DE102022106396A1 - Venting device, treatment tank, treatment system and venting method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a venting device (300) for venting an air bubble (332) trapped by a submerged workpiece (102). The venting device (300) contains a fluid line (310) which is prepared for guiding a fluid through an immersion bath, and a mouth (304) which is fluidly connected to the fluid line (310), the mouth (304) being connected to the venting device (300) is arranged to open upwards or obliquely upwards against a direction of gravity (g) in a venting operating state (330).

Description

The present invention relates to a venting device and a venting method for venting an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece.

The ventilation device according to the invention is preferably intended for use in the field of workpiece treatment, in particular the cleaning and coating of workpieces, for example vehicle bodies or vehicle parts.

To treat workpieces, they can be immersed in immersion tanks, for example. The workpieces are, for example, lowered into a dipping tank and removed from the dipping tank after a treatment step. Rotation of the workpiece can be provided for optimal treatment, even in places that are difficult to access. However, the possibility of an air bubble remaining in individual areas cannot be ruled out.

In the WO 2022/002312 A1 A treatment station is proposed which includes a treatment room that can be flooded for workpiece treatment. It cannot be ruled out that an air bubble will be trapped in individual places when a workpiece is submerged.

In both a classic immersion tank and a floodable treatment room, a trapped air bubble can prevent part of a workpiece surface from being treated with a treatment medium, such as a cleaning liquid. The same problem can also occur with two liquids of different densities, such as oil and water, and with two gases of different densities, such as normal air with a density of approximately 1.29 kg/m ³ and argon with a density of approximately 1. 78 kg/m ³ occur. In the following we will therefore always talk about fluids.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device which makes it possible to wet a workpiece surface that catches an air bubble when submerged.

This task is solved by the device according to the independent claims.

A venting device according to the invention is particularly suitable for venting an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece.

A venting device according to the invention for venting an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece contains in particular a fluid line and a mouth.

The fluid line should in particular be prepared for guiding a fluid through an immersion bath. The immersion bath can be a treatment liquid. For this purpose, the fluid line can, for example, be compression-stable up to an external pressure of, for example, up to 2 bar, preferably up to 5 bar. The fluid line can, for example, be resistant to a component used in the treatment liquid, such as a solvent.

The mouth should be connected to the fluid line in a fluid-conducting manner. This can include a closure integrated into the mouth or arranged close to the mouth, such as an actuable valve and/or a pilot-controlled valve.

The mouth should be arranged on the venting device in order to open upwards or obliquely upwards against a direction of gravity in a venting operating state. In other words, the mouth can be arranged on the venting device in order to open at least partially upwards against a direction of gravity in a venting operating state.

Terms such as “up”, “up”, “down” and “down” in this description refer in particular to the direction of gravity, preferably in an installation position and/or an operating state.

The venting operating state may be an operating state of the venting device in which the mouth is positioned in or on an air bubble trapped by a dense fluid in a submerged workpiece. The venting operating state may be an operating state in which the mouth is positioned at or near a workpiece surface of a submerged workpiece. The venting operating state can be an operating state in which a fluid flows or can flow into the fluid line through the mouth and/or a fluid flows or can flow out of the fluid line through the mouth.

By opening the mouth upwards or obliquely upwards in the venting operating state, the trapped air bubble can be vented from the submerged workpiece through the mouth and the fluid line. The result can be, for example, a surface of the work pieces can be treated completely or almost completely by submersion.

The venting device may include a mounting portion to position the mouth in a venting operating condition. For this purpose, the fastening section can be designed and dimensioned to withstand flow forces when immersed in a fluid, in particular a liquid.

It is advantageous if the ventilation device has a generally hose-like and/or tube-like and/or U-shaped, such as in particular siphon-shaped, design and/or can at least assume such a design in an operating state.

The fluid line may include an outlet. The outlet can in particular be arranged on a section of the fluid line that is spaced from the mouth. For example, the fluid line can extend from the mouth to the outlet. The outlet is preferably suitable for the outflow of a fluid flowing into the mouth and through the fluid line.

