenanordnung in einer Warteposition;
2. b) bei oder nach Ankunft des Werkstücks am Tauchbecken, Absenken der Elektrodenanordnung auf Höhe des Werkstücks;
3. c) Mittransportieren der Elektrodenanordnung mit dem Werkstück durch das Tauchbecken über zumindest einer Teilstrecke der Transportstrecke;
4. d) vor oder während dem Herausheben des Werkstücks aus dem Tauchbecken, Anheben der Elektrodenanordnung in eine Rücktransportposition;
5. e) Rücktransport der Elektrodenanordnung aus der Rücktransportposition in die Warteposition.

In a particularly favorable embodiment of the immersion treatment method, this also includes the following steps:

1. a) before the workpiece arrives at the plunge pool, holding the electrode arrangement in a waiting position;
2. b) on or after the workpiece arrives at the plunge pool, lowering the electrode arrangement at the workpiece height;
3. c) Transporting the electrode arrangement with the workpiece through the immersion tank over at least a section of the transport path;
4. d) before or during the lifting of the workpiece from the plunge pool, lifting the electrode arrangement into a return transport position;
5. e) the return transport of the electrode arrangement from the return transport position into the waiting position.

• Hineinbewegen der Elektrodenanordnung in eine Öffnung, eine Vertiefung und/oder einen Innenraum des Werkstücks; und
• vorzugsweise wird zwischen den Schritten c) und d) außerdem der folgende Schritt ausgeführt;
• Herausbewegen der Elektrodenanordnung aus der Öffnung, der Vertiefung und/oder dem Innenraum des Werkstücks.

The following steps are preferably carried out between steps b) and c):

• Moving the electrode arrangement into an opening, a depression and / or an interior space of the workpiece; and
• the following step is preferably also carried out between steps c) and d);
• Moving the electrode arrangement out of the opening, the recess and / or the interior of the workpiece.

1. a) Positionsfehlerkorrektur der Elektrodenanordnung relativ zum Werkstück, derart, dass die Elektrodenanordnung während des Transports relativ zum Werkstück im Wesentlichen die gleiche Position beibehält;
2. b) Abfahren eines festgelegten Pfades der Elektrodenanordnung relativ zum Werkstück und zusätzlich zu der Bewegung in Richtung der Transportrichtung

In a further embodiment of the immersion treatment method, it is advantageous if between steps b) and c), during step c) and / or between steps c) and d) one or both of the following steps are carried out.

1. a) Position error correction of the electrode arrangement relative to the workpiece, such that the electrode arrangement maintains essentially the same position relative to the workpiece during transport;
2. b) following a defined path of the electrode arrangement relative to the workpiece and in addition to the movement in the direction of the transport direction

• Wechsel der Elektrodenanordnung von einer ersten Verfahrschiene, auf der die Elektrodenanordnung entlang der Transportrichtung verfahren wird, auf eine zweite Verfahrschiene, auf welcher die Elektrodenanordnung entgegen der Transportrichtung verfahren wird.

There are also advantages if the following step is carried out between steps d) and e) or during step e):

• Change of the electrode arrangement from a first travel rail, on which the electrode arrangement is moved along the transport direction, to a second travel rail, on which the electrode arrangement is moved counter to the transport direction.

