Title of Invention	DEVICE FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF AT LEAST ONE WORKPIECE IN PARTICULAR A VEHICLE BODY, IN AT LEAST ONE TREATMENT BATH OR IN AT LEAST ONE TREATMENT BOOTH
Abstract	The invention relates to a device for surface treatment of workpiece (1) in a treatment bath (20) or in a treatment booth (70), in particular of vehicle bodies, comprising a movable holding frame (7) for receiving the workpiece, a guide means (5) guiding the holding frame in the direction of movement; a drive means moving the holding frame, a receiving means (10,11,38,39,54) detachably attaching the workpiece to the holding frame; a guide (22, 23) cooperating with a lever (15) fixed to the holding frame. During the rotation process, the guide and the holding frame remain coupled to one another and the speed of rotation and the speed of movement of the holding frame is adjusted to one another. At the end of the inward rotating process, a front part of the workpiece is positioned on a first front wall of the treatment area, the workpiece with present front part brought out of the treatment area, first with its present rear part, followed by an additional rotation of the workpiece by 180°.

Title of Invention

DEVICE FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF AT LEAST ONE WORKPIECE IN PARTICULAR A VEHICLE BODY, IN AT LEAST ONE TREATMENT BATH OR IN AT LEAST ONE TREATMENT BOOTH

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for surface treatment of workpiece (1) in a treatment bath (20) or in a treatment booth (70), in particular of vehicle bodies, comprising a movable holding frame (7) for receiving the workpiece, a guide means (5) guiding the holding frame in the direction of movement; a drive means moving the holding frame, a receiving means (10,11,38,39,54) detachably attaching the workpiece to the holding frame; a guide (22, 23) cooperating with a lever (15) fixed to the holding frame. During the rotation process, the guide and the holding frame remain coupled to one another and the speed of rotation and the speed of movement of the holding frame is adjusted to one another. At the end of the inward rotating process, a front part of the workpiece is positioned on a first front wall of the treatment area, the workpiece with present front part brought out of the treatment area, first with its present rear part, followed by an additional rotation of the workpiece by 180°.