The venting device is preferably designed in such a way that the outlet can be positioned or is positioned above the mouth in the venting operating state. By positioning the outlet above the mouth, a space can be taken into account in particular for the workpiece, which catches the air bubble while submerged. If the outlet is positioned “above” the orifice, it does not need to be positioned exactly vertically above the orifice, it is sufficient to position the outlet slightly higher than the orifice to achieve a favorable vent flow. The outlet is preferably positioned at least 20 cm higher than the mouth so that, for example, a stable ventilation flow can be established. Particularly preferably in the sense of ventilation behavior, the outlet is positioned at least 50 cm higher than the mouth.

Further preferably, the venting device is designed such that the outlet in the venting operating state can be positioned or is positioned outside a liquid volume surrounding the mouth, in particular in the venting operating state. The liquid volume can define the air bubble to be vented, particularly in the venting operating state.

Likewise preferably, the venting device is designed such that the outlet in the venting operating state can be positioned or is positioned above the mouth and outside the liquid volume surrounding the mouth.

In other words, the outlet is preferably arranged or positioned above the air bubble trapped in a workpiece and/or outside the liquid volume surrounding the workpiece.

If the outlet is positioned above the mouth and thus, in a venting state, also above the workpiece that catches the air bubble, the air trapped in the air bubble can, for example, simply escape upwards, driven by a static pressure.

If the outlet is arranged or positioned outside the liquid volume surrounding the workpiece, the air trapped in the air bubble can, for example, simply escape to the outside.

If the ventilation device according to the invention is used to ventilate a vehicle body, a challenge can be present in a large number of very different body shapes.

It can therefore be advantageous if the venting device and/or a part of the venting device can be attached to a workpiece, in particular a vehicle body, and/or to a receiving device prepared for receiving a workpiece, in particular a workpiece carrier and/or a skid. In particular, the fastening section can be fastened to the workpiece and/or the receiving device prepared for receiving such a workpiece. This means that an unusual body shape in particular can be easily taken into account.

Easy adaptability to different workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies, can be achieved by, for example, the venting device containing a fluid coupling, which is connected to the fluid line in a fluid-conducting manner and is arranged on a section of the fluid line spaced from the mouth. Such a coupling can be connected or connectable in a fluid-tight manner to a corresponding or opposite coupling.

According to a preferred embodiment, a two-part venting device can be provided, which as a system has two device parts that can be provided separately and can be handled, namely: a first device part containing the mouth, a section of the fluid line and a coupling and a second counter-coupling lung, a section of the fluid line and preferably an outlet containing the second device part. The first device part can preferably be fixed to the workpiece and/or to the receiving device. The second device part can preferably be fixed to an environment, for example to a treatment container described later. Each of the two device parts can be individually used to solve the problem of the invention.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a three-part ventilation device can be provided, which as a system has three device parts that can be provided and handled separately, namely: a device part containing the mouth, a section of the fluid line and a first coupling that can be fixed on the workpiece side; a device part which can be fixed on the receiving device side and contains a first counter-coupling, a section of the fluid line and a second coupling; and a device part that can be fixed on the ambient side and contains a second counter-coupling, a section of the fluid line and preferably an outlet. Each of the three device parts can be individually used to solve the problem of the invention. The section that can be fixed on the surrounding side can be fixed in particular on a treatment container described later.

It is advantageous to place the mouth in the air bubble as high as possible. This can be achieved, for example, with an option in which the mouth is designed to be movable upwards and downwards with respect to a direction of gravity.

In particular, an upward movement of the mouth can take place in the venting operating state or when changing to the venting operating state. In addition, for example, a downward movement of the mouth can take place in the venting operating state or when transitioning from the venting operating state.

If the fluid line contains a flexible hose, a venting device that is structurally simple and/or can be used variably can be achieved. It can be cost-effective if the fluid line is a flexible hose, in particular a flexible hose supported by a frame.

Depending on the application, it may be desirable to thread the ventilation device into the respective workpiece. Adaptation to different workpiece contours may also be desired. Against this background, it can be advantageous if the fluid line contains a section near the mouth, which can be pivoted upwards and downwards with respect to the direction of gravity.

If the section of the fluid line that can be pivoted near the mouth runs and/or is directed away from the mouth downwards and/or obliquely downwards in an operating state that is pivoted upwards with respect to the direction of gravity, the mouth can penetrate particularly far into trapped air. In other words: it is advantageous if the section near the mouth runs away from the mouth, at least partially downwards with respect to the direction of gravity.