Figure list

• 1a eine Seitenansicht einer Tauchbehandlungsanlage, durch welche Fahrzeugkarosserien mittels eines Werkstück-Transportsystems hindurch transportiert werden, wobei die Fahrzeugkarosserien in drei Phasen einer Tauchbehandlung gezeigt sind;
• 1b eine Draufsicht der Tauchbehandlungsanlage von 1a, wobei zwei Elektroden-Transportwagen gezeigt sind, die jeweils eine Elektrodenanordnung tragen;
• 1c ein Querschnitt der Tauchbehandlungsanlage von 1a, wobei eine Elektrodenanordnung, die mit der Fahrzeugkarosserie mitgeführt wird, in einem ausgefahrenen Zustand dargestellt ist, und eine weitere Elektrodenanordnung, die sich auf dem Rückweg befindet, in einem eingefahrenen Zustand dargestellt ist;
• 2a eine Seitenansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der Tauchbehandlungsanlage, bei welcher Verfahrschienen für die Elektroden-Transportwagen neben einem Tauchbecken und übereinander angeordnet sind;
• 2b eine Draufsicht der Tauchbehandlungsanlage von 2a, wobei eine erste Elektrodenanordnung mit einer Fahrzeugkarosserie entlang einer ersten Verfahrschiene mitgeführt wird und wobei sich eine zweite Elektrodenanordnung entlang einer zweiten Verfahrschiene auf dem Rückweg befindet;
• 2c ein Querschnitt der Tauchbehandlungsanlage von 2a, wobei eine Elektrodenanordnung, die mit der Fahrzeugkarosserie mittransportiert wird, in einem ausgefahrenen Zustand dargestellt ist, und eine weitere Elektrodenanordnung, die sich auf dem Rückweg befindet, in einem eingefahrenen Zustand dargestellt ist;
• 3 eine Draufsicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels der Tauchbehandlungsanlage, wobei neben dem Tauchbecken nebeneinander Verfahrschienen für die Elektroden-Transportwagen angeordnet sind;
• 4 eine Draufsicht eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels der Tauchbehandlungsanlage, wobei zu beiden Seiten des Tauchbeckens längs der Transportrichtung Verfahrschienen angeordnet sind, auf welchen die Elektroden-Transportwagen verfahren können.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In these show:

• 1a a side view of an immersion treatment plant through which vehicle bodies are transported by means of a workpiece transport system, the vehicle bodies being shown in three phases of an immersion treatment;
• 1b a top view of the immersion treatment plant of FIG 1a Two electrode trolleys each carrying an electrode assembly are shown;
• 1c a cross section of the immersion treatment plant of 1a wherein one electrode assembly that is carried with the vehicle body is shown in an extended state, and another electrode assembly that is on the way back is shown in a retracted state;
• 2a a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of the immersion treatment system, in which traversing rails for the electrode trolleys are arranged next to an immersion tank and one above the other;
• 2 B a top view of the immersion treatment plant of FIG 2a wherein a first electrode arrangement is carried along with a vehicle body along a first travel rail and wherein a second electrode arrangement is located along a second travel rail on the way back;
• 2c a cross section of the immersion treatment plant of 2a , wherein an electrode arrangement which is transported with the vehicle body is shown in an extended state, and a further electrode arrangement which is on the way back is shown in a retracted state;
• 3 a top view of a third exemplary embodiment of the immersion treatment system, with traversing rails for the electrode trolleys being arranged next to one another next to the immersion tank;
• 4th a plan view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the immersion treatment system, with traversing rails on which the electrode trolleys can traverse being arranged on both sides of the dipping basin along the transport direction.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the figures, 10 denotes a total of an immersion treatment system for the electrophoretic treatment of a large number of workpieces 12 , which in the present case is designed as a cataphoretic dip painting system. With the workpieces 12 are only exemplary vehicle bodies 12 ' shown, which are referred to below and which are in particular motor vehicle bodies of passenger vehicles or trucks for the transport of people and / or goods. The following is only intended to refer to a single workpiece to be treated 12 to get expelled.

The workpiece 12 can of course also be another component that is required for vehicle construction, for example a drive or chassis component, a door element or the like. Of course, a component from another industry is also possible, for example from aircraft construction, train construction, the construction industry, for example an assembly or shell component. In general, the workpiece can 12 but any component that requires corrosion protection, for example.

The immersion treatment facility 10 usually includes several plunge pools 14th , of which only a plunge pool in the figures 14th is shown, which with a treatment liquid 16 is filled into a vehicle body to be treated 12 ' completely - so that the vehicle body 12 ' So it is completely below the liquid level to be detected - or can be partially immersed. The treatment liquid 16 is in the plunge pool 14th circulated in a manner known per se, so that in the plunge pool 14th one in the longitudinal direction of the plunge pool 14th revolutionary current is created.