Full Text	1A. Technical field The invention relates to a device for introducing and removing workpieces, particularly vehicle bodies, into or out of a tank or a treatment booth, whereby the workpieces inside the tank are treated either in a gaseous environment such as being coated with powder or wet paint, or the tank is a dip tank filled with a liquid medium suitable for the surface treatment of the workpieces. The invention in particular relates to a device for the surface treatment of at least one workpiece, in particular a vehicle body, in at least one treatment bath or in at least one treatment booth. In the subject matter according to the invention, the workpieces or vehicle bodies are continuously moved in a translationsl manner toward a treatment area such as a treatment bath, a treatment booth etc. and are transported to and from the treatment area while maintaining this movement. Prior art Devices for the surface treatment of one or more vehicle bodies are generally divided into continuous and non-continuous conveyors. In the case of non-continuous conveyors, so-called cyclical systems, the vehicle bodies on object supports are sequentially transported over successively positioned dip tanks where they are stopped. Lifting or rotating devices are used to dip the vehicle bodies into a bath medium suitable for 2 surface treatment and located in the dip tank, and the vehicle bodies are lifted out again once the process time is over. These systems manage without inlet and discharge areas, allowing the treatment bath dip tanks to be shorter than in the case of continuous conveyors. These systems can only be used, however, at small production rates because system capacity depends on the desired process time and is therefore considerably restricted. The application range of such systems is consequently limited. A rotating device for cyclically operating systems is known from DE 43 04 14 5 C1_ which discloses a rotating device securely mounted above a dip tank and to which at least one vehicle body can be secured. Rotation through approximately 180° of the rotating device causes a vehicle body to be dipped an additional into a treatment bath and rotation causes it to be guided out. In the case of continuously conveying systems, vehicle bodies are continuously transported along the aligned treatment baths and are guided into and out of the treatment bath using lowering and raising means into and out of the bath medium. Due to the continuous conveyance of these systems, a treatment bath's inlet and outlet areas have to be designed at an angle. Each dip tank therefore requires a longer inlet and discharge area, which causes a dip tank and hence the entire system to be considerably extended. The known lowering means likewise do not ensure that air pockets remain in the workpieces dipped in the treatment bath. Due to cavities entailed by the structural design, this problem arises to an extreme degree particularly when vehicle bodies are dipped into the treatment bath. In the prior art, additional steps are therefore absolutely essential in order to reduce air pockets. It is for example proposed in GB 1 434 348 to move to and fro a lowered vehicle body that is dipped into the treatment bath. 3 A continuous conveyor for guiding workpieces in galvanic metallization and chromium-plating plants is known from German published document DE-AS 25 12 762. The system known from this document relates to a revolving conveyor device that continuously transports the workpiece to be treated. When the conveyor device rotates, the workpieces are each automatically dipped into a tank, guided underneath it while continuing the movement, moved out of the tank and again dipped into the next tank. Various options are mentioned in order to cause the workpieces to be dipped in or lifted out. On the one hand, workpiece holders are rotatable by cams or by ramps and surfaces that extend downwards at an angle. When such a workpiece holder continues to move, however, only the rotation is initiated, the next rotational process takes place in an uncontrolled manner merely under the influence of gravity. Such a device suffers from the drawback that heavier workpieces fall into a treatment bath in an uncontrolled manner, which is totally unsuitable for larger, much heavier and more sensitive workpieces such as vehicle bodies. The system described therein also specifically focuses upon a design having current carrying means which simultaneously serve as an actuator for initiating a workpiece holder's rotation. The rotational process which is uncontrolled and hence indefinite in terms of time and place also makes it impossible to minimize the individual dip tanks' inlet and outlet areas. The system disclosed therein does not aim thereat either. Finally, a container rotation device is known from German published document DE-OS 2 9 01 02_7_; in this device, containers, preferably bottle containers, are intended to be rotated automatically and without manual action. The device comprises conveyance means, drivers that are rotatably supported in a mount, and a curved control surface which controls the drivers such that they secure the containers. Chain wheels connected to the drivers engage with gear teeth. 4 device New device New The is such that the chain wheels, drivers and containers are rotated as a result of engagement with the teeth. Only the rotation by means of chain wheels is disclosed in the device shown therein. The container is also intended to be rotated only in order that various container parts are more effectively accessible. An insertion or removal process as a result of rotation is neither depicted nor in any way implied. Description of the invention Technical problem The technical problem upon which the invention is based is to provide a method and an apparatus for the surface treatment of workpieces, in which on the one hand the treatment areas can be minimized in terms of their dimensions, while on the other hand, high production rates can also be achieved. Solution of the technical problem as device having the features This technical problem is solved by a of the invent The invention is based on the idea of rotating the workpieces to be introduced into the treatment areas, during a continuous movement of these workpieces, at the boundary area of a treatment area at the same time as a controlled and completely guided rotational movement around a rotary axis across the workpieces' continuous direction of movement. As a result of this first ever co-ordination of the workpieces' continuous movement along the treatment areas and the simultaneous completely guided rotational movement thereof around the rotary axis located across the direction of conveyance, the workpieces, particularly vehicle bodies, can be rotated into and out of a treatment area with such accuracy that the inlet and outlet areas of each treatment area can be provided with 5 new New vertical or almost vertical end walls. The length of each individual treatment area can therefore be reduced to a minimum. At; the same time, this minimizes the total length of a system that has a plurality of successively Now positioned treatment areas and particularly a number of treatment baths in a row. This reduction is about 20% for a capacity of one hundred vehicle bodies per hour compared to conventional continuous conveying systems. The advantages of a continuous conveying system are therefore combined for the first time with a rotational device's benefits as known from the prior art. In the case of a treatment bath composed of a liquid medium, air bubbles are largely avoided by the rotational process while the workpieces are being dipped. Even if the workpiece is dipped, the air pockets that may have been caused by the additionally treatment process can also be reduced, however, by/moving the workpiece in the treatment bath. In addition, occlusions of dirt on horizontal surfaces are reduced because the vehicle bodies are rotated above and within the bath. In the method according to the invention, all that has to be provided is a minimum safety gap between the workpiece to be introduced into the treatment area and the end walls of the treatment area or dip tank. To ensure a minimum total length of the treatment area, the rotational speed and speed of movement then have to be co-ordinated with one another, by taking the safety gap into consideration, such that after completion of the rotational process, while observing the safety gap, the front section of the workpiece is positioned at the first end wall and is positioned at the second end wall during the process of removal by rotation. In the prior art, this minimum safety gap has to be much larger, as for example in the chromium-plating system known in the prior art and in which a completely uncontrolled process of insertion by rotation occurs. By co-ordinating the speed of the translational movement and the speed of rotating the workpiece 6 in and out, the workpiece's movement curve can be accurately predetermined and adapted to the shape of the treatment arga to an optimum degree. The total lenath can therefore be kept to a minimum as well. By keeping the rotational speed essentially constant, a steady movement curve can be achieved, which is particularly important in the case of heavier workpieces so as to achieve an even process of rotation in and out, because greater forces which do not permit an accurate movement sequence otherwise take effect when there are changes in angular velocity. For example when the heavy vehicle bodies placed on a mounting frame temporarily move more than desired during rotation in and out due to inertia when there is a change in angular velocity. The procedure according to the invention can be used for a wide variety of surface treatment techniques. For instance, the introduction and removal of workpieces into and out of a liquid medium is perfectly suited to performing dip coating. The procedure according to the invention is also, however, very well suited to powder coating or wet paint application. As with the treatment tanks needed for dip coating, the treatment booths envisaged for this purpose raise the problem of guiding the workpieces in and out of an inlet and outlet area of the booths. In consequence, these booths may be located above or below the workpieces1 supply level. Finally, the linking, according to the invention, of a continuous translational movement and a controlled and constantly guided rotary movement of the workpieces is also suitable for preventing the formation of fat edges in a dryer when workpieces have already been coated. For this purpose, instead of a gap between the rotary axis and the workpiece, mountited the workpiece should be optimally close to the rotary axis or even within the area of the rotary axis in the surface treatment apparatus according to the invention. 7 A mechanically very simply structred and low-maintenance design is obtained by providing the mounting frame with at least one laterally attached lever which interacts with a guide in order to cause the mounting frame to rotate. By adapting the lever length, heavy workpieces can also by rotated on a mounting frame in a very easily controlled manner. Attaching at least one lever on opposite sides of a mounting frame - whereby these opposite levers are counterrotated by a predetermined angular amount - for the first time ensures that if the guidance devices are correspondingly designed, the mounting frame is always supported both in the forward direction and in the reverse direction in relation to the rotational direction and is therefore also accurately guided. This effect can also be improved when two levers are disposed on each side of the mounting frame; these levers are each disposed on one side of the mounting frame symmetrical to the rotary axis and lever configurations on the opposite sides are rotated through 90°. A very simple embodiment of the actuation means is obtained by designing it as a directional rail. By providing guide surfaces on the directional rails in the inlet and outlet area of a treatment bath, i.e. in the boundary area, the rotation can be brought about by simply sliding corresponding devices up and down on the mounting frame or by rolling them off the frame. Rotation is best controlled by upwardly or downwardly til-ted guide portions which are inexpensive and easy to manufacture as a result of designing the individual guide portions to be simple and straight. 