GB2530070A

GB2530070A - Workshop installations

Info

Publication number: GB2530070A
Application number: GB1416118.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Williams
Original assignee: Spraybooth Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Spraybooth Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-12
Filing date: 2014-09-12
Publication date: 2016-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-12
Also published as: GB201416118D0; GB2530070B; WO2016038352A1

Abstract

A workshop installation in which a spray booth 100 is located for provision of a controlled environment, and a transport system (203 figure 9) is provided for moving a vehicle in and out of the spray booth. The spray booth has side portions 108, 110. There is a moveable side curtain 109 which may open or close the side of the booth and allow movement in and out of the booth of a vehicle on the transport system (203). In another embodiment, two booths may be arranged alongside one another and a vehicle moved sequentially through the booths to allow for multiple differing operations to be carried out therein.

Description

The present invention relates to workshop installations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automotive repair work takes place in a workshop, which often includes a spray booth in which body work repairs are undertaken. A spray booth is a structure that provides a ventilated, air filtered and temperature controlled environment in which spraying activities such as painting and powder coating can take place. A spray booth is necessary for the safe execution of such activities, since the sprayed materials include solvents and particulate material that must not enter the atmosphere in large quantities. The particulate material that does not stick to the article being sprayed must be removed from the spraying area to ensure safe working conditions, and to manage environmental impact.

A spray booth also provides a controlled supply of filtered air that aids the spraying process and leads to higher quality finishes. In addition, it is very often necessary to heat sprayed materials in order to dry them (in a process known as baking), and the spray booth provides a controlled temperature environment in which such baking can be undertaken.

By way of example and explanation, one typical automotive spray booth is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. The spray booth 1 comprises a roof portion from which two pairs 12, 14 and 13, 15 of side portions extend to the ground, thereby forming a closed chamber in which spraying can be carried out. One or more of the side portions is movable to allow an object, in this case a car 3, to be located in the chamber for spraying.

A plenum 16 is formed adjacent the roof 10 by the provision of a filter element 18 substantially parallel to, and spaced from the inner surface of the roof portion. The filter element 18 may extend across the whole of the roof portion 10, as illustrated, or may be provided across only a limited area. As will be described in more detail below, an input air flow 20 is supplied into the plenum 16, after which it passes through the filter 18 and forms an incoming air flow 22. Ideally the air flow 22 is uniform across the width of the booth.

The airflow 22 passes around the object 3, and forms an outgoing air flow 24. This outgoing airflow 24 passes through an outgoing filter 26, into an extraction area 28, and into an extraction duct 30 which provides an extracted airflow 32. The extraction area 28 is provided below the object 3 being sprayed, and typically extends below the ground surface of the location of the spray booth 1.

The input airflow is provided by air handling equipment, such as that shown for illustrative purposes in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings. The air handling equipment 40 of Figure 3 comprises input ducting 44 which guides air 42 into the equipment from the atmosphere. A fan unit 46 is provided for drawing in the air 42, and for moving the air via ducting 47 to a heater 48 which operates to heat the air to a desired temperature. The temperature controlled air 20 is then provided to the spray booth via ducting 49.

Air extraction from the booth 1 is provided by air extraction equipment, such as that shown for illustrative purposes in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings. The extracted airflow 32 is drawn through ducting 50 by an extraction fan unit 52. The airflow passes through a further filtration unit 54 before exiting to atmosphere 58 via further ducting 56.

The spray booth 1 of Figure 1 and 2 and the air handling equipment of Figures 3 and 4 has been described by way of example and illustration only, and it will be readily appreciated that the design and construction of a spray booth can vary. For example, the input and output air handling equipment can be combined to reduce the number of fan units and reduce the heating requirements by using recirculation of air.

It will also be appreciated that the principles of the spray booth described above can be applied to a booth of any scale for enabling spraying of objects of any size. For example, one spray booth could be provided for the spraying of small components, whilst another could be provided for the spraying of aircraft, or wind turbine towers. Naturally, the specific design requirements of each application will determine the size and specification of the spray booth and the equipment, but the principles remain the same as for the automotive booth described above.

