PROCESSING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONVEYING THERETHROUGH PARTS TO BE TREATED AND DEVICE FOR INTERCONNECTING A FIRST LINE AND A SECOND LINE OF THE SYSTEM

Abstract

A device for interconnecting a first line (1 a) and a second line (1 b) of an overhead conveying system for conveying parts to be treated through a processing apparatus by means of at least one product carrier (7) comprising a transporter (19) and a part depending downwards from the transporter (19), in use, the transporter (19) comprising at least one runner (36,37) supported on at least one track (10a,b) comprises a main support structure (47). The device further comprises a movable support structure (48), at least indirectly supported by and movable relative to the main support structure (47) between at least a first position and a second position. The movable support structure (48) comprises at least one track segment (50a,b) for supporting at least one runner (36,37) of a transporter (19) in a support direction (z). Each track segment (50a,b) is alignable with a respective track (10a,b) of the first line (1a) in the first position and with a respective track (10a,b) of the second line (1 b) in the second position such that an end of the track segment (50a,b) adjoins an end of the aligned track (10a,b) to allow a runner (36,37) to cross over between the aligned track (10a,b) and track segment (50a,b). The movement between the first position and the second position comprises a rotation about an axis (54) parallel to the support direction (z) and a translation with at least a component in axial direction. The at least one track segments (50a,b) comprise at least two track segments (50a,b), spaced apart in lateral direction. The movable support structure (48) defines a space for receiving at least part of a product carrier (7). The space is open at a top between the spaced-apart track segments (50a,b) and at opposite ends in longitudinal direction.

Claims

1. Device for interconnecting a first line (1a) and a second line (1b) of an overhead conveying system for conveying parts to be treated through a processing apparatus by means of at least one product carrier (7) comprising a transporter (19) and a part depending downwards from the transporter (19), in use, the transporter (19) comprising at least one runner (36,37) supported on at least one track (10a,b), the device comprising: a main support structure (47); and a movable support structure (48), at least indirectly supported by and movable relative to the main support structure (47) between at least a first position and a second position, wherein the movable support structure (48) comprises at least one track segment (50a,b) for supporting at least one runner (36,37) of a transporter (19) in a support direction (z), and wherein each track segment (50a,b) is alignable with a respective track (10a,b) of the first line (1a) in the first position and with a respective track (10a,b) of the second line (1b) in the second position such that an end of the track segment (50a,b) adjoins an end of the aligned track (10a,b) to allow a runner (36,37) to cross over between the aligned track (10a,b) and track segment (50a,b), characterised in that the movement between the first position and the second position comprises a rotation about an axis (54) parallel to the support direction (z) and a translation with at least a component in axial direction, the at least one track segments (50a,b) comprise at least two track segments (50a,b), spaced apart in lateral direction, and in that the movable support structure (48) defines a space for receiving at least part of a product carrier (7), which space is open at a top between the spaced-apart track segments (50a,b) and at opposite ends in longitudinal direction.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the space is bounded laterally by at least one wall (55a,b).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the space is bounded at a bottom end by a bottom wall (57) adjoining the at least one walls (55a,b), wherein the movable support structure (48) further includes wall sections (56a,b) at opposite ends in longitudinal direction, and wherein the wall sections (56a,b) adjoin the bottom wall (57) and the at least one wall (55a,b) bounding the space laterally to define a basin for collecting liquid.

4. Device according to claim 1, comprising a device (58) for supplying electric power to a transporter (19), when present on the track segments (50a,b).

5. Device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one support (49), guided for movement in the axial direction relative to the main support structure (47), wherein the movable support structure (48) is rotatably mounted to the at least one support (49) for rotation about the axis (54).

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the main support structure (47) is provided with at least one hoist (67) for driving movement in the axial direction of at least one of the at least one supports (49) and the movable support structure (48) mounted thereto.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein each hoist (67) comprises a respective lift wheel (68), wherein the or each lift wheel (68) is mounted to the main support structure (47), and wherein an upper edge of the main support structure (47) on at least one side of the main support structure (47) other than any side on which at least one of the at least one lift wheels (68) is mounted is at a lower level with respect to the support direction (z) than the lift wheel(s) (68).

8. System for conveying parts to be treated through at least one processing apparatus, which system is an overhead conveying system and comprises at least one device (3) according to claim 1, the first line (1a), the second line (1b) and at least one product carrier (7), each product carrier (7) comprising a transporter (19) and a part depending downwards from the transporter (19), in use, the transporter (19) comprising runners (36,37) for supporting the transporter (19) for movement along the tracks (10a,b) of the first line (1a), the tracks (10a,b) of the second line (1b) and the track segments (50a,b) of the device (3), and wherein the tracks (10a,b) of each line (1) comprise at least two tracks (10a,b) between which a space is defined for movement of at least part of each product carrier (7).

