DE102023122261A1 - Method for treating workpieces and treatment plant - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to provide a treatment system and a method for treating workpieces in which an optimized workpiece treatment is possible, it is proposed that a treatment station comprises a treatment room that can be flooded for workpiece treatment.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of workpiece treatment, in particular the cleaning and coating of workpieces, for example vehicle bodies or vehicle parts.

To treat workpieces, they can be immersed in dipping tanks, for example. The workpieces are lowered into a dipping tank and removed from the dipping tank after a treatment step. The workpiece can be rotated to ensure optimal treatment, even in hard-to-reach places.

Such immersion treatment systems can be disadvantageous if workpieces of different sizes and/or shapes are to be treated and/or if different treatment times are planned for different workpieces.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing devices and methods which enable optimized workpiece treatment using cost-efficient components.

This object is achieved by the device and the method according to the independent claims.

The device is in particular a treatment system for treating workpieces.

A treatment station of a treatment system preferably comprises a treatment container which surrounds a treatment space for receiving the workpieces.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a treatment station comprises several such treatment containers.

Preferably, the treatment chamber can be flooded with a fluid.

The fluid is in particular a treatment fluid, for example a cleaning fluid, in particular for degreasing the workpieces. Furthermore, it can be provided that the fluid is a coating fluid, for example for phosphating or painting the workpieces.

The fluid is in particular a liquid. Preferably, all media referred to as "fluid" in this description and the appended claims are liquid, i.e. they are in liquid form under normal conditions.

In particular, a treatment fluid is a treatment liquid.

It can be provided that the treatment container comprises at least one access opening for introducing the workpieces into the treatment chamber and/or for removing the workpieces from the treatment chamber.

Preferably, the treatment container comprises a closing device for selectively closing and opening the at least one access opening.

It can be provided that the treatment container comprises a single access opening for introducing the workpieces into the treatment chamber and for removing the workpieces from the treatment chamber.

It may be advantageous if at least one access opening is arranged and/or formed in one or more side walls of the treatment container, in particular in one or more end walls of the treatment container.

The treatment container is in particular essentially cuboid-shaped and preferably comprises, for example, a closed ceiling wall, a bottom wall, three closed side walls and a further side wall which is provided with at least one access opening, wherein the at least one access opening can preferably be completely closed by means of the closing device. It can be advantageous if the closing device serves to close the at least one access opening in a fluid-tight manner.

It may be advantageous if the treatment station comprises a fluid tank for holding a fluid, in particular a treatment fluid.

The fluid can preferably be introduced from the fluid tank into the treatment chamber by means of a fluid guide in order to flood the treatment chamber.

To empty the treatment chamber, the fluid can preferably be guided from the treatment chamber back into the fluid tank and/or into another tank using the fluid guide. The fluid tank is in particular a supply tank. The other tank is in particular a counter tank. Preferably, the counter tank can also form a supply tank for another treatment chamber.

A direct connection between the treatment room and the fluid tank can be provided for both flooding and emptying. Alternatively, one or more intermediate stations or other devices through which the fluid can flow can be provided.

The treatment station preferably comprises a conveying device for conveying the workpieces, in particular for introducing the workpieces into the treatment room and/or for removing the workpieces from the treatment room and/or for conveying the workpieces from one treatment station to the next.

It may be advantageous if the conveying device comprises one or more roller conveyors, lifting conveyors, sliding conveyors and/or storage and retrieval machines for conveying and/or moving the workpieces, in particular for introducing the workpieces into the treatment room and/or for removing the workpieces from the treatment room and/or for conveying the workpieces from one treatment station to the next.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the conveying device comprises one or more driverless transport systems for conveying and/or moving the workpieces, in particular for introducing the workpieces into the treatment room and/or for removing the workpieces from the treatment room and/or for conveying the workpieces from one treatment station to the next.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the conveyor device comprises a plurality of conveyor device sections with different conveyor technology with regard to a drive device and/or with regard to receiving and guiding the workpieces, wherein the workpieces can preferably be conveyed by means of a first conveyor device section into an area in front of a treatment container of a treatment station and wherein the workpieces can be introduced into the treatment room of the treatment station by means of a second conveyor device section that is different therefrom.

For example, it can be provided that one or more transverse displacement devices for conveying the workpieces are provided outside the treatment rooms and that the workpieces can be introduced into and/or removed from the treatment rooms by means of one or more push conveyors or roller conveyors.

It can be advantageous if one or more workpieces are arranged on a workpiece carrier. A workpiece carrier is in particular a skid, preferably for holding a workpiece designed as a vehicle body.