If the section of the fluid line that can be pivoted close to the mouth runs and/or is directed towards the mouth in an operating state that is pivoted downwards with respect to the direction of gravity, the fluid line can be completely emptied. This can, for example, allow the same ventilation device to be used for treatments with different liquids or treatment media when emerging from a liquid and/or when draining a liquid from a treatment room. This can, for example, help to shorten set-up times.

The ventilation device can include a buoyancy body or floating body. This means, for example, that a situation-adapted movement can be implemented without additional control effort.

A buoyancy body can preferably be arranged and/or dimensioned to generate a buoyancy force for pivoting movement of the section near the mouth as a result of the buoyancy body being immersed in a liquid. For this purpose, the buoyancy body can in particular be attached directly to the pivotally movable section near the mouth. The buoyancy body can, for example, also be coupled to the movable section, in particular the pivotally movable section near the mouth, via a gear, such as a gear gear, a lever mechanism and/or a rod gear.

Depending on the application, many different courses and designs of the fluid line are conceivable. It is possible, among other things, for the fluid line to contain a section from which, in at least one operating state, fluid line sections branch off that point upwards only with respect to the direction of gravity. An example of this can be an upwardly open U-shaped section similar to a siphon. In such cases it can be an advantage if it is at the bottom Section a drain valve is arranged. Thus, for example, the same ventilation device can be used for treatments with different liquids or treatment media. For example, a remote-controlled valve, a pilot-controlled valve and/or an automatic valve can each be used advantageously as a drain valve.

In a preferred variant, the venting device, in particular the fluid line, can be prepared to direct a fluid from the mouth through the fluid line under static pressure, under negative pressure and/or under excess pressure and/or to direct a fluid through the fluid line under excess pressure to guide the mouth.

For example, the venting device and/or the fluid line can be prepared to conduct a fluid, in particular the trapped air, only under static pressure, such as, for example, according to the principle of fluidly corresponding tubes. Static pressure can be understood to mean, in particular, a liquid pressure on an air bubble.

The venting device and/or the fluid line can, for example, also be prepared to conduct a fluid, in particular the trapped air, at least with the aid of a suction pump. The suction pump is preferably included in the venting device.

The venting device and/or the fluid line can, for example, contain a pump close to the mouth, which can be designed and/or prepared for the pressure conveying of a fluid, in particular the trapped air.

The venting device and/or the fluid line can also be prepared to direct a fluid through the fluid line to the mouth with the aid of a higher liquid container and/or with the aid of a pump. This concept can be used, for example, to vent an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece. With this concept, for example, the trapped air can be additionally or alternatively flushed out.

The task set at the beginning is also solved by a treatment container which surrounds a treatment room for receiving the workpieces.

For example, it can be provided that the treatment room can be flooded with a liquid, such as a treatment liquid for treating a workpiece. This can also include a treatment room that can only be partially flooded, for example for underbody treatment of a vehicle body.

According to another example, a treatment room can be provided for receiving and immersing workpieces. The treatment room preferably comprises a dipping tank which is prepared for immersing and/or submerging workpieces in a liquid.

Examples of a treatment liquid include a cleaning liquid, in particular for degreasing the workpiece. Furthermore, it can be provided that the liquid is a coating liquid, for example for phosphating or painting the workpiece.

The ventilation device can be fixed in the treatment container by means of the fastening section. In particular, the fastening section can advantageously be fixed to a side wall, a bottom wall and/or a top wall of the treatment container.

The venting device may include a movable section. For example, a horizontally and/or vertically movable section, a horizontally and/or vertically movable section, a retracting and/or extending movable section, a curving and/or stretching movable section, a freely movable section and/or a combination thereof be provided.

To move a movable section, for example, a controllable drive, such as in particular an electric drive, a pneumatic drive and/or a hydraulic drive, can be provided. In general, controllable drives have the advantage that they can carry out independent movements and are adaptable. Optionally, a process medium, such as a treatment fluid, can be used as the fluid of a fluid drive.

A trigger contained in the treatment container can also be provided to move a movable section.