8 The individual guide portions are best tilted downwards through about 45°, other guide portions are tilted upwards through about 45°. A low-friction and easy-maintenance design is obtained in that rollers which interact with the directional rails are disposed at the lever ends. More complex, albeit extremely accurate actuation devices which can even be used with the heaviest of items comprise toothed racks or screw spindles securely attached to the treatment bath and which interact with gear wheels or worm gears correspondingly formed on the mounting frame. This also makes it possible to insert intermediate gears if need be. In the area of the rotary axis, the mounting frame advantageously comprises guide means which are guided in the guide rails. This brings about the continuous translational movement with utmost accuracy on to the mounting frame in the direction predetermined by the guide rails. Rollers are particularly provided as guide means in the guide rails because the friction is therefore minimized, which is important in the case of several sequentially new positioned frames connected together. By providing now receivers on the mounting frame, workpieces can be secured thereon in a directly detachable manner, or indirectly for example in the case of vehicle bodies that are detachably secured on a skid. BY having the receiversw assume a pposition that remains unaltered in the movement of direction with respect to a vertical direction during the mounting frame's translational movement, it is extremely simple to mount a vehicle body using 9 a skid by way of adjacent conveying means located at the same height. All the drive means known from the prior art can be used for the continuous movement of the individual workpieces. In particular, chain drives, traction rope arrangements, threaded rods or self-propelled mounting frames that have their own drive are perfectly suitable. The angle data given in this application should not be regarded as absolute values. Values that deviate by ±10% are also covered by the disclosure. Short description of the invention With reference to the enclosed drawings, several exemplary embodiments will be described and explained in more detail so as to explain the invention further and to understand it better. Fig. 1 shows a schematic, perspective side view of a system according to the invention in relation to the direction of conveyance of individual vehicle bodies, viewed from the right-hand side, Fig. 2 shows a schematic, perspective side view of the system according to the invention in Fig. 1 when viewed from the direction of conveyance of the vehicle bodies on the left-hand side, Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through a system according to the system in Figs. 1 or 2, Fig. 4 shows a schematic, direct side view of the system according to the invention in Figs. 1 to 3, 10 Fig. 5 shows a side view of the system according to the invention, in which the dipping process into and raising process out of a treatment bath is schematically depicted, Fig. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the system according to the invention, with an additional control guide for pivoting the vehicle bodies. Fig. 7 shows a side view of a vehicle body dipped into the treatment bath in a system according to the invention in a further embodiment with special control guide rails for pivoting the vehicle bodies, Figs. 8-10 show a depiction of the sequence of horizontally mounting a vehicle body on a skid on to a system according to the invention. Figs. 11 - 13 show a sequential depiction of vertically mounting a vehicle body supported on a skid on to a system according to the invention. Figs. 14 - 16 show a schematic sequential depiction of mounting a vehicle body without interposing a skid on a purpose-built device according to the system according to the invention, Fig. 17 shows a schematic side view of a dryer in which a height difference between a base level and dryer level is overcome by rotating the vehicle bodies, and 11 Fig. 18 shows a schematic side view of a paint dryer in which a rotation of the vehicle bodies is brought about during a continuous translational movement of vehicle bodies. Ways of performing the invention 1st embodiment Structure: A first embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown in Figs. 1 to 5. Guide rails 5 extend above a plurality of successively connected treatment baths 20 at the sides thereof. The guide rails 5 are spaced apart from one another and are disposed in parallel above the treatment baths 20. When viewed in cross section, they each comprise two lateral guide surfaces located on top of one another. The guide rails 5 extend downwards at the end of such an alignment of treatment baths 20 and terminate in return rails 27 disposed. pro vide beneath the treatment baths 20. Deflectors 9 are the reversal points between upper guide rails and lower return rails 27. Drive means that are not depicted here, such as driven chains, traction ropes, gear rods or the like, extend within the guide rails 5. These drive means are deflected via the deflectors 9 or other means mated therewith toward the return rails "2 7 and run back in the return rails 27. A motor not depicted here continuously drives these drive means at a variable speed. Individual vehicle bodies 1 are each securely connected to a skid 2. Each skid 2 with a vehicle body 1, mounted thereon is detachably connected to a mounting frame 7. A plurality of these mounting frames 7, which are spaced apart, are connected to the drive means that is not depicted here and which extends between the guide rails 5 and return rails 27. 12 Each mounting frame comprises a rotary axis 13 which runs between the rails 5 across the direction specified by the rails 5; i.e. across the direction of movement specified by the drive means along the treatment baths 20. The rotary axis of a mounting frame 7 is guided by means of for example rollers within the guide rails 5 or the return rails 27. Two opposing levers 15 are respectively disposed with the rotary axis 13 at each side of the mounting frame 7. Two levers disposed on one side of the mounting frame 7 are offset through about 180° in relation to one another. On the opposite side of the mounting frame 7, these levers are rotated with respect to the other side through 90°. Rollers 12 are rotatably disposed at each of the ends of the levers 15. Specially shaped, directional rails 22 are secured in the area of a side wall 201 of the treatment bath 20 at each side in the area of the upper guide rails 5. On the one side, the right-hand side in Fig. 1, a directional rail 22 is attached in the area of the side wall 201 of the treatment bath 20; this rail has a first horizontal portion, then a downwardly pointing portion angled at approximately 45°, and which then changes into a portion that faces upwards at approximately 45° with respect to a horizontal line. This directional rail 22 then extends horizontally until almost the other end wall 202 of the bath 20. As is evident from the depiction in Fig. 2 viewed from the left-hand side, the directional rail 23 opposite the aforementioned directional rail 22 in Fig. 1 is first provided with a horizontal portion located below a guide rail 5 on the other side, i.e. here the left-hand side, viewed in the direction of movement of the vehicle bodies. This horizontal portion merges into a portion pointing upwards at about. 45°. This is followed by a portion pointing downwards by about 45°. At the end of a treatment bath 20 in the area of a side wall 202, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, directional rails 22, 23 are 13 designed in the above-described manner again at both sides of the treatment bath 20. But at least one directional rail 22, 23 is designed to extend horizontally in the area between two side walls 201, 202 of a treatment bath 20. In summary, it should again be emphasized that in the inlet and outlet area of a treatment bath 20, directional rails 22, 23 are each placed opposite one another in relation to two opposite sides,- i.e. when an upwardly facing directional rail portion is present on the one side, the directional rail portion disposed on the opposite side of the mounting frame 7 is facing downwards. Function: The rollers 12 disposed at the ends of one lever 15 respectively of the mounting frames 7 roll off on to directional rails 22, 23. A vehicle body detachably secured to the mounting frame 7 and having an interposed skid 2 is rotated in the following manner by the continuous conveyance of the mounting frames 7 within the guide rails 5. A vehicle body 1 attached to a skid 2 is already detachably secured on a mounting frame. This process will be explained in even more detail later on with reference to Figs. 8 to 16. The mounting frame 7 with its vehicle body 1 now mounted thereon is guided in horizontal alignment by the drive means along the guide rails 5 into the inlet area of a treatment bath 20. A pair of levers 15 is vertically located on the one side of the mounting frame 7, whereas the opposite pair of levers 15 is aligned horizontally. The horizontally aligned pair of levers 15 rolls on the horizontal directional rail section 22. As a result, the mounting frame is moved in a manner that maintains the horizontal alignment. The continuous movement of the drive means causes the downwards lever 15 of the upright pair of 14 levers 15 to roll up the short horizontal first portion of the left-hand guide rail 23 on its upper side. The opposite first lever, which previously rolled off on a horizontal guide piece of the right-hand directional rail 22, is now exactly at the kink of the right-hand directional rail 22 at which point the right - hand rai1 2 2 bends downwards. The continued translational movement now causes the roller 12 of the lever 15 on the left-hand side of the mounting frame 7 to run off on that portion of the left-hand directional rail that points upward at 45°. In consequence, the mounting frame 7 is rotated forwards in the direction of the translational movement. At the same time, the roller 12 of the lever 15 located on the right-hand' side rolls off on the downwardly pointing portion of the right-hand directional rail 22. The simultaneous rolling off process on the right-hand directional rail 22 and on the left-hand rail 23 causes the rotational process to be controlled and held in check at all times. The mounting frame 7 is, after all, supported on the levers 15 both in the forwards and the backwards direction in relation to the continuous movement. additional The rotational process is controlled by the other rising and falling portions of the right-hand directional rail 22 and left-hand directional rail 23. The body 1 is finally completely dipped in the treatment bath 20 and continues to be continuously conveyed within the treatment bath 20 along the guide rails 5. At the end of the treatment bath 20, the roller 12 located at a lever 15 on the left-hand side rolls up the left-hand directional rail 23. This causes the vehicle body 1 to undergo a process of rotation out of the treatment bath 20. At the same time, a roller 12 of a lever 15 in turn rolls off on a correspondingly oppositely aligned portion of the right-hand directional rail 22. This causes the vehicle body 1 to rotate out in a complete and controlled manner. 15 The right-hand directional rail 22 and left-hand directional rail 23 in the area of the side walls 201, 202 of a treatment bath 20 and the simultaneous continuous conveyance of a mounting frame 7 in the rails 5 enable the side walls of the treatment bath 20 to be disposed upright or to be inclined very steeply downwards or upwards. i The lateral directional rails 22, 23 (should have a gradient of 45° Straight directional rails 22, 23 can be used in this case without producing any major fluctuations in angular velocity during rotation. The basic structure of a system according to the invention can be easily identified from the cross-sectional view depicted in Fig. 3. Supports 21 on which the guide rails 5 extend are located next to the treatment bath 20. As already explained in detail, the mounting frames 7 with the vehicle bodies 1 mounted thereon and secured via a skid 2 are conveyed within these guide rails 5. The mounting frames 7, on which levers 15 are provided with rollers ,12 located thereon, comprise a rotary axis 13. The rollers 12 roll off on directional rails 22 and 23. Beneath the treatment bath, the mounting frames in return rails 27 are returned to their original position, as is particularly apparent from Fig. ,3. 2nd embodiment Structure: Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is evident from Fig. 6. In the embodiment of the device according to the invention depicted in Fig. 6, an additional control guide rail 24 is disposed in the region of the treatment bath 20. In contrast to the aforementioned first embodiment of the invention - in which in that area of the treatment bath 20 16 where the vehicle body 1 is transported through in a completely rotated manner and dipped in the medium of the treatment bath 20 and where the levers 15 were horizontally guided on one of the directional rails 22, 23, thereby making it impossible to rotate the vehicle body 1 into this region of the treatment bath 20 - the directional rail 22 or 23 is now complemented in this area by an additional guide rail 24. In the side view, the directional rail 22 or 23 and the guide rail 24 have a repeatedly curved pattern. Function: One of the lever arms with the roller 12 rolls off on this guide rail 24, so that the entire mounting frame with its vehicle body 1 mounted thereon is slightly pivoted to and fro in relation to the rotary axis 13 as a result of the curved pattern of the control guide rail 24. This makes it possible to rock the vehicle body within the treatment bath; which additional results xn the/ reduction of trapped air bubbles caused by the process. new 3rd embodiment Structure: In the third embodiment of the invention depicted in Fig. 7 and in contrast to the aforementioned embodiments, the mounting frame 7 is additionally designed with a small, laterally projecting control lever 26 at the end of which a roller 28 is rotatably secured. The roller 28 runs in a control guide rail 25 that extends along a treatment bath 20. The control guide rail 25 comprises variously curved portions, with the result that rising and falling control portions are present in the guide rail. 17 Function: When the mounting frame 7 is continuously conveyed in the guide rails 5, the control roller 28 rolls off at the control lever 26 of the mounting frame 7 in the control guide rail 25. In the case of the upwardly or downwardly inclined portions of the control guide rail, the mounting frame 7 is slightly-pivoted to and fro around the rotary axis 13 of the mounting frame 7. This in turn causes the vehicle body 1 to pivot to and fro, which makes it possible to reduce any air bubbles A that may be trapped inside the body 1. 