In the automotive sector, a body shop which repairs and repaints cars and other vehicles, may have the need for several spray booths to enable multiple jobs to be carried out at any one time. However, it has been recognised that the movement of vehicles in such a body shop can lead to increased work times, and so body shops are starting to use workshop bays for multiple tasks, only one of which is repainting. For example, a damaged vehicle may be driven into the workshop and positioned in a repair bay in which a range of actions will be carried out on the vehicle. Damaged mechanical parts may be replaced, and damaged bodywork repaired or replaced. Once this repair work has been carried out, the vehicle must then be transferred to the spray booth for finishing. In order to reduce the number of vehicle movement in the workshop, each work area can be equipped as a spray booth, so that, in effect, all repair work is carried out in the controlled environment provided by the booth. However, such a solution is expensive, both in terms of capital cost, and in terms of running costs. Since not all actions require the provision of a controlled environment, such costs are unnecessary.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a solution that improves vehicle throughput in the workshop, whilst providing the required controlled environments for spraying and finishing at a reasonable cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a workshop installation comprising a first spray booth for providing a controlled environment for spraying of particulate material, the first spray booth comprising a roof portion, first and second end portions which extend from respective opposing ends of the roof portion, first and second side portions which extend from respective opposing sides of the roof portion, thereby defining a work space between the roof portion, the end portions and the side portions, the first and second side portions each defining an opening therethrough, and each including a movable member having a first position in which the opening is closed, and a second position in which the opening is substantially open, an air extraction unit operable to extract air from the work space, and comprising a fan unit mounted on the roof portion, an air outlet connected with the fan unit, and arranged for connection to an air outlet chimney, extraction ducting extending from the fan unit to inside the work space, and an extraction filter located on the extraction ducting, and air input equipment operable to input an airflow into the work space via the roof portion, the roof portion defining a plenum into which the airflow is supplied, and a vehicle transport system which extends through the respective openings of the first and second side portions of the first spray booth, and is operable to transport a vehicle into and out of the first spray booth via one or more of the openings.

In one example, the first spray booth comprises a plurality of such air extraction units located in respective corners of the first spray booth, each such unit being connected with the air outlet. The air extraction units may be operable independently of one another.

Such an installation may include a second spray booth of substantially the same configuration as the first spray booth, and located adjacent the first spray booth, such that the first side portion of the first spray booth is adjacent the second side portion of the second spray booth, wherein the transport system extends through the second spray booth, and is operable to move a vehicle into and out of the second spray booth via one or more of the openings thereof.

In such an example, the movable member of the first side portion of the first spray booth and the movable member of the second side portion of the second spray booth are provided by a single movable member.

An installation embodying the first aspect of the present invention may further comprise a work booth adjacent the first spray booth, the transport system being operable to move a vehicle between the first spray booth and the work booth.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a workshop installation comprising a first spray booth having side openings, a second spray booth having side openings, and located adjacent the first spray booth such that a side opening of the first spray booth is adjacent a side opening of the second spray booth, a vehicle transport system which extends through the first and second spray booths, and is operable to move a vehicle into, out of and between the first and second spray booths, wherein each of the first and second spray booths comprise a roof portion, first and second end portions which extend from respective opposing ends of the roof portion, first and second side portions which extend from respective opposing sides of the roof portion, thereby defining a work space between the roof portion, the end portions and the side portions, the first and second side portions each defining an opening therethrough, and each including a movable member having a first position in which the opening is closed, and a second position in which the opening is substantially open, an air extraction unit operable to extract air from the work space, and comprising a fan unit mounted on the roof portion, an air outlet connected with the fan unit, and arranged for connection to an air outlet chimney, extraction ducting extending from the fan unit to inside the work space, and an extraction filter located on the extraction ducting, and air input equipment operable to input an airflow into the work space via the roof portion, the roof portion defining a plenum into which the airflow is supplied.

In one example, at least one of the spray booths comprises a plurality of such air extraction units located in respective corners of the first spray booth, each such unit being connected with the air outlet. Then the air extraction units may be operable independently of one another.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a workshop installation in accordance with the first or second aspect of the present invention.

