Carrying Device for Receiving a Pipeline Element, Associated Transport System, and Production Method

Abstract

The invention relates to a carrying device (2) for receiving pipeline elements (4) in a surface coating installation, having a main body (6), an attachment section (28) which is formed on the main body (6) and which serves for the attachment of the carrying device (2) to a ceiling-mounted conveying mechanism, and multiple cantilevers (8) extending laterally from the main body (6). Each cantilever (8) has arranged thereon a receptacle (10) with support feet (12, 12) arranged in pairwise fashion and spaced apart from one another, wherein the support feet (12, 12) are configured to come into contact with in each case one outer wall section of a pipeline element (14) in order to hold the pipeline element (14) between the support feet (12, 12).

Claims

1. A carrying device for receiving pipeline elements in a surface coating installation, comprising: a main body, an attachment section which is formed on the main body and which serves for the attachment of the carrying device to a ceiling-mounted conveying mechanism, and multiple cantilevers extending laterally from the main body, wherein on each cantilever, there is arranged a receptacle with support feet arranged in pairwise fashion and spaced apart from one another, wherein each of the support feet are is configured to come into contact with one outer wall section of a pipeline element in order to hold the pipeline element between the support feet.

2. The carrying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support feet arranged in pairwise fashion are oriented so as to face toward one another at an angle of 35 to 95.

3. The carrying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support feet arranged in pairwise fashion comprise, at their end averted from the cantilever, a height of 30 mm to 80 mm in relation to a top side of the cantilevers.

4. The carrying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the support feet comprise one holding tip with a stump side and a tip side, wherein the holding tip has a greater diameter at the stump side than at the tip side.

5. The carrying device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holding tip has a coupling recess at the stump side, and a plug-in portion which corresponds to the coupling recess is formed on a base section of the support feet.

6. The carrying device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holding tip has a cylindrical section and has a conical section adjoining the cylindrical section, wherein the conical section is configured to come into contact with the pipeline element.

7. The carrying device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holding tip is formed as a separate, exchangeable component.

8. The carrying device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holding tip is formed from one of the following materials: machining steel or nonferrous metal.

9. The carrying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body and/or the cantilever are formed from one of the following: sheet metal, one-piece sheet metal, or nonferrous metal.

10. The carrying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, on the main body, at least two cantilevers are arranged spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the main body.

11. The carrying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cantilevers comprise a substantially horizontal orientation during operation.

12. The carrying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cantilever comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the cantilevers on the first side are arranged in alignment with or so as to be offset with respect to the cantilevers on the second side.

13. A system for transporting at least one pipeline element within a surface coating installation, comprising: a ceiling-mounted conveying mechanism, and at least two carrying devices, which are attachable to the conveying mechanism, for receiving pipeline elements, wherein each of the at least two carrying devices engage, spaced apart from one another, on the same pipeline element, and are designed as claimed in claim 1.

14. A method for producing a coated pipeline element of a fire extinguishing installation, wherein the method comprises the steps: providing a pipeline element for coating, placing the pipeline element onto two carrying devices which are coupled to a ceiling-mounted conveying mechanism, wherein at least one of the carrying devices is designed as claimed in claim 1, conveying the pipeline element by means of the conveying mechanism to a coating facility, and coating the pipeline element in the coating facility.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the coating is performed in a polymer coating process, wherein the pipeline element remains on the carrying devices during the coating process and the pipeline element is inclined relative to a horizontal during the coating process.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the coating is performed by chemical autodeposition including dipping of the pipeline element into a dip bath which contains a polymer-based chemical autodeposition material.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the autodeposition material comprises polymer constituents which are ionically bonded to a wall of the pipeline elements, and is present as an aqueous emulsion or dispersion.

18. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the autodeposition material is acidic, has a pH value in a range from 1 to 5, and comprises a starter material in the form of metal halides.

19. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the autodeposition material comprises, as polymer constituent, one or more autodepositionable polymers selected from the list comprising: i) epoxides, ii) acrylates, iii) styrene acrylates, iv) epoxy acrylates, v) isocyanates, urethanes, or polyurethanes, vi) polymers with a vinyl group or polyvinylidene chloride, or iv) a combination of two or more of i), ii) or iii), which are crosslinked to one another via an isocyanate or via a urethane.

20. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the dipping is continued in one or more dipping processes until such time as the polymer-based layer applied to the inside of the pipeline element has a thickness in a range from 7 m to 80 m.

21. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the coating further comprises a powder coating method, wherein the pipeline element remains on the carrying device during the coating process.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the pipeline element is subjected to at least partial thermal aftertreatment before the powder coating process and/or after the powder coating process, wherein powder provided for the coating process is electrostatically charged before and/or during the coating process, or the pipeline element provided for coating is electrostatically charged before and/or during the coating process.

23. A pipeline element comprising: a first end region and a second end region arranged opposite the first end region, a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, a surface coating on the outer surface, wherein two uncoated sections are arranged on the outer surface in each of the first end region and the second end region.

24. The pipeline element as claimed in claim 23, wherein each of the two uncoated sections are arranged spaced apart from one another by an angle of 35 to 95 along a circumference of the pipeline element.

25. The pipeline element as claimed in claim 23, wherein the surface coating comprises a polymer-based layer on the inner surface of the pipeline element and on the outer surface of the pipeline element.

26. The pipeline element as claimed in claim 25, wherein the surface coating on the outer surface further comprises a powder coating.

27. The pipeline element as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pipeline element is formed from a metal suitable for chemical autodeposition including a ferrous and/or zinc-containing metal, and wherein the polymer-based layer comprises a metallic constituent in the form of metal ions, iron ions and/or zinc ions.

28. The pipeline element as claimed in claim 23, wherein the polymer-based layer comprises polymer constituents selected from the list comprising: i) epoxides, ii) acrylates, iii) styrene acrylates, iv) epoxy acrylates, v) isocyanates, urethanes, or polyurethanes, vi) polymers with a vinyl group, or polyvinylidene chloride, or iv) a combination of two or more of i), ii) or iii), which are crosslinked to one another via an isocyanate or via a urethane.

29. The pipeline element as claimed in claim 25, wherein the polymer-based layer comprises a thickness in a range from 7 m to 80 m.

30. The pipeline element as claimed in claim 23, wherein the pipeline element has a nominal diameter in a range from DN15 to DN300, preferably DN 32 to DN 80.

31. The pipeline element as claimed in claim 23, wherein the pipeline element has a longitudinal axis and a pipe length in the direction of the longitudinal axis in a range of 5 m or more.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments.

[0072] FIG. 1 shows a detail of a first exemplary embodiment of a carrying device according to the invention in a side view.

[0073] FIG. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment of the carrying device according to the invention as per FIG. 1 in a side view.

[0074] FIG. 3 shows a second alternative exemplary embodiment of a carrying device according to the invention in a side view.

[0075] FIG. 4 shows a third alternative exemplary embodiment of a carrying device according to the invention in a side view.

[0076] FIG. 5 shows a fourth alternative exemplary embodiment of a carrying device according to the invention in a side view.

[0077] FIGS. 6 to 8 show holding tips according to the invention in side views.

[0078] FIG. 9 shows a pipeline element produced by means of a carrying device as per FIGS. 1 to 8.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0079] FIG. 1 is an enlarged detail illustration of a section of a carrying device 2 according to the invention. The carrying device 2 has a main body 6 which is only partly shown in FIG. 1. A cantilever 8 is arranged on the main body 6. In the present case, during operation, that is to say in a state in which the carrying device 2 is connected to a ceiling-mounted conveying mechanism (not shown), the main body 6 extends in a vertical direction, whereas, in the operating position, the cantilever 8 extends in a horizontal direction.

[0080] A receptacle 10 for receiving a pipeline element 4 is arranged on the cantilever 8. The receptacle 10 has two support feet 12, 12 which are oriented so as to face toward one another. The angle of inclination by which the support feet 12, 12 face toward one another is denoted by . The support feet 12, 12 come into contact with wall sections 14, 14 of the pipeline element 4. Said wall sections of the pipeline element 14, 14 are situated on the outside of the pipeline element 4. The support feet 12, 12 are of two-part form. Firstly, a base section of the support feet 24, 24 is arranged directly adjacent to the cantilever 8. The base section of the support feet 24, 24 is formed, in the direction of its end, as a plug-in section 26, 26.