4th embodiment Structure: Fig. 17 shows a dryer 70 in which vehicle bodies 1 attached to mounting frames 7 are supplied on the previously explained guide rails 2 at a lower level. The vehicle bodies 1 at the mounting frames 7 are suspended with their head pointing down. Directional rails 22, 23 are in turn disposed to the left and right of the guide rails 2 in the inlet area of the dryer 70. These directional rails 22, 23 correspond to those directional rails 22, 23 already explained in the first to third embodiments. An input opening 71 is located in the inlet area of the dryer 70 in its base at the height of the guide rail 2. The vehicle bodies 1 are introduced into the dryer 70 through this inlet opening 71 by rotation through approx. 180° around the rotary axis 13 of the respective mounting frame 7. Function: The vehicle bodies 1 are translationally moved continuously along the guide rails 2. Rollers 12 disposed on the now horizontal levers of the mounting frame 7 roll off on the 18 horizontally extending directional rail 22. In this way, the mounting frame 7 is conveyed in the horizontal position with the vehicle bodies 1 suspended over head. As soon as the directional rail 23 is reached, the roller 12 of a vertical lever runs up to it and the mounting frame 7 together with the vehicle body 1 located thereon is rotated clockwise - in the side view represented in Fig. 17 - through the inlet opening 71 into the dryer 70. The mounting frame is then continuously moved along the guide rails 2 in the dryer 70, whereby the rollers 12 which are now located on the horizontally aligned levers roll off on the horizontally shaped directional rail 22. positioned Directional rails 22, 23 are in turn/ in the outlet area, which is not depicted here in Fig. 17, and there is an outlet opening through which the vehicle bodies 1 are rotated out of the dryer 70 by another clockwise rotation. 5th embodiment Structure: In the side view of a dryer depicted in Fig. 18, the directional rails 22, 23 that were also used in the other aforementioned embodiments are used to rotate vehicle bodies 1. The vehicle bodies 1 are detachably secured on mounting frames 81. The mounting frames in turn comprise a number of levers, at the ends of which rollers 12 are attached. The mounting frames 81 are guided in guide rails 5 extending within the dryer chamber 80. In contrast to the previously described mounting frames, the mounting frames 81 in use here are designed such that the rotary axis 13 of the mounting frames 81 ends up in the central area of a vehicle body. The mounting frames are equipped for this purpose with a recessed receiver that forms 19 a kind of base trough. The vehicle bodies are also aligned along the rotary axis 13 instead of across it. Function: A vehicle body 1 on a mounting frame 81 is continuously moved in a horizontally aligned manner within the guide rails 5. The rollers 12 of the horizontal levers roll off on a horizontally aligned section of the directional rail 22. As soon as a roller 12 of a vertical lever rolls on to the directional rail 23 or a part that rises up it, the mounting frame is rotated clockwise here. The rollers 12 that were previously rolling off on the horizontal section of the directional rail 22 now roll off on a downwardly facing section of the directional rail 22. By designing the directional rails 22, 23, the vehicle bodies 1 are constantly rotated continuously around the rotary axis 13 of the mounting frame 81. This makes it impossible for fat edges, which would result in a loss of quality, to form on the freshly coated vehicle bodies 1. Mounting a vehicle body: Various embodiments for mounting a vehicle body onto a device according to the invention will be explained in detail by means of Figs. 8 to 16 as follows. Each of the mounting options explained in the following can be used with a device according to the invention, as previously explained in detail. A horizontal mounting option for a vehicle body 1 secured on a skid 2 is shown in Figs. 8 to 10. A horizontal conveyor 6, here a roller conveyor, extends in the supply area of the guidance devices 5, i.e. in an area in which a first deflector 9 is present for the guidance device 5 or for the drive means that runs inside it. The skid 2 is equipped with front and rear receiving means 3, 4 which are designed to complement catch devices 10, 11 located on the mounting frame 7. 20 Explanation of the mounting process on to the mounting frame: The mounting frame 7 with the first catch device pointing upwards is supplied to the supplied skid 2 as a result of the continuous movement of the mounting frame 7 around the i. deflector 9. As shown in Fig. 9, the catch device 10 reaches the front receiving means 3 of the skid 2. As a result of the continuous movement of the mounting frame 7, the skid 2 with the vehicle body 1 located thereon is now consequently pulled along by the already engaged front receiver 3 of the skid 2. As is evident from Fig. 10, the rear receiving means 4 of the skid 2 then engages with the rear catch device 11 of the mounting frame 7. In consequence, the skid 2 is now securely engaged with the mounting frame 7 and is completely pulled down by the conveyor means 6. The skid is then fixed on the mounting frame using the locking mechanism 8. To detach the skid, which now contains a treated vehicle body 1, from the mounting frame 7 in the device's discharge area, i.e. at the end of the treatment baths 20, the reverse procedure to the described mounting process is adopted. A vertical supply or detachment means on a mounting frame 7 according to the device according to the invention is shown in Figs. 11 to 13. A lift assembly 30 for skids 2 with their vehicle body 1 located thereon is disposed above guide rails 33 in which a mounting frame 35, with a design similar to the aforementioned one, is guided. This lift assembly 30 can be used to lower or raise a skid 2 vertically. Each mounting frame 35 has levers 36 at which rollers 40 are disposed. Front and rear catch positioned new means 38, 39 are securely on the mounting frame. The catch means 38, 3 9 engage with correspondingly formed front and rear receiving means 31, 32 on the skid 2. A locking mechanism 34 is located in the area of the mounting frame's rotary axis 41. 21 Function of this lift assembly The mounting frame 35 is continuously moved in the guide rails 33 in a horizontal alignment along the guide rails 33. As soon as a mounting frame 35 is located below the skid 2 on the lift assembly 30, the lift assembly 30 is lowered, thus enabling the front catch means 39 of the mounting frame 35 to enter the correspondingly formed front receiver 31, of the skid 2. Because the lift assembly 30 has been lowered to such an extent that the skid 2 slightly rests on the mounting frame 35, the rear catch means 38 is also engaged with the corresponding rear receiving means 32 of the skid 2 during the engagement of the front catch means 37 and is then detachably secured via the locking mechanism 34. The lift 30 is now moved upwards so as to mount a new vehicle body with skid 2 on to a mounting frame 35 located therebehind. During unloading, the now treated vehicle body is released from the mounting frame 35 and removed upwards by means of a lift device designed as above. Figs. 14 to 16 show one possible way of horizontally supplying a vehicle body without a skid on to a mounting frame in a system according to the invention. Structure: A conveyor 50 with supports 51 that are individually moveable Mounted Now thereon is above guide rails 62. Mounting frames 55 guided in the guide rails 62 comprise lockable front and rear catch means 54 which can be introduced into correspondingly formed front and rear receivers 52, 53 on a vehicle body 1. Such a mounting frame 55 in turn comprises lever arms 60 which are fitted with rollers 57, 58 in order to act as a guide for the purpose of rotation around a rotary axis 61 while dipping into a treatment bath 20. 22 Function: A skidless vehicle body 1 is supplied by means of the conveyor 51 to a supply area of the system according to the invention where a mounting frame 55 is moved toward the body 1 from below by means of the drive means in the guide rails 62, enabling the frame's catch means 54 to engage with the receivers 52, 53 of the vehicle body 1 and allowing them to lock. The conveyor 51 releases the vehicle body and leaves the take-over area. During delivery, a mounting frame 55 takes the vehicle body 1 to the discharge site where the vehicle body is released from the mounting frame 55 and received by the succeeding conveyor 51. The mounting frame 55 is removed downwards and the vehicle body 1 can be taken away by the succeeding conveyor 51. 23. WE CLAIM 1. Device for surface treatment of at least one workpiece in at least one treatment bath or in at least one treatment booth, in particular of vehicle bodies, comprising at least one holding frame (7) for receiving at least one workpiece (1) being continuously movable along a direction of movement of said workpieces (1) predetermined by an arrangement of said at least one treatment bath (20) or said at least one treatment booth (70); — a guide means (5), guiding said holding frame (7) in the direction of movement; — a drive means, by which said holding frame (7) can be continuously moved in the direction of movement: — a receiving means (10,11,38.39,54) capable of detachably attaching said workpiece (1) to said holding frame (7) having a hinge pin (13,41,61) arranged transversely to the direction of movement; characterized in that a guide (22,23) cooperating with at least one lever (15) fixed at the side of said holding frame (7) in order to effect a rotation of said holding frame (7> about said hinge pin (13,41,61) is provided such that during said rotation process, said guide (22,23) and said holding frame (7) remain constantly coupled to one another thereby continuously controlling and guiding said rotation, the speed of rotation and the speed of movement of said holding frame (7) being consistently adjusted to one another, and in that at 24. the end of said inward rotating process, a front part of th workpiece (1) having maintained a safety distance is positioned on a first front wall (2Ø1) of said treatment (2Ø,7Ø), said workpiece (1) with present front part up to the other front wall (2Ø2) being brought out of the treatment area, first with its present rear part, followed by an additional rotation of the workpiece by 18Ø - 2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one lever (15) is attached in each case on opposite sides of said holding frame (7), the opposite levers (15) being offset with respect to one another by a predetermined angle amount. 3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein on each side of the holding frame (7) are arranged two levers (15), and wherein the levers (13) are arranged on one side of the holding frame (7) in each case and the lever arrangements are offset by 90 on the sides apposite from one another. 4. Device as claimed in claim 9 and 6, wherein said guide (22,23) cooperates with several levers (13) - 5- Device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said guide (22,23) comprises at least one conducting rai1 (22,23). 6- Device as claimed in claim 5,wherein said conducting rail (22,23) has suitable conducting faces in t he entrance or exit area of said treatment bath (20) for setting said holding frame (7) into rotation- 7- Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said conducting faces have conducting sections inclined upwards and downwards- 25. 8. Device as claimed in claim 7, whrein said individual conducting sections are inclined by 45° downwards and other conducting ejections are inclined by 45° upwards. 9. Device as claimed in one of claims 5 to 8, whrein said conducting rails (22,23) and their conducting faces come into contact with a contact element (12) attached to the end of said levers (15). 10. Device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a roller (12,40,57,50) is arranged at the end of one of said levers (15) for guidance. 11. Device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said holding frame (7) is guided in said guide means (3) by a guide members arranged in the area of said hinge pin (13,41,61). 12. Device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said guide members camp rise ro11e rs. 13. Device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said holding frame (7) has said receivers (10,11,38,39? 54) to directly or indirectly connect saud at least one workpiece (1) detachably. 14. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said receivers take up a located position which remains unchanged with respect to a vertical direction during the translatory movement of said holding frame (7). 26. 19. Device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said guide means (5) consists of guide rails. 16. An installation for surface treatment of vehicle bodies comprising a device as claimed in claim 1 and a supply means for continuous supply to an entrance area of said installation said dvehicle bodies individually and detaching treated vehicle bodies after treatment for transporting away by a removal device. Dated this 29th day of September 1997 The invention relates to a device for surface treatment of workpiece (1) in a treatment bath (20) or in a treatment booth (70), in particular of vehicle bodies, comprising a movable holding frame (7) for receiving the workpiece, a guide means (5) guiding the holding frame in the direction of movement; a drive means moving the holding frame, a receiving means (10,11,38,39,54) detachably attaching the workpiece to the holding frame; a guide (22, 23) cooperating with a lever (15) fixed to the holding frame. During the rotation process, the guide and the holding frame remain coupled to one another and the speed of rotation and the speed of movement of the holding frame is adjusted to one another. At the end of the inward rotating process, a front part of the workpiece is positioned on a first front wall of the treatment area, the workpiece with present front part brought out of the treatment area, first with its present rear part, followed by an additional rotation of the workpiece by 180°.