S

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray booth for a workshop installation in accordance with the first or second aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a spray booth for a workshop installation in accordance with the first or second aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a known spray booth; Figures 3 and 4 illustrate known air handling equipment for the spray booth of Figures 1 and 2; Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a spray booth for use in an installation embodying one aspect of the present invention; Figure 7 is a side view of the booth of Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 illustrates air extraction equipment for the booth of Figures 5, 6 and 7; Figures 9 and 10 are schematic plan and end views respectively illustrating the principles of a spray booth installation embodying an aspect of the present invention; and Figures 11 is a schematic view illustrating one example spray booth installation embodying an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 5 illustrates a spray booth 100 for use in one embodiment of the present invention.

The spray booth, 100, comprises a roof portion 102, from which extends first and second end portions 104 and 106 and first and second side portions, 108 and 110, so as to define an enclosed work space. The end portions 104 and 106 are at opposite ends of the spray booth 100, and the side portions 108 and 110 are at opposite sides of the booth 100. The roof portion 102, the end portions 104 and 106, and the side portions 109 and 110 define a work space therebetween.

The first side portion 108 is made up of two partial side portions 108a and 108b, such that the side portion of the spray booth 100 defines an opening. A movable side curtain 109 is provided for closing the opening of the side of the booth, as shown in Figure 6. Similarly, the second side portion 110 is made up of a pair of partial side portions 11 Ga and 11Db, and a movable side curtain 111 is provided for closing the opening in the second side. The second end portion 106 is provided with an access door 107.

The roof portion 102 of the booth 100 defines a plenum as with the booth described above, and an air inlet 112 is defined in the roof portion 102. The air inlet allows an incoming air flow 114 to enter the plenum, and hence the booth 100.

An air outlet 116 is provided on the roof portion 102 for guiding an expelled airflow 118 from the booth. The expelled airflow is provided by at least one air extractor. Four such air extractors 120 are illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, but any number can be provided.

The movable curtains 109 and 111 for the first and second side portions 108 and 110 can be extended to the ground level, to provide an effective seal, thereby preventing leakage of spray material and air from the sides of the booth.

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the booth of Figures 5 and 6, with the side portions and movable curtains removed for the sake of clarity. The roof portion 102 defines the plenum therein, and the first and second end portions 104 and 106 extend downwardly from the roof portion 102. Associated with each air extractor 120 are an extraction duct 126 and an extraction filter 128, which extend down from the roof portion 102 towards the floor 122. The air extractor units operate to draw in air from the booth, through the extraction filter 128 and extraction duct 126. The extracted air is then pumped to the air outlet 116, via outlet ducting 130, as illustrated in Figure 8.

Figures 9 and 10 are simplified schematic views (plan and end views respectively) of a spray booth installation embodying an aspect of the present invention to illustrate operation of such an installation. The installation 200 comprises and first and second spray booths 201 and 202. The spray booths 201 and 202 are located next to one another, and are of the type described above with reference to Figures 5 to 8. The first and second spray booths 201 and 202 are arranged such that the first side portion of the first spray booth 201 is adjacent the second side portion of the second spray booth 202. Since the side portions of the spray booths 201 and 202 are adjacent one another, one of the movable curtains may be omitted, since the booths share a common opening that can be closed by a single movable curtain.

A vehicle transport system 203 is provided that extends along the ground 204 through the sides of the first and second spray booth 201 and 202. In one example, the vehicle transport system is provided by a pair of rails on which a vehicle support device is movable. In another example, the transport system is provided by a conveyor belt, or by a pair of conveyor belts, on which a vehicle is positioned for transport through the first and second spray booths 201 and 202.

In operation, a vehicle is moved into position 210a, and is located on the transport system 203 for transport thereby. The vehicle is moved through the second side of the first spray booth 201, into positon 21 Ob inside the first spray booth 201. The side curtains of the first spray booth 201 are then lowered in order that work can be carried out on the vehicle in the first spray booth 201 in isolation.

