Patent Publication Number: US-11642689-B2

Title: Coating apparatus including modular coating areas

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-116590 filed on Jul. 6, 2020, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a coating apparatus and a method for installing the coating apparatus. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     There is known a coating booth having a coating operation area (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2-6868 (JP 2-6868 A)). In this coating booth, a tunnel-shaped coating operation area is constituted by a ceiling, two side walls, and a floor. A conveyor is provided on the floor, and is configured to convey a coating target. An automatic coating machine is provided in the coating operation area. The automatic coating machine is configured to coat the conveyed coating target. 
     The automatic coating machine is provided on a box. The automatic coating machine and the box constitute a coating machine unit. The coating machine unit is mounted on the side of the coating booth. 
     The coating machine unit is preassembled separately in a factory, and is mounted on the coating booth after the coating machine unit is brought into a coating booth construction site. That is, the automatic coating machine is arranged in the coating operation area of the coating booth by mounting the box on the coating booth. Therefore, there is no need to mount the automatic coating machine itself on the coating booth at the coating booth construction site. Thus, an installation time can be shortened at the coating booth construction site. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the coating booth described above, the installation time can be shortened at the coating booth construction site. To change the size of the coating operation area, however, the overall framework of the coating booth needs to be changed. Therefore, it is difficult to change the size of the coating operation area. 
     The present disclosure provides a coating apparatus and a method for installing the coating apparatus, in which the size of a coating area (unit) can be changed easily. 
     A coating apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first module and a second module. The first module constitutes a coating area where a coating target is coated. The first module includes a first frame and a coating robot. The second module constitutes the coating area where the coating target is coated. The second module includes a second frame. When the first module and the second module are arranged to adjoin each other in a movement path direction in which the coating target relatively moves along the coating area, the first frame of the first module and the second frame of the second module that are arranged to adjoin each other are configured to be coupled together. 
     In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the coating apparatus is divided into the modules. Therefore, the size of the coating area (unit) can easily be changed by changing the number of modules to be coupled. 
     In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a control panel configured to control the coating robot may be attached to the first module. 
     The coating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure may include a third module configured to be coupled to a top, a bottom, a right, or a left of the first module or the second module when viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the movement path direction. 
     In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the third module may constitute at least one of an air supply module configured to supply air to the coating area or an air exhaust module configured to exhaust air from the coating area. 
     In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the coating robot may include a spray gun configured to spray a coating material toward the coating target by electrostatically atomizing the coating material. 
     A method for installing a coating apparatus according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a method for installing a coating apparatus at an installation place. The coating apparatus is configured to coat a coating target. The method includes forming a first module including a coating robot and a first frame. The first module constitutes a coating area where the coating target is coated. The method includes forming a second module including a second frame. The second module constitutes the coating area where the coating target is coated. The method includes transporting the first module and the second module to the installation place, arranging the first module and the second module to adjoin each other in a movement path direction in which the coating target relatively moves along the coating area, and coupling the first frame of the first module and the second frame of the second module that are arranged to adjoin each other. 
     According to the coating apparatus and the method for installing the coating apparatus in the present disclosure, the size of the coating area (unit) can be changed easily. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like signs denote like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram illustrating a coating apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic structural diagram for describing the coating apparatus of FIG.  1 ; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coating apparatus of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating one side unit of the coating apparatus of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating a state in which a side module of the side unit of  FIG.  4    is split; 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating the other side unit of the coating apparatus of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating an air supply unit of the coating apparatus of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating an air exhaust unit of the coating apparatus of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a sectional view illustrating a spray gun of a coating robot of the coating apparatus of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view illustrating the distal end of a rotary head of the spray gun of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic diagram for describing electrostatic atomization performed by the coating robot of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic diagram illustrating a coating apparatus according to a first modified example of the embodiment; 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic diagram illustrating a coating apparatus according to a second modified example of the embodiment; and 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic diagram illustrating a coating apparatus according to a third modified example of the embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. 
     First, the schematic structure of a coating apparatus  100  according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   . 
     The coating apparatus  100  is equipment for coating a coating target  150 . As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the coating apparatus  100  includes side units  1  and  2 , an air supply unit  3 , and an air exhaust unit  4 . The coating apparatus  100  has a coating area  5  for coating. In  FIG.  1    or other figures, an X direction is a width direction of the coating apparatus  100 , a Y direction is a length direction of the coating apparatus  100  (conveyance direction of the coating target  150 ), and a Z direction is a height direction of the coating apparatus  100  (vertical direction).  FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram that is viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the coating target  150  (movement path direction). 
     The side units  1  and  2  face each other across the coating area  5 , and are arranged above the air exhaust unit  4 . The side unit  1  has a coating robot  11 . The side unit  2  has a coating robot  21 . The coating robots  11  and  21  are configured to coat the coating target  150  in the coating area  5 . Examples of the coating target  150  include a body of a vehicle. 
     The air supply unit  3  is arranged above the coating area  5 , and is configured to supply air to the coating area  5 . The air supply unit  3  is provided between the side units  1  and  2 , and is arranged at a higher position than those of the side units  1  and  2 . The air exhaust unit  4  is arranged below the coating area  5 , and is configured to exhaust air from the coating area  5 . The air exhaust unit  4  has a conveyor  6 . The conveyor  6  is configured to convey the coating target  150  in its conveyance direction (Y direction). 
     When the coating apparatus  100  coats the coating target  150 , a downward air flow (downflow) from the air supply unit  3  to the air exhaust unit  4  is formed in the coating area  5 . Thus, coating particles that do not adhere to the coating target  150  (overspray mist) can be discharged out of the coating area  5 . 
     Specifically, the side unit  1  constitutes one side of the coating apparatus  100  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . The side unit  1  includes two coating robots  11 , an auxiliary robot  12 , and a control panel  13 . The coating robots  11  and the auxiliary robot  12  are arranged in the coating area  5 . The control panel  13  is arranged outside the coating area  5 . 