Full Text

1A.
Technical field
The invention relates to a device for introducing and removing workpieces, particularly vehicle bodies, into or out of a tank or a treatment booth, whereby the workpieces inside the tank are treated either in a gaseous environment such as being coated with powder or wet paint, or the tank is a dip tank filled with a liquid medium suitable for the surface treatment of the workpieces. The invention in particular relates to a device for the surface treatment of at least one workpiece, in particular a vehicle body, in at least one treatment bath or in at least one treatment booth.
In the subject matter according to the invention, the workpieces or vehicle bodies are continuously moved in a translationsl manner toward a treatment area such as a treatment bath, a treatment booth etc. and are transported to and from the treatment area while maintaining this movement.
Prior art
Devices for the surface treatment of one or more vehicle bodies are generally divided into continuous and non-continuous conveyors.
In the case of non-continuous conveyors, so-called cyclical
systems, the vehicle bodies on object supports are sequentially
transported over successively positioned dip tanks where they are
stopped. Lifting or rotating devices are used to dip the vehicle
bodies into a bath medium suitable for

2
surface treatment and located in the dip tank, and the vehicle bodies are lifted out again once the process time is over. These systems manage without inlet and discharge areas, allowing the treatment bath dip tanks to be shorter than in the case of continuous conveyors. These systems can only be used, however, at small production rates because system capacity depends on the desired process time and is therefore considerably restricted. The application range of such systems is consequently limited.
A rotating device for cyclically operating systems is known from DE 43 04 14 5 C1_ which discloses a rotating device securely mounted above a dip tank and to which at least one vehicle body can be secured. Rotation through approximately
180° of the rotating device causes a vehicle body to be dipped
an additional into a treatment bath and rotation causes it to be
guided out.
In the case of continuously conveying systems, vehicle bodies are continuously transported along the aligned treatment baths and are guided into and out of the treatment bath using lowering and raising means into and out of the bath medium. Due to the continuous conveyance of these systems, a treatment bath's inlet and outlet areas have to be designed at an angle. Each dip tank therefore requires a longer inlet and discharge area, which causes a dip tank and hence the entire system to be considerably extended. The known lowering means likewise do not ensure that air pockets remain in the workpieces dipped in the treatment bath. Due to cavities entailed by the structural design, this problem arises to an extreme degree particularly when vehicle bodies are dipped into the treatment bath. In the prior art, additional steps are therefore absolutely essential in order to reduce air pockets. It is for example proposed in GB 1 434 348 to move to and fro a lowered vehicle body that is dipped into the treatment bath.

3
A continuous conveyor for guiding workpieces in galvanic metallization and chromium-plating plants is known from German published document DE-AS 25 12 762. The system known from this document relates to a revolving conveyor device that continuously transports the workpiece to be treated. When the conveyor device rotates, the workpieces are each automatically dipped into a tank, guided underneath it while continuing the movement, moved out of the tank and again dipped into the next tank. Various options are mentioned in order to cause the workpieces to be dipped in or lifted out.
On the one hand, workpiece holders are rotatable by cams or by ramps and surfaces that extend downwards at an angle. When such a workpiece holder continues to move, however, only the
rotation is initiated, the next rotational process takes place in an uncontrolled manner merely under the influence of gravity. Such a device suffers from the drawback that heavier workpieces fall into a treatment bath in an uncontrolled manner, which is totally unsuitable for larger, much heavier and more sensitive workpieces such as vehicle bodies. The system described therein also specifically focuses upon a design having current carrying means which simultaneously serve as an actuator for initiating a workpiece holder's rotation. The rotational process which is uncontrolled and hence indefinite in terms of time and place also makes it impossible to minimize the individual dip tanks' inlet and outlet areas. The system disclosed therein does not aim thereat either.
Finally, a container rotation device is known from German published document DE-OS 2 9 01 02_7_; in this device, containers, preferably bottle containers, are intended to be rotated automatically and without manual action. The device comprises conveyance means, drivers that are rotatably supported in a mount, and a curved control surface which controls the drivers such that they secure the containers. Chain wheels connected to the drivers engage with gear teeth.

4

device New
device New The is such that the chain wheels, drivers and
containers are rotated as a result of engagement with the teeth. Only the rotation by means of chain wheels is disclosed in the device shown therein. The container is also intended to be rotated only in order that various container parts are more effectively accessible. An insertion or removal process as a result of rotation is neither depicted nor in any way implied.
Description of the invention Technical problem
The technical problem upon which the invention is based is to provide a method and an apparatus for the surface treatment of workpieces, in which on the one hand the treatment areas can be minimized in terms of their dimensions, while on the other hand, high production rates can also be achieved.
Solution of the technical problem
as device having the features
This technical problem is solved by a of the invent

The invention is based on the idea of rotating the workpieces to be introduced into the treatment areas, during a continuous movement of these workpieces, at the boundary area of a treatment area at the same time as a controlled and completely guided rotational movement around a rotary axis across the workpieces' continuous direction of movement. As a result of this first ever co-ordination of the workpieces' continuous movement along the treatment areas and the simultaneous completely guided rotational movement thereof around the rotary axis located across the direction of conveyance, the workpieces, particularly vehicle bodies, can be rotated into and out of a treatment area with such accuracy that the inlet and outlet areas of each treatment area can be provided with

5

new
New

vertical or almost vertical end walls. The length of each individual treatment area can therefore be reduced to a minimum. At; the same time, this minimizes the total length of a system that has a plurality of successively Now positioned treatment areas and particularly a number of treatment baths in a row. This reduction is about 20% for a capacity of one hundred vehicle bodies per hour compared to conventional continuous conveying systems. The advantages of a continuous conveying system are therefore combined for the first time with a rotational device's benefits as known from the prior art.
In the case of a treatment bath composed of a liquid medium, air bubbles are largely avoided by the rotational process while the workpieces are being dipped. Even if the workpiece
is dipped, the air pockets that may have been caused by the
additionally
treatment process can also be reduced, however, by/moving
the workpiece in the treatment bath. In addition, occlusions of dirt on horizontal surfaces are reduced because the vehicle bodies are rotated above and within the bath.
In the method according to the invention, all that has to be provided is a minimum safety gap between the workpiece to be introduced into the treatment area and the end walls of the treatment area or dip tank. To ensure a minimum total length of the treatment area, the rotational speed and speed of movement then have to be co-ordinated with one another, by taking the safety gap into consideration, such that after completion of the rotational process, while observing the safety gap, the front section of the workpiece is positioned at the first end wall and is positioned at the second end wall during the process of removal by rotation. In the prior art, this minimum safety gap has to be much larger, as for example in the chromium-plating system known in the prior art and in which a completely uncontrolled process of insertion by rotation occurs. By co-ordinating the speed of the translational movement and the speed of rotating the workpiece

6
in and out, the workpiece's movement curve can be accurately
predetermined and adapted to the shape of the treatment arga to an optimum degree. The total lenath can therefore be kept to a minimum as well.
By keeping the rotational speed essentially constant, a steady movement curve can be achieved, which is particularly important in the case of heavier workpieces so as to achieve an even process of rotation in and out, because greater forces which do not permit an accurate movement sequence otherwise take effect when there are changes in angular velocity. For example when the heavy vehicle bodies placed on a mounting frame temporarily move more than desired during rotation in and out due to inertia when there is a change in angular velocity.
The procedure according to the invention can be used for a wide variety of surface treatment techniques. For instance, the introduction and removal of workpieces into and out of a liquid medium is perfectly suited to performing dip coating. The procedure according to the invention is also, however, very well suited to powder coating or wet paint application. As with the treatment tanks needed for dip coating, the treatment booths envisaged for this purpose raise the problem of guiding the workpieces in and out of an inlet and outlet area of the booths. In consequence, these booths may be located above or below the workpieces1 supply level.
Finally, the linking, according to the invention, of a continuous translational movement and a controlled and constantly guided rotary movement of the workpieces is also suitable for preventing the formation of fat edges in a dryer when workpieces have already been coated. For this purpose,
instead of a gap between the rotary axis and the workpiece,
mountited the workpiece should be optimally close to the rotary
axis or even within the area of the rotary axis in the surface treatment apparatus according to the invention.