[0081] A holding tip 16, 16 can be applied to the plug-in section 26, 26. The holding tip 16, 16 itself has a stump side 18, 18 and a tip side 20, 20. In the stump side 18, 18, there is formed a coupling recess 22, 22 which corresponds to the plug-in section 26, 26 of the base section of the support feet 24, 24. In this way, the holding tip 16, 16 is arranged exchangeably on the base section of the support feet 24, 24.

[0082] To allow a substantially undisrupted flow around the pipeline element 4 during a coating process, that section of the holding tip 16, 16 which faces toward the pipe element 4 is spaced apart from the top side of the cantilever 8 by the height h.

[0083] FIG. 2 shows a complete exemplary embodiment of a carrying device 2. As can be seen from the figure, a total of seven cantilevers 8 is arranged on the main body 6. Here, the cantilevers 8 extend in one direction from the main body 6. To ensure an as far as possible undisrupted flow around pipeline elements 4 that can be arranged on the carrying device 2, respectively adjacent cantilevers 8 have a spacing d1. Said spacing d1 is dimensioned very substantially in accordance with the pipeline element diameter for which a carrying device 2 is provided and designed. The base sections of the support feet 24, 24 are also shown in the figure.

[0084] An attachment section 28 is furthermore formed on the main body 6. Said attachment section 28 serves for the attachment of the carrying device 2 to a conveying device, in particular to a ceiling-mounted conveying mechanism.

[0085] An alternative exemplary embodiment of a carrying device 102 is shown in FIG. 3. Again, the carrying device 102 has a main body 106 on which cantilevers 108 are arranged. In the present case, the carrying device 102 has four cantilevers 108, wherein adjacent cantilevers 108 are spaced apart with a spacing d2. In comparison with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the carrying device 102 is designed and provided for larger pipeline element diameters. The enlarged spacing d2 between two cantilevers 108 ensures that, even in the case of larger pipeline element diameters, air flows around these in the most effective possible manner during a coating process, which is of particular relevance in particular in the case of powder coating operations. In relation to the cantilevers 8 shown in FIG. 2, the cantilevers 108 also have greater material thicknesses in order to accommodate the higher weight of pipeline elements 4 with larger diameters. It should be noted that only the base sections of the support feet 124, 124 are shown in FIG. 3, but not the corresponding holding supports 116, 116.

[0086] A further alternative exemplary embodiment of a carrying device 202 is shown in FIG. 4. Again, the carrying device 202 has a main body 206 on which a cantilever 208 is arranged. The carrying device 202 is attachable by means of an attachment section 228 for example to a ceiling-mounted conveying mechanism. Support feet 212, 212 are situated on the cantilever 208. In comparison with the carrying devices 202 and 102 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the carrying device 202 shown in FIG. 4 is suitable for even larger pipeline element diameters. For this purpose, the cantilever 208 has a strut 232, and the carrying device 228 is configured to receive only a single pipeline element 4.

[0087] A further alternative exemplary embodiment of a carrying device 302 is finally also shown in FIG. 5. Cantilevers 308 are arranged on a main body 306, wherein the cantilevers 308 extend in a first direction (to the right proceeding from the main body 306 in the plane of the drawing) and in a second direction (to the left proceeding from the main body 306). It is thus possible, on the cantilevers 308 in each case on both sides of the main body 306, for pipeline elements 4 to be mounted with the aid of holding tips (not shown) onto the base sections of the support feet 324, 324.