     The two coating robots  11  are arrayed in the conveyance direction. One coating robot  11  is arranged on an upper side with respect to the other coating robot  11 . The one (upper) coating robot  11  is arranged on an inner side in the width direction with respect to the other (lower) coating robot  11 . Each coating robot  11  includes a spray gun  111  configured to atomize a coating material, and a robot arm  112  configured to move the spray gun  111 . A base of the robot arm  112  is attached to a post  113 . Details of the spray gun  111  are described later. The control panel  13  is configured to control the coating robots  11 . 
     The side unit  2  constitutes the other side of the coating apparatus  100 . The side unit  2  includes two coating robots  21 , an auxiliary robot  22 , and a control panel  23 . The two coating robots  21  and the auxiliary robot  22  are arranged in the coating area  5 . The control panel  23  is arranged outside the coating area  5 . 
     The two coating robots  21  face the two coating robots  11  in the width direction (X direction). The two coating robots  21  are arrayed in the conveyance direction. One coating robot  21  is arranged on an upper side with respect to the other coating robot  21 . The one (upper) coating robot  21  is arranged on an inner side in the width direction with respect to the other (lower) coating robot  21 . Each coating robot  21  includes a spray gun  211  configured to atomize a coating material, and a robot arm  212  configured to move the spray gun  211 . A base of the robot arm  212  is attached to a post  213 . The spray gun  211  is structured similarly to the spray gun  111 . The control panel  23  is configured to control the coating robots  21 . 
     The air supply unit  3  is arranged above the coating area  5 , and constitutes a ceiling (upper side) in the coating area  5 . The air supply unit  3  has a rectangular box-shaped air supply chamber  31 . A duct connector  32  is provided on an upper side of the air supply chamber  31 . An air supply duct  7  is connected to the duct connector  32 . An introduction port  33  is provided on a lower side of the air supply chamber  31  to introduce air into the coating area  5 . A filter  34  is attached to the introduction port  33  to remove, for example, dust in the air. 
     Air whose temperature and humidity are controlled flows into the air supply chamber  31  from an air conditioner (not illustrated) via the air supply duct  7 . The air supply chamber  31  has a function of regulating a flow of the air from the air supply duct  7 . An air volume control damper  35  is provided in an internal space of the air supply chamber  31 . The air volume control damper  35  partitions the internal space of the air supply chamber  31  into an upstream space  311  and a downstream space  312 . The upstream space  311  communicates with the air supply duct  7 . The downstream space  312  communicates with the coating area  5  via the filter  34  at the introduction port  33 . The air volume control damper  35  is provided to control the volume of air flowing from the upstream space  311  to the downstream space  312  per unit time. 
     The air exhaust unit  4  is arranged below the coating area  5 . The conveyor  6  is provided at the center of the air exhaust unit  4  in the width direction (X direction). The air exhaust unit  4  has grid plates  41  constituting a floor (lower side) in the coating area  5 , and an air exhaust chamber  42  located below the grid plates  41 . The air exhaust chamber  42  has a rectangular box shape, and is configured to collect coating particles in air exhausted from the coating area  5 . A plurality of exhaust ports  421  is provided in the air exhaust chamber  42 . A filter  422  is attached to each exhaust port  421 . The filter  422  is a thin dry filter provided to remove coating particles in air. The filter  422  removes the coating particles in the air when the air is taken into the air exhaust chamber  42  from the coating area  5  via the exhaust port  421 . An air exhaust duct  8  is connected to the air exhaust chamber  42 . The air exhaust chamber  42  communicates with the outside via the air exhaust duct  8 . 
     The conveyor  6  is provided to convey the coating target  150  into and out of the coating area  5 . 
     Spray Gun 
     Next, the spray gun  111  of the coating robot  11  is described with reference to  FIG.  9    to  FIG.  11   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the spray gun  111  ejects a stringy coating material P 1  from a rotary head  51 , electrostatically atomizes the stringy coating material P 1  into coating particles (atomized coating material) P 2 , and causes the coating particles P 2  to adhere to the coating target  150 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the spray gun  111  includes the rotary head  51 , an air motor (not illustrated), a cap  52 , a coating material supply tube  53 , and a voltage generator  54  (see  FIG.  11   ). The air motor rotates the rotary head  51 . The cap  52  covers the outer peripheral surface of the rotary head  51 . The coating material is supplied to the rotary head  51  through the coating material supply tube  53 . The voltage generator  54  applies a negative high voltage to the rotary head  51 . 
     The rotary head  51  is configured to be supply with a liquid coating material, and eject the coating material by a centrifugal force. A coating material space S is constituted by attaching a hub  511  to the rotary head  51 . The distal end of the coating material supply tube  53  is located in the coating material space S. A coating material stored in a coating material cartridge is supplied to the coating material space S through the coating material supply tube  53 . A plurality of outflow ports  511   a  is formed along the outer edge of the hub  511  to cause the coating material to flow out of the coating material space S. 
     A diffusion surface  51   a  is formed on a radially outer side of the outflow ports  511   a  of the rotary head  51  to diffuse the coating material by a centrifugal force. The diffusion surface  51   a  has its diameter increasing toward the distal end of the rotary head  51 , and is configured to form a film of the coating material after the coating material flows out through the outflow ports  511   a . As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , grooves  51   c  are formed along an outer edge  51   b  of the diffusion surface  51   a  to eject the film-shaped coating material as a string. In  FIG.  9   , illustration of the grooves  51   c  is omitted for viewability. 
     A plurality of grooves  51   c  is provided in a circumferential direction and extends in a radial direction when viewed in an axial direction. That is, the grooves  51   c  are formed along the outer edge  51   b  of the diffusion surface  51   a  to extend in a direction in which the diffusion surface  51   a  is inclined. The grooves  51   c  is formed to reach a radially outer edge of the rotary head  51 . Therefore, the distal end of the rotary head  51  has irregularities when viewed from the outer peripheral side. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the stringy coating material P 1  ejected from the grooves  51   c  of the rotary head  51  of the spray gun  111  is charged by applying a negative high voltage to the rotary head  51  from the voltage generator  54 . The stringy coating material P 1  is separated into coating particles P 2  by using a repulsive force of the charge. That is, the stringy coating material P 1  ejected from the grooves  51   c  of the rotary head  51  is electrostatically atomized into the coating particles P 2 . The coating robot  11  does not have an air discharger configured to discharge shaping air. Therefore, the coating particles P 2  are formed irrespective of the shaping air. Since the coating robot  11  employs the electrostatic atomization system that does not use the shaping air, the coating particles do not rise due to the shaping air. Thus, generation of overspray mist is suppressed, and the range of the generation of the overspray mist is narrowed. 