The trigger can be designed to be triggered in particular by introducing a workpiece into the treatment room, in particular by positioning a workpiece at a treatment position, and/or removing a workpiece from the treatment room, in particular by removing a workpiece from a treatment position. This is one possibility of implementing a movement of the movable section that is coordinated with a workpiece movement without using a separate drive.

The trigger is preferably arranged and/or configured to be triggered by a holding device for holding a workpiece. The receiving device can in particular be designed and/or prepared for receiving the workpiece.

Preferably, a trigger is actuably fixed to a side wall, a top wall and/or a bottom wall of the treatment container, for example in order to trigger with high reliability.

A trigger is preferably coupled to a movable portion of the vent device for moving the movable portion. In particular, the trigger can be uniformly and/or non-uniformly coupled, in particular motion-coupled, to the venting device in the manner of a gear, such as a gear mechanism, a lever mechanism and/or a rod gear.

The trigger is preferably coupled to a movable section, which movable section contains a counter-clutch. In this way, for example with a two-part and/or three-part ventilation device, the clutch can be closed automatically in a defined manner. In addition, for example, a clutch can be moved out of a travel path of the workpiece and/or the receptacle, for example for the free movement of the workpiece and/or the receptacle.

Furthermore - in particular in combination with the floodable treatment room, but also in combination with the treatment room for immersing and/or submerging workpieces - it can also be provided that a fluid coupling is fixed to a side wall, a bottom wall and/or a ceiling wall, which is the opposite of a fluid coupling which is contained in a venting device, the venting device being attachable to the workpiece and/or to the receiving device for receiving a workpiece. Two “opposite” fluid couplings can be understood to mean, in particular, a pair of fluid-tight and fluid-transmitting fluid couplings, preferably additional leak-free pressure-transmitting fluid couplings. In other words, two fluid couplings can be provided, each of which has a matching opening and which can preferably be releasably connected to one another.

Further advantageous embodiments of the treatment container can result from advantageous embodiments of the ventilation device according to the invention, so that reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

The task set at the beginning can also be solved by a treatment station which contains a treatment container described above. In addition to the treatment container, a treatment station can in particular comprise a liquid tank, wherein the liquid tank can be configured and/or arranged to provide a liquid for flooding the respective treatment room. Further advantageous embodiments of the treatment station can result from advantageous embodiments of the venting device according to the invention and/or the treatment container according to the invention, so that reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

The task set out at the beginning can also be solved by a treatment system which contains at least one treatment container described above and/or a treatment station described above.

In addition to the treatment container or the treatment station, the treatment system can in particular contain one or more further treatment containers or treatment stations.

In addition to the treatment container or the treatment station, the treatment system can in particular have a main conveyor line for conveying one or more workpieces and/or one or more tunnel sections for housing at least individual sections of the main conveyor line, and/or one or more cleaning stations and/or spraying stations and/or Include flushing stations.

Further advantageous embodiments of the treatment system can result from advantageous embodiments of the ventilation device according to the invention and/or the treatment container according to the invention and/or the treatment station according to the invention, so that reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

The task posed at the beginning can also be solved by a venting process for venting an air bubble trapped by a submerged workpiece.

The method according to the invention can include providing a ventilation device and/or a treatment container and/or a treatment station and/or a treatment lung system, in particular as described above.

The method according to the invention can include providing a fluid line and an orifice connected to it in a fluid-conductable manner.

The method according to the invention includes, for example, arranging a mouth connected to a fluid line in a fluid-conducting manner at a position of an air bubble, which air bubble is created by submerging a workpiece.

The method according to the invention includes, for example, venting the air bubble through the mouth and the fluid line in a venting operating state after submerging the workpiece, in particular for at least approximately complete removal of the air bubble from the workpiece.

It should be mentioned at this point that the terms “air” and “liquid” in this description can only be used descriptively. In particular, a fluid of lower density can be used instead of air and another fluid of higher density can be used instead of liquid.

The task posed at the beginning also applies to two gases of different densities. The task set at the beginning is solved with the devices according to the invention with respect to a gas of lower density instead of “air” and a gas of higher density instead of the “liquid”.