The conveying and/or moving of the workpieces is then preferably carried out together with the workpiece carrier, so that the term “conveying the workpieces” or “moving the workpieces” can also be understood to mean conveying or moving at least one workpiece carrier together with at least one workpiece arranged thereon.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the workpieces are arranged, in particular fixed, on the workpiece carrier throughout an entire treatment level of the treatment system.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the workpieces are conveyed through an entire treatment level of the treatment system without a workpiece carrier. The workpieces can then be transferred to stationary workpiece holders provided for this purpose, or placed on them and/or secured to them, particularly in the treatment rooms.

The workpieces can preferably be moved along a horizontal plane by means of the conveying device, in particular can be introduced into the treatment room and/or removed from the treatment room.

One or more treatment stations can in particular be part of a treatment plant, for example a painting plant.

• Einbringen eines Werkstücks durch eine Zugangsöffnung eines Behandlungsbehälters in einen Behandlungsraum des Behandlungsbehälters;
• Verschließen der Zugangsöffnung des Behandlungsbehälters mittels einer Verschließvorrichtung;
• Fluten des Behandlungsraums mit einem Fluid zur Durchführung einer Werkstückbehandlung.

By means of the treatment system, for example by means of one or more treatment stations of the treatment system, a method for treating workpieces can be carried out in particular. The method preferably comprises the following steps:

• Introducing a workpiece through an access opening of a treatment tank into a treatment chamber of the treatment tank;
• Closing the access opening of the treatment container by means of a closing device;
• Flooding the treatment chamber with a fluid to carry out workpiece treatment.

After the workpiece treatment has been carried out (treatment step), the fluid is preferably removed from the treatment chamber, in particular drained.

Furthermore, the workpiece is then preferably removed from the treatment chamber through one access opening.

It can be provided that the treatment plant comprises a plurality of treatment levels, which in particular each comprise one or more first treatment stations and one or more second treatment stations and/or which in particular form different treatment lines of the treatment plant or are part of different treatment lines of the treatment plant.

For example, treatment levels arranged one above the other can be provided, in particular an upper treatment level and a lower treatment level, wherein the treatment levels are formed at least in sections by different treatment rooms of the same treatment stations.

One or more first treatment stations of different treatment levels preferably have a common fluid guide and/or a common fluid tank. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that one or more second treatment stations of different treatment levels have a common fluid guide and/or a common fluid tank.

Furthermore, it can be provided alternatively or additionally that one or more first treatment stations of different treatment levels have a common counter tank and/or a common cleaning device. Furthermore, it can be provided alternatively or additionally that one or more second treatment stations of different treatment levels have a common counter tank and/or a common cleaning device.

1. a) einem oder mehreren Behandlungsräumen einer oder mehrerer Behandlungsstationen, insbesondere erster Behandlungsstationen, einer ersten Behandlungsebene und danach
2. b) einem oder mehreren Behandlungsräumen einer oder mehrerer Behandlungsstationen, insbesondere erster Behandlungsstationen, einer zweiten Behandlungsebene zuführbar ist. Zwischen der ersten Behandlungsebene und der zweiten Behandlungsebene und/oder zwischen zwei Behandlungsstationen derselben Behandlungsebene oder voneinander verschiedener Behandlungsebenen können ein oder mehrerer Zwischenspeichertanks angeordnet sein.

It may be advantageous if a fluid, in particular a first treatment fluid, is initially

1. a) one or more treatment rooms of one or more treatment stations, in particular first treatment stations, a first treatment level and then
2. b) can be fed to one or more treatment rooms of one or more treatment stations, in particular first treatment stations, of a second treatment level. One or more intermediate storage tanks can be arranged between the first treatment level and the second treatment level and/or between two treatment stations of the same treatment level or of different treatment levels.

1. a) einem oder mehreren Behandlungsräumen einer oder mehrerer Behandlungsstationen, insbesondere zweiter Behandlungsstationen, einer ersten Behandlungsebene und danach
2. b) einem oder mehreren Behandlungsräumen einer oder mehrerer Behandlungsstationen, insbesondere zweiter Behandlungsstationen, einer zweiten Behandlungsebene zuführbar ist. Zwischen der ersten Behandlungsebene und der zweiten Behandlungsebene und/oder zwischen zwei Behandlungsstationen derselben Behandlungsebene oder voneinander verschiedener Behandlungsebene können ein oder mehrerer Zwischenspeichertanks angeordnet sein.

It may be advantageous if a fluid, in particular a second treatment fluid, is first

1. a) one or more treatment rooms of one or more treatment stations, in particular second treatment stations, a first treatment level and then
2. b) can be fed to one or more treatment rooms of one or more treatment stations, in particular second treatment stations, of a second treatment level. One or more intermediate storage tanks can be arranged between the first treatment level and the second treatment level and/or between two treatment stations of the same treatment level or of different treatment levels.