Once work has been completed, the movable side curtains can be raised the vehicle can be moved out of the first spray booth 201, possibly returning to its original position 210a outside the first spray booth 201, but more preferably into position 210c inside the second spray booth 202, by being moved by the transport system 203 through the adjacent sides of the first and second spray booths 201 and 202. Once inside the second spray booth 202, further work can be carried out on the vehicle. Following this further work, the vehicle can be moved out of the second spray booth 202, either to the first spray booth 201, or out of the spray booths to position 210d. From position 210d, the vehicle can be recovered from the transport system 203.

Such an installation enables higher throughput of vehicles through work that requires a spray booth, by reducing the amount of time spent moving vehicles in and out of the spray booth.

Although Figure 9 and 10 show two spray booths, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of spray booths may be provided. Throughout for a single booth can be increased by using the techniques described, as well as for multiple booths.

Figure 11 illustrates an example practical implementation of a spray booth installation 300 embodying an aspect of the present invention. The installation 300 includes first and second spray booths 301 and 302, but could include any appropriate number of booths. As shown schematically in Figures 9 and 10, the spray booths 301 and 302 are located next to one another, and are of the type described above with reference to Figures 5 to 8. The first and second spray booths 301 and 302 are arranged such that the first side portion of the first spray booth 301 is adjacent the second side portion of the second spray booth 302. Since the side portions of the spray booths 301 and 302 are adjacent one another, one of the movable curtains may be omitted, since the booths share a common opening that can be closed by a single movable curtain.

A vehicle transport system 303 is provided that extends along the ground through the sides of the first and second spray booth 301 and 302. In this example, the vehicle transport system is provided by a pair of rails on which a vehicle support device is movable.

The spray booths 301 and 302 are contained in building having a workshop area 305, and a preferably a secondary area for storage, paint mixing and the like. A further area for customer reception and the like may be provided at an appropriate positon, although is not shown for the sake of clarity. The workshop area 305 is provided with an entrance 307 and an exit 308 through which a vehicle on which work is to be carried out move in and out of the A typical work process using the spray booth installation 300 will now be described with reference to Figure 11. A vehicle 310 is driven into the workshop area 305 through the entrance 307, until the vehicle is located on the transport system 303. Some initial preparation work may take place while the vehicle 310 is in this position outside of the spray booths 301 and 302. Once the first spray booth 301 is ready for the vehicle 310, the transport system 303 moves the vehicle 310 into the first spray booth 301 through the second side of that spray booth. The movable curtain in the second side of the first spray booth is up during this process. The movable curtain in the first side of the first spray booth 301 (i.e. the curtain that divides the first and second spray booths 301 and 302) may be up or down at this stage, depending upon the activity taking place in the second spray booth 302. It is most likely that the dividing curtain will be down in order to separate the first and second spray booths from one another.

When the vehicle 310 is located within the first spray booth, the side curtains are lowered so that the first spray booth area is isolated from the remainder of the workshop. The appropriate work is then carried out on the vehicle 310 in the first spray booth 301. During this work, a second vehicle 310' can be brought into the work shop area and located on the transport system 303, ready for transport into the first spray booth 301.

Once the work on the first vehicle 310 has been completed in the first spray booth 301, the dividing curtain is raised and the transport system 303 moves the vehicle 310 to the second spray booth 302. Once there, the side curtains of the second spray booth 302 are lowered and work can commence on the vehicle 310 in the second spray booth 302.

Whilst, or after, the vehicle 310 is being moved from the first spray booth 301 into the second spray booth 302, the second vehicle 310' is moved into the first spray booth 301 by the transport system 303. Work on the second vehicle 310' can then commence in the first spray booth 301 in parallel with work being carried out in the second spray booth 302 on the first vehicle 310. When the second vehicle 310' has been located in the first spray booth 301, a third vehicle 310" can enter the workshop area.

When the work on the first vehicle 310 in the second spray booth 302 is completed, the transport system moves the vehicle 310 out of the second spray booth 302 into the workshop are 305. Any follow up work can then be completed, and the vehicle 310 can leave the workshop area 305 via the exit 308. When the second spray booth 302 is clear, the second vehicle 310' can be moved into the second spray booth 302, and the third vehicle 310" moved into the first spray booth 301.