With the treatment liquid 16 it can be a colloidal suspension, dispersion or emulsion, in particular a lacquer. Between that as a vehicle body 12 ' trained workpiece 12 and anodes (not specifically shown) that run along a transport route S _T inside the plunge pool 14th are arranged, electric fields are formed which combine to form a common electric field in which colloid particles of the treatment liquid 16 on the vehicle body 12 ' migrate and cling to it.

The vehicle body 12 ' is by means of a workpiece transport system 18th along a transport direction R _T through the immersion treatment plant 10 and especially by the plunge pool 14th and the treatment liquid contained therein 16 transported. The workpiece transport system 18th is able to handle the vehicle body to be treated 12 ' relative to the plunge pool 14th to move.

The workpiece transport system 18th in the present case comprises a large number of workpiece transport trolleys 20th each with a landing gear 22nd and a fastening device 24 have on which at least one vehicle body 12 ' can be attached. The following is only intended to refer to a single workpiece transport trolley 20th to get expelled.

The fastening device 24 , such as in the 2a to 2c is shown, can via an adjusting device 26th can be changed in their position and / or orientation to the vehicle body attached to it 12 ' preferably according to the course of the dip tank 14th to be able to move.

The workpiece transport system 18th is in the 1a to 1c for example as a shuttle conveyor system 28 formed, which is a mounting rail 30th having a curved track. In the 2a to 4th is the workpiece transport system 18th for example as an overhead conveyor system 32 executed.

The workpiece transport trolley 20th shows the exemplary embodiments of the immersion treatment system shown here 10 its own chassis 22nd on which by a drive device 34 driven or passive on the mounting rail 30th can expire. Of course, it is also possible that the workpiece transport trolley 20th no own landing gear 22nd and by means of a drag chain (not shown) or the like along the transport direction R _T can be moved.

Of course, other workpiece transport systems are also available 18th for transporting the vehicle body 12 ' into consideration where, for example, rails or guide markings on both sides of the plunge pool 14th run, with the workpiece trolley 20th can then run with an appropriately designed chassis on the rails or on a system floor. Such transport systems for immersion treatment plants 10 are known per se from the prior art.

Using the in the 2a to 2c adjusting device shown 26th can the fastening device 24 of the workpiece transport trolley 20th are raised or lowered and, on the other hand, are also rotated about an axis of rotation not specifically designated, which in the present exemplary embodiments is perpendicular to the transport direction R _T runs.

The general functionality of the immersion treatment system 10 is now briefly based on the 1a explains in which three workpiece transport trolleys 20th with attached vehicle bodies to be treated 12 ' are shown in different phases of the immersion treatment.

The vehicle body to be treated 12 ' will be in a substantially horizontal orientation to the plunge pool 14th moved up. The vehicle body 12 ' is then lowered until at least part of the vehicle body 12 ' from the treatment liquid 16 is surrounded. Then the vehicle body 12 ' after a fixed residence time in the treatment liquid 16 raised up the vehicle body from that in the plunge pool 14th treatment liquid located 16 is no longer surrounded. As in the 1a to 4th can be seen, owns the plunge pool 14th a longitudinal extension such that the vehicle body 12 ' into the treatment liquid 16 can be immersed and then, by the treatment liquid 16 completely or partially surrounded by the plunge pool 14th can be transported through.

Certain areas of the vehicle body 12 ' cannot be optimally treated with increasing complexity of the design. In the case of cataphoretic dip painting, complex structures, especially openings, depressions or cavities, can only be painted insufficiently. One of the reasons for this is that the electric field strength in such sections of the vehicle body 12 ' due to Faraday shielding, weaker than, for example, on the outer surface of the Vehicle body 12 ' can be. This can then result in the painting result, in particular that caused by the accumulation of colloidal paint particles on the surface of the vehicle body 12 ' formed paint layer, not the required quality. Insufficient layer thickness and / or reduced paint adhesion or the like are to be cited here as examples.