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the tracks (10a,b) of the first line (1a) are positioned at a different level in the support direction (z) than the tracks (10a,b) of the second line (1b).

10. System according to claim 8, wherein each line (1) is free of parts above the space in the absence of a product carrier (7).

11. System according to claim 8, wherein the tracks (10a,b) between which the space is defined are supported on cantilevers (11a-d) extending inwards from opposite sides of the space.

12. System according to claim 8, further comprising at least a third line (1c) comprising tracks (10a,b) for supporting the runners (36,37) of the transporter (19) for movement, and a second device, comprising: a main support structure (47); and a movable support structure (48), at least indirectly supported by and movable relative to the main support structure (47) between at least a first position and a second position, wherein the movable support structure (48) comprises at least one track segment (50a,b) for supporting at least one runner (36,37) of a transporter (19) in a support direction (z), and wherein each track segment (50a,b) is alignable with a respective track (10a,b) of the first line (1a) in the first position and with a respective track (10a,b) of the second line (1b) in the second position such that an end of the track segment (50a,b) adjoins an end of the aligned track (10a,b) to allow a runner (36,37) to cross over between the aligned track (10a,b) and track segment (50a,b), characterised in that the movement between the first position and the second position comprises a rotation about an axis (54) parallel to the support direction (z) and a translation with at least a component in axial direction, the at least one track segments (50a,b) comprise at least two track segments (50a,b), spaced apart in lateral direction, and in that the movable support structure (48) defines a space for receiving at least part of a product carrier (7), which space is open at a top between the spaced-apart track segments (50a,b) and at opposite ends in longitudinal direction, wherein the second device is arranged to interconnect the second line (1b) and the third line (1c), wherein the tracks (50a,b) of the third line (1c) correspond in number to the track segments (50a,b) of the second device and the tracks of the second line (1b), and wherein each track segment (50a,b) of the second device (3) is alignable with a respective track (10a,b) of the second line (1b) in the first position and with a respective track (10a,b) of the third line (1c) in the second position such that an end of the track segment (50a,b) adjoins an end of the aligned track (10a,b) to allow a runner (36,37) to cross over between the aligned track (10a,b) and track segment (50a,b).

13. System according to claim 12, wherein the tracks (10a,b) of the first and third lines (1a,c) are at essentially the same level in the support direction (z).

14. Apparatus for wet-chemical processing of parts to be treated, comprising at least one bath (5a-c) and a system according to claim 8 for conveying the parts to be treated through the apparatus.

15. Method of conveying parts to be treated through at least one processing apparatus using at least one of a system according to claim 8 and a station (2a-h) comprising a device (3) comprising: a main support structure (47); and a movable support structure (48), at least indirectly supported by and movable relative to the main support structure (47) between at least a first position and a second position, wherein the movable support structure (48) comprises at least one track segment (50a,b) for supporting at least one runner (36,37) of a transporter (19) in a support direction (z), and wherein each track segment (50a,b) is alignable with a respective track (10a,b) of the first line (1a) in the first position and with a respective track (10a,b) of the second line (1b) in the second position such that an end of the track segment (50a,b) adjoins an end of the aligned track (10a,b) to allow a runner (36,37) to cross over between the aligned track (10a,b) and track segment (50a,b), characterised in that the movement between the first position and the second position comprises a rotation about an axis (54) parallel to the support direction (z) and a translation with at least a component in axial direction, the at least one track segments (50a,b) comprise at least two track segments (50a,b), spaced apart in lateral direction, and in that the movable support structure (48) defines a space for receiving at least part of a product carrier (7), which space is open at a top between the spaced-apart track segments (50a,b) and at opposite ends in longitudinal direction, wherein the parts to be treated are conveyed by means of at least one product carrier (7) comprising a transporter (19), the transporter (19) comprising runners (36,37) supportable on a track (10a,b), which method comprises: moving the product carrier (7) along a first line (1a) comprising tracks (10a,b) supporting the runners (36,37) of the product carrier's transporter (19) for movement along the track (10a,b); and moving the product carrier (7) along a second line (1b) comprising tracks supporting the runners (36,37) of the product carrier's transporter (19) for movement along the track (10a,b), wherein the product carrier (7) is moved from the first line (1a) to the second line (1b) by means of a station (2) interconnecting the first line (1a) and the second line (1b), which station (2) comprises a device (3) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein moving the product carrier (7) from the first line (1a) to the second line (1b) by means of the station comprises: aligning each track segment (50a,b) with a respective track (10a,b) of the first line (1a) in the first position such that an end of the track segment (50a,b) adjoins an end of the aligned track (10a,b); causing the product carrier (7) to move from the first line (1a) onto the movable support structure (48), wherein the runners (36,37) of the transporter (19) cross over from the track(s) (10a,b) of the first line (1a) to the track segment(s) (50a,b); aligning each track segment (50a,b) with a respective track (10a,b) of the second line (1b) in the second position such that an end of the track segment (50a,b) adjoins an end of the aligned track (10a,b); and causing the product carrier (7) to move from the movable support structure (48) onto the second line (1b), wherein the runners (36,37) of the transporter (19) cross over from the track segment(s) (50a,b) to the track(s) (10a,b) of the second line (1b), wherein the step of aligning each track segment (50a,b) with a respective track (10a,b) of the second line (1b) in the second position comprises rotating the movable support structure (48) about an axis (54) parallel to the support direction (z) and moving the movable support structure (48) in at least an axial direction.