The task posed at the beginning also applies to two liquids of different densities. The task set at the beginning is solved with the devices according to the invention with respect to a liquid of lower density instead of “air” and another liquid of higher density instead of the “liquid”.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of exemplary embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Behandlungsbehälters gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei eine Seitenwandung des Behandlungsbehälters ausgeblendet ist;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Entlüftungsvorrichtung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in einem Ruhebetriebszustand;
• 3 eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Entlüftungsvorrichtung der 2;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung der Entlüftungsvorrichtung der 2 in einem Entlüftungsbetriebszustand; und
• 5 eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Behandlungsbehälters gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei eine Seitenwandung des Behandlungsbehälters ausgeblendet ist.

Shown in the drawings:

• 1 a schematic perspective view of a treatment container according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein a side wall of the treatment container is hidden;
• 2 a schematic representation of a ventilation device according to the first embodiment of the invention in a rest operating state;
• 3 an enlarged view of the ventilation device 2 ;
• 4 a schematic representation of the ventilation device 2 in a venting operating state; and
• 5 a schematic perspective view of a treatment container according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein a side wall of the treatment container is hidden.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numbers in all figures.

One in the 1 until 4 The treatment system shown, designated as a whole by 100, is used to treat workpieces 102, for example vehicle bodies 104.

With regard to the treatment system 100, particular attention is paid to the WO 2022/002312 A1 referenced, which describes several advantageous variants with details and advantages in detail.

The treatment system 100 can include one or more treatment stations 114 for treating the workpieces 102, in particular for carrying out flooding processes that will be described in more detail.

The treatment system 100 can, in addition to the at least one treatment station 114, in particular one or more tunnel sections (not shown) for housing at least individual sections of a main conveyor line (not shown), and/or one or more cleaning stations (not shown) and/or (not shown). ) Include spraying stations and/or rinsing stations (not shown).

Like in particular 1 As can be seen, the treatment station 114 comprises a fluid tank 134 which is arranged, for example, above a treatment container 136 and which is, for example, a liquid tank.

The fluid tank 134 and the treatment container 136 are connected to one another by means of a fluid guide 140 or form part of a fluid guide 140.

The treatment container 136 includes in particular a closed bottom wall 150, a closed top wall 152, two closed side walls 154 and a closed end wall (further side wall) 156.

A further end wall 156, ie the further and thus fourth side wall 154, is preferably provided with an access opening 158.

The access opening 158 is used in particular to introduce the workpieces 102 and/or to remove the workpieces 102.

The access opening 158 is therefore in particular an insertion opening 160 and/or a discharge opening 162.

The access opening 158 can preferably be closed by means of a closing device 164 of the treatment station 114.

In particular, a conveyor device 110 or at least a section of a conveyor device 110 is arranged and/or formed in a bottom region 146 of the treatment container 136.

In particular, a guide device 176 of the conveyor device 110 is arranged and/or designed in the base region 146 for the load-bearing reception of the workpieces 102.

By means of this guide device 176, in particular receiving devices 178, for example skids 180 for receiving workpieces 102 designed as vehicle bodies 104, can be received and can be introduced into and/or removed from the treatment room 148 in an insertion direction 182, in particular in a horizontal direction 184.

To carry out a flooding process in the treatment container 136, the fluid can be supplied via the supply line 142. The fluid can preferably be removed from the treatment container 136 by means of a drain 186.

In order to be able to completely flow around the workpiece 102 with fluid or to allow the workpiece 102 to completely sink into the fluid, the interior (treatment space 148) of the treatment container 136 must be filled with fluid up to a certain filling level.

In order to minimize the amount of fluid required for this, one or more built-in elements 188, in particular built-in elements 188 designed as displacement elements 190, are preferably provided.

A displacement element 190 serves in particular to minimize the free space in the treatment room 148, which would have to be unnecessarily filled with fluid.

In addition, at least one installation element 188 designed as a displacement element 190 can be provided in the area of the conveying device 110 in order to minimize the free spaces in the floor area 146.

A ventilation device 300 is provided as further built-in elements 188.

The ventilation device 300 is fixed, for example, to the ceiling wall 152 by means of a fastening section 302 of the ventilation device 300.

The ventilation device 300 can, for example, contain a mouth 304, a fixed section 306 and a pivotally movable section 308 near the mouth. The pivotally movable section 308 and the fixed section 306 can in particular form and/or comprise a fluid line 310.