So even in hard-to-reach places on the surface of the vehicle body 12 ' to achieve essentially the same quality of treatment as in places on the surface of the vehicle body 12 ' around which the electric field is largely homogeneous, the immersion treatment system 10 an electrode transport system 36 on. By means of the electrode transport system 36 In the present exemplary embodiments, an electrode arrangement can be used 38 during the treatment of the vehicle body to be treated 12 ' completely or partially in the treatment liquid 16 be immersed. Furthermore, the electrode arrangement 38 independent of one by the workpiece transport system 18th generated movement of the vehicle body 12 ' be moved. By means of this additional electrode arrangement 38 it is possible to use anodes that are running along a transport route S _T are arranged, generated electric field at points where the electric field due to the shape of the vehicle body 12 ' is weaker to strengthen.

In the illustrated embodiments of the immersion treatment system 10 is the workpiece transport system 18th set up the vehicle body to be treated 12 ' along the direction of transport R _T and over the specified transport route S _T through the plunge pool 14th to transport through. In addition, the electrode transport system 36 set up the electrode arrangement 38 at least over part of the route S _T 'the transport route S _T with the vehicle body to be treated 12 ' through the plunge pool 14th to carry through.

This entrainment of the electrode assembly 38 can, as also for the workpiece transport system 18th described, take place in that the electrode transport system 36 Has means that passively transport the electrode assembly 38 enable. For example, a drag chain or a tow rope or the like with appropriate means for carrying the electrode arrangement 38 can be available for this.

In the present exemplary embodiments, the electrode arrangement is used to transport 38 but an electrode transport trolley that can be moved independently and independently 40 present on which the electrode assembly 38 is arranged, and along a carriage travel route 42 in and against the direction of transport R _T can be proceeded. For this purpose, the carriage travel distance includes 42 in the present case, at least one traverse rail 44 on which the electrode assembly 38 in and against the direction of transport R _T can be proceeded.

In the following, special embodiments of the electrode transport system will be referred to 36 will be discussed in more detail with reference to the figures.

The moving rail 44 can, as well as that in the 1a to 1c monorail system shown 32 , have a curved course, whereby a lowering of the electrode arrangement 38 into the treatment liquid 16 can also be effected without separate means for lowering.

In the present exemplary embodiments, the electrode transport system 36 but a diving motion device 46 which on the electrode trolley 40 is arranged and is adapted to the electrode arrangement 38 into the treatment liquid 16 at least partially immerse and move out of this. The diving movement device 46 can perform a linear movement and / or a pivoting movement by means of an actuator.

Such as from 1a As can be seen, in the present exemplary embodiment the electrode arrangement 38 while being carried along with the vehicle body 12 ' through a window opening into an interior of the vehicle body 12 ' introduced. For this purpose, an insertion movement device is also present 48 on the electrode transport trolley 40 arranged, which is set up to perform the movement described above. As is the diving movement device 46 it is with the introducer mover 48 possible that this executes a linear and / or a rotary movement.

As already described at the beginning, it can be advantageous if the electrode arrangement 38 while being carried along with the vehicle body 12 ' for example in an interior of the vehicle body 12 ' executes a defined movement along a movement path in order to be able to additionally compensate for possible inhomogeneities of the electric field. The electrode transport system 36 in the present exemplary embodiments one on the electrode transport trolley 40 arranged transversal movement device 50 on, by means of which the electrode arrangement 38 with a degree of freedom of movement that is transverse to the direction of transport R _T is movable. This additional movement then takes place during the Transportation of the vehicle body 12 ' through the plunge pool 14th .

In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the carriage travel route are intended to be based on the figures 42 of the electrode transport system 36 to be discribed.

In the 1a to 1c are travel rails 44a , 44b shown, the traversing rail 44a as a traversing rail 44 is formed, along which the electrode arrangement 38 in the direction of the transport direction R _T from the electrode trolley 40 can be proceeded. The one next to the traversing rail 44a arranged and essentially parallel to this running rail 44b is as a traversing rail 44 formed, along which the electrode arrangement 38 against the direction of transport R _T from the electrode trolley 40 can be proceeded. Of course, the electrode trolley 40 but basically on both traversing rails 44a , 44b be moved in both directions.