16. Device according to claim 3, further comprising a device (58) for supplying electric power to a transporter (19), when present on the track segments (50a,b).

17. Device according to claim 3, further comprising at least one support (49), guided for movement in the axial direction relative to the main support structure (47), wherein the movable support structure (48) is rotatably mounted to the at least one support (49) for rotation about the axis (54).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0104] The invention will be explained in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0105] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a layout of an apparatus for wet-processing articles to be treated;

[0106] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a segment of the apparatus, comprising a segment of a system for conveying the articles to be treated through the apparatus;

[0107] FIG. 3 is a side view of the system segment;

[0108] FIG. 4 is a top view of the system segment;

[0109] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from a first side of a product carrier comprised in the system;

[0110] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from a second side of the product carrier;

[0111] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components for controlling the operation of the product carrier;

[0112] FIG. 8 is a first detailed perspective view of a transporter comprised in the product carrier;

[0113] FIG. 9 is a second detailed perspective view of part of the transporter, with certain housing parts removed;

[0114] FIG. 10 is a detailed side view of part of the product carrier with certain housing parts removed;

[0115] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a device for interconnecting two lines of the system;

[0116] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a movable support structure comprised in the interconnecting device;

[0117] FIG. 13 is a top view of the movable support structure;

[0118] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the movable support structure with certain parts removed to show parts of a device for supplying electric power to the transporter;

[0119] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of part of the movable support structure showing part of a device for rotating the movable support structure;

[0120] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of part of the interconnecting device with the movable support structure removed;

[0121] FIG. 17 is a second perspective view of the part of the interconnecting device shown in FIG. 16;

[0122] FIG. 18 is a detailed perspective view showing the device for rotating the movable support structure; and

[0123] FIG. 19 is a detailed perspective view showing a support comprised in the interconnecting device, to which the movable support structure is rotatably mounted and which is guided for movement relative to a main support structure of the interconnecting device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0124] A simplified apparatus for wet-chemical treatment of loose parts (not shown) comprises first to seventh lines 1a-g (FIG. 1) and stations 2a-h that each comprise an interconnecting device 3 (FIG. 11) for interconnecting lines 1a-g. Not all of these interconnecting devices 3 need actually interconnect lines 1a-g and some interconnect more than two lines 1a-g, as shown. In particular, a first and ninth station 2a,h (FIG. 1) interconnect a first line 1a with a loading facility (not shown) and a seventh line 1g with an unloading facility (not shown), respectively. Such a station may also be inserted within a line 1a-g in some embodiments.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and a third, fifth and sixth line 1a,c,e,f may be processing lines in which processing stations are arranged. Second, fourth and seventh lines 1b,d,g may be interconnecting lines along which no processing stations are arranged.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the first, third, fifth and sixth lines 1a,c,e,f are composed of standard-length apparatus segments 4a-k, whereas the other lines 1b,d,g are each comprise a segment of a length specific to that line 1b,d,g. In other embodiments, all the lines 1a-g are composed of standard-length apparatus segments 4a-k.

[0127] The illustrated apparatus segment 4 (FIG. 2) comprises tanks 5a-c for accommodating liquid in which the parts to be treated are immersible. The apparatus segments 4a-k each comprise a system segment 6 (FIGS. 3, 4) of a conveying system for conveying parts to be treated through the processing apparatus. The conveying system further comprises at least one product carrier 7a-d (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6). One or more processing stations are defined in each tank 5a-c. In a method of operating the apparatus, processing is synchronised, in that a fixed unit of processing time is defined. Each product carrier 7 remains at a processing station for one unit of processing time or a multiple of the unit of processing time. An effect of this synchronised method of processing is that there is less risk of collision between the product carriers 7a-d. If the tank 5 is large enough, a product carrier 7 may stop at a first position above the tank 5 for a first unit of time and then move to a second position above the same tank 5, where the product carrier 7 remains for a second unit of time. The parts to be treated may stay immersed in the liquid during these steps, so that treatment can essentially continue.

