CONVEYOR DEVICE AND TREATMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. Conveyor device for conveying workpieces—in particular, vehicle bodies—wherein the conveyor device comprises: 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 includes a guide element on which the at least one carriage is guided in a sliding manner.

2. Conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one carriage includes one or more traction units, each of the one or more traction units including traction rollers which roll on the guide element of the guide device.

3. Conveyor device according to claim 2, wherein different traction rollers are used to bear the load in different rotational orientations of the carriage, and for lateral guidance along the guide element.

4. Conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the guide element is a round tube or includes the round tube.

5. Conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the guide element is a square tube or includes a square tube.

6. Conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one carriage includes a traction drive and wherein the conveyor device includes an energy supply device for supplying drive energy to the traction drive.

7. Conveyor device according to claim 6, wherein the energy supply device includes an energy supply element which extends along the guide element of the guide device and can be moved into engagement with or is in engagement with an energy receiving element of the carriage.

8. Conveyor device according to claim 7, wherein the energy supply element and/or the energy receiving element can be moved into different rotational orientations or are or can be arranged in different rotational orientations along the guide element—in particular, in such a way that the energy supply element and the energy receiving element can be moved into engagement with one another or are in engagement with one another when the at least one carriage is arranged in a receiving orientation and/or in a compact orientation.

9. Conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor device includes a rotation device by which the at least one carriage can be moved into different rotational orientations relative to the guide element.

10. Conveyor device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one carriage can be moved selectively into a receiving orientation and a compact orientation by the rotation device, wherein at least one workpiece can be received and/or conveyed in the receiving orientation by the at least one carriage and/or wherein, in the compact orientation, an extension of the at least one carriage in at least one direction—in particular, in a horizontal direction—is reduced compared to the extension in the receiving orientation.

11. Conveyor device according to claim 9, wherein the rotation device includes a rotary drive or a rotation guide—in particular, a slotted guide—by which the at least one carriage can be moved into different rotational orientations—in particular, by deflecting, raising, or lowering an end, facing away from the guide element, of the at least one carriage and/or by rotating a guide element portion of the guide element.

12. Conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the guide element includes several guide element portions, wherein one or more of these guide element portions is fixed to support elements of the conveyor device in a rotationally-fixed manner, and wherein at least one guide element portion is to be able to rotate.

13. Conveyor device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one guide element portion is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and/or central axis.

14. Conveyor device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one guide element portion is rotatably mounted, by one or more bearings, including annular bearings, plain bearings, and/or ball bearings, on one or more guide element portions which are rotationally fixed.

15. Conveyor device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one guide element portion which is to be able to rotate forms a rotation position of the conveyor device or is arranged in the rotation position of the conveyor device, wherein, in the rotation position, the at least one carriage can be moved into different rotational orientations relative to the guide element.

16. Treatment system for the treatment of workpieces—in particular, for surface treatment of vehicle bodies—wherein the treatment system includes a conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the carriage includes a workpiece holder for receiving one or more workpieces, and wherein the workpiece holder is to be rotatable for bringing the one or more workpieces into and out of a treatment container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0125] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspectival illustration of a further embodiment of a conveyor device for conveying workpieces;

[0126] FIG. 2 is a partial-cutaway perspectival illustration of the conveyor device of FIG. 1;

[0127] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a rotation process for rotating a carriage of the conveyor device of FIG. 1;

[0128] FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical cross-section through the conveyor device of FIG. 1, wherein the carriage is arranged in a compact orientation;

[0129] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-section corresponding to FIG. 4, wherein the carriage is arranged in a receiving orientation;

[0130] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspectival illustration of a guide element portion of a guide element of the conveyor device of FIG. 1;

[0131] FIG. 7 is an enlarged illustration of a connection region between two guide element portions, which must be connected to each other, of a guide element of the conveyor device of FIG. 1;

[0132] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration, corresponding to FIG. 7, of the guide element portion in the assembled state;

