DE102012007894A1 - Filter module, useful for spraying phosphating plant, includes non-woven frame, and filtering medium that includes knitted spacer fabric having cover layers and pile threads, where cover layers comprise grid structure made of fabric - Google Patents

Abstract

The filter module comprises a non-woven frame, and a filtering medium that comprises a knitted spacer fabric. The knitted spacer fabric comprises an upper cover layer, a lower cover layer, and pile threads that extend between the upper and lower cover layers, and hold the cover layers with a distance from each other. The upper and lower cover layers comprise a grid structure made of a fabric. The pile threads are woven with the upper and lower cover layers. The frame comprises supporting sections in which the knitted spacer fabric is slidably mounted. The filter module comprises a non-woven frame, and a filtering medium that comprises a knitted spacer fabric. The knitted spacer fabric comprises an upper cover layer, a bottom cover layer, and pile threads that extend between the upper and lower cover layers and hold the cover layers with a distance from each other. The upper and lower cover layers comprise a grid structure made of a fabric. The pile threads are woven with the upper and lower cover layers. The frame comprises supporting sections in which the knitted spacer fabric is slidably mounted. The filter module further comprises a non-woven grid, which is located on the upper cover layer or on counter cover layer. An independent claim is included for a spraying phosphating plant.

Description

The present invention relates to a filter module for a Spritzphosphatieranlage and a Spritzphosphartieranlage.

Metallic articles, for example of aluminum or galvanized steel, may be coated with a phosphating layer to increase the corrosion resistance of the article. For example, a phosphating treatment may be performed on a body of a motor vehicle or metallic components of a motor vehicle, especially before painting to increase corrosion resistance.

The DE 10 2006 030 680 A1 discloses a method for treating a surface in a phosphating plant wherein the desliming and precipitating behavior of undesirable matter, ions or sludge in a process medium is improved. Metallic workpieces are treated with the process medium in a process bath. The quality of the coating can be improved if the process medium is operated with lower sludge. For this purpose, the temperature of the process medium is adjusted in order to influence the precipitation behavior. In particular, the process medium is cooled.

However, further improvements in phosphating systems are desirable in order to provide higher quality coatings at low production costs.

According to the invention, a filter module for a spray phosphatizing system is provided, which has a non-woven frame and a filter medium. The filter medium has a spacer fabric.

Spacer fabrics are three-dimensional textiles normally used in the manufacture of mattresses. However, in the present invention, a spacer fabric is used as a filter medium for filtering particles from a liquid.

Unlike a filter cloth, a spacer fabric has a three-dimensional shape that allows for improved filter function. The filter medium of a spacer knit can thus be referred to as a mat having a certain thickness. Typical thicknesses can be between 20 and 50 millimeters.

Experiments in a spray phosphatizing equipment show that a spacer fabric filter medium effectively removes adhesive residue from the liquid of a process bath, and that these adhesive residues are held within the spacer fabric, even though the spacer fabric is again completely submerged in the liquid. Consequently, adhesive residues can be effectively removed from the liquid before this liquid is supplied to the spray nozzles of the spray phosphatizing. Consequently, the adhesive residues are not sprayed on a subsequent article where they could affect the quality of the coating.

In one embodiment, the spacer fabric on a Oberdecklage, a Unterdecklage and pile threads, which extend between the upper deck and the lower deck and keep the upper deck and the lower deck at a distance from each other. The pile threads may also be referred to as spacer threads or spacing connecting threads. The pile threads keep the upper deck layer and the lower deck layer at a distance, so that the upper deck layer and the lower cover layer are substantially parallel. The pile threads can be, for example, monofilaments.

In one exemplary embodiment, the upper cover layer and the lower cover layer have a grid structure of fabric. The grid structure may have a regular pattern and may, for example, form diamond-shaped openings. The pile threads are interlaced in one embodiment with the upper cover layer and the lower cover layer so that they extend between the upper deck layer and the lower cover layer so that the pile threads keep the upper deck layer and the lower cover layer at a distance from each other and provide the three-dimensional filter medium. If the upper cover layer and the lower cover layer have a grid structure, the pile threads may extend between the grid structure of fabric of the upper cover layer and the lower cover layer.

The entire filter medium thus consists of woven fibers or fibers and may be referred to as a three-dimensional woven fabric. In contrast, the frame is made of a non-woven material, i. H. the frame has no textile. The non-woven frame may be metallic or plastic.