[0128] Each system segment 6 comprises a stationary system frame 8 (FIGS. 3 and 4) that forms a support structure on which a pair of elongate bars 9a,b are mounted. The bars 9a,b define tracks 10a,b along which the product carriers 7a-d are arranged to move. The product carriers 7a-d are supported in a vertically oriented support direction z by the tracks 10a,b. In the illustrated embodiment, the tracks 10a,b lie in a plane transverse to the support direction z, i.e. they are at one level.

[0129] The bars 9a,b and thus the tracks 10a,b form a pair between which a space is defined in which a lower part of a product carrier 7 can move (cf. FIG. 3). The system segment 6 is free of parts above the space in the absence of the product carrier 7. Thus, the product carrier 7 can extend above the level of the system segment 6 and move without obstruction.

[0130] To provide the space, the system frame 8 comprises cantilevers 11a-d on which the bars 9a,b and thus the tracks 10a,b, are supported. The system frame 8 does not define a gantry. The cantilevers 11a-d are mounted to upright posts 12a-d and reinforced by struts 13a-d.

[0131] The system frame 8 has a length l, a width wand a height h allowing the system frame 8 to be pre-assembled and then shipped to the site of the processing apparatus in a standard-size intermodal container.

[0132] Longitudinal end faces 14a-d of the bars 9a-d and thus longitudinal edges of the tracks 10a,b are at an angle to their longitudinal axes. The angle may be between 20° and 7 0°, e.g. between 40° and 50°, for example.

[0133] The conveying system is comprised in the processing apparatus in such a configuration that the tracks 10a,b of the first line 1a, third line 1c, fifth line 1e and sixth line 1f are positioned at one level, as shown in FIG. 3. These tracks 10a,b also extend in parallel. They are positioned above the upper ends of the tanks 5a-c. The tracks of the second line 1b, fourth line 1d, and seventh line 1g are at a different level in the support direction z. These tracks are at right angles to those of the first line 1a, third line 1c, fifth line 1e and sixth line 1f. In the illustrated embodiment, the tracks of the second line 1b, fourth line 1d, and seventh line 1g are at a higher level, such that an operative can move under the second line 1b, fourth line 1d, and seventh line 1g without risk of being hit by a product carrier 7 moving along that line. In another embodiment, the tracks of the second line 1b, fourth line 1d, and seventh line 1g are at a lower level than those of the first line 1a, third line 1c, fifth line 1e and sixth line 1f, so that it is relatively easy to provide a walkway crossing the second line 1b, fourth line 1d, and seventh line 1g.

[0134] The system frame 8 supports a high-voltage live rail 15 and a low-voltage live rail 16. A power supply system (not shown in detail) maintains the low-voltage live rail at an Extra Low Voltage, meaning a voltage below 50 V, e.g. 24 V. The high-voltage live rail 15 is arranged to supply electric power at a higher voltage and to support currents necessary for electrolytic processing, in particular electroplating. This voltage will be between 300 V and 1000 V, e.g. between 400 V and 600 V. The high-voltage live rail 15 is only required for those apparatus segments 4a-k comprising processing stations for electrolytic processing of parts to be treated.

[0135] The product carrier 7 (FIGS. 5, 6 and 8-10) comprises a barrel 17, a barrel holding frame 18 and a transporter 19.

[0136] The barrel 17 forms a container of which the interior is arranged to accommodate the parts to be treated. The barrel 17 comprises opposing barrel end walls 20a,b, located at opposite axial ends with respect to a barrel axis (not shown) corresponding to a body axis of the barrel 17. The barrel 17 further comprises a side wall 21. The barrel side wall 21 may be cylindrical. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel side wall 21 comprises planar panels. One or more of the panels can be removed to insert and remove the parts to be treated.

[0137] The panels are perforated, so that they are pervious to liquid. When the barrel 17 is immersed in liquid, the liquid can flood the interior of the barrel 17 through the perforations. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel end walls 20a,b are impervious to liquid, but this is not essential.

[0138] An electrical conductor 22 (FIG. 5) is connected to a dangler electrode (not shown) in an interior of the barrel 17.