It can be advantageous if the fluid can be supplied alternately to treatment rooms at different treatment levels by means of the fluid guide.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the fluid can be supplied alternately to treatment rooms of the same treatment level by means of the fluid guide.

The fluid guide is preferably connected to a cleaning device or comprises such a device, so that the fluid can be cleaned, in particular after removal from one of the treatment rooms and/or before being fed again to another of the treatment rooms.

The cleaning of the fluid is preferably carried out when emptying a treatment room and/or after a single or multiple use of the same in a flooding process and/or treatment step.

It can be advantageous if several, in particular all, treatment stations of a treatment level, in particular one or more or all first treatment stations and one or more or all second treatment stations of a treatment level, are arranged on a common level of the treatment system. This is to be understood in particular that the treatment rooms of the treatment stations are accessible to the workpieces exclusively by a horizontal movement of the same, in particular without a change of level or level change.

It can be advantageous if several treatment levels of the treatment plant are arranged on different levels of the treatment plant.

One or more treatment stations of different treatment levels of the treatment plant, which have a common fluid guide and/or which serve to carry out the same treatment step, are preferably arranged one above the other along the direction of gravity.

The multiple treatment levels arranged on different levels of the treatment plant are preferably functionally identical, so that in particular the same treatment steps can be carried out on each treatment level in order to ultimately be able to provide a larger treatment capacity of the treatment plant compared to a single treatment level.

The workpieces are preferably each individually assigned to a single one of the several treatment levels and only pass through this single treatment level. One or more fluid guides, on the other hand, are preferably designed to span treatment levels and are in particular assigned to several treatment levels for carrying out the same treatment steps.

The treatment system preferably comprises at least two treatment stations for carrying out the same treatment process, wherein a distribution device or a merging device is arranged before and/or after these treatment stations with respect to a main conveying direction of the workpieces.

By means of a distribution device, the workpieces fed via a conveyor device can preferably be divided or distributed between the at least two treatment stations. This allows a joint feed of the workpieces to be provided in order to optimize the conveyor technology effort.

By means of a merging device, the workpieces removed from the at least two treatment stations can preferably be brought together and conveyed further together, so that preferably also the expenditure on conveying technology can be minimized.

The distribution device and/or the merging device are preferably each designed as a transverse displacement device.

In such a transverse displacement device, it is particularly provided that the workpieces are displaced in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to a main conveying direction in order to subsequently enable further conveying offset parallel to the main conveying direction, in particular further conveying offset parallel to the main conveying path.

The one or more treatment stations for carrying out flooding processes each serve for the pre-treatment of the workpieces, in particular cleaning, degreasing and/or phosphating.

• Fördern der Werkstücke mittels einer Fördervorrichtung einer Behandlungsanlage; Einbringen der Werkstücke in längs einer Hauptförderrichtung der Fördervorrichtung angeordnete Behandlungsbehälter von Behandlungsstationen der Behandlungsanlage; Durchführen von Behandlungsschritten in den Behandlungsbehältern, wobei mindestens ein Behandlungsschritt ein Flutvorgang ist, bei welchem ein Behandlungsfluid durch Fluten des Behandlungsbehälters auf die Werkstücke appliziert wird.

It may be advantageous if the method according to the invention is a method for treating workpieces, in particular for cleaning and/or coating vehicle bodies, wherein the method preferably comprises the following:

• Conveying the workpieces by means of a conveying device of a treatment plant; introducing the workpieces into treatment containers arranged along a main conveying direction of the conveying device from treatment stations of the treatment plant; carrying out treatment steps in the treatment containers, wherein at least one treatment step is a flooding process in which a treatment fluid is applied to the workpieces by flooding the treatment container.

1. a) Spritz-Entfetten;
2. b) Flut-Entfetten;
3. c) Spritz-Spülen;
4. d) Flut-Spülen;
5. e) Flut-Beschichten, insbesondere Dünnfilm-Beschichten;
6. f) Spritz-Spülen;
7. g) Flut-Spülen.

It may be advantageous if one or more, in particular all, of the following treatment steps are carried out consecutively:

1. a) spray degreasing;
2. b) flood degreasing;
3. c) spray rinsing;
4. d) flood flushing;
5. e) flood coating, in particular thin film coating;
6. f) spray rinsing;
7. g) Flood flushing.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that several, preferably all, treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps a) to g), are carried out in treatment containers that are closed on several sides, wherein the workpieces can be introduced into and removed from the treatment containers at least approximately in a horizontal direction.