     In the coating apparatus  100  (see  FIG.  2   ) including the coating robots  11  and  21  of the electrostatic atomization system, energy consumption and CO 2  emission can be reduced by downsizing the coating apparatus  100 . For example, the dimensions of the coating apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG.  2    are such that the width (length in the X direction) is 9 m, the height (length in the Z direction) is 5.6 m, and the length (length in the Y direction) is 4.5 m. 
     Modular Structure of Coating Apparatus 
     Next, a modular structure of the coating apparatus  100  according to this embodiment is described with reference to  FIG.  3    to  FIG.  8   . The units of the coating apparatus  100  are modularized as illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     Side Units 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the side unit  1  includes three side modules  10   a  to  10   c . The side modules  10   a  to  10   c  are configured to be coupled together when being arranged to adjoin each other in the conveyance direction of the coating target  150  (Y direction). The side unit  1  is formed by coupling the side modules  10   a  to  10   c . The side module  10   a  is an example of “first module” of the present disclosure. The side modules  10   b  and  10   c  are examples of “second module” of the present disclosure. 
     The side module  10   a  is arranged between the side modules  10   b  and  10   c  when united. The side module  10   a  includes a frame (framework)  14   a , a panel  15   a , partition walls  16   a , and a grid plate  17   a . The frame  14   a  is a skeleton of the side module  10   a , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. The panel  15   a , the partition walls  16   a , and the grid plate  17   a  are attached to the frame  14   a . For example, the panel  15   a  constitutes a floor outside the coating area  5 . The partition walls  16   a  are partition plates that partition the coating area  5 . The grid plate  17   a  constitutes the floor in the coating area  5 . The frame  14   a  is an example of “first frame” of the present disclosure. 
     The side module  10   a  includes the two coating robots  11 , the auxiliary robot  12 , and the control panel  13 . The post  113  of each coating robot  11  is attached to the grid plate  17   a . The auxiliary robot  12  is attached to the partition wall  16   a . The control panel  13  is attached to the panel  15   a . As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the side module  10   a  is splittable into an upper side module  18   a  and a lower side module  19   a . For example, one end of an air supply module  30   a  described later (see  FIG.  3   ) in the width direction in the air supply unit  3  is attachable to the upper end of the upper side module  18   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the side module  10   b  is arranged on one side in the conveyance direction with respect to the side module  10   a  when united. The side module  10   b  includes a frame  14   b , a panel  15   b , partition walls  16   b , and a grid plate  17   b . The frame  14   b  is a skeleton of the side module  10   b , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. The frame  14   b  is structured substantially similarly to the frame  14   a . The panel  15   b , the partition walls  16   b , and the grid plate  17   b  are attached to the frame  14   b . For example, the panel  15   b  constitutes the floor outside the coating area  5 . The partition walls  16   b  are partition plates that partition the coating area  5 , and have a door  161   b  for access to the coating area  5  by an operator. The partition wall  16   b  constituting the side of the coating area  5  is arranged on an inner side in the width direction with respect to the partition wall  16   a  constituting the side of the coating area  5 . The grid plate  17   b  constitutes the floor in the coating area  5 . The frame  14   b  is an example of “second frame” of the present disclosure. 
     The side module  10   b  has a duct component  81  constituting a part of the air exhaust duct  8  (see  FIG.  2   ). The duct component  81  is arranged outside the coating area  5 , and extends in the vertical direction. The side module  10   b  does not have the coating robot  11  and the like. The side module  10   b  is splittable into an upper side module  18   b  and a lower side module  19   b . For example, one end of an air supply module  30   b  described later (see  FIG.  3   ) in the width direction in the air supply unit  3  is attachable to the upper end of the upper side module  18   b.    
     The side module  10   c  is arranged on the other side in the conveyance direction with respect to the side module  10   a  when united. The side module  10   c  includes a frame  14   c , a panel  15   c , partition walls  16   c , and a grid plate  17   c . The frame  14   c  is a skeleton of the side module  10   c , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. The frame  14   c  is structured substantially similarly to the frame  14   a . The panel  15   c , the partition walls  16   c , and the grid plate  17   c  are attached to the frame  14   c . For example, the panel  15   c  constitutes the floor outside the coating area  5 . The partition walls  16   c  are partition plates that partition the coating area  5 . The partition wall  16   c  constituting the side of the coating area  5  is arranged on an inner side in the width direction with respect to the partition wall  16   a  constituting the side of the coating area  5 , and is arranged at a position corresponding, in the width direction, to the partition wall  16   b  constituting the side of the coating area  5 . The grid plate  17   c  constitutes the floor in the coating area  5 . The frame  14   c  is an example of “second frame” of the present disclosure. 
     The side module  10   c  does not have the coating robot  11 , the duct component  81 , and the like. The side module  10   c  is splittable into an upper side module  18   c  and a lower side module  19   c . For example, one end of an air supply module  30   c  described later (see  FIG.  3   ) in the width direction in the air supply unit  3  is attachable to the upper end of the upper side module  18   c.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the side unit  2  includes three side modules  20   a  to  20   c . The side modules  20   a  to  20   c  are configured to be coupled together when being arranged to adjoin each other in the conveyance direction of the coating target  150  (Y direction). The side unit  2  is formed by coupling the side modules  20   a  to  20   c . The side module  20   a  is an example of “first module” of the present disclosure. The side modules  20   b  and  20   c  are examples of “second module” of the present disclosure. 