[0133] FIG. 9 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a rotation position of a conveyor device, in which a rotatable guide element portion is provided;

[0134] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspectival illustration of an alternative embodiment of a guide element, in which a square tube is provided instead of a round tube;

[0135] FIG. 11 shows a sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 9, of a first alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which an optimized mounting of a rotatable guide element portion is provided;

[0136] FIG. 12 shows a sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 9, of a second alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which an optimized mounting of a rotatable guide element portion is provided;

[0137] FIG. 13 shows a sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 9, of a third alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which an optimized mounting of a rotatable guide element portion is provided;

[0138] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a fifth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which a switch device is provided, wherein a switch element is arranged in a first position;

[0139] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the fifth alternative embodiment of FIG. 14, wherein the switch element is arranged in a second position;

[0140] FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of a sixth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which a switch device is provided, wherein a switch element is arranged in a first position;

[0141] FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of the sixth alternative embodiment of FIG. 16, wherein the switch element is arranged in a second position;

[0142] FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view of a seventh alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which a switch device is provided, wherein a switch element is arranged in a first position;

[0143] FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of the seventh alternative embodiment of FIG. 18, wherein the switch element is arranged in a second position;

[0144] FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of an eighth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which a switch device is provided, wherein a switch element is arranged in a first position;

[0145] FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of the eighth alternative embodiment of FIG. 20, wherein the switch element is arranged in a second position;

[0146] FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of the eighth alternative embodiment of FIG. 20, wherein the switch element is arranged in the second position shown in FIG. 21;

[0147] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspectival illustration of a ninth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which a gear drive device is provided; and

[0148] FIG. 24 is a schematic side view of a tenth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device, in which a lifting arm device is provided for rotating the carriage.

[0149] The same or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0150] A first embodiment of a conveyor device, denoted as a whole by 100 in FIGS. 1 through 9, serves in particular to convey workpieces 102—for example, vehicle bodies 104.

[0151] The conveyor device 100 is in particular a component of a treatment system 106 for treatment of the workpieces 102. The treatment system 106 is, for example, an immersion treatment system.

[0152] The conveyor device 100 comprises a carriage 108 which comprises a workpiece holder 110 for receiving a workpiece 102.

[0153] The workpiece holder 110 comprises in particular a pivot plate shaft on which a workpiece 102 is rotatably held in order to be able to bring the workpiece 102 into a treatment container (not shown) or bring it back out of the same by rotating it about an axis of rotation 114.

[0154] The carriage 108 further comprises one or more, e.g., exactly two, traction units 116 by means of which the carriage 108 can be moved along a guide element 118 of a guide device 120 of the conveyor device 100.

[0155] Each traction unit 116 preferably comprises several traction rollers 122 which guide the respective traction units 116 on the guide element 118 in such a way that the traction units 116 can be moved exclusively along the guide element 118. In addition, each traction unit 116, and in particular the entire carriage 108, can be rotated about the guide element 118, and in particular can be into different rotational orientations relative to the guide element 118.

[0156] In the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in very simplified form in FIGS. 1 and 2, it comprises a treatment path 124 and a return path 126.

[0157] The treatment path 124 is for the treatment of the workpieces 102, wherein the workpieces 102 can be conveyed for this purpose along the treatment path 124 by means of the carriage 108.

[0158] The return path 126 serves to return the carriage 108 after a treatment is carried out on the treatment path 124.

[0159] The workpieces 102 are arranged on the carriage 108 at the beginning of the treatment path 124, and are removed from the carriage 108 at the end of the treatment path 124.

[0160] As can be seen in particular from a comparison of FIGS. 4 and 5, the carriage 108 together with the associated workpiece holder 110 can be arranged in different rotational orientations, wherein, according to FIG. 5, a receiving orientation for receiving a workpiece 102 is provided. The carriage 108 is arranged in this receiving orientation in particular when a workpiece 102 is conveyed along the treatment path 124.