One or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps a), c) and/or f), are preferably carried out in rinsing stations (126) which are not suitable for carrying out a flooding process.

It can be provided that one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps a), c) and/or f), are carried out in rinsing stations which are formed by treatment containers which, at least with regard to their shape, size, orientation and/or positioning along the main conveying direction, correspond to treatment containers of treatment stations designed as flood treatment stations.

It may be advantageous if one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps a), b) and/or e), are carried out at a temperature which is higher than room temperature, in particular at least approximately 30°C, preferably at least approximately 50°C, wherein in particular a treatment fluid of the respective treatment step has a temperature of at least approximately 30°C, preferably at least approximately 50°C.

The treatment steps a) and/or b) are preferably carried out at a treatment temperature between approximately 40°C and approximately 70°C, in particular between approximately 50°C and approximately 60°C.

The treatment step e) is preferably carried out at a treatment temperature between about 25°C and about 50°C, in particular between about 30°C and about 45°C.

It may be advantageous if one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps b), d), e) and/or g), are carried out in flood treatment stations which are formed by treatment containers which can be flooded with a treatment fluid.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps d) and/or g), are carried out in flood treatment stations in which the workpieces are only exposed to the treatment fluid by flooding and directly subsequently emptying the treatment container in order to carry out the treatment step, in particular in such a way that a holding time of a maximum water level in the treatment container is less than 15s, preferably less than 5s.

It may be advantageous if one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps b), d), e) and/or g), are carried out in flood treatment stations, wherein each flood treatment station is supplied with a treatment fluid from a circulation circuit assigned solely to this respective flood treatment station.

The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for implementation in and/or with a treatment plant. The present invention therefore also relates to a treatment plant.

The treatment plant according to the invention preferably has individual or several or all features and/or advantages of the method according to the invention.

Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the invention preferably has one or more or all of the features and/or advantages of the treatment plant according to the invention.

• eine Fördervorrichtung zum Fördern der Werkstücke;
• mehrere Behandlungsstationen, welche Behandlungsbehälter umfassen, die längs einer Hauptförderrichtung der Fördervorrichtung angeordnet sind, insbesondere aufeinander folgend angeordnet sind.

The treatment plant is used for treating workpieces, in particular for carrying out a method according to the invention, wherein the treatment plant comprises the following:

• a conveyor device for conveying the workpieces;
• several treatment stations, which comprise treatment containers, which are arranged along a main conveying direction of the conveying device, in particular arranged one after the other.

One or more of the treatment containers can be flooded with a treatment fluid to carry out a treatment step on a workpiece.

It may be advantageous if several, in particular all, treatment containers are designed to be closed on several sides and accessible in a horizontal direction, so that the workpieces can be introduced into and removed from the treatment containers at least approximately in a horizontal direction.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that one or more of the treatment steps can be carried out in rinsing stations, wherein the rinsing stations are formed by treatment containers which, at least with regard to their shape, size, orientation and/or positioning along the main conveying direction, correspond to treatment containers of treatment stations designed as flood treatment stations.

It may be advantageous if one or more of the treatment stations comprise a heating device by means of which the respective treatment fluid can be brought to a temperature higher than room temperature, in particular to a temperature of at least approximately 30°C, preferably at least approximately 50°C.

One or more of the treatment stations are preferably designed as flood treatment stations, wherein each flood treatment station is preferably assigned a separate circulation circuit for circulating, supplying and/or discharging a treatment fluid.

By means of a circulation circuit, the treatment fluid can be guided in particular in a circuit in order to be fed successively to a storage tank, a treatment tank, a counter tank, if necessary to another treatment tank, if necessary to another counter tank and finally back to the storage tank.

The treatment system is preferably part of a painting system for painting workpieces designed as vehicle bodies.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Behandlungsanlage, bei welcher eine Behandlungsebene mit mehreren Behandlungsstationen vorgesehen ist, mit Blick auf eine Förderseite der Behandlungsanlage;
• 2 eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung der ersten Ausführungsform der Behandlungsanlage aus 1, mit Blick auf eine der Förderseite abgewandte Rückseite der Behandlungsanlage;
• 3 eine der 2 entsprechende schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Behandlungsanlage, bei welcher zunächst freie Zwischenplätze mit zusätzlichen Behandlungsbehältern versehen sind; und
• 4 eine der 2 entsprechende schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform einer Behandlungsanlage, bei welcher eine zusätzliche zweite Behandlungsebene vorgesehen ist.