[0139] The barrel axis is oriented essentially in parallel to a direction of movement of the product carrier 7 along the tracks 10a,b. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the barrel 17 is smaller than the axial dimension of the barrel 17. Thus, the orientation of the barrel allows the space between the tracks 10a,b to be relatively narrow.

[0140] The barrel 17 is held by the barrel holding frame 18, which connects the barrel 17 to the transporter 19. The barrel holding frame 18 comprises an, in use, lower frame section and an upper frame section. The lower frame section comprises two frame parts 23a,b, located at opposite axial ends of the barrel 17. The barrel 17 is rotatably journalled to the barrel holding frame 18 in between the frame parts 23a,b. The parts to be treated (not shown) are loosely arranged in the interior of the barrel 17. Rotating the barrel 17 during treatment of the parts allows for a more uniform treatment of the parts, because tumbling parts to be treated exposes different areas of these parts to the processing liquid.

[0141] The barrel 17, although movable with respect to the barrel holding frame 18, is inseparable from the barrel holding frame 18. In turn, the barrel holding frame 18, although movable with respect to the transporter 19, is inseparable from the transporter 19. The product carrier 7 thus forms a unit. The product carrier 7 is arranged to remain with the parts to be treated throughout the treatment process. The barrel 17 need not be transferred to another product carrier 7, conveyor or stationary devices at processing stations. The transporters 19 all move in one direction along the lines 1a-g.

[0142] In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical motor forming a barrel drive 24 (FIG. 6) is mounted to the barrel holding frame 18. The barrel drive 24 is connected to the barrel 17 via a gear train 25. The gear train 25 effects a separation between the barrel drive 24 and the barrel 17, so that the barrel drive 24 can be maintained at a distance to processing liquid in the tanks 5a-c. The gear train 25 comprises gear wheels, which may be made of plastic or ceramic material, for example. Power is supplied to the barrel drive 24 from the low-voltage live rail 16 via a first contact shoe assembly 26 (FIGS. 5, 6 and 8), mounted to the transporter 19, and through one or more electrical cables (not shown in detail) interconnecting the transporter 19 and the barrel holding frame 18.

[0143] A controller 27 (FIG. 7) controls the operation of the barrel drive 24. The operation of the barrel drive 24 is controllable independently of other drives that the product carrier 7 comprises. In particular, the barrel 17 may be rotated whilst immersed in processing liquid, but also whilst suspended above one of the tanks 5a-c, in order to shake off processing liquid. The movement may be reciprocating movement. The term controller is used herein in a functional sense: such a controller will generally comprise at least one microprocessor and memory.

[0144] Since the tracks 10a,b remain at one single level in the support direction z, the barrel 17 is to be raised and lowered with respect to the transporter 19 to allow the barrel 17 to be immersed in processing liquid. The product carrier 7 comprises a lifting drive 28 (FIGS. 8 and 10) for driving movement of the barrel 17 relative to the transporter 19 in the support direction z. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel holding frame 18 is arranged to move with the barrel 17 in the third direction z and the opposite direction. In other embodiments, the barrel holding frame 18 may remain partly or completely stationary with respect to the transporter 19, with the barrel 17 moving with respect to the barrel holding frame 18. However, this alternative embodiment is more complicated. The illustrated embodiment also allows the product carrier 7 to clear obstacles such as walls of the tanks 5a-c more easily. Because the upper frame section is relatively narrow, the upper frame section can pass through the transporter 19 relatively easily. The lower frame section remains below the transporter 19 at all times.

[0145] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper frame section comprises a pair of guide shafts 29a,b (FIG. 10) that pass through linear bearings 30a,b fixedly mounted to the transporter 19. Multiple aligned linear bearings 30a,b are provided for each guide shaft 29a,b in the illustrated embodiment, although only one is shown.

[0146] A current-carrying bar 31 (FIG. 10) extends between the guide shafts 29a,b. The current-carrying bar 31 is bent at an end distal to the barrel 17 to define a contact point 32. The current-carrying bar 31 is connected to the dangler electrode at an end of the current-carrying bar 31 proximal to the barrel 17. When the barrel-holding frame 18 is in a position at an end of a range of movement at which the barrel 17 is furthest apart from the transporter 19, the contact point 32 makes electrical contact with electrical contacts 33a,b mounted on the transporter 19 to supply current to the dangler electrode. In other positions of the barrel-holding frame 18 the power supply to the dangler electrode is consequently interrupted. The current-carrying bar 31 may be a solid structure made of electrically conductive material, e.g. copper or a copper alloy. Alternatively, the current-carrying bar 31 may comprise a shielding in which a conductor is provided, the shielding leaving only the contact point 32 exposed. Power is supplied to the current-carrying bar 31 via a second contact shoe assembly 34 arranged to contact the high-voltage live rail 15.