The ventilation device 300 is arranged in particular opposite the access opening 158.

While the workpiece 102 is being introduced into the treatment room 148, the pivotally movable section 308 is preferably in a rest operating state 312.

In the idle operating state 312, the pivotally movable section 308 is preferably pivoted downwards. An inner underside 314 runs particularly steadily downwards towards the mouth 304. Therefore, in the idle operating state 312, a liquid that could have remained in the fluid line 310 from a previous process step can run out of the fluid line 310, in particular from the pivoting movable section 308, driven by gravity g.

In the idle operating state 312, the movable section 306 of the ventilation device 300 can preferably penetrate and protrude into an interior of the vehicle body 104 through, for example, a windshield opening without collision, as soon as the vehicle body 104 is introduced into the treatment room 148.

The ventilation device 300 preferably contains an outlet 316. The outlet 316 is in particular arranged near the fastening section 302 and the ceiling wall 152. The outlet 316 can thus open into the treatment room 148 above a liquid level 318 when the treatment room 148 is flooded.

In the present example, the fluid line 310 between the fixed section 306 and the pivotally movable section 308 is designed to be fluid-conductable as a flexible hose 320. In particular, a construction that is rigid in segments can be implemented.

Furthermore, the two sections 306, 308 can be connected, for example, by means of a guide joint 322, which defines the pivotability.

A linkage 324, for example, holds a counterweight 326 on the pivotally movable section 308 spaced from the pivotally movable section 308 beyond the guide joint 322. Thus, the weight of the counterweight 326 supports an upward pivoting movement of the pivotally movable portion 308.

Optionally or in addition or alternatively to the counterweight 326, the ventilation device 300 can contain a buoyancy body 328, which is attached in particular to the pivotally movable section 308.

According to an optional variant of the first embodiment, the buoyancy body 328 is designed as a hollow body.

According to another optional variant of the first embodiment, the buoyancy body 328 is designed to be filled, in particular as a foam part, preferably as a polymer foam part.

After the access opening 158 is closed by means of the closing device 164, the treatment room 148 can be flooded. As a result of the rising liquid level 318, the mouth 304 can, in cooperation with the counterweight 326 and the buoyancy body 328, move from the rest operating state 312 into one in the 4 move the ventilation operating state 330 shown, in particular move in a pivoting manner.

In the venting operating state 330, the mouth 304 is preferably positioned in an air bubble 332 trapped by the workpiece 102. It is particularly preferred to position the mouth 304 as close as possible to the workpiece 102.

According to an optional variant of the first embodiment, an edge of the mouth 304 is prepared to rest against the workpiece 102 in the trapped air bubble 332 in the venting operating state 330. The edge preferably only touches the workpiece 102 at certain points.

According to another optional variant of the first embodiment, at least one, for example tooth-like, spacer (not shown) arranged at the mouth 304 is prepared to rest against the workpiece 102 in the air bubble 332 in the venting operating state 330. The spacer preferably only touches the workpiece 102 at certain points.

According to yet another optional variant of the first embodiment, a stop (not shown) of the guide joint 322 restricts an upward movement of the mouth 304 such that the mouth 304 does not come close to touching the predetermined workpiece 102 in the air bubble 332. An adjustable stop is particularly preferred.

By the venting device 300 establishing a fluidic connection from the air bubble 332 via the mouth 304 and the fluid line 310 to the outlet 316, the trapped air bubble 332 vents from the workpiece 102. Thus, an entire surface of the workpiece 102 in the treatment container 136 can be vented by means of the liquid to be treated.

According to an optional variant of the first embodiment, any remaining small residual air bubble 332 can be compensated for by flowing the treatment liquid through the fluid line 310 and the mouth 304 against the workpiece 102. The liquid can preferably be introduced directly from a fluid tank 134 located above the treatment room 148 into the fluid line 310, in particular to achieve a high flow velocity when flowing out of the mouth 304.

According to another optional variant of the first embodiment, the ventilation device 300 carries a feed line (not shown) parallel to the mouth 304 and the fluid line 310, which opens into a nozzle (not shown). In this variant, the liquid can flow through the nozzle against the workpiece 102.