The drawings show:

• 1 a schematic perspective representation of a first embodiment of a treatment plant, in which a treatment level with several treatment stations is provided, with a view of a conveyor side of the treatment plant;
• 2 a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the treatment plant from 1 , looking towards the rear side of the treatment plant, away from the conveying side;
• 3 one of the 2 corresponding schematic perspective representation of a second embodiment of a treatment plant, in which initially free intermediate spaces are provided with additional treatment containers; and
• 4 one of the 2 corresponding schematic perspective representation of a third embodiment of a treatment plant, in which an additional second treatment level is provided.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

One in the 1 and 2 The treatment plant shown, designated as a whole with 100, is used to treat workpieces, for example vehicle bodies.

The treatment plant 100 according to 1 and 2 comprises a treatment plane 102 through which the workpieces pass in order to carry out several treatment steps.

The treatment system 100, in particular the treatment level 102, comprises one or more treatment stations 104 for treating the workpieces, in particular for carrying out flooding processes to be described in more detail below.

The treatment stations 104 are arranged successively along a main conveying direction 106 of a conveying device 108.

In the 1 and 2 In the first embodiment of the treatment plant 100 shown, a conveying region 110 of the conveying device 108 is provided, which extends along all of the treatment stations 104 and from which the workpieces can be fed to the individual treatment stations 104.

By means of the conveyor device 108, the workpieces are transported to the 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment of the treatment plant 100 can be conveyed along the main conveying direction 106 in a transverse orientation. For this purpose, the conveying device 108 comprises in particular a plurality of transverse displacement devices 112.

The workpieces can be introduced into the treatment stations 104, in particular into treatment containers 114 of the treatment stations 104, which in particular border laterally on the conveying area 110, preferably along a longitudinal axis thereof. The workpieces can thus be introduced into and removed from the treatment containers 114 in particular in a longitudinal orientation thereof.

The treatment level 102 of the treatment plant comprises in the 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment comprises a total of four treatment stations 104 in which flood treatment processes can be carried out. These treatment stations 104 are referred to as flood treatment stations 105.

Each flood treatment station 105 is assigned exactly one fluid tank 116, which is located above the Treatment tank 114 of the treatment level 102 and serves as a storage tank 118 for providing a treatment fluid for the treatment tank 114 of the respective flood treatment station 105.

Furthermore, in particular 2 As can be seen, in the first embodiment of the treatment system 100 it is preferably provided that each treatment station 104 comprises a further fluid tank 116, which is arranged below the treatment containers 114 of the treatment level 102 and serves as a counter tank 120 for receiving the treatment fluid from the respective treatment container 114.

The fluid tanks 116 of each treatment station 104 are connected to one another by means of a fluid guide 122 of the respective treatment station 104 or form a component of a fluid guide 122 of the respective treatment station 104.

As in particular 2 As can also be seen, the treatment system 100 comprises several treatment stations 104 designed as intermediate stations 124. These intermediate stations 124 are in particular rinsing stations 126 in which no flooding process can be carried out. Rather, the workpieces in the rinsing stations 126 can be rinsed with a rinsing medium, in particular by spraying them with the rinsing medium.

One in 3 The second embodiment of a treatment plant 100 shown in Figure 1 differs from that shown in Figures 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment essentially in that the treatment system 100 comprises further treatment containers 114, which are assigned to already existing treatment stations 104. These further treatment containers 114 are additional treatment containers 128, which expand the existing treatment stations 104, in particular with regard to the respective treatment capacity.

Each additional treatment tank 128 is also assigned an additional fluid tank 130, which forms a further counter tank 120. A treatment station 104 extended by an additional treatment tank 128 therefore comprises two treatment tanks 114 and two counter tanks 120.

The fluid tank 116 of each treatment station 104, which is designed as a storage tank 118, is preferably dimensioned such that it is sufficient to supply both treatment containers 114 with treatment fluid. Accordingly, a single storage tank 118 per treatment station 104 is preferably sufficient.

The extension of the treatment plant 100 with the additional treatment containers 128 and the additional fluid containers can be carried out in particular at initially kept free spaces of the treatment plant 100. The second embodiment of the treatment plant 100 according to 3 can thus be achieved in particular by extending the first embodiment of the treatment plant 100 according to the 1 and 2 be obtained.

The in 3 The second embodiment of the treatment plant 100 shown corresponds in terms of structure and function to the one shown in the 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment, so that reference is made to the above description thereof in this respect.

One in 4 The third embodiment of the treatment plant 100 shown differs from that shown in 3 shown second embodiment essentially by a further extension. However, this extension is not obtained by inserting further treatment containers 114 between existing treatment containers 114. Rather, in the third embodiment according to 4 an additional treatment level 102 above the treatment level 102 of the treatment plant 100 according to 3 intended.

