SEPARATING DEVICE, TREATMENT INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR TREATING WORKPIECES

Abstract

In order to provide a separating device for a workpiece treatment installation, which can be operated cost-effectively and enables an efficient separating effect, it is proposed that the separating device comprises one or more guide devices by means of which at least one separating fluid can be introduced into a connecting region arranged or formed between two spatial regions.

Claims

1. A separating device for separating two spatial regions, the separating device comprising: one or more guide devices, by which at least one separating fluid can be introduced into a connecting region arranged or formed between the two spatial regions.

2. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the separating device includes at least two guide devices for supplying at least two separating fluids to the connecting region.

3. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the separating device includes one or more floor extraction devices, in particular one or more suction slots, wherein the one or more floor extraction devices are arranged between two guide devices of the separating device or wherein the one or more, in particular all, floor extraction devices are arranged outside the connecting region.

4. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the separating device includes one or more floor extraction devices, in particular one or more suction slots, wherein the one or more floor extraction devices are arranged and/or formed in an imaginary extension of one of the guide devices in a floor wall of the connecting region.

5. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the separating device includes at least two guide devices for supplying at least two separating fluids different from one another into the connecting region, wherein a first separating fluid, in particular heated fresh air, can be supplied to the connecting region by a first of the guide devices, and wherein a second separating fluid, in particular circulating air, can be supplied to the connecting region by a second of the guide devices.

6. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more guide devices, in particular the first guide device and/or the second guide device, are in each case designed as a fixed baffle element.

7. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more guide devices, in particular the first guide device and/or the second guide device, in each case include two guide elements, in particular guide plates.

8. The separating device according to claim 7, wherein the guide elements, in particular the guide plates, are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and/or at a lower end in relation to a direction of gravity form a supply opening, in particular a supply slot, for supplying the at least one separating fluid to the connecting region.

9. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more guide devices, in particular the first guide device and/or the second guide device, are each arranged in such a way that an outflow direction of the separating fluid flowing out of a respective supply opening of the respective guide device runs obliquely to the direction of gravity and/or obliquely to a conveying direction and/or obliquely to a horizontal, wherein an angle between approximately 55? and approximately 80? is enclosed between the outflow direction and a horizontal running perpendicular to the direction of gravity and/or the conveying direction.

10. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide devices, in particular the first guide device and/or the second guide device, are arranged relative to one another in such a way that outflow directions of the separating fluid flowing out of a respective supply opening of the respective guide device enclose different angles with the direction of gravity.

11. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the separating device includes a movable baffle element, which can optionally be introduced into or removed from the connecting region for selectively reducing or increasing an opening cross-section of the connecting region.

12. The separating device according to claim 11, wherein the movable baffle element is arranged between two of the guide devices in relation to a connecting direction, which is oriented substantially perpendicular to a separating plane separating the two spatial regions from one another.

13. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein a first of the spatial regions is a treatment space for treating workpieces and/or wherein a second of the spatial regions is a treatment space for treating workpieces, and wherein the first spatial region is a holding zone for holding the workpieces at a prespecified temperature and/or the second spatial region is a cooling zone for cooling the workpieces.

14. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the separating device includes one or more guide devices and two or more than two blocking elements arranged in a floor region of the separating device, wherein one or more deflecting regions is formed between the blocking elements for deflecting one or more fluid flows and/or for forming one or more flow eddies.

15. The separating device according to claim 14, wherein: a) directly below a guide device or in each case directly under each of the guiding devices; and/or b) in relation to a connecting direction between two guide devices a flow eddy is formed or can be formed.

16. A treatment installation for treating workpieces, in particular a drying system for drying coated vehicle bodies, the treatment installation comprising: a treatment space for treating workpieces, which includes one or more treatment space portions; and at least one separating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one treatment space portion forms one of the spatial regions, which can be separated from another of the spatial regions by the at least one separating device.

17. The treatment installation according to claim 16, wherein the treatment installation includes a conveyor device for conveying the workpieces, which conveyor device extends through the separating device in a conveying direction of the conveyor device.