[0161] Furthermore, the carriage 108 can be arranged in the compact orientation shown in FIG. 4. In the compact orientation, no workpiece 102 is arranged on the carriage 108. Rather, the compact orientation is used for the return along the return path 126, to allow for subsequently carrying out a new reception of a workpiece and treatment of the workpiece.

[0162] The guide element 118 for guiding the carriage 108 is fixed in particular by means of support elements 128, and in particular fixed relative to a floor.

[0163] The support elements 128 are, for example, supports or support pillars.

[0164] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1 and from FIGS. 4 and 5, the different rotational orientation of the carriage 108 results in a potential overlap between the conveying contour or movement contour of the carriage 108, when it is moved along the guide element 118 in different rotational orientations, and the components for fixing the guide element 118.

[0165] The guide element 118 is therefore held on the support elements 128 by means of different connecting elements 130, wherein the connecting elements 130 project from different directions towards the guide element 118.

[0166] For example, connecting elements 130 protruding substantially vertically from below to the guide element 118 are provided. Furthermore, connecting elements 130 protruding substantially horizontally laterally to the guide element 118 are provided, for example.

[0167] As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 4 and 5, the carriage 108 can be guided past substantially vertical connecting elements 130 in particular in the receiving orientation, whereas the carriage 108 can be moved past connecting elements 130 arranged substantially horizontally in the compact orientation.

[0168] The conveyor device 100 comprises one or more rotation positions 132 at which the carriage 108 can be moved into different rotational orientations.

[0169] In FIG. 1, the two rotation positions 132 shown therein are shortened so as to simplify the illustration.

[0170] The rotation positions 132 separate in particular those regions of the conveyor device 100 from one another where connecting elements 130 are arranged which project differently towards the guide elements 118, such that, in the rotation positions 132, the orientation of the carriage 108 must be changed in order for it to be moved further along the guide element 118.

[0171] The rotational orientation is preferably changed by means of a rotation device 134 of the conveyor device 100.

[0172] The rotation device 134 comprises in particular a rotary drive 136 (see FIG. 3) and/or a slotted guide 138 (see FIG. 5).

[0173] By means of the rotation device 134, in particular an end 140 of the carriage 108, and in particular of the workpiece holder 110, e.g., of the pivot plate shaft 112, which end faces away from the guide element 118, can be raised or lowered in order ultimately to move the carriage 108 as a whole into different rotational orientations relative to the guide element 118.

[0174] One or more connecting elements 142 are preferably used to fix the end 140 of the workpiece holder 110 to the traction units 116 of the carriage 108 in order to establish a firm connection to the traction unit 116 and/or a co-rotating connection to a guide element portion 144.

[0175] At the end 140 of the carriage 108—in particular, of the workpiece holder 110—a counter roller 146 is arranged, for example, which can roll in particular over a slotted guide 138 in order to bring about the change in the rotational orientation of the carriage 108.

[0176] As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 4 and 5, the carriage 108 comprises different traction rollers 122 which have different functions—in particular, depending upon which rotational orientation the carriage 108 has assumed.

[0177] In particular, provision is made in this case for at least one of the traction rollers 122 to form a support roller 148 to bear the weight of the carriage 108 in each rotational orientation.

[0178] A further traction roller 122 forms a lateral guide roller 150. In addition, a stabilizing roller 152 is preferably provided, so that ultimately at least three, or exactly three, traction rollers 122 are always arranged so as to be distributed around the guide element 118 along the circumferential direction 154 of the guide element 118 in order to ensure reliable guidance of the carriage 108 on the guide element 118.

[0179] An angle between the lateral guide roller 150 and the support roller 148 is preferably at least approximately 90°.

[0180] An angle between the stabilizing roller 152 and the support roller 148 and/or an angle between the stabilizing roller 152 and the lateral guide roller 150 is preferably at least approximately 135°.