The treatment plant 100 according to the third embodiment thus comprises two treatment levels 102 arranged one above the other, wherein each treatment level 102 is assigned a plurality of treatment containers 114.

The treatment containers 114 are assigned to the treatment stations 104 across all treatment levels.

The treatment stations 104 thus extend over several treatment levels 102, in particular such that the treatment containers 114 of different treatment levels 102 are fluidly connected to one another by means of the fluid guide 122 of each treatment station 104.

In particular, it is provided that the treatment fluid of a treatment station 104 can be fed successively to treatment containers 114 on mutually different treatment levels 102 in order to carry out flood treatment processes on the workpieces in these treatment containers 114.

The fluid tanks 116 designed as storage tanks 118 of a treatment level 102 which is lower with respect to the direction of gravity are connected to the treatment containers 114 of an upper treatment level with respect to the direction of gravity 102 such that these storage tanks 118 simultaneously form counter tanks 120 of the treatment tanks 114 of the upper treatment level 102.

The treatment fluid can therefore be used across the treatment levels 102, in particular it can be circulated.

By expanding the treatment plant 100 by a further treatment level 102, a total treatment capacity of the treatment plant 100 can be further increased, in particular doubled, without doubling all components of the treatment plant 100 or even the space requirement of the treatment plant 100.

The 1 and 2 The first embodiment of a treatment plant shown enables, for example, the treatment of 7 to 8 workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies.

By adding further flood treatment stations 105, the 3 The second embodiment of a treatment plant shown, for example, allows the treatment of 8 to 20 workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies.

By adding another treatment level 102, the 4 The third embodiment of a treatment plant shown, for example, allows the treatment of 15 to 40 workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies.

For example, the treatment of a workpiece always takes place in a predetermined treatment sequence, whereby, depending on the treatment result to be achieved, one or more treatment steps may be omitted.

1. a) Spritz-Entfetten
2. b) Flut-Entfetten
3. c) Spritz-Spülen
4. d) Flut-Spülen
5. e) Beschichten, insbesondere Dünnfilm-Beschichten im Flutprozess
6. f) Spritz-Spülen
7. g) Flut-Spülen

Successive treatment steps are in particular the following, whereby one or more of these treatment steps may be optional or may be omitted:

1. a) Spray degreasing
2. b) Flood degreasing
3. c) Spray rinsing
4. d) Flood flushing
5. e) Coating, especially thin-film coating in the flood process
6. f) Spray rinsing
7. g) Flood flushing

Preferably, all of these steps are always carried out in this order to treat a workpiece.

For an optimized treatment result, the treatment steps are preferably carried out with the following parameters and/or conditions:

Treatment step a) Spray degreasing

The treatment is carried out by spraying or spraying the workpiece in a rinsing station 126.

The treatment fluid is a cleaning fluid, in particular a first cleaning fluid. The treatment is carried out at a temperature between approximately 40°C and approximately 70°C, in particular between approximately 50°C and approximately 60°C, in particular by means of a treatment fluid whose temperature is between approximately 40°C and approximately 70°C, in particular between approximately 50°C and approximately 60°C.

A treatment duration is, for example, between approximately 45 s and approximately 75 s, in particular approximately 60 s, wherein the treatment duration is the duration of the application of the treatment fluid by splashing or spraying.

For this treatment step, for example, one treatment container 114 is provided per treatment level 102.

The treatment fluid is applied, for example, via spray rings and/or a nozzle lance for application in the interior of the workpiece.

Optionally, an air extraction system can be provided at an entrance area or access area of the treatment container 114 in the treatment station 104 assigned to this treatment step.

The treatment fluid of this treatment step is processed in particular by means of a bag filter device.

Treatment step b) Flood degreasing

The treatment is carried out by flooding the workpiece in a flood treatment station 105. The treatment fluid is a cleaning fluid, in particular a second cleaning fluid, which is preferably a different cleaning fluid from the first cleaning fluid.

The treatment is carried out at a temperature between approximately 40°C and approximately 70°C, in particular between approximately 50°C and approximately 60°C, in particular by means of a treatment fluid whose temperature is between about 40°C and about 70°C, in particular between about 50°C and about 60°C.

A treatment duration is, for example, between approximately 90 s and approximately 240 s, in particular between approximately 120 s and approximately 180 s, wherein the treatment duration is the period of time during which the workpiece is at least approximately completely submerged or at least up to the intended water level in the treatment container 114.

For this treatment step, for example, 2 treatment containers 114 are provided per treatment level 102.

The treatment fluid is applied by flooding via a circulation circuit, with optional flood nozzles, in particular in a floor area, and/or spray nozzles, in particular in a side and/or ceiling area, and/or a nozzle lance for application in an interior of the workpiece being provided. The spray nozzles can be used in particular to carry out a sprinkling process while the treatment container 114 is being emptied.