     The side module  20   a  is arranged between the side modules  20   b  and  20   c  when united. The side module  20   a  includes a frame  24   a , a panel  25   a , partition walls  26   a , and a grid plate  27   a . The frame  24   a  is a skeleton of the side module  20   a , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. The panel  25   a , the partition walls  26   a , and the grid plate  27   a  are attached to the frame  24   a . For example, the panel  25   a  constitutes the floor outside the coating area  5 . The partition walls  26   a  are partition plates that partition the coating area  5 . The grid plate  27   a  constitutes the floor in the coating area  5 . The frame  24   a  is an example of “first frame” of the present disclosure. 
     The side module  20   a  includes the two coating robots  21  (see  FIG.  2   ), the auxiliary robot  22  (see  FIG.  2   ), and the control panel  23 . The side module  20   a  is splittable into an upper side module  28   a  and a lower side module  29   a . For example, the other end of the air supply module  30   a  described later in the width direction in the air supply unit  3  is attachable to the upper end of the upper side module  28   a.    
     The side module  20   b  is arranged on one side in the conveyance direction with respect to the side module  20   a  when united. The side module  20   b  includes a frame  24   b , a panel  25   b , partition walls  26   b , and a grid plate (not illustrated). The frame  24   b  is a skeleton of the side module  20   b , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. The frame  24   b  is structured substantially similarly to the frame  24   a . The panel  25   b , the partition walls  26   b , and the grid plate are attached to the frame  24   b . For example, the panel  25   b  constitutes the floor outside the coating area  5 . The partition walls  26   b  are partition plates that partition the coating area  5 , and have a door (not illustrated) for access to the coating area  5  by the operator. The partition wall  26   b  constituting the side of the coating area  5  is arranged on an inner side in the width direction with respect to the partition wall  26   a  constituting the side of the coating area  5 . The grid plate constitutes the floor in the coating area  5 . The frame  24   b  is an example of “second frame” of the present disclosure. 
     The side module  20   b  does not have the coating robot  21  and the like. The side module  20   b  is splittable into an upper side module  28   b  and a lower side module  29   b . For example, the other end of the air supply module  30   b  described later in the width direction in the air supply unit  3  is attachable to the upper end of the upper side module  28   b.    
     The side module  20   c  is arranged on the other side in the conveyance direction with respect to the side module  20   a  when united. The side module  20   c  includes a frame  24   c , a panel  25   c , partition walls  26   c , and a grid plate  27   c . The frame  24   c  is a skeleton of the side module  20   c , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. The frame  24   c  is structured substantially similarly to the frame  24   a . The panel  25   c , the partition walls  26   c , and the grid plate  27   c  are attached to the frame  24   c . For example, the panel  25   c  constitutes the floor outside the coating area  5 . The partition walls  26   c  are partition plates that partition the coating area  5 . The partition wall  26   c  constituting the side of the coating area  5  is arranged on an inner side in the width direction with respect to the partition wall  26   a  constituting the side of the coating area  5 , and is arranged at a position corresponding, in the width direction, to the partition wall  26   b  constituting the side of the coating area  5 . The grid plate  27   c  constitutes the floor in the coating area  5 . The frame  24   c  is an example of “second frame” of the present disclosure. 
     The side module  20   c  does not have the coating robot  21  and the like. The side module  20   c  is splittable into an upper side module  28   c  and a lower side module  29   c . For example, the other end of the air supply module  30   c  described later in the width direction in the air supply unit  3  is attachable to the upper end of the upper side module  28   c.    
     Air Supply Unit 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the air supply unit  3  includes three air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c . The air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c  are configured to be coupled together when being arranged to adjoin each other in the conveyance direction of the coating target  150  (Y direction). The air supply unit  3  is formed by coupling the air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c . The air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c  are examples of “third module” of the present disclosure. 
     The air supply module  30   a  is arranged between the air supply modules  30   b  and  30   c  when united. The air supply module  30   a  is an air supply chamber component  31   a  constituting a part of the air supply chamber  31  (see  FIG.  2   ) and shaped into a rectangular tube having two open end faces in the conveyance direction. The duct connector  32  is provided on an upper side of the air supply chamber component  31   a . A damper component  35   a  constituting the air volume control damper  35  (see  FIG.  2   ) is provided inside the air supply chamber component  31   a . A filter component  34   a  constituting a part of the filter  34  (see  FIG.  2   ) is provided on a lower side of the air supply chamber component  31   a.    
     The air supply module  30   b  is arranged on one side in the conveyance direction with respect to the air supply module  30   a  when united. The air supply module  30   b  is an air supply chamber component  31   b  constituting a part of the air supply chamber  31  and shaped into a bottomed rectangular tube having an open face on the other side in the conveyance direction. A damper component  35   b  constituting a part of the air volume control damper  35  is provided inside the air supply chamber component  31   b . A filter component  34   b  constituting a part of the filter  34  is provided on a lower side of the air supply chamber component  31   b.    
     The air supply module  30   c  is arranged on the other side in the conveyance direction with respect to the air supply module  30   a  when united. The air supply module  30   c  is an air supply chamber component  31   c  constituting a part of the air supply chamber  31  and shaped into a bottomed rectangular tube having an open face on one side in the conveyance direction. A damper component (not illustrated) constituting a part of the air volume control damper  35  is provided inside the air supply chamber component  31   c . A filter component (not illustrated) constituting a part of the filter  34  is provided on a lower side of the air supply chamber component  31   c.    
     Air Exhaust Unit 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the air exhaust unit  4  includes three air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c . The air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  are configured to be coupled together when being arranged to adjoin each other in the conveyance direction of the coating target  150  (Y direction). The air exhaust unit  4  is formed by coupling the air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c . The air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  are examples of “third module” of the present disclosure. 
     The air exhaust module  40   a  is arranged between the air exhaust modules  40   b  and  40   c  when united. The air exhaust module  40   a  includes a frame  43   a  and partition walls  44   a . The frame  43   a  is a skeleton of the air exhaust module  40   a , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. On an upper side of the frame  43   a , a pair of grid plates  41  is attached to the center in its longitudinal direction (X direction). The grid plates  41  are arranged away from each other with a predetermined spacing, and the conveyor  6  (see  FIG.  2   ) is arranged in this space. 