[0181] When the carriage 108 is moved from the receiving orientation (FIG. 5) into the compact orientation (FIG. 4), the function of the traction rollers 122 changes in such a way that the traction roller 122 which initially serves as a support roller 148 takes over the function of the lateral guide roller 150, while the traction roller 122 which initially forms the lateral guide roller 150 becomes the support roller 148.

[0182] The stabilizing roller 152 continues to remain a stabilizing roller 152.

[0183] Preferably, each carriage 108 comprises several traction units 116, each comprising one or two, or more than two, groups of at least three, or exactly three, traction rollers 122, wherein each group preferably comprises a support roller 148, a lateral guide roller 150, and a stabilizing roller 152.

[0184] The carriage 108 is preferably designed to be self-propelled and comprises a traction drive 156—for example, an electric motor.

[0185] The traction drive 156 acts in particular on one or more traction rollers 122, and in particular on at least one traction roller 122, which serves at least temporarily as a support roller 148.

[0186] In order to supply the traction drive 156 with, in particular, electrical energy, the conveyor device 100 preferably comprises an energy supply device 158.

[0187] The energy supply device 158 comprises in particular an energy supply element 160, e.g., a power rail 162, and an energy receiving element 164—in particular, a sliding contact 166.

[0188] The energy supply element 160 is in particular arranged on the guide element 118 and engages with the energy receiving element 164 arranged on the carriage 108.

[0189] Since the carriage 108 must always be supplied with energy in the different rotational orientations in order to ensure its being driven, the energy supply element 160 and/or the energy receiving element 164 are preferably arranged and/or designed so as to be rotatable and/or pivotable, or are shaped in such a way that a movement of the carriage 108 along the circumferential direction 154 of the guide element 118 does not lead to any contact interruption—in particular, with simultaneous movement along the guide element 118.

[0190] The carriage 108 can thus be moved in a first orientation to a rotation position 132, can be rotated there, and can then continue along the guide element 118.

[0191] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 9, it can be provided that a rotation position 132 comprise a guide element portion 144 or be formed by it, the same being rotatably arranged, and in particular mounted, on one or more further guide element portions 144.

[0192] For this purpose, in particular one or more bearings 168, and in particular plain bearings 170, are provided.

[0193] The rotatable guide element portion 144 enables in particular a complete reception of the carriage 108, so that the modification of the rotational orientation of the carriage 108 can take place together with a rotation of the guide element portion 144. As a result, the forces occurring between the carriage 108 and the guide element 118 during the change of the rotational orientation can be minimized, and, moreover, abrasion of the traction rollers 122 can be prevented.

[0194] The remaining guide element portions 144, which are in particular not part of a rotation position 132, but, rather, are connected immovably to one another, are preferably detachably connected to one another, e.g., screwed together, wherein one or more fixing elements 172 are preferably provided for the flush arrangement of the guide element portions 144 with one another (see in particular FIGS. 6 through 8).

[0195] One or more fixing elements 172 are designed, for example, as straps 174 and are arranged, for example, on one or more guide elements 118 designed as a round tube, in such a way that the fixing elements 172 rest against inner sides 176 of mutually adjacent guide element portions 144. In particular, this ensures that outer sides 178 of the guide element portions 144 are flush with one another.

[0196] As can also be seen from FIG. 8, several connecting elements 130 can preferably be assigned to one shared support element 128.

[0197] Preferably, a height compensation 180 and/or a height adjustment 182 is provided at connecting points between two guide element portions 144.

[0198] In particular, screw connections with elongated holes, threaded rods, etc., can be used for this purpose in order ultimately to position the guide element portions 144 relative to one another and relative to the support element 128.

[0199] Because the guide element portions 144 can be fixed relative to one another by screwing and by using the fixing elements 172, the guide device 120, and thus also the conveyor device 100, can preferably be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. In particular, complex welding on-site is not necessary.

[0200] An alternative embodiment of a guide element 118 shown in FIG. 10 can be used instead of the guide element 118 shown in FIGS. 1 through 9. The guide element 118 shown in FIG. 10 is in particular not a round tube, but, rather, a square tube.