Optionally, an air extraction system can be provided at an entrance area or access area of the treatment container 114 in the treatment station 104 assigned to this treatment step.

The treatment fluid of this treatment step is processed in particular by means of a cyclone separation device and/or a backwash filter device.

Treatment step c) Spray rinsing

The treatment is carried out by spraying or spraying the workpiece in a rinsing station 126.

The treatment fluid is city water or tap water and/or demineralized water. Preferably, a rinsing process with city water or tap water is carried out first, in particular for a period of approximately 30 seconds, and then a further rinsing process with demineralized water is carried out, in particular for a period of approximately 30 seconds.

The treatment is carried out at room temperature, in particular between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C, in particular by means of a treatment fluid whose temperature is at room temperature, for example between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C.

A treatment duration is, for example, a total of between approximately 45 s and approximately 75 s, in particular twice approximately 30 s, wherein the treatment duration is the total duration of the application of the treatment fluid by splashing or spraying.

For this treatment step, for example, one treatment container 114 is provided per treatment level 102.

The treatment fluid is applied, for example, via spray rings.

The treatment fluid of this treatment step is processed in particular by means of a bag filter device.

Treatment step d) Flood rinsing

The treatment is carried out by flooding the workpiece in a flood treatment station 105. The treatment fluid is demineralized water.

The treatment is carried out at room temperature, in particular between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C, in particular by means of a treatment fluid whose temperature is at room temperature, for example between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C.

In this treatment, a simple flooding of the treatment tank 114 is provided in such a way that the workpiece is at least approximately completely submerged without any holding time or at least up to the intended water level in the treatment tank 114.

For this treatment step, for example, one treatment container 114 is provided per treatment level 102.

The treatment fluid is applied by flooding via a circulation circuit, with optional flood nozzles, in particular in a floor area, and/or spray nozzles, in particular in a side and/or ceiling area, being provided. The spray nozzles can be used in particular to carry out a watering process while the treatment tank 114 is being emptied.

The treatment fluid of this treatment step is processed in particular by means of a bag filter device.

Treatment step e) Coating, in particular thin film coating in the flood process

The treatment is carried out by flooding the workpiece in a flood treatment station 105.

The treatment fluid is a coating fluid.

The treatment is carried out at a temperature between approximately 25°C and approximately 50°C, in particular between approximately 30°C and approximately 45°C, in particular by means of a treatment fluid whose temperature is between approximately 25°C and approximately 50°C, in particular between approximately 30°C and approximately 45°C.

A treatment duration is, for example, between approximately 60 s and approximately 240 s, in particular between approximately 90 s and approximately 180 s, wherein the treatment duration is the period of time during which the workpiece is at least approximately completely submerged or at least up to the intended water level in the treatment container 114.

For this treatment step, for example, 2 treatment containers 114 are provided per treatment level 102.

The treatment fluid is applied by flooding via a circulation circuit, with optional flood nozzles, in particular in a floor area, and/or spray nozzles, in particular in a side and/or ceiling area, and/or a nozzle lance for application in an interior of the workpiece being provided. An additional rinsing process can be carried out, in particular while the workpiece is being removed from the treatment container 114, via an optional spray ring or other spray nozzles, which are arranged in particular outside the treatment container 114, in particular using city water/tap water and/or demineralized water.

The treatment fluid from this treatment step can optionally be processed using a bag filter device.

Treatment step f) Spray rinsing

The treatment is carried out by spraying or spraying the workpiece in a rinsing station 126.

The treatment fluid is demineralized water.

The treatment is carried out at room temperature, in particular between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C, in particular by means of a treatment fluid whose temperature is at room temperature, for example between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C.

For this treatment step, for example, one treatment container 114 is provided per treatment level 102.

The treatment fluid is applied, for example, via spray rings.

The treatment fluid of this treatment step is processed in particular by means of a bag filter device.

Treatment step q) Flood rinsing

The treatment is carried out by flooding the workpiece in a flood treatment station 105. The treatment fluid is demineralized water.

The treatment is carried out at room temperature, in particular between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C, in particular by means of a treatment fluid whose temperature is at room temperature, for example between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C.

In this treatment, a simple flooding of the treatment tank 114 is provided in such a way that the workpiece is at least approximately completely submerged without any holding time or at least up to the intended water level in the treatment tank 114.

For this treatment step, for example, one treatment container 114 is provided per treatment level 102.

The treatment fluid is applied by flooding via a circulation circuit, with optional flood nozzles, in particular in a floor area, and/or spray nozzles, in particular in a side and/or ceiling area, being provided. The spray nozzles can be used in particular to carry out a watering process while the treatment tank 114 is being emptied.