     An air exhaust chamber component  42   a  constituting a part of the air exhaust chamber  42  (see  FIG.  2   ) is attached to the frame  43   a . The air exhaust chamber component  42   a  is arranged below the grid plates  41 . The filters  422  are attached to the exhaust ports  421  (see  FIG.  2   ). The partition walls  44   a  are attached to the frame  43   a , and are arranged on an outer side of the air exhaust chamber component  42   a . The partition walls  44   a  are provided so that air from the coating area  5  (see  FIG.  2   ) is taken into the air exhaust chamber  42  without flowing to the outside. 
     The side module  10   a  of the side unit  1  (see  FIG.  3   ) is attachable to an upper side of one end  431   a  of the frame  43   a  in the longitudinal direction. The side module  20   a  of the side unit  2  (see  FIG.  3   ) is attachable to an upper side of the other end  432   a  of the frame  43   a  in the longitudinal direction. 
     The air exhaust module  40   b  is arranged on one side in the conveyance direction with respect to the air exhaust module  40   a  when united. The air exhaust module  40   b  includes a frame  43   b  and partition walls  44   b . The frame  43   b  is a skeleton of the air exhaust module  40   b , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. The frame  43   b  is structured substantially similarly to the frame  43   a . On an upper side of the frame  43   b , a pair of grid plates  41  is attached to the center in its longitudinal direction (X direction). The grid plates  41  are arranged away from each other with a predetermined spacing, and the conveyor  6  is arranged in this space. 
     An air exhaust chamber component  42   b  constituting a part of the air exhaust chamber  42  is attached to the frame  43   b . The air exhaust chamber component  42   b  is arranged below the grid plates  41 . The filters  422  are attached to the exhaust ports  421 . The partition walls  44   b  are attached to the frame  43   b , and are arranged on an outer side of the air exhaust chamber component  42   b . The partition walls  44   b  are provided so that air from the coating area  5  is taken into the air exhaust chamber  42  without flowing to the outside. 
     The side module  10   b  of the side unit  1  (see  FIG.  3   ) is attachable to an upper side of one end  431   b  of the frame  43   b  in the longitudinal direction. A duct component  82  constituting a part of the air exhaust duct  8  (see  FIG.  2   ) is provided at the one end  431   b  of the frame  43   b . The duct component  82  is configured to connect the duct component  81  of the side module  10   b  (see  FIG.  4   ) and the air exhaust chamber component  42   b  when the coating apparatus  100  is installed. The side module  20   b  of the side unit  2  (see  FIG.  3   ) is attachable to an upper side of the other end  432   b  of the frame  43   b  in the longitudinal direction. 
     The air exhaust module  40   c  is arranged on the other side in the conveyance direction with respect to the air exhaust module  40   a  when united. The air exhaust module  40   c  includes a frame  43   c  and partition walls  44   c . The frame  43   c  is a skeleton of the air exhaust module  40   c , and is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. The frame  43   c  is structured substantially similarly to the frame  43   a . On an upper side of the frame  43   c , a pair of grid plates  41  is attached to the center in its longitudinal direction (X direction). The grid plates  41  are arranged away from each other with a predetermined spacing, and the conveyor  6  is arranged in this space. 
     An air exhaust chamber component  42   c  constituting a part of the air exhaust chamber  42  is attached to the frame  43   c . The air exhaust chamber component  42   c  is arranged below the grid plates  41 . The filters  422  are attached to the exhaust ports  421 . The partition walls  44   c  are attached to the frame  43   c , and are arranged on an outer side of the air exhaust chamber component  42   c . The partition walls  44   c  are provided so that air from the coating area  5  is taken into the air exhaust chamber  42  without flowing to the outside. 
     The side module  10   c  of the side unit  1  (see  FIG.  3   ) is attachable to an upper side of one end  431   c  of the frame  43   c  in the longitudinal direction. The side module  20   c  of the side unit  2  (see  FIG.  3   ) is attachable to an upper side of the other end  432   c  of the frame  43   c  in the longitudinal direction. 
     Method for Installing Coating Apparatus 
     Next, an example of a method for installing the coating apparatus  100  according to this embodiment is described with reference to  FIG.  2    to  FIG.  8   . 
     First, modules of individual units are produced in a production factory (not illustrated) of the coating apparatus  100 . That is, the side modules  10   a  to  10   c  of the side unit  1 , the side modules  20   a  to  20   c  of the side unit  2 , the air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c  of the air supply unit  3 , and the air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  of the air exhaust unit  4  are produced as illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     Specifically, the frame  14   a  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members as illustrated in  FIG.  4   . Then, the panel  15   a , the partition walls  16   a , the grid plate  17   a , and the like are attached to the frame  14   a . The coating robots  11  are attached to the grid plate  17   a . The auxiliary robot  12  is attached to the partition wall  16   a . The control panel  13  is attached to the panel  15   a . That is, the coating robots  11 , the auxiliary robot  12 , and the control panel  13  are attached to the frame  14   a . The coating robots  11  and the control panel  13  are connected by wiring (not illustrated). Thus, the side module  10   a  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the side module  10   a  are such that the length in a longitudinal direction (length in the X direction) is 3 m, the length in a transverse direction (length in the Y direction) is 1.5 m, and the height (length in the Z direction) is 3.2 m. When the side module  10   a  is split as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the height of the upper side module  18   a  is 0.95 m, and the height of the lower side module  19   a  is 2.25 m. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the frame  14   b  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. Then, the panel  15   b , the partition walls  16   b , the grid plate  17   b , and the like are attached to the frame  14   b . The duct component  81  is also attached to the frame  14   b . Thus, the side module  10   b  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the side module  10   b  are equal to the dimensions of the side module  10   a.    