[0088] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate different exemplary embodiments relating to holding tips. FIG. 6 firstly shows holding tips 16, 16 which have a stump side 18 and a tip side 20. Both the stump side 18 and the tip side 20 are of cylindrical form, wherein the diameter of the stump side 18 is greater than the diameter of the tip side 20. The holding tip 16 comes into contact, by means of a contact surface 30, with a pipeline element 4 (not shown). In the stump side 18, there is formed a coupling recess, which may for example be in the form of a bore. The coupling recess thus defines a bushing by means of which the holding tip 16 can be mounted onto a correspondingly formed plug-in section 26. The tip geometry shown in FIG. 6 ensures that the contact surface 30 with a pipeline element 4 (not shown) is as small as possible and a pipeline element 4 can be flowed around in the most effective possible manner, but at the same time the holding tip 16 also provides the required strength and rigidity owing to its geometry.

[0089] An alternative exemplary embodiment of a holding tip 116, 116 is shown in FIG. 7. The holding tip 116, 116 again has a stump side 118 and a tip side 120, wherein a coupling recess 122 is formed in the stump side 118. Adjoining the tip side 120 and at the end averted from the stump side 118, a cone tip 130 is arranged on the tip side 120. By means of this cone tip 130, the contact surface with a pipeline element 4 (not shown) can be further reduced without adversely affecting the strength and rigidity of the holding tip 116, 116.

[0090] A further alternative exemplary embodiment of a holding tip 216, 216 firstly again has a stump side 218 with a coupling recess 222 formed therein. In FIG. 8, however, the tip side 220 is of frustoconical form and, at the side averted from the stump side 218, defines a contact surface 230. In comparison with the holding tips 16, 16, 116, 116 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holding tip 216, 216 shown in FIG. 8 has greater strength and rigidity and is therefore suitable for example in particular for very heavy pipeline elements 4, but likewise has a minimal effect on the flow around a pipeline element 4.

[0091] FIG. 9 shows a pipeline element 4 in a perspective view and in a sectional view. The pipeline element 4 has a first end region 32 and a second end region 34. As can be seen from the sectional view, the pipeline element 4 has a polymer coating 38, 38 in each case on its inside and on its outside. A powder coating 40 is additionally applied to the outside. Uncoated sections 36, 36, 36, 36, also referred to as defects, are arranged at the end regions 32, 34. The defects relate primarily to the layer region of the powder coating 40, though it is nevertheless possible for the polymer coating 38 to be formed with a reduced layer thickness, or to be at least locally not present, in these regions. The position of the uncoated sections 36, 36 corresponds to the angle of inclination with which the support feet 12, 12 face toward one another, and is therefore likewise denoted by .

LIST OF UTILIZED REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0092] 2 Carrying device [0093] 4 Pipeline element [0094] 6 Main body [0095] 8 Cantilever [0096] 10 Receptacle [0097] 12, 12 Support feet [0098] 14, 14 Wall sections of the pipeline element [0099] 16, 16 Holding tip [0100] 18, 18 Stump side [0101] 20, 20 Tip side [0102] 22, 22 Coupling recess [0103] 24, 24 Base portion of the support feet [0104] 26, 26 Plug-in section [0105] 28 Attachment section [0106] 30 Contact surface [0107] 32 First end region [0108] 34 Second end region [0109] 36, 36, [0110] 36, 36 Uncoated sections [0111] 38, 38 Polymer coating [0112] 40 Powder coating [0113] 62 Angle between holding tip longitudinal axes [0114] h Height between end of the support feet and cantilever top side [0115] d.sub.1, d.sub.2 Cantilever spacing [0116] 102 Carrying device [0117] 106 Main body [0118] 108 Cantilever [0119] 116, 116 Holding tip [0120] 118 Stump side [0121] 120 Tip side [0122] 122 Coupling recess [0123] 124, 124 Base portion of the support feet [0124] 128 Attachment section [0125] 130 Cone tip [0126] 202 Carrying device [0127] 206 Main body [0128] 208 Cantilever [0129] 212, 212 Support feet [0130] 216, 216 Holding tip [0131] 218 Stump side [0132] 220 Tip side [0133] 222 Coupling recess [0134] 228 Attachment section [0135] 230 Contact surface [0136] 232 Strut [0137] 302 Carrying device [0138] 306 Main body [0139] 308 Cantilever [0140] 324, 324 Base portion of the support feet [0141] 328 Attachment section