There are rail change areas 52 present in which the electrode trolley 40 from the first rail 44a on the second rail 44b can switch. For example, in these rail changing areas 42 a transfer mechanism can be provided, which the electrode trolley 40 active from the first rail 44a on the second rail 44b or from the second rail 44b on the first travel rail 44a implements. The rail changing area 52 but can also be a curved rail area that connects to the traversing rail 44a and the second traversing rail 44b is integrally formed or connected in segments. This would be the rail changing area 52 then only, for example, a horizontal curve along which the electrode trolley 40 can be moved to change its direction of movement.

Such an electrode transport system 36 enables several electrode trolleys 40 on the travel rails 44a , 44b to be arranged and thus to achieve a particularly short cycle time.

In the 2a to 2c is a similar configuration of the trolley travel route 42 shown. Here are on one side in the longitudinal direction of the plunge pool 14th also a first traversing rail 44a and a second moving rail 44b arranged. Compared to the previous embodiment, the traversing rails 44a , 44b here not arranged next to each other, but one above the other. The rail deflection areas 52 can accordingly have a lifting device, not shown, which can raise or lower the electrode trolley 40 causes include.

As is known, for example, from rail conveyor systems, which are installed primarily in authorities or libraries, in and of themselves, in the rail deflection areas 52 but also rail elements can be formed which comprise at least one vertical section. These rail elements can additionally have special blocking elements, by means of which it can be prevented that the electrode transport trolleys 40 especially when changing the lower travel rail 44a on the upper moving rail 44b Move back depending on gravity in the direction from which you came.

In another, in 3 The illustrated embodiment are the traversing rails 44a , 44b and the rail turning areas 52 next to the plunge pool 14th along the direction of transport R _T arranged side by side. This largely corresponds to the arrangement from 1a to 1c . In the present embodiment, instead of the shuttle conveyor system 28 of the 1a to 1c a monorail system 32 used.

In the last illustrated embodiment, which is shown in 4th are shown on either side of the plunge pool 14th in the longitudinal direction and along the transport direction R _T the traversing rails 44a , 44b arranged. The moving rail 44a runs on the side of the plunge pool 14th that the workpiece transport system 18th opposite to during the transport of the workpiece 12 and the transport of the electrode arrangement 38 As much freedom of movement as possible for the movement equipment 46 , 48 , 50 to enable. The second rail 44b then runs on the side of the plunge pool 14th on which the workpiece transport system 18th , the present as an overhead conveyor system 32 is formed, is arranged.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102015122467 [0008]
• DE 102017107389 [0008]

Claims (14)