     The frame  14   c  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. Then, the panel  15   c , the partition walls  16   c , the grid plate  17   c , and the like are attached to the frame  14   c . Thus, the side module  10   c  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the side module  10   c  are equal to the dimensions of the side module  10   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the frame  24   a  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. Then, the panel  25   a , the partition walls  26   a , the grid plate  27   a , and the like are attached to the frame  24   a . The coating robots  21  (see  FIG.  2   ) are attached to the grid plate  27   a . The auxiliary robot  22  (see  FIG.  2   ) is attached to the partition wall  26   a . The control panel  23  is attached to the panel  25   a . That is, the coating robots  21 , the auxiliary robot  22 , and the control panel  23  are attached to the frame  24   a . The coating robots  21  and the control panel  23  are connected by wiring (not illustrated). Thus, the side module  20   a  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the side module  20   a  are equal to the dimensions of the side module  10   a.    
     The frame  24   b  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. Then, the panel  25   b , the partition walls  26   b , the grid plate (not illustrated), and the like are attached to the frame  24   b . Thus, the side module  20   b  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the side module  20   b  are equal to the dimensions of the side module  10   a.    
     The frame  24   c  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. Then, the panel  25   c , the partition walls  26   c , the grid plate  27   c , and the like are attached to the frame  24   c . Thus, the side module  20   c  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the side module  20   c  are equal to the dimensions of the side module  10   a.    
     The air supply chamber component  31   a  shaped into a rectangular tube is formed as illustrated in  FIG.  7   . The duct connector  32  is provided on the upper side of the air supply chamber component  31   a . The damper component  35   a  is provided inside the air supply chamber component  31   a . The filter component  34   a  is provided on the lower side of the air supply chamber component  31   a . Thus, the air supply module  30   a  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the air supply module  30   a  are such that the length in a longitudinal direction (length in the X direction) is 4.5 m, the length in a transverse direction (length in the Y direction) is 1.5 m, and the height (length in the Z direction) is 1.4 m. 
     The air supply chamber component  31   b  shaped into a bottomed rectangular tube is formed. The damper component  35   b  is provided inside the air supply chamber component  31   b . The filter component  34   b  is provided on the lower side of the air supply chamber component  31   b . Thus, the air supply module  30   b  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the air supply module  30   b  are equal to the dimensions of the air supply module  30   a.    
     The air supply chamber component  31   c  shaped into a bottomed rectangular tube is formed. The damper component (not illustrated) is provided inside the air supply chamber component  31   c . The filter component (not illustrated) is provided on the lower side of the air supply chamber component  31   c . Thus, the air supply module  30   c  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the air supply module  30   c  are equal to the dimensions of the air supply module  30   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the frame  43   a  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. Then, the air exhaust chamber component  42   a , the grid plates  41 , the partition walls  44   a , and the like are attached to the frame  43   a . Thus, the air exhaust module  40   a  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the air exhaust module  40   a  are such that the length in a longitudinal direction (length in the X direction) is 9 m, the length in a transverse direction (length in the Y direction) is 1.5 m, and the height (length in the Z direction) is 1 m. 
     The frame  43   b  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. Then, the air exhaust chamber component  42   b , the grid plates  41 , the duct component  82 , the partition walls  44   b , and the like are attached to the frame  43   b . Thus, the air exhaust module  40   b  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the air exhaust module  40   b  are equal to the dimensions of the air exhaust module  40   a.    
     The frame  43   c  is formed by assembling a plurality of bar-shaped members. Then, the air exhaust chamber component  42   c , the grid plates  41 , the partition walls  44   c , and the like are attached to the frame  43   c . Thus, the air exhaust module  40   c  is produced. For example, the dimensions of the air exhaust module  40   c  are equal to the dimensions of the air exhaust module  40   a.    
     As described above, the lengths of the side modules  10   a  to  10   c  and  20   a  to  20   c , the air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c , and the air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  in the transverse direction are set equal to each other. 
     Next, the modules produced in the production factory are transported to a predetermined installation place. Description is given below about an example of a case where the modules are transported while being housed in containers, and an example of a case where the modules are transported while being loaded on trucks. 
     Housing in Containers 
     The side module  10   a  is split into the upper side module  18   a  and the lower side module  19   a . Then, the upper side module  18   a  and the lower side module  19   a  are housed in a 20-feet container (not illustrated). The coating robots  11  and the control panel  13  are mounted on the housed lower side module  19   a . The auxiliary robot  12  is mounted on the housed upper side module  18   a.    
     Similarly to the side module  10   a , each of the side modules  10   b ,  10   c , and  20   a  to  20   c  is split and housed in a 20-feet container. Each of the air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c  is housed in a 20-feet container. The air exhaust modules  40   a  and  40   b  are housed in a 40-feet container (not illustrated) while being stacked in two layers. The air exhaust module  40   c  is housed in a 40-feet container. 
     Thus, the coating apparatus  100  is transported while the modules are housed in the nine 20-feet containers and the two 40-feet containers. 
     Loading on Trucks 
     Each of the side modules  10   a  to  10   c  and  20   a  to  20   c  is split into the upper side module and the lower side module. 
     Three lower side modules  19   a  to  19   c  are loaded on one truck (not illustrated). The loaded lower side modules  19   a  to  19   c  are arrayed in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle with their longitudinal directions corresponding to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The coating robots  11  and the control panel  13  are mounted on the loaded lower side module  19   a.    
     Three lower side modules  29   a  to  29   c  are loaded on one truck. The loaded lower side modules  29   a  to  29   c  are arrayed in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle with their longitudinal directions corresponding to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The coating robots  21  and the control panel  23  are mounted on the loaded lower side module  29   a.    
     Six upper side modules  18   a  to  18   c  and  28   a  to  28   c  are loaded on one truck. The loaded upper side modules  18   a  to  18   c  and  28   a  to  28   c  are arrayed in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle with their longitudinal directions corresponding to a vehicle width direction. The auxiliary robot  12  is mounted on the loaded upper side module  18   a . The auxiliary robot  22  is mounted on the loaded upper side module  28   a.    
     Two air supply modules  30   a  and  30   b  are loaded on one truck. The loaded air supply modules  30   a  and  30   b  are arrayed in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle with their longitudinal directions corresponding to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. One air supply module  30   c  is loaded on one truck together with other accessories (not illustrated). 