In one embodiment, the non-woven frame has holding portions in which the spacer fabric is slidably disposed. These holding portions may be disposed at the edge of the frame and have, for example, a U-shaped cross section so that opposite outer edges of a plate-shaped spacer knitted fabric are clamped in the openings of the holding portions to determine the position of the spacer knit in the filter module. This embodiment has the advantage that the spacer fabric is simply shifted into the filter module and out of the filter module can be removed. The holding sections may be made of metal, an alloy or a plastic.

In a further embodiment, the filter module has a non-woven grid, which is arranged on the upper deck layer or on the lower cover layer of the spacer fabric. This nonwoven grid may be made of metal, an alloy or a plastic. This grid may be secured to the frame with the filter medium disposed between the frame and the grid to secure the filter medium in the form of the spacer knit to the non-woven frame.

The filter module can be combined with a further screen structure in order to be able to remove different types of particles and / or different particle sizes from a liquid. For example, a screen structure may be connected to the frame of the filter module so that the fluid first flows through the spacer fabric of the filter module and then through the screen of the screen structure.

A spray phosphatizing system is also provided. The spray phosphatizing system has at least one processing zone, which has at least one filter module according to one of the preceding embodiments. The spray phosphatizing system may include a spray tunnel having a plurality of processing zones arranged one after another. The first processing zones may be, for example, a degreasing zone and / or one or more cleaning zones and rinsing zones. The articles to be coated, such as vehicle bodies or body parts, are transported through the spray tunnel so that they pass through these processing zones in succession.

The filter module can be arranged in any processing zone or in any processing zones. However, the filter module can be used particularly effectively in processing zones in which particles and in particular adhesive particles are produced. These processing zones may be where the article comes in contact with a high pressure jet and / or at the beginning of the spray phosphatizing line where the article is not yet cleaned of dust and other particles. However, it is possible to install the filter module in each processing zone.

In one embodiment, the processing zone with a filter module according to one of the preceding embodiments on a circle. The circle has a bath for receiving a liquid to be sprayed, at least one spray nozzle, through which the liquid is sprayed onto an object, and a pump. The spray nozzle is supplied with the liquid from the bath by means of the pump. The filter module is placed in the circle to remove particles from the liquid.

The filter module may, in principle, be placed in any position in the circle downstream of the spray nozzle and to prevent particles from the bath from being re-injected to the article or to a subsequent article.

In one embodiment, the filter module is disposed in the circuit downstream of the pump. This prevents the particles from entering the pump and affecting the performance of the pump. In a further embodiment, the filter module is arranged directly on the bath, in particular on the outlet opening of the bath.

In some spray phosphatizing plants, a heat exchanger is provided, which can also be arranged in the circle. The filter module may be placed in the circuit downstream of the heat exchanger, if one is present. This also prevents particles from the bath from affecting the performance of the heat exchanger.

As already mentioned above, the invention also relates to the use of a spacer fabric for filtering particles from a liquid, in particular the use of a spacer fabric as a filter medium in a spray phosphating apparatus for filtering particles from a liquid. These particles may be adhesive residues which are dissolved by a jet from the spray nozzle onto an object of the article.

The spray phosphating apparatus according to any one of the preceding embodiments may be used to coat a body of a motor vehicle or a body component or another component of a vehicle.

Embodiments will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

1 shows a cross section of a filter module according to a first embodiment,

2 shows a plan view of the filter module of 1 .

3 shows a plan view of a filter module according to a second embodiment,

4 shows a cross section of the filter module of 3 .

5 shows a plan view of a filter module according to a third embodiment,

6 shows a cross section of a filter module of 5 , and

7 shows a schematic representation of a Spritzphosphatieranlage with a filter module according to the invention.

1 shows a cross section of a filter module 1 according to a first embodiment, which can be used in a spray phosphatizing. The filter module 1 has a non-woven frame 2 made of metal and a filter medium 3 on, with the filter medium 3 a spacer knit 4 is. The spacer fabric 4 is with the frame 2 releasably fixed to the filter module 1 to build.

The spacer fabric 4 has an upper deck situation 5 and a lower cover layer 6 on, spaced apart by a variety of pile threads 7 are held. The pile threads 7 extend between the upper deck layer 5 and the underside layer 6 and form a three-dimensional shape. The pile threads 7 are spacer connecting threads that the upper deck 5 and the underlay layer 6 Keep at a distance and essentially parallel to each other. The pile threads 7 have a slightly curved shape in this embodiment.