It will be appreciated that this process continues with a series of vehicles, with each vehicle 310 entering the workshop area 305 through the entrance 307, being positioned on the transport system 303, entering the first spray booth 301 when clear, entering the second spray booth 302 when work completed and the second booth 302 is clear, exiting the second spray booth 302 when work completed, and finally exiting the workshop area 305 via the exit 308. A vehicle 301 can enter the next positon in the workshop area 305 as soon as that position is clear. This allows work to be started at the earliest possible time.

Provision of the transport system to enable vehicles to be moved between positions further increases throughput of vehicles through the installation.

Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A workshop installation comprising: a first spray booth for providing a controlled environment for spraying of particulate material, the first spray booth comprising: a roof portion; first and second end portions which extend from respective opposing ends of the roof portion; first and second side portions which extend from respective opposing sides of the roof portion, thereby defining a work space between the roof portion, the end portions and the side portions, the first and second side portions each defining an opening therethrough, and each including a movable member having a first position in which the opening is closed, and a second position in which the opening is substantially open; an air extraction unit operable to extract air from the work space, and comprising a fan unit mounted on the roof portion, an air outlet connected with the fan unit, and arranged for connection to an air outlet chimney, extraction ducting extending from the fan unit to inside the work space, and an extraction filter located on the extraction ducting; and air input equipment operable to input an airflow into the work space via the roof portion, the roof portion defining a plenum into which the airflow is supplied; and a vehicle transport system which extends through the respective openings of the first and second side portions of the first spray booth, and is operable to transport a vehicle into and out of the first spray booth via one or more of the openings.
2. An installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first spray booth comprises a plurality of such air extraction units located in respective corners of the first spray booth, each such unit being connected with the air outlet.
3. An installation as claimed in claim 2, wherein the air extraction units are operable independently of one another.
4. An installation as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second spray booth of substantially the same configuration as the first spray booth, and located adjacent the first spray booth, such that the first side portion of the first spray booth is adjacent the second side portion of the second spray booth, wherein the transport system extends through the second spray booth, and is operable to move a vehicle into and out of the second spray booth via one or more of the openings thereof.
5. An installation as claimed in claim 4, wherein the movable member of the first side portion of the first spray booth and the movable member of the second side portion of the second spray booth are provided by a single movable member.
6. An installation as claimed in and one of claim 1 to 3, further comprising work booth adjacent the first spray booth, the transport system being operable to move a vehicle between the first spray booth and the work booth.
7. A workshop installation comprising: a first spray booth having side openings; a second spray booth having side openings, and located adjacent the first spray booth such that a side opening of the first spray booth is adjacent a side opening of the second spray booth; a vehicle transport system which extends through the first and second spray booths, and is operable to move a vehicle into, out of and between the first and second spray booths, wherein each of the first and second spray booths comprise: a roof portion; first and second end portions which extend from respective opposing ends of the roof portion; first and second side portions which extend from respective opposing sides of the roof portion, thereby defining a work space between the roof portion, the end portions and the side portions, the first and second side portions each defining an opening therethrough, and each including a movable member having a first position in which the opening is closed, and a second position in which the opening is substantially open; an air extraction unit operable to extract air from the work space, and comprising a fan unit mounted on the roof portion, an air outlet connected with the fan unit, and arranged for connection to an air outlet chimney, extraction ducting extending from the fan unit to inside the work space, and an extraction filter located on the extraction ducting; and air input equipment operable to input an airflow into the work space via the roof portion, the roof portion defining a plenum into which the airflow is supplied.
8. An installation as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one of the spray booths comprises a plurality of such air extraction units located in respective corners of the first spray booth, each such unit being connected with the air outlet.
9. An installation as claimed in claim 8, wherein the air extraction units are operable independently of one another.
10. A kit of parts for a workshop installation as claimed in any one of claims ito 9.
11. A workshop installation substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 5 to ii of the accompanying drawings.
12. A spray booth for a workshop installation as claimed in any one of claims ito 9 and 10.
13. A kit of parts for spray booth a workshop installation as claimed in claim 10.
14. A spray booth substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.