     Three air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  are loaded on one truck. The loaded air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  are arranged with their longitudinal directions corresponding to a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. Two out of the three air exhaust modules are arranged to adjoin each other in a vehicle width direction, and the remaining one air exhaust module is stacked on the two air exhaust modules. That is, the three air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  are stacked in two layers, two out of the three are arranged in the lower layer, and the remaining one is arranged in the upper layer. 
     Thus, the coating apparatus  100  is transported by using the six trucks. 
     Next, the coating apparatus  100  is installed at the predetermined installation place by assembling the modules transported to the predetermined installation place. 
     Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  are arranged to adjoin each other in the conveyance direction (Y direction) of the coating target  150  (see  FIG.  2   ) with their transverse directions corresponding to the conveyance direction (Y direction). Then, the frame  43   a  of the air exhaust module  40   a  and the frame  43   b  of the air exhaust module  40   b  that are arranged to adjoin each other are coupled together, and the frame  43   a  of the air exhaust module  40   a  and the frame  43   c  of the air exhaust module  40   c  that are arranged to adjoin each other are coupled together. Therefore, the air exhaust unit  4  is assembled at the installation place. At this time, the air exhaust chamber  42  (see  FIG.  2   ) is constituted by the air exhaust chamber components  42   a  to  42   c . The air exhaust chamber  42  is surrounded by the partition walls  44   a  to  44   c.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the upper side module  18   a  and the lower side module  19   a  are joined together. The upper side module  18   b  and the lower side module  19   b  are joined together. The upper side module  18   c  and the lower side module  19   c  are joined together. Next, the side modules  10   a  to  10   c  are arranged to adjoin each other in the conveyance direction of the coating target  150  (Y direction) with their transverse directions corresponding to the conveyance direction (Y direction). Then, the frame  14   a  of the side module  10   a  and the frame  14   b  of the side module  10   b  that are arranged to adjoin each other are coupled together, and the frame  14   a  of the side module  10   a  and the frame  14   c  of the side module  10   c  that are arranged to adjoin each other are coupled together. Therefore, the side unit  1  is assembled at the predetermined installation place. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the upper side module  28   a  and the lower side module  29   a  are joined together. The upper side module  28   b  and the lower side module  29   b  are joined together. The upper side module  28   c  and the lower side module  29   c  are joined together. Next, the side modules  20   a  to  20   c  are arranged to adjoin each other in the conveyance direction of the coating target  150  (Y direction) with their transverse directions corresponding to the conveyance direction (Y direction). Then, the frame  24   a  of the side module  20   a  and the frame  24   b  of the side module  20   b  that are arranged to adjoin each other are coupled together, and the frame  24   a  of the side module  20   a  and the frame  24   c  of the side module  20   c  that are arranged to adjoin each other are coupled together. Therefore, the side unit  2  is assembled at the predetermined installation place. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c  are arranged to adjoin each other in the conveyance direction of the coating target  150  (Y direction) with their transverse directions corresponding to the conveyance direction (Y direction). Then, the air supply modules  30   a  and  30   b  that are arranged to adjoin each other are coupled together, and the air supply modules  30   a  and  30   c  that are arranged to adjoin each other are coupled together. Therefore, the air supply unit  3  is assembled at the predetermined installation place. That is, the air supply chamber  31  (see  FIG.  2   ) is constituted by coupling the air supply chamber components  31   a  to  31   c . At this time, the air volume control damper  35  (see  FIG.  2   ) is formed inside the air supply chamber  31 , and the filter  34  (see  FIG.  2   ) is formed on the lower side of the air supply chamber  31 . 
     Next, on the upper side of the air exhaust unit  4 , the side unit  1  is assembled at one end in the width direction (X direction), the side unit  2  is assembled at the other end in the width direction, and the conveyor  6  is provided at the center in the width direction as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . Then, the air supply unit  3  is assembled at the upper ends of the side units  1  and  2 . In this manner, the coating apparatus  100  having the coating area  5  is installed at the predetermined installation place. 
     For example, the coating area  5  may be constituted by the lower side of the air supply chamber  31 , the partition walls  16   a  to  16   c  of the side unit  1 , the partition walls  26   a  to  26   c  of the side unit  2 , the grid plates  17   a  to  17   c  of the side unit  1 , the grid plates  27   a  to  27   c  of the side unit  2 , and the grid plates  41  of the air exhaust unit  4 . The width of the coating area  5  between the side modules  10   b  and  20   b  (length in the X direction) and the width of the coating area  5  between the side modules  10   c  and  20   c  are smaller than the width of the coating area  5  between the side modules  10   a  and  20   a  because the coating robots  11  and  21  and the auxiliary robots  12  and  22  are not provided. Air flowing downward from the coating area  5  via the grid plates  17   a  to  17   c ,  27   a  to  27   c , and  41  is taken into the air exhaust chamber  42  by the partition walls  44   a  to  44   c  without flowing to the outside. 
     Effects 
     In this embodiment, the side unit  1  is constituted by the side modules  10   a  to  10   c  as described above. Therefore, the size of the coating area  5  (side unit) can easily be changed by changing the number of side modules to be coupled. The side unit  1  is assembled at the installation place by transporting the side modules  10   a  to  10   c  to the installation place and then coupling the side modules  10   a  to  10   c . Therefore, there is no need to mount the coating robots on the frame at the installation place. Thus, the installation time can be shortened at the installation place. The same holds true for the side unit  2 . 
     In this embodiment, the control panel  13  is attached to the frame  14   a  in the production factory. Therefore, the installation time can be shortened at the installation place. Further, the operations of the coating robots  11  can be checked in the production factory. The same holds true for the side unit  2 . 
     In this embodiment, the air supply unit  3  is constituted by the air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c . Therefore, transportation can be facilitated, and the size of the coating area  5  (air supply unit) can be changed easily. Further, the air exhaust unit  4  is constituted by the air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c . Therefore, transportation can be facilitated, and the size of the coating area  5  (air exhaust unit) can be changed easily. 
     In this embodiment, the lengths of the modules in the transverse direction are set equal to each other. Therefore, the numbers of modules of the individual units can be set equal to each other, and the length of the coating area  5  in the conveyance direction can be changed easily. 