[0147] The transporter 19 comprises a base 35 on which are mounted the various transporter components referred to above.

[0148] A pair of driven wheels 36a,b and a pair of further supporting wheels 37a,b are rotatably mounted to the transporter base 35. These four wheels 36a,b,37a,b are arranged to support the transporter 19, and thus the product carrier 7, on the tracks 10a,b. A first set of two wheels 36a,37a is supported on a first track 10b and a second set of two wheels 36b,37b is supported on a second track 10a. The transporter 19 extends between the first set and the second set, which sets are spaced apart in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The upper frame section of the barrel holding frame 18 is movable in the support direction z in between the first and the second sets of supporting wheels 36a,b,37a,b

[0149] A transporter drive 38 comprises an electric motor coupled to a transmission 39 for driving drive axles 40a,b on which the driven wheels 36a,b are mounted. The controller 27 also controls the operation of the transporter drive 38.

[0150] Guide wheels 41a-c (FIGS. 5 and 9) are arranged to rotate about axes aligned or approximately aligned with the support direction z. These guide wheels 41a-c are arranged to contact respective opposite lateral surfaces of the bars 9a,b when the supporting wheels 36a,b,37a,b are positioned on the tracks 10a,b. In this manner, the product carrier 7 is positioned more accurately.

[0151] Thus, the wheels 36a,b,37a,b form runners arranged to support the product carrier 7 on at least one track 10a,b. These support and guidance functions may be combined in alternative embodiments, e.g. in an embodiment employing sledges arranged to slide along a track instead of wheels.

[0152] The controller 27 and other electronic and electrical parts may be housed in a cabinet 42 (FIGS. 5 and 6) situated above a level of the transporter base 35, for example.

[0153] The controller 27 is able to access a non-volatile data storage device 43 (FIG. 7) to retrieve instructions defining at least one of a route and a series of operations in the apparatus for wet-chemical processing of parts to be treated. These instructions may in particular identify the processing stations at which the product carrier 7 is to stop and immerse the barrel 17 in processing liquid. They may include a definition of the length of time for which the barrel 17 is to remain immersed. In an embodiment in which the treatment is synchronised, this time period may be defined in terms of a multiple of the unit of time used to synchronise the operation of the multiple product carriers 7a-d. The instructions may further define whether the barrel 17 is to be rotated when immersed and/or when in transit. Where multiple processing stations are defined for one tank 5a-c, the instructions may cause the product carrier 7 to move from a position associated with a first processing station to a position associated with a second, different processing station whilst keeping the barrel 17 immersed in the processing liquid contained in the tank 5a-c.

[0154] A sensor interface 44 to one or more sensor devices 45 is provided to enable the controller 27 to control operations or parts of operations autonomously, i.e. independently of a central control system of the apparatus for wet-chemical processing. Such sensors may include, for example, photoelectric sensors for detecting light emitted or reflected by beacons (not shown) positioned along the tracks 10a,b, magnetic sensors for detecting magnetic beacons (not shown) positioned along the tracks 10a,b, feelers deflected by beacons positioned along the tracks 10a,b, one or more motion sensors (accelerometers) or rotation sensors for implementing dead reckoning, etc.

[0155] In the illustrated embodiment, data can also be obtained through a network communication interface 46. This can include the data stored in the data storage device 43, thus allowing the product carrier 7 to be reprogrammed with a different series of operations and/or a different route. The data can also include control commands directly affecting the operation of one or more of the drives 24,28,38. Thus, it is also or alternatively possible to control the operation of the multiple product carriers 7a-d centrally. Furthermore, the product carrier 7 can communicate error messages to a central control system, for example. The same or a further network communication interface 46 can also or alternatively be used to enable the product carriers 7a-d to communicate amongst each other. This can be of use in avoiding collisions, for example. The network communication interface 46 may in particular be a wireless network communication interface 46. The wireless network communication interface 46 may be in accordance with one or more of the IEEE 802.11 standards, for example.

[0156] Each interconnecting device 3 comprises a main support structure 47, a movable support structure 48 and a movable support 49. The movable support structure 48 is indirectly supported by the main support structure 47, namely via the support 49.

[0157] The movable support structure 48 comprises a pair of elongate track segments 50a,b for supporting the wheels 36a,b,37a,b of the transporter 19 in the support direction z. Each of the track segments 50a,b comprises an (upper) support surface 51a,b facing in the support direction z. In the illustrated embodiment, the support surfaces 51a,b each have a normal parallel to the support direction z. They may alternatively be inclined slightly such as to partly face in a lateral direction with respect to longitudinal axes of the track segments 50a,b.