7
A mechanically very simply structred and low-maintenance design is obtained by providing the mounting frame with at least one laterally attached lever which interacts with a guide in order to cause the mounting frame to rotate. By
adapting the lever length, heavy workpieces can also by rotated on a mounting frame in a very easily controlled manner.
Attaching at least one lever on opposite sides of a mounting frame - whereby these opposite levers are counterrotated by a predetermined angular amount - for the first time ensures that if the guidance devices are correspondingly designed, the mounting frame is always supported both in the forward direction and in the reverse direction in relation to the rotational direction and is therefore also accurately guided.
This effect can also be improved when two levers are disposed
on each side of the mounting frame; these levers are each
disposed on one side of the mounting frame symmetrical to the
rotary axis and lever configurations on the opposite sides are
rotated through 90°.
A very simple embodiment of the actuation means is obtained by designing it as a directional rail.
By providing guide surfaces on the directional rails in the inlet and outlet area of a treatment bath, i.e. in the boundary area, the rotation can be brought about by simply sliding corresponding devices up and down on the mounting frame or by rolling them off the frame.
Rotation is best controlled by upwardly or downwardly til-ted guide portions which are inexpensive and easy to manufacture as a result of designing the individual guide portions to be simple and straight.

8
The individual guide portions are best tilted downwards through about 45°, other guide portions are tilted upwards through about 45°.
A low-friction and easy-maintenance design is obtained in that rollers which interact with the directional rails are disposed at the lever ends.
More complex, albeit extremely accurate actuation devices which can even be used with the heaviest of items comprise toothed racks or screw spindles securely attached to the treatment bath and which interact with gear wheels or worm gears correspondingly formed on the mounting frame.
This also makes it possible to insert intermediate gears if need be.
In the area of the rotary axis, the mounting frame advantageously comprises guide means which are guided in the guide rails. This brings about the continuous translational movement with utmost accuracy on to the mounting frame in the direction predetermined by the guide rails.
Rollers are particularly provided as guide means in the guide rails because the friction is therefore minimized, which is
important in the case of several sequentially new
positioned
frames connected together.
By providing now receivers on the mounting frame, workpieces can be secured thereon in a directly detachable manner, or indirectly for example in the case of vehicle bodies that are detachably secured on a skid.
BY having the receiversw assume a pposition that remains unaltered in the movement of direction with respect to a vertical direction during the mounting frame's translational movement, it is extremely simple to mount a vehicle body using

9
a skid by way of adjacent conveying means located at the same height.
All the drive means known from the prior art can be used for the continuous movement of the individual workpieces. In particular, chain drives, traction rope arrangements, threaded rods or self-propelled mounting frames that have their own drive are perfectly suitable.
The angle data given in this application should not be regarded as absolute values. Values that deviate by ±10% are also covered by the disclosure.
Short description of the invention
With reference to the enclosed drawings, several exemplary embodiments will be described and explained in more detail so as to explain the invention further and to understand it better.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic, perspective side view of a system according to the invention in relation to the direction of conveyance of individual vehicle bodies, viewed from the right-hand side,
Fig. 2 shows a schematic, perspective side view of the system according to the invention in Fig. 1 when viewed from the direction of conveyance of the vehicle bodies on the left-hand side,
Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through a system according to the system in Figs. 1 or 2,
Fig. 4 shows a schematic, direct side view of the system according to the invention in Figs. 1 to 3,

10
Fig. 5 shows a side view of the system according to the invention, in which the dipping process into and raising process out of a treatment bath is schematically depicted,
Fig. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the system according to the invention, with an additional control guide for pivoting the vehicle bodies.
Fig. 7 shows a side view of a vehicle body dipped into the treatment bath in a system according to the invention in a further embodiment with special control guide rails for pivoting the vehicle bodies,
Figs. 8-10
show a depiction of the sequence of horizontally mounting a vehicle body on a skid on to a system according to the invention.
Figs. 11 - 13
show a sequential depiction of vertically mounting a vehicle body supported on a skid on to a system according to the invention.
Figs. 14 - 16
show a schematic sequential depiction of mounting a vehicle body without interposing a skid on a purpose-built device according to the system according to the invention,
Fig. 17 shows a schematic side view of a dryer in which a
height difference between a base level and dryer
level is overcome by rotating the vehicle bodies,
and

11
Fig. 18 shows a schematic side view of a paint dryer in
which a rotation of the vehicle bodies is brought about during a continuous translational movement of vehicle bodies.
Ways of performing the invention
1st embodiment Structure:
A first embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown in Figs. 1 to 5. Guide rails 5 extend above a plurality of successively connected treatment baths 20 at the sides thereof. The guide rails 5 are spaced apart from one another and are disposed in parallel above the treatment baths 20. When viewed in cross section, they each comprise two lateral guide surfaces located on top of one another. The guide rails 5 extend downwards at the end of such an alignment of
treatment baths 20 and terminate in return rails 27 disposed.
pro vide
beneath the treatment baths 20. Deflectors 9 are
the reversal points between upper guide rails and lower return rails 27.
Drive means that are not depicted here, such as driven chains, traction ropes, gear rods or the like, extend within the guide rails 5. These drive means are deflected via the deflectors 9 or other means mated therewith toward the return rails "2 7 and run back in the return rails 27. A motor not depicted here continuously drives these drive means at a variable speed.
Individual vehicle bodies 1 are each securely connected to a skid 2. Each skid 2 with a vehicle body 1, mounted thereon is detachably connected to a mounting frame 7. A plurality of these mounting frames 7, which are spaced apart, are connected to the drive means that is not depicted here and which extends between the guide rails 5 and return rails 27.

12
Each mounting frame comprises a rotary axis 13 which runs between the rails 5 across the direction specified by the rails 5; i.e. across the direction of movement specified by the drive means along the treatment baths 20. The rotary axis of a mounting frame 7 is guided by means of for example rollers within the guide rails 5 or the return rails 27. Two opposing levers 15 are respectively disposed with the rotary axis 13 at each side of the mounting frame 7. Two levers disposed on one side of the mounting frame 7 are offset through about 180° in relation to one another. On the opposite side of the mounting frame 7, these levers are rotated with respect to the other side through 90°. Rollers 12 are rotatably disposed at each of the ends of the levers 15.
Specially shaped, directional rails 22 are secured in the area of a side wall 201 of the treatment bath 20 at each side in the area of the upper guide rails 5. On the one side, the right-hand side in Fig. 1, a directional rail 22 is attached in the area of the side wall 201 of the treatment bath 20; this rail has a first horizontal portion, then a downwardly pointing portion angled at approximately 45°, and which then changes into a portion that faces upwards at approximately 45° with respect to a horizontal line. This directional rail 22 then extends horizontally until almost the other end wall 202 of the bath 20.
As is evident from the depiction in Fig. 2 viewed from the left-hand side, the directional rail 23 opposite the aforementioned directional rail 22 in Fig. 1 is first provided with a horizontal portion located below a guide rail 5 on the other side, i.e. here the left-hand side, viewed in the direction of movement of the vehicle bodies. This horizontal portion merges into a portion pointing upwards at about. 45°. This is followed by a portion pointing downwards by about 45°.
At the end of a treatment bath 20 in the area of a side wall 202, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, directional rails 22, 23 are

13

designed in the above-described manner again at both sides of the treatment bath 20.
But at least one directional rail 22, 23 is designed to extend horizontally in the area between two side walls 201, 202 of a treatment bath 20.
In summary, it should again be emphasized that in the inlet and outlet area of a treatment bath 20, directional rails 22, 23 are each placed opposite one another in relation to two opposite sides,- i.e. when an upwardly facing directional rail portion is present on the one side, the directional rail portion disposed on the opposite side of the mounting frame 7 is facing downwards.
Function:
The rollers 12 disposed at the ends of one lever 15 respectively of the mounting frames 7 roll off on to directional rails 22, 23. A vehicle body detachably secured to

the mounting frame 7 and having an interposed skid 2 is rotated in the following manner by the continuous conveyance of the mounting frames 7 within the guide rails 5.
A vehicle body 1 attached to a skid 2 is already detachably secured on a mounting frame. This process will be explained in even more detail later on with reference to Figs. 8 to 16. The mounting frame 7 with its vehicle body 1 now mounted thereon is guided in horizontal alignment by the drive means along the guide rails 5 into the inlet area of a treatment bath 20. A pair of levers 15 is vertically located on the one side of the mounting frame 7, whereas the opposite pair of levers 15 is aligned horizontally. The horizontally aligned pair of levers 15 rolls on the horizontal directional rail section 22. As a result, the mounting frame is moved in a manner that maintains the horizontal alignment. The continuous movement of the drive means causes the downwards lever 15 of the upright pair of

14
levers 15 to roll up the short horizontal first portion of the left-hand guide rail 23 on its upper side. The opposite first lever, which previously rolled off on a horizontal guide piece of the right-hand directional rail 22, is now exactly at the kink of the right-hand directional rail 22 at which point the right - hand rai1 2 2 bends downwards.
The continued translational movement now causes the roller 12 of the lever 15 on the left-hand side of the mounting frame 7 to run off on that portion of the left-hand directional rail that points upward at 45°. In consequence, the mounting frame 7 is rotated forwards in the direction of the translational movement. At the same time, the roller 12 of the lever 15 located on the right-hand' side rolls off on the downwardly pointing portion of the right-hand directional rail 22. The simultaneous rolling off process on the right-hand directional rail 22 and on the left-hand rail 23 causes the rotational process to be controlled and held in check at all times. The mounting frame 7 is, after all, supported on the levers 15 both in the forwards and the backwards direction in relation to the continuous movement.
additional The rotational process is controlled by the other
rising and falling portions of the right-hand directional rail 22 and left-hand directional rail 23. The body 1 is finally completely dipped in the treatment bath 20 and continues to be continuously conveyed within the treatment bath 20 along the guide rails 5.
At the end of the treatment bath 20, the roller 12 located at a lever 15 on the left-hand side rolls up the left-hand directional rail 23. This causes the vehicle body 1 to undergo a process of rotation out of the treatment bath 20. At the same time, a roller 12 of a lever 15 in turn rolls off on a correspondingly oppositely aligned portion of the right-hand directional rail 22. This causes the vehicle body 1 to rotate out in a complete and controlled manner.