The upper deck situation 5 , the underlay 6 and the pile threads 7 consist of fibers that are interwoven to the spacer knit 4 provide. The spacer fabric 4 is flexible and stretchable in directions perpendicular to the pile threads 7 , The distance work 4 may be referred to as a double-faced fabric having a three-dimensional fabric structure.

In this embodiment, the spacer fabric has 4 a thickness of about 30 mm (millimeters) and an area of about 50 cm by 80 cm (centimeters). The spacer fabric 4 thus has the form of a mat. The thickness of this mat and the density of the pile threads can be adjusted to adjust the particle size trapped in the spacer fabric.

2 shows a plan view of the spacer knitted fabric 4 , and in particular the upper deck situation 5 , Like in the 2 can be seen, the upper deck situation 5 a regular lattice structure formed of woven fibers. These fibers of the lattice structure are woven together such that diamond-shaped openings 8th are formed. The underlay layer 6 has a similar structure. Consequently, the pile threads extend 7 between this grid-like structure of the upper deck layer 5 and the underside layer 6 , The pile threads 7 are alternating with the upper deck 5 and the underside layer 6 interwoven in places, with the upper deck layer 5 with the underlay layer 6 over the pile threads 7 is connected.

The fibers of the upper deck layer 5 and the fibers of the underlay layer 6 can be woven so that the woven fibers of the grid structure have a larger diameter than the pile threads 7 that the upper deck situation 5 at a distance from the lower deck 6 hold. The pile threads 7 may be monofilament.

In the embodiment of 1 and 2 borders the frame 2 to the thickness of the spacer knitted fabric 4 on all sides from. The spacer fabric 4 that the filter medium 3 of the filter module 1 can also be connected to the non-woven frame in another way. The 3 to 6 show two further embodiments.

3 shows a plan view of a filter module 10 and the 4 a cross section of the filter module 10 according to a second embodiment.

As in the first embodiment, the filter module 10 a non-woven frame 11 and a spacer knit 14 as a filter medium 13 on. As in the first embodiment, the spacer fabric 4 an upper deck situation 15 , a Unterdecklage 16 and pile threads 17 on. In this second embodiment, the lower cover layer 15 of the spacer knit 14 on the frame 11 , The filter module 10 also has a grid 18 made of non-woven material on the upper deck 15 of the spacer knit 14 is arranged. This grid 18 is made of metal and is with the frame 11 about screws 19 connected to the spacer knit 14 on the frame 11 to fix.

As seen from the cross section of 4 can be seen, lies the distance fabric 14 on the frame 11 , wherein only the outer edge regions of the spacer knitted fabric 14 on the frame 11 lie. The frame 11 also has a screen structure 19 in operation upstream of the process bath compared to the spacer fabric 14 is arranged. This sieve structure 19 provides a second filter medium.

5 shows a plan view and 6 a cross section of a filter module 20 according to a third embodiment. The filter module 20 has a non-woven frame 21 and a filter medium 23 from a spacer knit 24 as in the first two embodiments. The underlay layer 22 of the spacer knit 24 lies on the frame 21 , In the filter module 20 according to the third embodiment are holding sections 25 provided that the spacer knit 24 on the frame 21 hold. These holding sections 25 have an L-shape and extend in the border area from the top of the frame 21 so they are above the frame 21 are arranged and an opening 26 at the edge of the frame 21 provide, in the spacer fabric 24 can be moved so that the upper deck 27 of the spacer knit 24 in contact with the underside of the holding section 25 stands and the underlay 22 of the spacer fabric 24 in contact with the frame 21 stands. The L-shape of the holding portions is in cross section of 6 to see. The holding sections 25 Foresee a kind of hook or clip that the spacer knit 24 on the frame 21 attached. The edge regions of the spacer knitted fabric 24 are thus with the holding sections 25 covered.

In this embodiment, a holding portion 25 on three sides of the frame 21 of the filter module 20 arranged. The spacer fabric 24 can thus in the distance between the holding section 25 and the frame 21 be moved from the fourth side, where no holding section is arranged.

7 shows a schematic representation of a part of a Spritzphosphatieranlage 100 that have a variety of machining zones 101 of which three in the 7 are shown. The spray phosphating plant 100 has a spray tunnel 102 on that in processing zones 101 is divided. The objects to be processed 103 be through the spray tunnel 102 and through the different processing zones 191 transported. The transport direction is with the arrow 105 in the 7 shown schematically.