Immersion treatment system for the electrophoretic treatment of a workpiece (12), in particular a vehicle body (12 '), with a) at least one immersion basin (14) which can be filled with a treatment liquid (16) into which a workpiece (12) to be treated is wholly or partially can be immersed; b) a workpiece transport system (18) which can move the workpiece (12) to be treated relative to the plunge pool (14), characterized in that c) an electrode transport system (36) is present, by means of which at least one electrode arrangement ( 38) during the treatment of the workpiece (12) to be treated can be completely or partially immersed in the treatment liquid (16) and moved independently of a movement of the workpiece (12) generated by the workpiece transport system (18). Immersion treatment plant after Claim 1 , characterized in that a) the workpiece transport system (18) is set up to transport the workpiece (12) to be treated along a transport direction (R _T ) and over a defined transport route (S _T ) through the plunge pool (14) , and that b) the electrode transport system (36) is set up to carry the electrode arrangement (38) through at least over a section (S _T ') of the transport path (S _T ) of the workpiece (12) with the workpiece (12) to be treated carry the plunge pool (14) through it. Immersion treatment plant after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the electrode transport system (36) comprises at least one electrode transport trolley (40) on which the electrode arrangement (38) is arranged and which can be moved along a trolley travel path (42). Immersion treatment plant after Claim 3 , characterized in that the electrode arrangement (38) is arranged on the electrode transport trolley (40) via an immersion movement device (46), the immersion movement device (46) being set up to transfer the electrode arrangement (38) into the treatment liquid ( 16) to dive in and move out of it. Immersion treatment plant after Claim 3 or 4th , characterized in that the electrode arrangement (38) is arranged on the electrode transport trolley (40) via an insertion movement device (48), the insertion movement device (48) being designed to insert the electrode arrangement (38) into an opening, a To move into the recess and / or an interior space of the workpiece (12), in particular an interior space of the vehicle body (12 '). Dip treatment system according to one of the Claims 3 to 5 , characterized in that the electrode arrangement (38) is arranged on the electrode transport carriage (40) via a transversal movement device (50), the transversal movement device (50) being set up to move the electrode arrangement (40) through during transport moving the plunge pool (14) in addition to the movement along the transport direction (R _T ) with at least one degree of freedom of movement, in particular with at least one degree of freedom of movement transverse to the transport direction (R _T ). Dip treatment system according to one of the Claims 3 to 6 , characterized in that the carriage travel path (42) is defined by: a) that next to or above the plunge pool (14) runs a travel rail (44) which is set up so that the electrode transport carriage (40) on it in both directions can be proceeded; or b) that next to or above the plunge pool (14) next to or one above the other a first travel rail (44a) and a second travel rail (44b) are arranged, the electrode transport carriage (40) on the first travel rail (44a) along the transport direction ( R _T ) of the workpiece (12) and on the second traversing rail (44b) can be moved against the transport direction (R _T ); or c) that a first travel rail (44a) is arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction of the immersion tank (14) and a second travel rail (44b) is arranged on an opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the immersion tank (14), the electrode transport trolley (40) on the first traversing rail (44a) can be traversed along the transport direction (R _T ) of the workpiece (12) and on the second traversing rail (44b) against the transport direction (R _T ). Immersion treatment plant after Claim 7 , characterized in that the carriage travel path (42) according to features b) and c) has a rail change area (52) at which the electrode transport carriage (40) can change from the first travel rail (44a) to the second travel rail (44b) . Immersion treatment system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode arrangement (38) comprises one or more electrode elements. Immersion treatment plant after Claim 9 , characterized in that the electrode arrangement (38) and / or individual or all electrode elements by means of one or more corresponding Quick-change couplings can be replaced without tools. Dip treatment method for the electrophoretic treatment of a workpiece (12), in particular a vehicle body (12 '), in which a) a workpiece (12) to be treated is completely or partially immersed in a treatment liquid (16) with which at least one dip tank (14) is filled is; b) the workpiece (12) to be treated is moved with a workpiece transport system (18) relative to the plunge pool (14), characterized in that c) at least one electrode arrangement (38) by means of an electrode transport system (36) during the treatment of the workpiece (12) to be treated is completely or partially immersed in the treatment liquid (16) and moved independently of a movement of the workpiece (12) generated by the workpiece transport system (36). Immersion treatment process according to Claim 11 , characterized in that a) the workpiece transport system (36) transports the workpiece (12) to be treated along a transport direction (R _T ) and over a defined transport route (S _T ) through the immersion tank (14), and that b) the electrode transport system (36) carries the electrode arrangement (38) with the workpiece (12) to be treated through the plunge pool (14) at least over a section (S _T ') of the transport path (S _T ) along the transport direction (R _T ) . Immersion treatment process according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the immersion treatment method comprises the following steps: a) before the workpiece (12) arrives at the immersion tank (14), holding the electrode arrangement (38) in a waiting position; b) on or after the workpiece (12) arrives at the plunge pool (14), lowering the electrode arrangement (38) to the level of the workpiece (12); c) Carrying along the electrode arrangement (38) with the workpiece (12) through the immersion tank (14) over the partial route (S _T ') of the transport route (S _T ); d) before or during the lifting of the workpiece (12) from the immersion tank (14), lifting the electrode arrangement (38) into a return transport position; e) return transport of the electrode arrangement (38) from the return transport position to the waiting position. Immersion treatment process according to Claim 13 , characterized in that between steps b) and c) of the Claim 13 the following step is carried out: a) moving the electrode arrangement (38) into an opening, a depression and / or an interior of the workpiece (12); and that the following step is carried out between steps c) and d): b) moving the electrode arrangement (38) out of the opening, the recess and / or the interior of the workpiece (12).

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