15

The right-hand directional rail 22 and left-hand directional rail 23 in the area of the side walls 201, 202 of a treatment bath 20 and the simultaneous continuous conveyance of a mounting frame 7 in the rails 5 enable the side walls of the treatment bath 20 to be disposed upright or to be inclined very steeply downwards or upwards.
i
The lateral directional rails 22, 23 (should have a gradient of
45° Straight directional rails 22, 23 can be used in this case without producing any major fluctuations in angular velocity during rotation.
The basic structure of a system according to the invention can be easily identified from the cross-sectional view depicted in Fig. 3. Supports 21 on which the guide rails 5 extend are located next to the treatment bath 20. As already explained in detail, the mounting frames 7 with the vehicle bodies 1 mounted thereon and secured via a skid 2 are conveyed within these guide rails 5. The mounting frames 7, on which levers 15 are provided with rollers ,12 located thereon, comprise a rotary axis 13. The rollers 12 roll off on directional rails 22 and 23.
Beneath the treatment bath, the mounting frames in return rails 27 are returned to their original position, as is particularly apparent from Fig. ,3.
2nd embodiment
Structure:
Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is evident from Fig. 6. In the embodiment of the device according to the invention depicted in Fig. 6, an additional control guide rail 24 is disposed in the region of the treatment bath 20. In contrast to the aforementioned first embodiment of the invention - in which in that area of the treatment bath 20

16
where the vehicle body 1 is transported through in a completely rotated manner and dipped in the medium of the treatment bath 20 and where the levers 15 were horizontally guided on one of the directional rails 22, 23, thereby making it impossible to rotate the vehicle body 1 into this region of the treatment bath 20 - the directional rail 22 or 23 is now complemented in this area by an additional guide rail 24. In the side view, the directional rail 22 or 23 and the guide rail 24 have a repeatedly curved pattern.
Function:
One of the lever arms with the roller 12 rolls off on this guide rail 24, so that the entire mounting frame with its vehicle body 1 mounted thereon is slightly pivoted to and fro in relation to the rotary axis 13 as a result of the curved pattern of the control guide rail 24. This makes it possible
to rock the vehicle body within the treatment bath; which
additional results xn the/ reduction of trapped air bubbles caused
by the process. new 3rd embodiment Structure:
In the third embodiment of the invention depicted in Fig. 7 and in contrast to the aforementioned embodiments, the mounting frame 7 is additionally designed with a small, laterally projecting control lever 26 at the end of which a roller 28 is rotatably secured. The roller 28 runs in a control guide rail 25 that extends along a treatment bath 20. The control guide rail 25 comprises variously curved portions, with the result that rising and falling control portions are present in the guide rail.

17
Function:
When the mounting frame 7 is continuously conveyed in the guide rails 5, the control roller 28 rolls off at the control lever 26 of the mounting frame 7 in the control guide rail 25. In the case of the upwardly or downwardly inclined portions of the control guide rail, the mounting frame 7 is slightly-pivoted to and fro around the rotary axis 13 of the mounting frame 7. This in turn causes the vehicle body 1 to pivot to and fro, which makes it possible to reduce any air bubbles A that may be trapped inside the body 1.
4th embodiment Structure:
Fig. 17 shows a dryer 70 in which vehicle bodies 1 attached to mounting frames 7 are supplied on the previously explained guide rails 2 at a lower level. The vehicle bodies 1 at the mounting frames 7 are suspended with their head pointing down. Directional rails 22, 23 are in turn disposed to the left and right of the guide rails 2 in the inlet area of the dryer 70. These directional rails 22, 23 correspond to those directional rails 22, 23 already explained in the first to third embodiments.
An input opening 71 is located in the inlet area of the dryer 70 in its base at the height of the guide rail 2. The vehicle bodies 1 are introduced into the dryer 70 through this inlet opening 71 by rotation through approx. 180° around the rotary axis 13 of the respective mounting frame 7.
Function:
The vehicle bodies 1 are translationally moved continuously along the guide rails 2. Rollers 12 disposed on the now horizontal levers of the mounting frame 7 roll off on the

18
horizontally extending directional rail 22. In this way, the mounting frame 7 is conveyed in the horizontal position with the vehicle bodies 1 suspended over head. As soon as the directional rail 23 is reached, the roller 12 of a vertical lever runs up to it and the mounting frame 7 together with the vehicle body 1 located thereon is rotated clockwise - in the side view represented in Fig. 17 - through the inlet opening 71 into the dryer 70. The mounting frame is then continuously moved along the guide rails 2 in the dryer 70, whereby the rollers 12 which are now located on the horizontally aligned levers roll off on the horizontally shaped directional rail 22.
positioned Directional rails 22, 23 are in turn/ in the outlet
area, which is not depicted here in Fig. 17, and there is an outlet opening through which the vehicle bodies 1 are rotated out of the dryer 70 by another clockwise rotation.
5th embodiment
Structure:
In the side view of a dryer depicted in Fig. 18, the directional rails 22, 23 that were also used in the other aforementioned embodiments are used to rotate vehicle bodies 1. The vehicle bodies 1 are detachably secured on mounting frames 81. The mounting frames in turn comprise a number of levers, at the ends of which rollers 12 are attached. The mounting frames 81 are guided in guide rails 5 extending within the dryer chamber 80.
In contrast to the previously described mounting frames, the mounting frames 81 in use here are designed such that the rotary axis 13 of the mounting frames 81 ends up in the central area of a vehicle body. The mounting frames are equipped for this purpose with a recessed receiver that forms

19
a kind of base trough. The vehicle bodies are also aligned along the rotary axis 13 instead of across it.
Function:
A vehicle body 1 on a mounting frame 81 is continuously moved in a horizontally aligned manner within the guide rails 5. The rollers 12 of the horizontal levers roll off on a horizontally aligned section of the directional rail 22. As soon as a roller 12 of a vertical lever rolls on to the directional rail 23 or a part that rises up it, the mounting frame is rotated clockwise here. The rollers 12 that were previously rolling off on the horizontal section of the directional rail 22 now roll off on a downwardly facing section of the directional rail 22. By designing the directional rails 22, 23, the vehicle bodies 1 are constantly rotated continuously around the rotary axis 13 of the mounting frame 81. This makes it impossible for fat edges, which would result in a loss of quality, to form on the freshly coated vehicle bodies 1.
Mounting a vehicle body:
Various embodiments for mounting a vehicle body onto a device according to the invention will be explained in detail by means of Figs. 8 to 16 as follows. Each of the mounting options explained in the following can be used with a device according to the invention, as previously explained in detail.
A horizontal mounting option for a vehicle body 1 secured on a skid 2 is shown in Figs. 8 to 10. A horizontal conveyor 6, here a roller conveyor, extends in the supply area of the guidance devices 5, i.e. in an area in which a first deflector 9 is present for the guidance device 5 or for the drive means that runs inside it. The skid 2 is equipped with front and rear receiving means 3, 4 which are designed to complement catch devices 10, 11 located on the mounting frame 7.