In the latter two optional variants, the buoyancy body and/or the counterweight can preferably be dimensioned to compensate for recoil as a result of fluid flowing out of the mouth 304 or out of the nozzle.

After the workpiece 102 is completely wetted with the treatment liquid, the liquid is drained from the treatment room 148. The pivoting movable section 308 preferably pivots downwards automatically. This allows the fluid line 310 to be emptied.

One in the 5 The second embodiment of a treatment system 100 shown differs from that in the 1 until 4 illustrated first embodiment conceptually in that the workpieces 102 are conveyed through the treatment container 136 of the treatment station 114 in a longitudinal orientation 202. For this purpose, the treatment container 136 of the treatment station 114 is provided on both sides with access openings 158, with one access opening 158 forming the insertion opening 160 and the further access opening 158 forming the discharge opening 162.

To carry out a flooding process in the treatment room 148, both access openings 158 must be closed. For this purpose, each access opening 158 is assigned a separate closing device 164.

The venting device 300 of the second embodiment therefore differs from the venting device 300 of the first embodiment in that the venting device 300 of the second embodiment is configured and arranged to clear a path for the workpieces 102.

For example, the ventilation device 300 can be arranged eccentrically with respect to a travel path of the workpiece 102 or the guide device 176 or a receiving device 178. Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation device 300 can be pivotally mounted by means of the fastening section 302 and/or on the fastening section 302, such as pivotable about a vertical axis, in order to release the travel path of the workpiece 102. In other words, sideways rotation can be advantageous.

According to an optional variant of the second embodiment, a buoyancy body is drive-coupled to a pivotable section of the ventilation device 300 via a pivoting gear.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, not shown, the ventilation device 300 is designed as a flexible hose. This flexible tube is shaped so that a mouth 304 is positioned at an expected location of the air bladder 332. When the workpiece 102 is introduced into the treatment room 148 and the workpiece 102 is removed from the treatment room 148, the flexible hose can be elastically deformed or deformed. As a result, the hose evades the workpiece 102 and then returns to the expected position of the air bubble 332 with the mouth 304. Furthermore, reference is made to the description of the above embodiments.

According to a fourth embodiment, not shown, the ventilation device 300, in particular the fluid line 310, can be designed by a hose carried by a frame. For example, a rigid section can be realized by a rigid framework section carrying the hose. For example, a joint can be realized by a scaffolding joint that carries the hose. Furthermore, reference is made to the description of the above embodiments.

According to a fifth embodiment, not shown, the ventilation device 300 is at least partially designed as a lightweight construction. For example, a movable section, such as the pivotally movable section 308, can be designed as a lightweight construction. A lightweight construction can, for example, be implemented using suitable plastic materials. Furthermore, reference is made to the description of the above embodiments.

According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, not shown, the ventilation device 300 is designed as an attachment group for attachment to a nozzle lance. A nozzle lance can be designed in particular to flow towards the workpiece 102 in the area of the trapped air bubble 332. Furthermore, reference is made to the description of the above embodiments.

Reference symbol list

100

Treatment facility

102

workpiece

104

Vehicle body

110

Conveyor device

114

Treatment station

134

Fluid tank

136

Treatment container

140

Fluid guidance

142

supply line

146

floor area

148

Treatment room

150

floor wall

152

ceiling wall

154

Side wall

156

Front wall

158

Access opening

160

Insertion opening

162

Dispensing opening

164

Closing device

176

Guidance device

178

Recording device

180

Skid

182

Insertion direction

184

horizontal direction

186

Derivation

188

Built-in element

190

displacement element

202

Longitudinal orientation

300

Ventilation device

302

Fastening section

304

mouth

306

fixed section

308

movable section

310

Fluid line

312

Sleep mode

314

bottom

316

outlet

318

liquid level

320

Hose

322

Guide joint

324

linkage

326

Counterweight

328

Buoyancy body

330

Venting operating status

332

Bubble

G

Gravity direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• WO 2022/002312 A1 [0004, 0076]

Claims (15)