[0201] The outer side 178 of the guide element 118 therefore makes possible in particular a large-area contact of the traction rollers 122.

[0202] As can be seen from FIG. 10, the guide element 118 designed as a square tube is twisted at least in portions. In this way, rotation positions 132, in particular, can be created if the twisted configuration of the guide element 118 causes the traction rollers 122 and thus the entire carriage 108 to rotate on the guide element 118 as it rolls along.

[0203] Outside the rotation position 132, the guide element 118 designed as a square tube is preferably not twisted, so that a uniform guidance of the carriage 108 is possible without changing the rotational orientation.

[0204] Moreover, the other features mentioned above of a conveyor device 100 or treatment system 106 are also conceivable when using guide elements 118 designed as a square tube, since, for example, rotatable guide element portions 144 according to FIG. 9 are also possible with square tubes, if corresponding inserts on transition regions are used.

[0205] Due to the fact that, in the described embodiments of the conveyor device, the carriage 108 as a whole can be moved into different rotational orientations relative to the guide element 118, the entire conveyor device 100 can be constructed in a simple manner and flexibly adapted to different requirements.

[0206] A first alternative embodiment of a conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 11 differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 essentially in that a rotatably-mounted guide element portion 144 is detachably fixed to one or more support elements 128 and/or connecting elements 130 using a fixing device 184 with optimized assembly and/or disassembly.

[0207] For this purpose, the fixing device 184 comprises in particular a multi-part bearing 168 which surrounds a bearing portion 186 of the rotatable guide element portion 144 and supports it while allowing rotation.

[0208] Individual or multiple parts of the bearing 168 are preferably individually removable in order to expose the bearing portion 186 of the rotatable guide element portion 144, and thus to remove the rotatable guide element portion 144 for maintenance purposes, for example.

[0209] The fixing device 184 can, for example, form a component of a surface of the guide device 120, which surface comes into contact with the traction rollers 122 of the carriage 108. The fixing device 184 is then in particular itself fixed to the connecting element 130 in such a way that the surfaces of the fixing device 184 are flush at least in sections with the surfaces of the adjacent, stationary guide element portion 144.

[0210] As is indicated in FIG. 11 by the dashed dividing line 188, it can also alternatively or additionally be provided that the fixing device 184 be removable along the separating line 188 as a whole from the connecting element 130—in particular, in order to carry out a maintenance process. The removal of the fixing device 184 together with the rotatable guide element portion 144 arranged thereon preferably takes place without any other disassembly of the guide device 120.

[0211] Otherwise, the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 11 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, such that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0212] A second alternative embodiment of a conveyor device 100 illustrated in FIG. 12 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 essentially in that the fixing device 184 does not surround the bearing portion 186 of the rotatable guide element portion 144, but, rather, projects into the latter. The mounting accordingly takes place between an outer side of a part, protruding into the bearing portion 186 of the rotatable guide element portion 144, of the fixing device 184 and an inner side of the bearing portion 186 of the rotatable guide element portion 144.

[0213] Otherwise, the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 12 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, such that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0214] A third alternative embodiment of a conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 13 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 substantially in that the fixing device 184 comprises a cover element 190 which surrounds the bearing portion 186 on the upper side thereof. The cover element 190 is removable, so as to expose the bearing portion 186 and, in particular, to be able to remove it upwards.

[0215] Otherwise, the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 13 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, such that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0216] FIGS. 14 and 15 show a fifth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device 100, which differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 essentially in the presence of an optional switch device 192.

[0217] The switch device 192 serves in particular to be able to route the carriage 108 selectively to different portions or regions of the guide device 120.

[0218] For this purpose, the switch device 192 comprises a switch element 194, which is in particular designed to be movable and can be moved into different positions in order to make different portions or regions of the guide device 120 accessible to the carriage 108.