18. The treatment installation according to either claim 16, wherein a lower face of the guide elements is at least partially and/or at least approximately complementary to a conveying contour of the workpieces to be conveyed by the conveyor device.

19. A method for treating workpieces, in particular for drying coated vehicle bodies, the method comprising: separating two spatial regions from one another by a separating device according to claim 1; and conveying workpieces through the separating device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0210] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a treatment installation comprising a separating device for separating two spatial regions;

[0211] FIG. 2 shows a schematic vertical longitudinal cross-section through the treatment installation from FIG. 1;

[0212] FIG. 3 shows a schematic vertical cross-section through the treatment installation from FIG. 1;

[0213] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged vertical longitudinal section through the separating device of the treatment installation from FIG. 1;

[0214] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a guide device of the separating device;

[0215] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a movable baffle element and a further guide device of the separating device; and

[0216] FIG. 7 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 4 of an alternative embodiment of a floor region of the separating device.

[0217] The same or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0218] An exemplary embodiment of a treatment installation 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 serves for the treatment of workpieces (not shown), for example vehicle bodies of passenger cars.

[0219] The treatment installation 100 serves in particular for the coating or aftertreatment of a coating. For example, the treatment installation 100 is or comprises a drying installation or drying device for drying and/or curing a coating applied to a workpiece.

[0220] The treatment installation 100 comprises a plurality of spatial regions 102. In addition, the treatment installation 100 is surrounded by one or more further spatial regions 102. For example, an environment of the treatment installation 100 is likewise a spatial region 102 in the sense of the present description.

[0221] One or more spatial regions 102 within the treatment installation 100 are, for example, treatment spaces 104 for carrying out a treatment process.

[0222] The spatial regions 102 preferably have different atmospheres, i.e. different air compositions or air temperatures.

[0223] To separate the spatial regions 102 from one another, the treatment installation 100 comprises one or more separating devices 106.

[0224] The separating device 106 serves to reduce an air exchange between two spatial regions 102. One of the spatial regions 102 is, for example, a treatment space section 108 of a treatment space 104.

[0225] The treatment space 104 is, for example, a holding zone in which the workpieces to be treated can be held at a prespecified temperature.

[0226] For this purpose, the holding zone preferably comprises a plurality of treatment installation modules, which form a plurality of treatment space sections 108 of the treatment space 104.

[0227] In particular, a plurality of supply openings 110 for supplying hot air into the treatment space 104 and a plurality of discharge openings 112 for discharging the air from the treatment space 104 are provided in the treatment space 104 in order to bring the workpieces into the treatment space 104 up to a desired temperature or to keep them at a desired temperature. The air in the treatment space 104 is guided in particular in a circulating air guide. The air in the treatment space 104 is thus preferably at least largely circulating air.

[0228] The treatment of the workpieces in the treatment space 104 releases in particular solvents which can accumulate in the circulating air.

[0229] By means of the separating device 106, the solvents are in particular to be prevented from being carried further into an adjoining spatial region 102.

[0230] The adjoining spatial region 102, which is to be separated from the treatment space 104 by means of the separating device 106, is, for example, a cooling zone (not shown) or surroundings of the treatment installation 100.

[0231] Between the two spatial regions 102 there is thus in particular a temperature gradient which generates a thermal pressure from the treatment space 104 designed for example as a holding zone.

[0232] This thermal pressure can in particular lead to hot air flowing out of a spatial region 102 into a cooler spatial region 102 and leading to condensate formation as a result of the cooling.

[0233] This is preferably prevented by means of the separating device 106.

[0234] For this purpose, the separating device 106 is integrated in particular into the treatment installation 100.

[0235] In particular, the separating device 106 is preferably connected to a treatment space 104 or is arranged between two treatment spaces 104.

[0236] In particular, the spatial regions 102 to be separated from one another by means of the separating device 106 preferably have, together with the separating device 106, a common housing 114 in the treatment installation 100. The housing 114 comprises in particular a ceiling wall 116, a floor wall 118 and two side walls 120, which surround at least approximately a cuboidal interior of the treatment installation 100.