20
Explanation of the mounting process on to the mounting frame:
The mounting frame 7 with the first catch device pointing upwards is supplied to the supplied skid 2 as a result of the
continuous movement of the mounting frame 7 around the
i.
deflector 9. As shown in Fig. 9, the catch device 10 reaches the front receiving means 3 of the skid 2. As a result of the continuous movement of the mounting frame 7, the skid 2 with the vehicle body 1 located thereon is now consequently pulled along by the already engaged front receiver 3 of the skid 2. As is evident from Fig. 10, the rear receiving means 4 of the skid 2 then engages with the rear catch device 11 of the mounting frame 7. In consequence, the skid 2 is now securely engaged with the mounting frame 7 and is completely pulled down by the conveyor means 6. The skid is then fixed on the mounting frame using the locking mechanism 8.
To detach the skid, which now contains a treated vehicle body 1, from the mounting frame 7 in the device's discharge area, i.e. at the end of the treatment baths 20, the reverse procedure to the described mounting process is adopted.
A vertical supply or detachment means on a mounting frame 7 according to the device according to the invention is shown in Figs. 11 to 13.
A lift assembly 30 for skids 2 with their vehicle body 1 located thereon is disposed above guide rails 33 in which a mounting frame 35, with a design similar to the aforementioned one, is guided. This lift assembly 30 can be used to lower or raise a skid 2 vertically. Each mounting frame 35 has levers
36 at which rollers 40 are disposed. Front and rear catch
positioned new means 38, 39 are securely on the mounting frame. The
catch means 38, 3 9 engage with correspondingly formed front and rear receiving means 31, 32 on the skid 2. A locking mechanism 34 is located in the area of the mounting frame's rotary axis 41.

21
Function of this lift assembly
The mounting frame 35 is continuously moved in the guide rails 33 in a horizontal alignment along the guide rails 33. As soon as a mounting frame 35 is located below the skid 2 on the lift assembly 30, the lift assembly 30 is lowered, thus enabling the front catch means 39 of the mounting frame 35 to enter the correspondingly formed front receiver 31, of the skid 2. Because the lift assembly 30 has been lowered to such an extent that the skid 2 slightly rests on the mounting frame 35, the rear catch means 38 is also engaged with the corresponding rear receiving means 32 of the skid 2 during the engagement of the front catch means 37 and is then detachably secured via the locking mechanism 34. The lift 30 is now moved upwards so as to mount a new vehicle body with skid 2 on to a mounting frame 35 located therebehind.
During unloading, the now treated vehicle body is released from the mounting frame 35 and removed upwards by means of a lift device designed as above.
Figs. 14 to 16 show one possible way of horizontally supplying a vehicle body without a skid on to a mounting frame in a system according to the invention.
Structure:
A conveyor 50 with supports 51 that are individually moveable
Mounted Now thereon is above guide rails 62. Mounting frames 55
guided in the guide rails 62 comprise lockable front and rear catch means 54 which can be introduced into correspondingly formed front and rear receivers 52, 53 on a vehicle body 1. Such a mounting frame 55 in turn comprises lever arms 60 which are fitted with rollers 57, 58 in order to act as a guide for the purpose of rotation around a rotary axis 61 while dipping into a treatment bath 20.

22
Function:
A skidless vehicle body 1 is supplied by means of the conveyor 51 to a supply area of the system according to the invention where a mounting frame 55 is moved toward the body 1 from below by means of the drive means in the guide rails 62, enabling the frame's catch means 54 to engage with the receivers 52, 53 of the vehicle body 1 and allowing them to lock. The conveyor 51 releases the vehicle body and leaves the take-over area.
During delivery, a mounting frame 55 takes the vehicle body 1 to the discharge site where the vehicle body is released from the mounting frame 55 and received by the succeeding conveyor 51. The mounting frame 55 is removed downwards and the vehicle body 1 can be taken away by the succeeding conveyor 51.

23.
WE CLAIM
1. Device for surface treatment of at least one workpiece in at least one treatment bath or in at least one treatment booth, in particular of vehicle bodies, comprising
at least one holding frame (7) for receiving at least one workpiece (1) being continuously movable along a direction of movement of said workpieces (1) predetermined by an arrangement of
said at least one treatment bath (20) or said at least one
treatment booth (70);
— a guide means (5), guiding said holding frame (7) in the
direction of movement;
— a drive means, by which said holding frame (7) can be
continuously moved in the direction of movement:
— a receiving means (10,11,38.39,54) capable of detachably
attaching said workpiece (1) to said holding frame (7)
having a hinge pin (13,41,61) arranged transversely to the
direction of movement;
characterized in that a guide (22,23) cooperating with at least one lever (15) fixed at the side of said holding frame
(7) in order to effect a rotation of said holding frame (7> about said hinge pin (13,41,61) is provided such that during said rotation process, said guide (22,23) and said holding frame (7) remain constantly coupled to one another thereby continuously controlling and guiding said rotation, the speed of rotation and the speed of movement of said holding frame
(7) being consistently adjusted to one another, and in that at

24.
the end of said inward rotating process, a front part of th workpiece (1) having maintained a safety distance is positioned on a first front wall (2Ø1) of said treatment (2Ø,7Ø), said workpiece (1) with present front part up to the other front wall (2Ø2) being brought out of the treatment area, first with its present rear part, followed by an additional rotation of the workpiece by 18Ø -
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one lever
(15) is attached in each case on opposite sides of said holding
frame (7), the opposite levers (15) being offset with respect to
one another by a predetermined angle amount.
3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein on each side of
the holding frame (7) are arranged two levers (15), and wherein
the levers (13) are arranged on one side of the holding frame (7)
in each case and the lever arrangements are offset by 90 on the
sides apposite from one another.
4. Device as claimed in claim 9 and 6, wherein said guide
(22,23) cooperates with several levers (13) -

5- Device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said guide (22,23)
comprises at least one conducting rai1 (22,23).
6- Device as claimed in claim 5,wherein said conducting rail
(22,23) has suitable conducting faces in t he entrance or exit
area of said treatment bath (20) for setting said holding frame
(7) into rotation-
7- Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said conducting faces
have conducting sections inclined upwards and downwards-

25.
8. Device as claimed in claim 7, whrein said individual
conducting sections are inclined by 45° downwards and other
conducting ejections are inclined by 45° upwards.
9. Device as claimed in one of claims 5 to 8, whrein said
conducting rails (22,23) and their conducting faces come into
contact with a contact element (12) attached to the end of said
levers (15).
10. Device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a roller
(12,40,57,50) is arranged at the end of one of said levers (15)
for guidance.
11. Device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said
holding frame (7) is guided in said guide means (3) by a guide
members arranged in the area of said hinge pin (13,41,61).
12. Device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said guide members
camp rise ro11e rs.
13. Device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said
holding frame (7) has said receivers (10,11,38,39? 54) to
directly or indirectly connect saud at least one workpiece (1)
detachably.
14. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said receivers take up
a located position which remains unchanged with respect to a
vertical direction during the translatory movement of said
holding frame (7).

26.
19. Device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said guide means (5) consists of guide rails.
16. An installation for surface treatment of vehicle bodies comprising a device as claimed in claim 1 and a supply means for continuous supply to an entrance area of said installation said dvehicle bodies individually and detaching treated vehicle bodies after treatment for transporting away by a removal device.
Dated this 29th day of September 1997
The invention relates to a device for surface treatment of
workpiece (1) in a treatment bath (20) or in a treatment booth (70), in particular of vehicle bodies, comprising a movable holding frame (7) for receiving the workpiece, a guide means (5) guiding the holding frame in the direction of movement; a drive means moving the holding frame, a receiving means (10,11,38,39,54) detachably attaching the workpiece to the holding frame; a guide (22, 23) cooperating with a lever (15) fixed to the holding frame. During the rotation process, the guide and the holding frame remain coupled to one another and the speed of rotation and the speed of movement of the holding frame is adjusted to one another. At the end of the inward rotating process, a front part of the workpiece is positioned on a first front wall of the treatment area, the workpiece with present front part brought out of the treatment area, first with its present rear part, followed by an additional rotation of the workpiece by 180°.

Documents:

01831-cal-1997 abstract.pdf

01831-cal-1997 claims.pdf

01831-cal-1997 correspondence.pdf

01831-cal-1997 description(complete).pdf

01831-cal-1997 drawings.pdf

01831-cal-1997 form-1.pdf

01831-cal-1997 form-2.pdf

01831-cal-1997 form-3.pdf

01831-cal-1997 form-5.pdf

01831-cal-1997 p.a.pdf

01831-cal-1997 priority document.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-abstract.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-claims.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-correspondence.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-description (complete).pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-drawings.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-form 1.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-form 2.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-form 3.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-form 5.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-letter patent.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-pa.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-priority document.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-specification.pdf

1831-cal-1997-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

195123

Indian Patent Application Number

1831/CAL/1997

PG Journal Number

30/2009

Publication Date

24-Jul-2009

Grant Date

07-Oct-2005

Date of Filing

29-Sep-1997

Name of Patentee

ABB FLAKT AKTIEBOLAG

Applicant Address

SICKLA ALLE 13, NACKA, S-12086, STOCKHOLM

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	BERNDKREUZER	DANZIGER STRASSE 3A, D-35510 BUTZBACH

PCT International Classification Number

B05C 13/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	19641048.7	1996-10-04	Germany