[0219] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, it is provided that the switch element 194 comprise two, differently-shaped, path portions 196, wherein, at any given time, always precisely one of the path portions 196 can be coupled to one connection point 198. Depending upon the path portion 196 selected for contact with the connection point 198, a connection to one of two further connection points 198 is thereby produced by means of the switch element 194.

[0220] The switch element 194 can comprise, for example, a path portion 196 which, in a first position of the switch element 194, serves to connect a treatment path 124 to a return path 126. Such a path portion 196 can in particular be semi-circular (see FIG. 14).

[0221] Furthermore, the switch element 194 can comprise, for example, a path portion 196 which, in a second position of the switch element 194, serves to connect the treatment path 124 to a maintenance path 200. Such a path portion 196 can in particular be linear (see FIG. 15).

[0222] The switch element 194 can preferably be moved by a motor, and in particular selectively, into the first position or the second position.

[0223] Otherwise, the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in FIGS. 14 through 15 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9, such that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0224] FIGS. 16 and 17 show a sixth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device 100, which differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 through 15 essentially in a different shape of one of the path portions 196 of the switch element 194.

[0225] The linear path portion 196 in this case is curved in portions thereof, and thus connects the treatment path 124 to a maintenance path 200 running obliquely thereto.

[0226] Otherwise, the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in FIGS. 16 through 17 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 15, such that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0227] In the embodiments of the switch devices 192 shown in FIGS. 14 through 17, the movement of the switch element 194 takes place without carriages 108 present. The switch element 194 and thus the desired path portion 196 are first moved into the desired position in order to create the connection for the subsequent movement of the carriage 108.

[0228] Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the carriage 108 initially be positioned at the switch element 194, and in particular on the switch element 194, and be subsequently moved together with the switch element 194.

[0229] Thus, according to the embodiments in FIGS. 18 through 22, it is provided that the switch element 194 comprise only one path portion 196 which, together with the carriage 108, can selectively be moved into different positions in order to make different paths, and in particular a return path 126 or a maintenance path 200, accessible to the carriage 108 at different connection points 198.

[0230] The movement of the switch element 194, and in particular of the path portion 196 together with the carriage 108 arranged thereon, can take place, for example, horizontally (see FIGS. 18 and 19).

[0231] Alternatively, it can be provided that the movement of the switch element 194, and in particular of the path portion 196 together with the carriage 108 arranged thereon, take place, for example, vertically (see FIGS. 20 through 22).

[0232] A ninth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 23 has a gear drive device 202, which is optional for each of the described embodiments, and which, in particular, enables an optimized climbing travel of the carriage 108, for example, if the guide element 118 of the guide device 120 is not exclusively horizontal.

[0233] In principle, the carriage 108 can be driven via one or more driven traction rollers 122. For this purpose, the one or more traction rollers 122 must transmit a force to the guide element 118 by friction. Particularly at the inclined paths of the guide element 118, the friction may be insufficient for the transmission of force. A force transmission, using a positive connection, from a traction drive 156 of the carriage 108 to a suitable counterpart may then be advantageous.

[0234] The gear drive device 202 comprises a gearwheel 204 which can be moved into engagement with a counterpart 206, and in particular a drive rack 208, which extends along the guide element 118.

[0235] The gearwheel 204 can be coupled to the traction drive 156 in particular by means of a coupling 210. In a horizontal operation of the carriage 108, the gearwheel 204 can be decoupled from the traction drive 156. As soon as the carriage 108 approaches an inclined portion, the gearwheel 204 can be moved into engagement with the counterpart 206, while still preferably turning. The coupling with the traction drive 156 then preferably occurs—in particular, by automatic actuation and/or activation of the coupling 210—in order to subsequently transmit the drive force, required for driving the carriage 108, from the traction drive 156 to the counterpart 206 via the gearwheel 204. The carriage 108 is then moved upwards—for example, along the inclined path.