The treatment fluid of this treatment step is processed in particular by means of a bag filter device.

The parameters described above preferably enable an optimized utilization of the treatment stations 104 and thus a maximized treatment capacity of the treatment plant 100.

list of reference symbols

100

treatment plant

102

treatment level

104

treatment station

105

flood treatment station

106

main conveying direction

108

conveyor device

110

funding area

112

transverse displacement device

114

treatment tank

116

fluid tank

118

storage tank

120

counter tank

122

fluid flow

124

stopover

126

rinsing station

128

additional treatment tank

130

additional fluid tank

Claims (15)

Method for treating workpieces, in particular for cleaning and/or coating vehicle bodies, the method comprising the following: - conveying the workpieces by means of a conveying device (108) of a treatment system (100); - introducing the workpieces into treatment containers (114) arranged along a main conveying direction (106) of the conveying device (108) of treatment stations (104) of the treatment system (100); - carrying out treatment steps in the treatment containers (114), at least one treatment step being a flooding process in which a treatment fluid is applied to the workpieces by flooding the treatment container (114). procedure according to claim 1 , characterized in that one or more, in particular all, of the following treatment steps are carried out in succession: a) spray degreasing; b) flood degreasing; c) spray rinsing; d) flood rinsing; e) flood coating, in particular thin film coating; f) spray rinsing; g) flood rinsing. Method according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that several, preferably all treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps a) to g), are carried out in treatment containers (114) closed on several sides, wherein the workpieces can be introduced into and removed from the treatment containers (114) at least approximately in a horizontal direction. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps a), c) and/or f), are carried out in rinsing stations (126) which are not suitable for carrying out a flooding process. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps a), c) and/or f), are carried out in rinsing stations (126) which are formed by treatment containers (114) which, at least with regard to their shape, size, orientation and/or positioning along the main conveying direction (106), correspond to treatment containers (114) of treatment stations (104) designed as flood treatment stations (105). Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps a), b) and/or e), are carried out at a temperature which is increased compared to room temperature, in particular at least approximately 30°C, preferably at least approximately 50°C, wherein in particular a treatment fluid of the respective treatment step has a temperature of at least approximately 30°C, preferably at least approximately 50°C. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps b), d), e) and/or g), are carried out in flood treatment stations (105) which are formed by treatment containers (114) which can be flooded with a treatment fluid. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment steps d) and/or g), are carried out in flood treatment stations (105) in which the workpieces are only exposed to the treatment fluid by flooding and directly subsequent emptying of the treatment container (114) for carrying out the treatment step, in particular in such a way that a holding time of a maximum water level in the treatment container (114) is less than 15s, preferably less than 5s. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 8 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment steps, in particular the treatment treatment steps b), d), e) and/or g), are carried out in flood treatment stations (105), wherein each flood treatment station (105) is supplied with a treatment fluid from a circulation circuit assigned solely to this respective flood treatment station (105). Treatment system (100) for treating workpieces, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , wherein the treatment system comprises the following: - a conveyor device (108) for conveying the workpieces; - a plurality of treatment stations (104) which comprise treatment containers (114) arranged along a main conveying direction (106) of the conveyor device (108), wherein one or more of the treatment containers (114) can be flooded with a treatment fluid for carrying out a treatment step on a workpiece. Treatment plant (100) after claim 10 , characterized in that several, in particular all, treatment containers (114) are designed to be closed on several sides and are accessible in the horizontal direction, so that the workpieces can be introduced into and removed from the treatment containers (114) at least approximately in the horizontal direction. Treatment plant (100) according to one of the Claims 10 or 11 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment steps can be carried out in rinsing stations (126), wherein the rinsing stations (126) are formed by treatment containers (114) which correspond at least with regard to their shape, size, orientation and/or positioning along the main conveying direction (106) to treatment containers (114) of treatment stations (104) designed as flood treatment stations (105). Treatment plant (100) according to one of the Claims 10 until 12 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment stations (104) comprise a heating device by means of which the respective treatment fluid can be brought to a temperature which is higher than room temperature, in particular to a temperature of at least approximately 30°C, preferably at least approximately 50°C. Treatment plant (100) according to one of the Claims 10 until 13 , characterized in that one or more of the treatment stations (114) are designed as flood treatment stations (105), wherein each flood treatment station (105) is assigned a preferably separate circulation circuit for circulating, supplying and/or discharging a treatment fluid. Treatment plant (100) according to one of the Claims 10 until 14 , wherein the treatment system (100) is part of a painting system for painting workpieces designed as vehicle bodies.

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