Venting device (300) for venting an air bubble (332) trapped by a submerged workpiece (102), containing a fluid line (310) which is prepared for conducting a fluid through an immersion bath, and an orifice (304) which is fluidly connected to the fluid line (310), wherein the orifice (304) is arranged on the venting device (300) so as to be upward or oblique in a venting operating state (330) against a direction of gravity (g). to open at the top. Ventilation device (300). Claim 1 , characterized in that the fluid line (310) contains an outlet (316) which is arranged on a section (306) of the fluid line (310) spaced from the mouth (304), the outlet (316) being in the venting operating state (330 ) - can be positioned or positioned above the mouth (304) and / or - outside a liquid volume surrounding the mouth (304) in the venting operating state (330). Ventilation device (300) according to one of the Claims 1 until 2 , characterized in that the venting device (300) has a fastening section (302) which can be attached to a workpiece (102) and/or to a receiving device (178) for receiving a workpiece (102), and/or that the venting device ( 300) contains a fluid coupling, which is connected to the fluid line (310) in a fluid-conducting manner and is arranged on a section of the fluid line spaced from the mouth (304). Ventilation device (300) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the mouth (304) is movable up and down with respect to a direction of gravity (g). Ventilation device (300) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the fluid line (310) contains a flexible hose (320). Ventilation device (300) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the fluid line (310) contains a section (308) close to the mouth, which can be pivoted upwards and downwards with respect to the direction of gravity (g), the section (308) close to the mouth being in a direction relative to the direction of gravity (g) the upwardly pivoted operating state (330) runs and/or is directed away from the mouth (304) with respect to the direction of gravity (g) downwards and/or obliquely downwards, and/or the section near the mouth (308 ) in an operating state (312) pivoted downwards with respect to the direction of gravity (g) towards the mouth (304) runs continuously downwards and / or obliquely downwards with respect to the direction of gravity (g) and / or is directed. Ventilation device (300). Claim 6 , characterized in that the venting device (300) contains a buoyancy body (328) which is arranged and dimensioned to generate a buoyancy force for pivoting movement of the section near the mouth (308) as a result of immersion in a liquid. Ventilation device (300) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that a drain valve is arranged on a section of the fluid line (310), from which in an operating state the fluid line (310) branches off only in a direction of gravity (g) pointing upwards. Ventilation device (300) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the venting device (300) is prepared to direct a fluid from the mouth (304) through the fluid line (310) under static pressure, under negative pressure and / or under excess pressure and / or to pass a fluid through under excess pressure to direct the fluid line (310) to the mouth (304). Treatment container (136), which surrounds an at least partially floodable treatment room (148) for receiving workpieces (102), wherein a ventilation device (300) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 is fixed to a side wall (154, 156), a bottom wall (150) and/or a top wall (152) of the treatment container (136) by means of one or the fastening section (302). Treatment container (136), which surrounds a treatment room (148) for receiving and immersing workpieces (102), and wherein the ventilation device (300) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 is fixed to a side wall (154, 156), a bottom wall (150) and/or a top wall (152) of the treatment container (136) by means of one or the fastening section (302). Treatment container (136) according to one of the Claims 10 until 11 , containing a trigger, which triggers by introducing a workpiece (102) or a receiving device (178) for receiving a workpiece (102) into the treatment room (148) and / or removing the workpiece (102) or the receiving device device (178) from the treatment room (148) is actuably fixed to a side wall (154, 156), a bottom wall (150) and / or a top wall (152) of the treatment container (136), the trigger having a movable section (308 ) the venting device (300) is coupled to move the movable section (308). Treatment container (136), which surrounds an at least partially floodable treatment room (148) for receiving workpieces (102) and/or a treatment room (148) for receiving and immersing and/or submerging workpieces (102), on a side wall (154, 156), a bottom wall (150) and / or a top wall (152) of the treatment container (136) a fluid coupling is fixed, which is connected to a fluid coupling of a venting device (300) according to one of Claims 3 until 9 can be coupled. Treatment system (100), containing at least one treatment container (136) according to one of Claims 10 until 13 . Venting method for venting an air bubble (332) trapped by a submerged workpiece (102), comprising Arranging a mouth (304) connected to a fluid line (310) in a fluid-conducting manner at a position of an air bubble (332), which is created by submerging a workpiece (102), and Venting the air bubble (332) through the mouth (304) and the fluid line (310) in a venting operating state (330) after submerging the workpiece (102), in particular for at least approximately complete removal of the air bubble (332) from the workpiece (102) .

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