[0236] The gearwheel 204 and the counterpart 206 are preferably sized in such a way that the traction roller 122 rolling on the guide element 118 can be driven without slipping and/or without brakes by means of the traction drive 156 when the gearwheel 204 is coupled. An effective diameter of the gearwheel 204 preferably corresponds to an, in particular, smallest or average diameter of a running surface of the traction roller 122.

[0237] Otherwise, the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 23 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, such that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0238] A tenth alternative embodiment of a conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 24 differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 essentially in having a different design of the rotation device 134.

[0239] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary drive 136 serves, for example, for winding and unwinding a tension element used to raise or lower the connecting element 142 together with the pivot plate shaft 112 mounted thereon. In contrast, a lifting arm device 212 is provided, according to FIG. 24.

[0240] The lifting arm device 212 comprises in particular a lifting arm 214 which can be raised and lowered by means of a rotary drive 136 designed as a lifting arm drive 216.

[0241] The lifting arm 214 engages, with its end remote from the lifting arm drive 216, in particular on a guide portion 218 of a connecting element 142 in order to selectively bring it into a horizontal orientation (receiving orientation) or into a vertical orientation (compact orientation) as shown in FIG. 24.

[0242] The end of the lifting arm 214 is provided, for example, with a bearing roller 220 which rolls on the guide portion 218 of the connecting element 142.

[0243] The connecting element 142 forms a fixed connection between the guide element 118—in particular, a rotatable guide element portion 144 of the guide element 118—and a support for the counter roller 146. As a result of raising or lowering the lifting arm 214, not only can the guide element portion 144 be rotated as a whole together with the carriage 108 arranged thereon, but also this rotation is assisted by a rotational movement of the support for the counter roller 146. The traction rollers 122 of the carriage 108 therefore do not have to be moved in the circumferential direction relative to the rotatable guide element portion 144, such that friction-related wear can be minimized.

[0244] Otherwise, the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in FIG. 24 corresponds in terms of structure and function to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, such that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0245] The lifting arm device 212 illustrated in FIG. 24 is in principle suitable for each of the described conveyor devices 100.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0246] 100 Conveyor device [0247] 102 Workpiece [0248] 104 Vehicle body [0249] 106 Treatment system [0250] 108 Carriage [0251] 110 Workpiece holder [0252] 112 Pivot plate shaft [0253] 114 Axis of rotation [0254] 116 Traction unit [0255] 118 Guide element [0256] 120 Guide device [0257] 122 Traction roller [0258] 124 Treatment path [0259] 126 Return path [0260] 128 Support element [0261] 130 Connecting element [0262] 132 Rotation position [0263] 134 Rotation device [0264] 136 Rotary drive [0265] 138 Slotted guide [0266] 140 End [0267] 142 Connecting element [0268] 144 Guide element portion [0269] 146 Counter roller [0270] 148 Support roller [0271] 150 Lateral guide roller [0272] 152 Stabilizing roller [0273] 154 Circumferential direction [0274] 156 Traction drive [0275] 158 Energy supply device [0276] 160 Energy supply element [0277] 162 Power rail [0278] 164 Energy receiving element [0279] 166 Sliding contact [0280] 168 Bearing [0281] 170 Plain bearing [0282] 172 Fixing element [0283] 174 Strap [0284] 176 Inner side [0285] 178 Outer side [0286] 180 Height compensation [0287] 182 Height adjustment [0288] 184 Fixing device [0289] 186 Bearing portion [0290] 188 Separation line [0291] 190 Cover element [0292] 192 Switch device [0293] 194 Switch element [0294] 196 Path portion [0295] 198 Connection point [0296] 200 Maintenance path [0297] 202 Gear drive device [0298] 204 Gearwheel [0299] 206 Counterpart [0300] 208 Drive rack [0301] 210 Coupling [0302] 212 Lifting arm device [0303] 214 Lifting arm [0304] 216 Lifting arm drive [0305] 218 Guide portion [0306] 220 Bearing roller