The processing zones 101 are successively in the spray tunnel 102 arranged. In every processing zone 101 a step of the phosphating process is carried out, for example degreasing, rinsing, cleaning and coating with a phosphate-containing layer. The filter module according to one of the embodiments may be in one or more of the processing zones 101 be used. Every processing zone 101 may also have a plurality of filter modules according to one of the embodiments.

In the 7 is an example of a machining zone 101 shown. The processing zone 101 has a process bath 106 with a liquid 107 on that on the object 103 is injected. The object 103 may be a vehicle body or a component of a vehicle body. A filter module 108 is in this embodiment, right in front of the exit port 109 of the process bath 106 arranged. The filter module 108 has a spacer knit 113 on, which serves as a filter medium.

The exit opening 109 of the process bath 106 is over a line 110 with a pump 111 connected to the liquid 107 from the process bath 106 to a spray nozzle 112 over a line 114 leads. In the 7 is only a spray nozzle 112 shown. Typically, however, each processing zone has multiple spray nozzles to allow all surfaces of the article 103 can be sprayed simultaneously and homogeneously. Liquid that is not on the object 103 sticks, falls into the process bath 106 back.

Due to the pressure with which the liquid 107 on the object 103 can be sprayed, dust and other materials, such as glue, from the surface of the object 103 be dissolved. These particles or adhesive residues then fall into the process bath 106 ,

With the help of the filter module 108 and its Abstandgewirk 113 that before the exit opening 109 of the process bath 106 and in front of the entrance to the pump 111 is arranged, these particles in the spacer fabric 113 Be caught and removed from the liquid so that it does not get into the pump 111 and also not to the spray nozzles, being on the object 103 or can be sprayed on subsequent objects.

The filter module 108 has a spacer knit 113 permitting the particles, and particularly adhesive residues, in the three-dimensional fabric of the spacer knit 113 stay detained so that they do not get back into the process bath 106 reach.

Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the foregoing description, various changes and modifications may be made. The above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides those skilled in the art with a scheme for practicing at least one example embodiment, which may make numerous changes in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents ,

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006030680 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) for a spray phosphating plant ( 100 ), which has a non-woven frame ( 2 ; 11 ; 21 ) and a filter medium ( 3 ; 13 ; 23 ), wherein the filter medium is a spacer ( 4 ; 14 ; 24 ; 113 ) having. Filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer fabric ( 4 ; 14 ; 24 ; 113 ) an upper deck layer ( 5 ), a Unterdecklage ( 6 ) and pile threads ( 7 ), which extends between the upper deck layer ( 5 ) and the underside layer ( 6 ) and the upper deck layer ( 5 ) and the underside layer ( 6 ) Keep away from each other. Filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) according to claim 2, wherein the upper deck layer ( 5 ) and the underside layer ( 6 ) have a mesh structure of tissue. Filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the pile threads ( 7 ) with the upper deck layer ( 5 ) and the underside layer ( 6 ) are woven. Filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nonwoven frame ( 2 ; 11 ; 21 ) Holding sections ( 25 ), in which the spacer knit ( 4 ; 14 ; 24 ; 113 ) is arranged displaceably. Filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) a non-woven grid ( 18 ), which on the upper deck layer ( 5 ) or on the underside layer ( 6 ) is arranged. Spray phosphating plant with at least one processing zone ( 101 ), which at least one filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6. Spray phosphating plant ( 100 ) according to claim 7, wherein the processing zone ( 101 ) has a circle containing a process bath ( 106 ) for receiving a liquid to be sprayed ( 107 ), at least one spray nozzle ( 112 ) and a pump ( 111 ), wherein the spray nozzle ( 112 ) with the liquid ( 107 ) from the process bath ( 106 ) by means of the pump ( 111 ), and wherein the filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) is disposed in the circuit to filter particles from the liquid. Spray-spraying plant ( 100 ) according to claim 8, wherein the filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) in the circuit downstream of the pump ( 111 ) is arranged. Spray phosphating plant ( 100 ) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the filter module ( 1 ; 10 ; 20 ; 108 ) directly on the process bath ( 106 ) is arranged. Spray phosphating plant ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a heat exchanger. Use of a spacer knitted fabric ( 4 ; 14 ; 24 ; 113 ) for filtering particles from a liquid. Use according to claim 12, wherein the spacer fabric ( 4 ; 14 ; 24 ; 113 ) in a spray phosphating plant ( 100 ) is used to filter particles from a liquid. Use according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the particles have adhesive residues. Use of the spray phosphating plant ( 100 ) according to one of claims 7 to 11 for coating a body or a body component or a component of a vehicle.

Images