[0237] A conveying device (not shown) for conveying the workpieces along a conveying direction 122 extends through the treatment space 104.

[0238] Thereby, the separating device 106 is arranged between two spatial regions 102, in particular between two treatment spaces 104, in particular in relation to the conveying direction 122.

[0239] With regard to the conveying direction 122, a cross-section which is substantially uniform at least due to the housing 114 results along the spatial regions 102 through the separating device 106.

[0240] In order to reduce an air exchange between the spatial regions 102, the separating device 106 preferably comprises one or more baffles 126 which, for example, project from the ceiling wall 116 into a connecting region 128 of the separating device 106 formed between the two spatial regions 102 and thus reduce the opening cross-section.

[0241] In this case, two fixed baffles 126 are preferably provided, which are formed in particular by guide devices 130.

[0242] A further baffle 126 is preferably formed by a movable baffle element 132.

[0243] The separating device 106 preferably comprises one or more, for example two, supply devices 134 for supplying one or more separating fluids to the guide devices 130.

[0244] For example, fresh air can be supplied to a first guide device 130, while circulating air for example can be supplied to a second guide device 130.

[0245] Thereby, the circulating air can be discharged in particular from a treatment space 104 and can be supplied to one of the guide devices 130, preferably to the guide device 130, which is arranged on the side of the separating device 106 facing the treatment space 104.

[0246] A further supply device 134 for the further guide device 130 serves, for example, to supply fresh air, in particular heated fresh air.

[0247] For this purpose, the supply device 134 comprises in particular a heating device (not shown) for heating sucked-in fresh air, in particular shop air.

[0248] Furthermore, each supply device 134 can have, in addition to an (optional) heating device, a cooling device, a dehumidifying device and/or a humidifying device in order to be able to condition as required the separating fluid to be supplied.

[0249] As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 4 to 6, the supply devices 134 preferably each comprise a fluid chamber 136 which can be provided, for example, with a filter element 138 and serves for the uniform supply of separating fluid to the respective guide device 130.

[0250] For this purpose, each fluid chamber 136 comprises a slot-shaped outlet opening 140, which directly adjoins an inlet opening 142 of the respective guide device 130. The inlet opening 142 is also preferably designed in each case in the shape of a slot.

[0251] The guide devices 130 each comprise two guide elements 144, which are designed, for example, as guide plates 146 and are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

[0252] Between the guide elements 144, a gap is formed, which serves to guide the separating fluid from the upper end 148, in relation to the direction of gravity g, of the guide device 130 up to a lower end 150, in relation to the direction of gravity g, of the guide device 130.

[0253] The lower end 150 of each guide device 130 is preferably matched to an outer contour of an upper side of the workpieces to be conveyed through the treatment installation 100.

[0254] The guide device 130 thus extends downwards to a different extent from the ceiling wall 116 in a transverse direction (width direction) 152, oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction 122 and horizontally, of the separating device 106.

[0255] A slotted nozzle 154 formed at the lower end of the guide device 130 by means of the two guide elements 114 of the guide device 130 thus opens into the connecting region 128 at different heights above the floor wall 118.

[0256] The slotted nozzle 154 forms in particular a supply opening 156 and/or a supply slot 158 of the respective guide device 130.

[0257] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, the guide devices 130 are both arranged obliquely in relation to the horizontal and the vertical directions and also in relation to the conveying direction 122.

[0258] The guide devices 130 each enclose an angle between approximately 60? and approximately 75? with the horizontal.

[0259] For example, a guide device 130 encloses an angle of 70? with the horizontal, while a further guide device 130 encloses an angle of 64? with the horizontal.

[0260] The two guide devices 130 are therefore preferably not arranged parallel to one another, but rather in such a way that the guide elements 144, in particular the guide plates 146, of the two guide devices 130 run obliquely to one another, for example at an angle of 6? to one another.

[0261] By means of the guide devices 130, in particular, flow eddies can be produced from separating fluid in the connecting region 128 and/or in the one or both spatial regions 102. As a result, fluid, in particular air, can preferably be prevented from flowing out from the one spatial region 102 into the further spatial region 102, or this at least minimized.