[0158] In the illustrated embodiment, the track segments 50a,b also present lateral guide surfaces 52a-d for contacting the guide wheels 41a-c of the transporter 19a,b.

[0159] Longitudinal edges 53a-d of the support surfaces 51a,b of the track segments 50a,b are at an angle to the longitudinal direction. The angle may be between 20° and 7 0°, e.g. between 40° and 5 0°, for example.

[0160] The track segments 50a,b are spaced apart in lateral direction. The spacing corresponds to that of the tracks 10a,b of the system segment 6 and that of the tracks of the lines not composed of standard-size segments. The angle of the track segment edges 53a,b is also complementary to the angle of the longitudinal edges of the tracks 10a,b, in the sense that the two angles add up to at least approximately 90°. Thus, in a first position of the movable support structure 48, the track segments 50a,b are each aligned with a respective track 10a,b of a line 1 interconnected by the interconnecting device 3 to another line 1, such that the wheels 36a,b,37a,b of the transporter 19 can move across between the tracks 10a,b and track segments 50a,b. In a second position of the movable support structure 48, the track segments 50a,b are each aligned with a respective track 10a,b of that other line 1. The tracks 10a,b of the interconnected lines 1 are at different levels in the support direction and their longitudinal axes are at an angle to each other, e.g. at right angles as shown (FIG. 1). Thus, the movement between the first position and the second position comprises both a rotation about an axis 54 parallel to the support direction z and a translation in the support direction z, i.e. in axial direction.

[0161] The movable support structure 48 defines a space for receiving the lower section of a product carrier 7, specifically the barrel 17 and at least the lower frame section of the barrel holding frame 18. The space is open at the top between the track segments 50a,b and bounded by side walls 55a,b and end walls 56a,b, as well as a bottom wall 57. Lower sections of the end walls 56a,b, the side walls 55a,b and the bottom wall 57 define a basin for collecting any liquid that may drip from the barrel 17 when the product carrier 7 is present on the movable support structure 48.

[0162] A live rail 58 is mounted to the movable support structure 48 for supplying power to the first contact shoe assembly 26 of the transporter 19. Thus, the transporter 19 can move onto and off the movable support structure 48 autonomously. Power is supplied to the live rail 58 via a cable extending through a cable duct 59 at least approximately aligned with the axis of rotation 54.

[0163] A toothed wheel 60 (FIGS. 15 and 18) is mounted to the underside of the movable support structure 48. An axis of rotation of the toothed wheel 60 is at least approximately aligned with the axis of rotation 54. A bearing surface 61 (FIG. 15) of the toothed wheel 60 is supported on a top surface 62 of the support 49, such that the movable support structure 48 in effect forms a turntable. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 62 is just a plane surface and the bearing surface 61 is a dedicated component. The reverse constellation is possible in an alternative embodiment. In yet another embodiment, the toothed wheel 60 may be supported for rotation by a roller or ball bearing.

[0164] The support 49 is provided with a support motor 63 (FIG. 18), in this embodiment an electric motor, mounted thereto. The support motor 63 coupled to a pinion 64, which in turn meshes with the toothed wheel 60. Thus, the rotation of the movable support structure 48 about the axis 54 of rotation is driven. In other embodiments, a hydraulic or pneumatic motor may be used. Likewise, a toothed belt or the like may be used instead of the pinion 64. A sensor mount 65 (FIGS. 16 and 18) is provided to allow one or more sensors (not shown) to detect the rotary position of the movable support structure 48 relative to the support 49, and thus to the main support structure 47. Signalling devices 66a,b (FIG. 15) are mounted to the underside of the movable support structure 48 to provide signals detectable by the sensors supported by the sensor mount 65. The signalling devices 66a,b may, for example, interrupt or reflect light beams or they may serve as mounts for magnets detectable by magnetic sensors. Other alternatives are possible.

[0165] In the illustrated embodiment, a hoist 67 is provided for effecting the movement of the movable support structure 48 in the support direction z by raising and lowering the support 49. The hoist 67 comprises a lift wheel 68, a hoist medium in the form of a hoist belt 69 and a hoist motor 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the hoist motor 70 is an electric motor. In alternative embodiments, the hoist motor 70 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the hoist motor 70 is mounted to the main support structure 47. In alternative embodiments, the hoist motor 70 is just anchored to the ground or otherwise held in fixed position relative to the main support structure 47.