     In this embodiment, the coating robots  11  and  21  employ the electrostatic atomization system. Therefore, the coating area  5  can be downsized. Thus, energy consumption and CO 2  emission can be reduced. 
     In this embodiment, the panel  15   a , the partition walls  16   a , the grid plate  17   a , and the like are attached to the frame  14   a  in the production factory. Therefore, the installation time can be shortened at the installation place. The same holds true for the side modules  10   b ,  10   c , and  20   a  to  20   c.    
     In this embodiment, the grid plates  41 , the air exhaust chamber component  42   a , the partition walls  44   a , and the like are attached to the frame  43   a  in the production factory. Therefore, the installation time can be shortened at the installation place. The same holds true for the air exhaust modules  40   b  and  40   c.    
     In this embodiment, the side module  10   a  has the coating robots  11 , whereas the side modules  10   b  and  10   c  do not have the coating robots  11 . Therefore, the side module  10   a  and the side modules  10   b  and  10   c  have different functions. However, the side module  10   a  and the side modules  10   b  and  10   c  can easily be attached together because the frames  14   a  to  14   c  are common. The same holds true for the side unit  2 . 
     In this embodiment, the width of the coating area  5  between the side modules  10   b  and  20   b  and the width of the coating area  5  between the side modules  10   c  and  20   c  are reduced. Therefore, the coating area  5  can be downsized. Thus, energy consumption and CO 2  emission can be reduced. 
     In this embodiment, the side module  10   a  is splittable into the upper side module  18   a  and the lower side module  19   a . Therefore, transportation can be facilitated. The same holds true for the side modules  10   b ,  10   c , and  20   a  to  20   c.    
     In this embodiment, the coating robots  11  and  21  face each other in the width direction (X direction). Therefore, the coating area  5  can be downsized. Thus, energy consumption and CO 2  emission can be reduced. 
     In this embodiment, the side module  10   a  has the two coating robots  11 , and the side module  20   a  has the two coating robots  21 . Therefore, the coating area  5  can be downsized. Thus, energy consumption and CO 2  emission can be reduced. 
     In this embodiment, the side units  1  and  2  are assembled on the air exhaust unit  4 . Therefore, the side units  1  and  2  facing each other can be positioned easily. 
     Other Embodiments 
     The embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative in all respects, and is not the basis for limitative interpretation. The technical scope of the present disclosure is not interpreted based on the above embodiment alone, but is defined based on the description of the claims. The technical scope of the present disclosure encompasses meanings of equivalents to the elements in the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims. 
     For example, the embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the coating target  150  is a body of a vehicle. The present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, the coating target may be a bumper of a vehicle. 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the side unit  1  is constituted by the three side modules  10   a  to  10   c . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The side unit may be constituted by two, four, or more side modules. The same holds true for the side unit  2 , the air supply unit  3 , and the air exhaust unit  4 . 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which one side module  10   a  has the two coating robots  11 . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. One side module may have one, three, or more coating robots. The same holds true for the side unit  2 . 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the coating robots  11  are provided only in the side module  10   a  among the three side modules  10   a  to  10   c . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The coating robots may be provided in a plurality of side modules. The same holds true for the side unit  2 . 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the lengths of the side modules  10   a  to  10   c  and  20   a  to  20   c , the air supply modules  30   a  to  30   c , and the air exhaust modules  40   a  to  40   c  in the transverse direction are set equal to each other. The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The lengths of the side modules, the air supply modules, and the air exhaust modules in the transverse direction may differ from each other. In this case, the modules having different lengths can easily be combined and installed when modules other than a module having the shortest length in the transverse direction have lengths in the transverse direction that are equal to integral multiples of the shortest length in the transverse direction. 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the side module  10   a  is split into the upper side module  18   a  and the lower side module  19   a  when transported. The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The side module need not be split when transported. The same holds true for the side modules  10   b ,  10   c , and  20   a  to  20   c.    
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the air supply unit  3  is arranged between the side units  1  and  2 . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. As in a coating apparatus  100   a  of a first modified example illustrated in  FIG.  12   , an air supply unit  3   a  may be attached to the upper sides of the side units  1  and  2 . That is, the width of the air supply unit  3   a  (length in the X direction) may be larger than the width of the coating area  5  (length in the X direction). 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the coating robot  11  of the side unit  1  and the coating robot  21  of the side unit  2  are arranged on the sides of the coating area  5 . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. As in a coating apparatus  100   b  of a second modified example illustrated in  FIG.  13   , a coating robot  11  of a side unit  1   b  and a coating robot  21  of a side unit  2   b  may be arranged on the upper side of the coating area  5 . That is, the side unit  1   b  may be provided so that a robot arm of the coating robot  11  extends downward, and the side unit  2   b  may be provided so that a robot arm of the coating robot  21  extends downward. The air supply unit  3   b  may be interposed between the side units  1   b  and  2   b.    
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the air exhaust unit  4  is arranged below the side units  1  and  2 . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. As in a coating apparatus  100   c  of a third modified example illustrated in  FIG.  14   , an air exhaust unit  4   c  may be interposed between the side units  1  and  2 . 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the air discharger configured to discharge the shaping air is not provided in the coating robot  11  or  21 . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The air discharger configured to discharge the shaping air may be provided in the coating robot. 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which air is released from the air exhaust chamber  42  to the outside via the air exhaust duct  8 . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The air may be returned from the air exhaust chamber to the air conditioner via the air exhaust duct. 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the air supply unit  3  and the air exhaust unit  4  are provided. The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The air supply unit or the air exhaust unit may be omitted, or both the air supply unit and the air exhaust unit may be omitted. 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the coating target  150  is moved relative to the coating apparatus  100 . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The coating apparatus may be moved relative to the coating target. 
     The embodiment described above is directed to the example in which the coating robots  11  and the control panel  13  are provided in the same side module  10   a . The present disclosure is not limited to this example. The coating robots and the control panel may be provided in different side modules. The same holds true for the side unit  2 . 
     In the embodiment described above, the coating material may be a water-based coating material or a solvent-based coating material. 
     The present disclosure is applicable to a coating apparatus and a method for installing the coating apparatus.