[0262] The movable baffle element 132 serves to further optimize the separating effect of the separating device 106.

[0263] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, this movable baffle element 132 preferably comprises a guide plate 146, which is mounted on or by means of a shaft 160 of the baffle element 132 so as to be rotatable or pivotable about a horizontal axis of rotation 162, for example.

[0264] In the open position of the movable baffle element 132 shown in FIG. 6, the guide plate 146 is arranged substantially horizontally and/or parallel to the ceiling wall 116.

[0265] In this state, in particular a workpiece can be conveyed unhindered through the separating device 106.

[0266] The baffle element 132, in particular the guide plate 146 of the baffle element 132, can preferably be introduced into the connecting region 128 by a rotary or pivoting movement, in particular pivoted downwards in the direction of gravity g.

[0267] The guide plate 146 of the movable baffle element 132 then runs in particular parallel or at least approximately parallel to a guide element 144, in particular a guide plate 146, of one of the guide devices 130.

[0268] In this closed position of the movable baffle element 132, the guide plate 146 of the movable baffle element 132 projects, at least in sections, further from the ceiling wall 116 downwards into the connecting region 128 than does at least partially the adjoining guide device 130, so that an opening cross-section is reduced.

[0269] The guide plate 146 of the movable baffle element 132 in this case projects in particular into a movement path of the workpieces to be conveyed in order to increase the separating effect of the separating device 106.

[0270] In order to enable workpieces to be conveyed through, the movable baffle element 132 is then temporarily brought from the closed position into the open position.

[0271] By means of the guide plate 146 of the baffle element 132, a mechanical separation between the spatial regions 102 to be separated from one another is thus at least temporarily optimized, so that the volume flows of the separating fluids in the guide devices 130 required for effective air separation can be minimized. Ultimately, this can achieve an optimized sealing effect with regard to the discharge of solvents, for example. In addition, the energy requirement required for the operation of the separating device 106 can be minimized.

[0272] A further or alternative optimization of the separating effect can be obtained by the separating device 106 comprising one or more floor extraction devices, for example formed as suction slots 164 (see in particular FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0273] In this case, on the one hand, an extraction device 166 which is arranged upstream or downstream with respect to a conveying direction or connecting direction can be provided outside the connecting region 128, by means of which extraction device a separating fluid flow can be sucked in the direction of one of the spatial regions 102, in particular in the direction of a treatment space 104. In particular, this can counteract a thermal pressure resulting from an increased temperature in the spatial region 102. In addition, the formation of a flow eddy can thereby preferably be optimized.

[0274] Furthermore, an intermediate extraction device 168 can preferably be formed by means of one or more floor extraction devices, in particular by means of one or more suction slots 164. In particular, a suction slot 164 is arranged between the two guide devices 130 in relation to the conveying direction 122.

[0275] The suction slot 164 is preferably arranged and/or formed in the floor wall 118 of the connecting region 128 in such a way that a separating fluid flow emitted by means of one of the guide devices 130 is directed onto the suction slot 164. By means of this guide device 130, which is arranged in particular on a side of the separating device 106 facing away from the treatment space 104, fresh air in particular can be guided in the direction of the suction slot 164, wherein this fresh air is preferably at least partially extracted by means of the suction slot 164 in order to supply said fresh air back to the associated supply device 134 as recycled fresh air and to introduce it again into the connecting region 128 with the same guide device 130.

[0276] By means of the intermediate extraction device 168, a separating fluid recirculation 170 is thus formed in particular in order to reduce the requirement for fresh air and nevertheless to enable a large fresh air volume flow.

[0277] As a result of these optimizations, a movable baffle element 132 can optionally be dispensed with.

[0278] FIG. 7 shows a representation of the separating device 106 corresponding to FIG. 4, wherein an alternative embodiment of a floor region 172 is provided. This alternative embodiment can be provided in particular as a complete replacement for the above-described embodiment or as a supplement for this. For example, intermediate extraction devices 164 can optionally be supplemented or omitted.