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the main support structure 47 comprises a frame to which panels 71a-c are mounted. An upper edge of the frame and panels is not at the same level in the support direction z on all sides. Rather, seen looking down on the main support structure 47 in a direction counter to the support direction z, an upper edge of the main support structure 47 on an opposite side to the side on which the lift wheel 68 is mounted is at a lower level with respect to the support direction z. This lower edge is formed by a first cross-bar 72 in the illustrated embodiment. Second, third and fourth cross-bars 73-75 are at a higher level with respect to the support direction. Additional panels 76a-c extend to the second, third and fourth cross-bars 73-75 on those three sides of the main support structure 47 that extend to a higher level in the support direction z.

[0167] Thus, the product carrier 7 can enter a space bounded by the additional panels 76a-c on three sides by moving across over the first cross-bar 72 onto the track segments 50a,b.

[0168] The lift wheel 68 is at a higher level with respect to the support direction z than the first cross-bar 72. The lifting medium, in this example the hoist belt 69, is attached to the support 49 at a level below an upper end of the support 49 with respect to the support direction z. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 49 comprises a frame and the upper end of the support is formed by the top surface 62. The hoist belt 69 is connected to a lower end of the frame of the support 49. In this way, the movable support structure 48 can be raised to a level in the support direction z in which the movable support structure 48 is above the level of the second, third and fourth cross-bars 73-75.

[0169] The movement of the support 49 is guided by bearings 77 (FIGS. 18 and 19) travelling on interconnecting device guide shafts 78, which may be provided on all four corners of the frame of the support 49, for example.

[0170] Thus, the support 49 is guided for axial movement and effects the axial component of the movement of the movable support structure 48. The movable support structure 48 is rotatably mounted to the support 49 to allow for the rotary component of the movement between the first and second positions.

[0171] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which may be varied within the scope of the accompanying claims. For example, instead of a single support 49, there may be multiple supports that together support the movable support structure for rotation and are moved by respective hoists in a synchronised manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0172] 1a-g—Lines [0173] 2a-h—Stations [0174] 3—Interconnecting device [0175] 4a-k—Apparatus segments [0176] 5a-c—Tanks [0177] 6—System segment [0178] 7—Product carrier [0179] 8—System frame [0180] 9a,b—Bars [0181] 10a,b—Tracks [0182] 11a-d—Cantilever [0183] 12a-d—Upright posts [0184] 13a-d—Struts [0185] 14a-d—Bar end faces [0186] 15 High-voltage live rail [0187] 16—Low-voltage live rail [0188] 17—Barrel [0189] 18—Barrel holding frame [0190] 19—Transporter [0191] 20a,b—Barrel end walls [0192] 21—Barrel side wall [0193] 22—Electrical conductor [0194] 23a,b—Frame parts [0195] 24—Barrel drive [0196] 25 Gear train [0197] 26—First contact shoe assembly [0198] 27—Barrel drive controller [0199] 28—Lifting drive [0200] 29a,b—Guide shafts [0201] 30a,b—Linear bearings [0202] 31—Current-carrying bar [0203] 32—Bar contact point [0204] 33a,b—Electrical contacts [0205] 34—Second contact shoe assembly [0206] 35 Transporter base [0207] 36a,b—Driven wheels [0208] 37—Further supporting wheels [0209] 38—Transporter drive [0210] 39—Transmission [0211] 40a,b—Drive axle [0212] 41a-c—Guide wheels [0213] 42—Cabinet [0214] 43—Data storage device [0215] 44—Sensor interface [0216] 45 Sensor device [0217] 46—Network communication interface [0218] 47—Main support structure [0219] 48—Movable support structure [0220] 49—Support [0221] 50a,b—Track segments [0222] 51a,b—Support surface [0223] 52a-d—Lateral guide surfaces [0224] 53a-d—Track segment edges [0225] 54—Axis of rotation [0226] 55a,b—Side walls [0227] 56a,b—End walls [0228] 57—Bottom wall [0229] 58—Live rail [0230] 59—Cable duct [0231] 60—Toothed wheel [0232] 61—Bearing surface [0233] 62—Top surface [0234] 63—Support motor [0235] 64—Pinion [0236] 65—Sensor mount [0237] 66a,b—Signalling devices [0238] 67—Hoist [0239] 68—Lift wheel [0240] 69—Hoist belt [0241] 70—Hoist motor [0242] 71a-c—Main support structure panels [0243] 72—First cross-bar [0244] 73—Second cross-bar [0245] 74—Third cross-bar [0246] 75—Fourth cross-bar [0247] 76a-c—Panels [0248] 77—Support bearing [0249] 78—Guide shaft on interconnecting device