An e-coat line includes a frame supporting a process track configured to extend along a process direction, a workpiece rack moveably supported on the frame, and a plurality of electrodes supported on an electrode rack. The rack includes support members configured to hold a plurality of hollow workpieces in a predetermined arrangement, and the workpiece rack is moveable relative to the frame between a raised position and a lowered position. The plurality of electrodes are supported on the electrode rack in a predetermined arrangement complementary to the predetermined arrangement of the plurality of hollow workpieces on the support members. The electrode rack is moveable relative to the workpiece rack in a direction crossing the process direction between a first position, in which the plurality of electrodes are extended along and overlapping with the support members to fit within the plurality of hollow workpieces, and a second position, in which the plurality of electrodes are retracted away from the support members to be removed from the plurality of hollow workpieces.

An apparatus (1) for the surface treatment of the structure of a vehicle (V) by complete immersion in treatment baths contained in treatment tanks (2) comprises a plurality of trolleys (3) moved in a treatment path (P) by means of driver chain means (4), these trolleys can be selectively hooked in engagement with said chain drive means (4), are supported by opposite support and sliding guides (9) extended along said path (P) and have a portion (12) engaged with cam-slider-coupling with cam elements (11) arranged along said path (P) to determine a complete rotation of said trolleys around an axis of transverse rotation at said treatment tanks (2).

A plant for immersion treatment of vehicle bodies may include at least one skid configured to support a body; at least one process liquid tank; a line configured to convey the at least one skid above the at least one tank; and/or a device configured to overturn and immerse, inside the at least one tank, the body on the at least one skid positioned over the at least one tank using the conveyor line. The at least one skid may include a base part and a support part. The support part may be supported rotatably on the base part using a rotatable shaft with axis arranged transverse to a direction of movement of the at least one skid on the conveyor line, so that the support part is rotatable between a first upper position and a second position for immersing the body in the at least one tank.

An inverted carrier lift and method is disclosed. The inverted carrier lift includes a trolley movable along an overhead conveyor and a carrier for supporting a workpiece to undergo an assembly or manufacturing process. The carrier is movable relative to the trolley from a raised position to a lowered position by a motor mounted engaged with a lifting mechanism onboard the trolley. On rotation of the motor, the carrier and supported workpiece is lowered or raised to position the workpiece in the workstation for processing. The workpiece may be disengaged by the carrier for support of the workpiece by one of many different fixtures depending on the processing. Following processing, the workpiece is re-engaged by the carrier, moved to a raised position and the trolley is transferred to a subsequent workstation.

In order to provide a conveyor device for conveying workpieces which is of simple construction and offers flexible possibilities of use, it is proposed that the conveyor device comprise at least one carriage for receiving and conveying the workpieces, and a guide device for guiding the at least one carriage, wherein the guide device comprises a guide element on which the at least one carriage is guided in a sliding manner.

A dip treatment system for treating articles, in particular for treating vehicle bodies, includes a dip treatment tank, which can be filled with a treatment liquid, into which articles to be treated can be fully or partially dipped. A conveying system defines a conveying path and includes at least one transport carriage, which can be displaced along the conveying path in a transport direction and includes a fastening device to which at least one article can be fastened. The conveying system can convey the articles to be treated towards the dip treatment tank, fully or partially into the interior of the dip treatment tank, out of the dip treatment tank and away therefrom. The conveying path of the conveying system is divided into sub-paths, of which at least one first sub-path leads to the dip treatment tank or to an immersion region of the dip treatment tank and of which a second sub-path passes by said dip treatment tank or immersion region of said dip treatment tank. The invention further includes a method for the dip treatment of articles.

A plant for immersion treatment of vehicle bodies may include: at least one skid configured to support a body; at least one process liquid tank; and/or a conveyor line configured to convey the at least one skid above the at least one process liquid tank. The at least one skid may include base and support parts. The support part may be supported on the base part using a rotatable shaft, so that the support part is rotatable between a first position, in which the body is not immersed in the at least one process liquid tank, and a second position for immersing the body in the at least one process liquid tank. The at least one skid may include a toothed wheel connected to the rotatable shaft for controlled rotation. The at least one skid may include a controllable locking/unlocking device configured to lock/unlock free rotation of the rotatable shaft.

A plant for treatment of car bodies may include: transport units to carry car bodies; a first transport line to move the transport units between a starting zone and an arrival zone so as to pass over at least one treatment tank; and a second transport line along which empty transport units are returned. The second transport line is configured to convey the transport units rotated on one side relative to a normal position for transporting the car bodies. A first transfer device is configured to pick up a transport unit from the first transport line, rotate the transport unit on one side, and to deliver the transport unit to the second transport line. A second transfer device is configured to pick up a transport unit from the second transport line, rotate the transport unit into the normal position, and deliver the transport unit to the first transport line.

An inverted carrier lift and method is disclosed. The inverted carrier lift includes a trolley movable along an overhead conveyor and a carrier for supporting a workpiece to undergo an assembly or manufacturing process. The carrier is movable relative to the trolley from a raised position to a lowered position by a motor engaged with a lifting mechanism on the trolley. On rotation of the motor, the carrier and supported workpiece is lowered or raised to position the workpiece in the workstation for processing. The workpiece may be disengaged by the carrier for support of the workpiece by one of many different fixtures depending on the processing. Following processing, the workpiece is re-engaged by the carrier, moved to a raised position and the trolley is transferred to a subsequent workstation.

A plant for treatment of car bodies may include: transport units to carry car bodies; a first transport line to move the transport units between a starting zone and an arrival zone so as to pass over at least one treatment tank; and a second transport line along which empty transport units are returned. The second transport line is configured to convey the transport units rotated on one side relative to a normal position for transporting the car bodies. A first transfer device is configured to pick up a transport unit from the first transport line, rotate the transport unit on one side, and to deliver the transport unit to the second transport line. A second transfer device is configured to pick up a transport unit from the second transport line, rotate the transport unit into the normal position, and deliver the transport unit to the first transport line.