[0279] It can be provided that the separating device 106 comprises one or more blocking elements 174, which influence the spreading of a flow, in particular blocking or deflecting locally.

[0280] The blocking elements 174 are in particular a component of a blocking device or form such a blocking device.

[0281] The one or more blocking elements 174 preferably reduce or prevent spreading of one or more separation fluid flows into at least one of the two spatial regions adjacent to the connecting region 128.

[0282] A deflection region 176 is preferably formed between each two blocking elements 174. In particular, three blocking elements 174 and two deflection regions 176 arranged in between are provided.

[0283] The blocking elements 174 are preferably arranged one after the other along the conveying direction 122 and spaced apart from one another.

[0284] The blocking elements 174 are preferably formed substantially plate-like, in particular as baffle plates, and/or are oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction 122.

[0285] The one or more blocking elements 174 each preferably extend over at least approximately 40%, preferably at least approximately 60%, in particular at least approximately 80%, of a clear overall width of the connecting region 128 taken in the transverse direction 152.

[0286] A distance between two blocking elements 174 following directly upon one another is preferably at least approximately 50%, in particular at least approximately 80%, for example at least approximately 100%, and/or at most approximately 200%, preferably at most approximately 150%, of a total extension of a guide device 130 along the conveying direction 122. In particular, the formation of a flow eddy advantageous for the separating effect of the separating device 106 can hereby be optimized.

[0287] It can be advantageous if a blocking element 174 is arranged in relation to the conveying direction 122 at least approximately in a region of an upper end of one of the guide devices 130 and a further blocking element 174 is arranged in relation to the conveying direction 122 at least approximately in a region of a lower end of the same guide device 130. In particular, a flow eddy forming below this guide device 130 can thereby be produced. A distance of these two blocking elements 174 from one another is, for example, at least approximately 700 mm, in particular at least approximately 850 mm, and/or at most approximately 1200 mm, preferably at most approximately 1000 mm. This guide device 130 serves in particular to guide fresh air and/or to form one or two fresh air eddies.

[0288] An arrangement in a region is to be understood in particular as a deviation of the position along the conveying direction 122 of at most approximately 30 cm, in particular at most approximately 15 cm.

[0289] Furthermore, a blocking element 174, in particular a third blocking element 174, can be arranged at least approximately in a region of a lower end of a further one of the guide devices 130 in relation to the conveying direction 122. In combination with the previously described two blocking elements 174, a flow eddy can then in particular be produced between the two guide devices 130. A distance of this blocking element 174 from the closer of the two further blocking elements 174 is, for example, at least approximately 1000 mm, in particular at least approximately 1200 mm, and/or at most approximately 1500 mm, preferably at most approximately 1400 mm. This further guide device 130 serves in particular to guide circulating air, wherein the circulating air flows into a inflow region 178, in particular into a drying chamber of a dryer, in particular via the third blocking element 174.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0290] 100 Treatment installation [0291] 102 Spatial region [0292] 104 Treatment space [0293] 106 Separating device [0294] 108 Treatment space portion [0295] 110 Supply opening [0296] 112 Discharge opening [0297] 114 Housing [0298] 116 Ceiling wall [0299] 118 Floor wall [0300] 120 Side wall [0301] 122 Conveying direction [0302] 126 Baffle [0303] 128 Connecting region [0304] 130 Guide device [0305] 132 Baffle element [0306] 134 Supply device [0307] 136 Fluid chamber [0308] 138 Filter element [0309] 140 Outlet opening [0310] 142 Inlet opening [0311] 144 Guide element [0312] 146 Guide plate [0313] 148 Upper end [0314] 150 Lower end [0315] 152 Transverse direction [0316] 154 Slotted nozzle [0317] 156 Supply opening [0318] 158 Supply slot [0319] 160 Shaft [0320] 162 Axis of rotation [0321] 164 Suction slot [0322] 166 Upstream or downstream extraction device [0323] 168 Intermediate extraction device [0324] 170 Separating fluid recirculation [0325] 172 Floor region [0326] 174 Blocking element [0327] 176 Deflection region [0328] 178 Inflow region [0329] g Direction of gravity